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17 Invaluable Cruise Tips From a 20-Year Cruise Veteran

By Sue Bryant

Last updated: November 8th, 2023

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Whether you’re planning your maiden voyage or have already sailed the seven seas, you can always get more out of your cruise with some smart advance planning. Here are some cruise tips and tricks for everybody from first-time cruisers to experts.

1: Make Creative Stateroom Choices

Celebrity Cruises Suite

If you’re traveling as a multigenerational group, be creative with the configuration of your accommodation. For example, parents and grandparents would appreciate a private veranda, while kids could have an inside stateroom across the corridor. Consider interconnecting rooms—there are plenty on Celebrity’s ships—or the unfettered luxury of The Retreat , where your family of four could enjoy the comfort and space of a two-bedroom suite.

Take a look at The Retreat if you’re a couple, too, as the extra amenities in this blissful sanctuary make a romantic vacation that much better, from premium beverages to an exclusive restaurant, Luminae , and a serene, private lounge and deck.

Read: How to Choose the Best Stateroom on a Cruise

2: Pack Smart

Experienced cruisers have all sorts of cruise tips and tricks for packing , some more unexpected than others. For example, magnets will attach loose pieces of paper, like excursion tickets and party invitations, to your cabin wall. Colorful towel clips will stop your beach towel from flying off your lounger on a breezy day. Compression cubes are perfect for squeezing more into your luggage, while hanging washbags mean you can store toiletries vertically, rather than cluttering the bathroom.

Invest in a travel pill organizer for any meds to avoid packing endless bottles, and a jewelry roll to keep everything together. A USB octopus means you can charge multiple devices from one USB socket, although power extension strips are not allowed. A thermal water flask will keep your drinking water cool all day and is more environmentally sound, as you won’t be discarding half-full plastic bottles once they warm up.

A tote bag is perfect for the beach (if you’ve chosen The Retreat, you’ll find a very chic complimentary one waiting in your suite). If you’re planning kayaking trips or are headed to the Galapagos , where you’ll be zooming around on Zodiacs, a roll-top wet bag keeps valuables dry.

Finally, pack everything you need for the first afternoon of embarkation day in your carry-on, not least swimwear, a cover-up, and sunblock, so you don’t have to wait for your suitcases to be delivered to your stateroom.

Read: Expert Cruise Packing Tips

3: Arrive a Day Early

Venice, Italy

If you’re traveling long distance, why not add on a night in a hotel before joining the ship? You’ll be able to enjoy a little local culture on your first night—for example, a stroll through Venice , or fresh seafood in Athens with a view of the floodlit Acropolis—and sleep off some jetlag. You’ll arrive at the port fresh and ready for an adventure at sea.

Read: What Are the Longest Cruises You Can Take?

4: Get to Know the Ship

Camp at Sea

Part of the fun of the first day is exploring your new home, and a wise cruise tip from experienced sailors is to take a self-guided ship tour. This way, you’ll figure out where you want to sunbathe, eat, and relax, find classes you like the look of, and see the array of activities on offer in Camp at Sea.

You’ll be given a map of the ship, or can use your Celebrity app to explore. Start on the highest possible deck and work your way methodically down. You’ll be amazed at how much you learn—which restaurants beckon, the enticing treatments on offer in the aromatic haven of the spa, the best spot from which to enjoy the thrill of sailaway on your first evening.

If you’re traveling as a family with young children, knowing the shortest routes around the ship is always a good idea, as you’ll inevitably be dashing back to your stateroom every now and then for forgotten items.

Read: How to Plan a Cruise for a Large Family

5: Budget for Beverages

Depending on your habits, investing in a beverage package can be one of the best cruise tips to follow. It’s easy on the carefree, sunny days of vacation to enjoy a couple of glasses of wine with lunch, a sundowner as you set sail, more wine with your evening meal, and then some cocktails in the nightclub.

It’s not all about booze; other beverage packages offer non-alcoholic drinks, some cater to kids, and others include just soda or mineral water.

6: Match Your Tech To Your Itinerary

There’s no need to bring an entire mobile office, but think about what you might need at the destinations you’re visiting on your cruise itinerary . In Alaska, binoculars are essential for wildlife spotting, as is a camera with a zoom lens. An essential cruise tip here is to bring a spare battery, as nobody wants a dead camera just as that pod of orcas appears.

You can’t fly a drone from a ship—but some of the tiniest models, for which you don’t need a license, are appropriate for catching those ‘wow’ aerial shots of, say, the Stockholm archipelago, or the dazzling gold and turquoise sweep of a Caribbean beach. Always check, though, whether your mini-drone is legal.

If you’re sailing somewhere tropical and are likely to be snorkeling or diving, consider a GoPro or a waterproof case for your smartphone for underwater shots. For long city tours involving a lot of walking, a heavy camera can be a burden, but a smartphone is perfect for street shots and video.

Read: What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise

7: Use the Celebrity Cruises App

Celebrity Cruises app

If you haven’t tried the Celebrity Cruises app on previous cruises, now’s the time. On a practical basis, the app makes boarding swifter and allows you to snap up dining and excursion reservations. But it’s fun, too. The in-app calendar is a fantastic tool for scheduling your day, rather than scribbling on the printed daily program.

The chat function is the perfect way to keep track of friends and family on board. You can manage your expenses, too. You can even use your smartphone to open your cabin door or control the lights and shades from your bed.

8: Try a Capsule Wardrobe

St. Petersburg, Russia

If you prefer to travel light, a good cruise tip is to plan a wardrobe that works hard. Each item needs to match other items, so keep the color palette minimalist. One pair of pants, for example, can be paired with any number of floaty tops, or with sneakers by day and strappy sandals by night.

One relatively simple summer dress can be accessorized with statement jewelry, scarves, and different shoes, and worn by day after it’s made an appearance for dinner. Lightweight travelers suggest just three pairs of shoes: one pair for walking, flip flops for the ship, and something more dressy for evening.

Roofdeck Garden

The dress code on Celebrity Cruises’ ships is smart casual throughout, with a couple of Evening Chic evenings per cruise. You don’t need a ball gown or tuxedo for these—although some cruisers nonetheless love stepping out in full sparkle. The reality, though, is that everybody is having too much of a good time to judge what you’re wearing every day.

9: Skip the Travel-sized Toiletries

Small bottles are generally environmentally unsound, so buy a set of reusable travel-sized bottles and decant your favorite products before leaving home if you like to travel with a particular brand. Shampoo, conditioner, liquid soap, and soap bars are provided, in any case.

Royal Suite bathroom

If you are bringing big bottles, like sunblock, double wrap them in plastic. Nobody wants to open their suitcase to a gooey mess. Aromatherapy oils, too, have a habit of leaking, and while tea tree is great for insect bites, and lavender for sleep and soothing sunburn, wrap them tightly unless you want to wander around the ship smelling like an intense herbal aroma.

10: Make Breakfast an Occasion

While the choices in the Oceanview Cafe are undeniably mouth-watering, mix it up a little, especially if you have kids in tow and you’re eating at peak time, when everybody is getting ready to go on tour. Change out the bustle of the cafe for a more serene experience in the main restaurant, where you’ll enjoy table service, made-to-order omelettes, and delicious specials like eggs Benedict or pancakes with maple syrup.

11: Plan Specialty Dining

Lawn Club Grill

You’ll probably be booking several of the specialty restaurants on board, so plan your time wisely. If you’re ashore all day on a long excursion, you’ll most likely be tired, so this might be the night for a quiet dinner in the main dining room.

If there’s a sunset sailaway from somewhere exceptionally beautiful, like Santorini, for example, make that the day you dine at the Lawn Club Grill or the Rooftop Garden Grill on Edge or Apex. If you only choose one specialty experience and you’re cruising with kids, go for Le Petit Chef, a spectacular animation experience that thrills and entertains all ages.

Booking spa treatments early evening, when there’s usually more availability, is tempting, but don’t leave it too late on big evenings like the cocktail hour. On the other hand, on a sailing day, especially if there’s an Evening Chic dress code, soak up some sun, dress up to the nines, and make this your night in Murano, where an elegant outfit matches the beautiful setting.

12: Take Time Out

If you’re a seasoned cruiser and are perhaps revisiting old haunts in Europe , why not take a day off? This is particularly rewarding—and feels slightly decadent—in the heat of the Mediterranean summer, but with so much sightseeing on offer, exhaustion is a real issue. So book a spa treatment for a port day when there are usually special offers, or occupy prime position by the pool, enjoying the sensation of having the ship to yourself, like a luxurious private yacht.

If you do venture ashore, do as the locals do. Sit for hours in a beautiful square with morning coffee and head back on board for a siesta. If your ship has a late sail, take a stroll in port at sunset and stop for aperitivos, followed by a late dinner on board.

13: Document Your Voyage

Most of us take photographs and videos, but thinking of other ways you could document your vacation is one of the best cruise tips to help you remember your vacation. You could pack a sketch pad and pencils and give drawing a try—nobody will judge if you can only manage a stick figure. Try creative writing; sit in some gorgeous waterfront café, or on deck at sunset, and describe what you see. Or try a video app and get creative with micro-movies.

You could even try a sound diary, recording snippets of sound on your phone as a memory—the chatter of dolphins, the cry of a bird, the clackety-clack of a train, the bustle of a restaurant. Ask the whole family for their best shots at the end of the trip and create a photo book. Or collect ticket stubs and other scraps—more of a challenge in the digital age—for a good, old-fashioned vacation scrapbook.

14: Keep the Family Happy

One of the joys of cruising in a multigenerational group is that there’s enough variety on board for everybody. A ship is the perfect environment in which families can scatter, do their own thing, and meet up at an agreed time and place to enjoy quality time together.

For example, your teens might want to visit the Teen Club, while grandparents may head out on a tour while you work out in the gym or relax in the privacy of your veranda. Maybe agree to meet for lunch, or take a couple of fantastic family-friendly excursions . There’s no pressure to do everything as a group, though, and the joy of a cruise ship is that it’s safe for all ages.

Read: Best Cruises for Teens

15: Make Exercise Fun

Celebrity yoga class

If you exercise regularly at home, there’s every possibility on a Celebrity Cruises ship to keep up your routine with some exciting classes. On Edge-series ships, join a high-energy, live-streamed class on the Peloton bikes. Get the whole family signed up for a salsa class, or simply inhale the sea air on an early morning power walk. Use the stairs instead of the elevator. Wear an activity tracker and see if you can hit 10,000 steps a day—it’s really not difficult on a ship.

16: Manage Your Time Ashore

Iguazu Falls, Buenos Aires

There are some ports that invite wandering. Mykonos Town and Barcelona , for example, are easy to navigate. Venice is a place to lose yourself among the tranquil canals and alleyways, while Juneau in Alaska is a joy to wander at your own pace or try the friendly public bus service to reach the Mendenhall Glacier.

On the other hand, from Naples , you’ll want to visit the excavations at Pompeii, which is infinitely better with a guide. A tour is a reassuring and more effective way to navigate the teeming chaos of Bangkok. South American ports are trickier if you don’t speak Spanish, and cities like Buenos Aires and Santiago are, in any case, sprawling.

However you spend your day, though, be back on time! Unless you’re on an official excursion, the ship won’t wait.

17: Reinvent Yourself

Martini Bar

Cruising is undeniably exciting and romantic, so let go of your everyday stresses and rediscover the real you. Nobody here knows you, so you can be whoever you like. This is the time for sartorial expression, so let your fashion imagination run wild. At home, you may not sit at a glamorous cocktail bar, sipping a martini and wearing a sparkly dress, or a suave summer tuxedo, but in the elegant setting of a Celebrity Cruises ship, why not?

Push your boundaries, however gently. Boost your adrenaline with a new activity, like zip-lining or a high-speed RIB tour. Stay up insanely late, dancing. Try karaoke. Or get up early, head up on deck, and watch the sunrise. You can always snooze during the day.

Join a class on board and learn a new skill. Meet new people and let them see the you that isn’t encumbered by school runs and office commutes. You may surprise yourself.

Inspired to set sail? The whole world awaits, so start exploring our thrilling destinations and browse itineraries on our website .

Sue has been writing about cruising for 20 years and is lucky enough to have sailed all seven continents. She lives in London, where she is cruise editor of The Times and The Sunday Times newspapers, as well as a freelance contributor to magazines and websites worldwide.

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15 Cruise Bloggers Reveal Their Best Cruise Tips

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15 Cruise Bloggers Share Their Best Cruise Tips and Advice

The following advice comes from cruise travel bloggers, who specialize in different niches and each have their own unique perspective.

You’ll find awesome tips to help with cruise planning, saving money while cruising, cruise packing tips, cruise dining tips, luxury cruising tips and more!

Without further delay, here are the very best cruise tips from 14 expert cruise bloggers and vloggers!

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my full  disclosure policy  for details.

#1. Best Cruise Tips by: Jonathan Souza: Cruise Fever

Cruise Fever was founded by 2 brothers and is a huge resource of cruise tips, cruise reviews and cruise news. In addition to the website, you can follow Cruise Fever on Facebook .

1. On day one of your cruise try to explore as much of the ship as possible .  You will be tempted to just unpack your luggage and hit the pool or buffet, which is totally fine.  But some areas of the ship like the spa and thermal suite are open for tours during this time and you will be able to see all the ship has to offer.  I know some cruisers that didn’t realize certain features of the ship until the last day of a cruise.

2. Try a different dining venue each day , whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.  This way you will not only know what kind of eateries are available, but you’ll know which one to hit again later in the week.

3. Arrive at the cruise port city a day early , and find a hotel that offers complimentary shuttle service.  There are usually several of these to choose from and it makes the trip slightly more hassle-free when your transfers are already taken care of.  Often these hotels will allow you to leave your car in their parking lot for the duration of the cruise as well, sometimes for a nominal fee.

#2 Money Saving Cruise Tips by : Jonathan Hyek –  Cruise Port Advisor

1. Don’t “buy” the hype!

Let’s face it –  cruise  lines know how to make money! From the time you set foot on a  cruise  ship, the entire experience is designed to help you part with more of your hard-earned money. Purchasing extra drinks, spa packages, low quality “luxury” watches and jewelry could end up costing you hundreds of dollars over the course of a week. Avoid the hype and allure of purchasing stuff you don’t need. Rarely is something sold on a  cruise  ship that you can’t get somewhere else for less money. Set your budget before you get on the ship and avoid spending on those incidentals. A little self-control could save you hundreds of dollars!

2. Explore on your own

Choose your destinations wisely so that you can explore on your own. Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on excursions, many locations are safe enough to explore by yourself. Bermuda, USA, New Zealand, Japan, Europe, Canada as well as the  Cruise  lines private islands are safe and easy to explore on your own. There’s no need to purchase an excursion. Just use common sense as you would in any new city within Canada or the USA. Be careful in many Caribbean destinations though, as crime and theft is a real concern for tourists!

3.Stay “inside”

#3 cruise packing tips by: lucy williams – lucy williams global.

I love to follow Lucy’s travels (her photos are gorgeous) and hope you will too: Instagram @lucywilliamsglobal

1.Don’t over pack for a long cruise as on most cruise lines there are laundrettes that you can use yourself for a small charge. There are laundry detergent and fabric softener you can buy in the laundrette or you can bring your own or buy some ashore. Or you can take advantage of the the ship laundry service and have it all done for you.

2. Pack a capsule wardrobe for a long cruise, as you really do not need so much clothing as you think. If you stick to a few colours that coordinate you can make up lots of different outfits. Remember you can wash your clothes onboard and nobody remembers what you wore a few days ago.

3. People always bring too many pairs of shoes with them on a cruise and there is no need. For warm climate all you need are one pair of each; sports shoes, flip flops, ballet pumps, heels. For a cold climate; walking boots, sports shoes, ballet pumps, heels. If you bring neutral colours for ballet pumps and heels they will go with all your outfits.

#4 Cruise-ship Tips by: Annabel Cornall – Go and Cruise

Go and Cruise is a place where you can escape the day to day and be inspired to plan your next cruise and travel adventure. You’ll find wonderful cruise and port reviews and guides written by Annabel, as well as guest contributors. I think you’ll enjoy Go and Cruise on Instagram.

Choosing Your Cabin

Deciding on and choosing your cabin is a really exciting part of your cruise planning. Once you have decided upon a type of cabin that you would like; it is really worth putting into internet searches and YouTube the cabin number or type of cabin and ship. Many travelers will kindly upload videos of the cabin, detailing their features and layout, so you can gain a sneak preview.

Specialty  Dining

If you fancy trying the gastronomical delights of a specialty restaurant onboard your cruise ship, think ahead of when you are going to go. Why not start your cruise with a delicious delight; many ships will have great offers for the first night aboard. In addition, you can often book your dining preferences online before you embark, that way being able to plan your dining pleasures.

Port Days in the Spa

On your itinerary, there may be places that you have visited already and you might decide not to go ashore. What can you do with your time? I would suggest enjoying the amazing spa facilities that you find on cruise ships. On port days, spas will give you the best offers they have, often suggesting a package price for a number of treatments – go on treat yourself!

#5 Cruise Travel Tips by: Chris and Bradley: Chad Cruisers (You Tube Channel) 

I love watching Chris and Bradley’s cruise adventures and how they offer great tips all while keeping it real! In addition to their youtube channel, you can also follow on Instagram 

1.Save money and travel more often by booking inside staterooms.

We have experienced over 20 cruises, in balcony rooms, ocean view and even suites. We found that with the endless on board activities and venues on the ships, we were never spending that much time in the room. We now only book interior rooms, that way we can save our money for cruise excursions, on board spending and even future cruises!

2.Casino Benefits

The casino can be your ticket to future deals! We are suckers for the slot machines and enjoy playing on board. We bring a set amount of money to play with and enjoy the casino on sea days. We always make sure to insert our cruise card into the slots or give to the attendants at the tables, as you spend money at the casino we earn points, which can translate to future cruise offers and discounts plus free cash play for a future cruise.

3.Build Loyalty with Cruising with the same Cruise Line

We have sailed with Carnival, Royal Caribbean but mostly with Princess Cruises. We enjoy the laid back, quiet and relaxed atmosphere that Princess offers, as well as their variety of itineraries. We have enough Princess Cruises to enjoy such loyalty perks as free internet access, priority boarding, a Captain’s Cocktail party and some other good perks. Many other cruise lines offer incentives and programs for repeat cruisers.

#6 Cruise Tips/Budget Cruising by : Emma LeTeace – Cruising Isn’t Just for Old People/Emma Cruises

Cruising Isn’t Just for Old People is a cruise blog where you’ll find fabulous cruise information of all sorts. Emma also a vibrant group of young and young at heart cruisers in her Facebook group . 

1.Research the cruise line

My first  tip  for any  cruiser  would be to research the  cruise  line so that you can find the one that suits you best. I’m a firm believer in the idea that there is a  cruise  for everybody but there is no point picking a  cruise  line with strict dress codes if you don’t want to get dressed up. Proper research can ensure you make the most of your time onboard doing things that you want to do.

2.Book an inside cabin

To save money consider booking an inside cabin. I usually  cruise  in inside cabins and although balconies are nice I rarely end up spending much time in my cabin. An inside cabin not only saves you money but also encourages you to get out and explore the ship. One of my favorite things about  cruising  is always being able to find entertainment going on somewhere, whether that’s live music or something more interactive like a game-show.

3.Travel off-season

If you are able to do so consider travelling out of peak season. School holidays are much busier than other times of year and are generally more expensive too. If you are looking for a bargain months like November and January can be great options. A cruises around the Mediterranean or Canary Islands during winter are a particular favourite of mine, the weather is usually still relatively warm (compared to the weather in the UK!) and the prices are dramatically less.

Cruise More Often for Less

You may also want to consider taking this course by Emma from Emma Cruises, on saving money on a cruise. It is full of information to help save money on cruises, and will pay for itself with the first cruise you book.

Here’s the info if you want to check it out:   How to Cruise for Less (course)

#7 First-Time Cruise Tips by: Tanner Callais – Cruzely.com

I always suggest that passengers book an excursion in at least one port . Excursions can seem pricey, especially if you’re a frugal cruiser, but they are almost always worth the money and the memories. You’ll definitely remember the adventure you had years later compared to a day of simply sitting on the beach.

As well, if you forget anything from water shoes to cold medicine, wait until the ship gets into port. These items are for sale on the ship, but they are extremely expensive (we’ve seen cold medicine for nearly $18 a bottle). Every port has a small pharmacy and a number of other shops where you can pick up anything you forgot for cheaper.

Finally, don’t forget to bring an outlet adaptor . With all the electronics we carry these days, most cruise ships only have one or two outlets. An adaptor (make sure its not a surge protector and that its approved by the cruise line) that provides more plugs can be worth its weight in gold

# 8 Cruise Tips/Family Cruising by: Alyson – My Virtual Vacations

• Arrive to the port early

Unless you live a short drive away from your departure destination, consider arriving the day before. On the day of embarkation, you must be on board early and the check-in process can be lengthy. If flying to your cruise, there can be flight delays and you don’t want to stress about missing the ship. Arrive a day before and start enjoying the departure city right away.

2. Book your next cruise while onboard

Sometimes it’s hard to plan ahead but it’s not permanent. If your dates or plans change, you can easily cancel or move to a different date without penalty. But it’s all about the perks! You’ll typically get more free perks when booking on board (think drink packages, WiFi, or onboard credit) and often reduced deposits.

3. Bring your picky eater!

A cruise can be the best type of vacation for picky eaters.There are numerous choices and varieties of food on board. The buffets often have signage pointing to gluten-free or nut-free selections. Also, notify the cruise line ahead of time and the main dining-room will accommodate specific food preferences and allergies.

# 9 Cruise Advice and Tips by: Ilana Schattauer – Life Well Cruised

1.Book an excursion: If its your first time in a port, book an excursion with the cruise line or research on-line ahead of time. Whatever you do, don’t wing it! Most cruise ports require you to at least take a cab to the beach – and the port area will feel really “touristy” at best. The good stuff is out there, but you need to leave the port area and go and find it!

2.Get extra on board credits: On board credits (OBC) are extra money placed into your cruise account that you can use while cruising. This is a great way to “save” money by using it to book shore excursions, buy drinks, photos and even gifts at the shops. So, how do you get them?

• Book your cruise when the cruiseline has this type of promotion
• Book with a travel agent who may add additional OBC’s
• Book your next cruise onboard (you’ll be rewarded with OBC’s)
• Purchase cruise line shares (check the conditions, but this can be very advantageous)

3. Cruise complaints: If something isn’t right, don’t wait until you’re back home to complain about it. Cruise lines want you to have a great experience, so if you have an issue, bring it up politely with guest services and allow them the opportunity to get things resolved. It will help you avoid days of potential frustration and leave you with only good cruise memories.

4. Cruise Packing Tips

Here are some cruise packing tips , to help you get ready for your cruise.

#10 Cruise Tips/Dietary Needs Tips by: Sanna –  Vegan Cruiser

I love Sanna’s cruise reviews which provide a view into Vegan dining, as well as provide other helpful dietary and allergy information.  In addition to her blog you can also follow her Facebook page .

Here are 3  tips  for  cruising  – to save money and have a great  cruise  🙂

1) save money by booking with a  cruise  specialist travel agent, 2) do you have dietary needs and are worried cruises can’t cater.

3) Don’t get stuck in the rut and sail with one company only

It may gain you loyalty points on that brand but go experience the world our there! Different  cruise  lines have different things to offer – you could do the same itinerary but have a totally different  cruise  experience. Sister brands may recognize your loyalty status (Royal Caribbean & Celebrity do) and MSC will status match all major  cruise , airline and hotel loyalty program levels. Not every  cruise  line will suit everyone, but there are several that you might enjoy.

#11 Family Cruising Tips by: Claire – First Initial Sea

1.Do your research and find a ship that is right for your family

Most ships offer a pool and kids clubs at the very least. However, if you have two sea days or possibly more in a row, you might just need a little more than this to keep your children entertained. Cruise Lines such as Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises and Carnival offer an amazing array of fun features and almost endless entertainment for your children. Research opening hours and age ranges for the children’s clubs in your research as these tend to vary significantly with each cruise line.

2.Pack wisely

Whether you’re heading out to the Mediterranean, Norwegian Fjords or the Caribbean, sea nights can see temperatures drop and the breeze pick up. If like us, you like to walk off your 3 course MDR (main dining room) meal and perhaps like to partake in a little top deck shuffle board or catch a movie under the stars. Your  children will thank you for packing a couple of cardigans or their favorite fleece.

Remember,  embarkation day is in fact day 1 of your cruise which you have paid your heard earned money on, enjoy this day and make the most out of it. Pack the swimmers in your handbag/travel bag. Sun cream and goggles too!

3.Cruise with extended family

Now this tip comes with a warning. I appreciate that not all of us are either lucky enough to have other family members around or who share a love for cruising, furthermore not all of us get along with extended family members. Thankfully and gratefully, we do. 

Grandparents are often keen to stay on board when we dock in a destination that they have previously enjoyed, thus resulting in them wishing to enjoy the ships facilities with their Grandchildren who can sometimes be reluctant to walk around exploring historic buildings and cultures for the day. Therefore they choose to spend the day together on the ship making those magical memories that last a life time together.

Consequently, this enables my husband and I to immerse ourselves fully in to experiencing various ports. Everyone’s a winner!

#12 Luxury Cruising tips by: Richard and Helen – Visit with Us 

If you’re interested in luxury cruising (and why not?), then I encourage you to check out their videos on your tube. These are genuinely some of the most engaging (and informative) vlogs I’ve seen. Visit with us can be found on Facebook and Instagram. You can also join their Facebook Group The Luxury Cruise Society .

1. All-inclusive benefits: The main thing we love about luxury cruising is the all-inclusivity of your cruise experience. For example, not having to produce your cruise card every time you go to the bar. However, not all of the luxury cruise lines are totally all-inclusive. While most have gratuities, drinks, specialty dining and WiFi included, some charge extra for these. A few even include shore excursions so it’s always best to read the small print.

2.Mainstream cruise “luxury” options: Luxury cruise lines tend to have smaller ships than most sailing the high seas these days. However, if you prefer the facilities and entertainment offered on larger family style shipst, don’ rule out luxury cruising. Many ships now offer a ‘ship within a ship’ experience for their suite passengers, which allows them to experience luxury on a larger ship, such as MSC’s Yacht Club and NCL’s Haven.

3. Luxury Cruise “deals”: Lastly, don’t exclude luxury cruising thinking it’s too costly. Many cruiselines offer ‘guarantee’ fares (unassigned cabins) which are less costly. If you aren’t bothered about choosing a specific room, this can be a very attractive offer.

#13 Cruise and Destination Tips by: Ryazan – Everything Zany

1.Be time wise

Time is gold. This is true, especially on cruising or within the maritime industry. Visiting a new port or city can be really fun and it’s easy to lose track of time. If you do, this can cause a major disruption to the trip. If you haven’t booked a cruise excursion without a guaranteed return to ship, you might risk the possibility of being left behind and having to make your own arrangements to get onboard the ship at the next port.

2.Research on your destinations

Researching your port of calls can be handy, especially if you only have a very limited time in each port. If you are planning to DIY your excursions, make sure you have handy information ready. Other than typical guide books, joining various online travel communities would be useful.

3.Take the stairs

Burn those calories! One of the best parts of cruising is tucking in to the tasty food onboard. Since buffets are available all the time, it is a good option to skip that lift and use the stairs. You get free exercise too.

#14 Family cruising/Cruise booking advice by: Alex – On Travel Mode

1. Book early – In my experience, you should book a cruise vacation as early as possible. Booking early means you usually get the best price. Cruise lines also like to sweeten the deal by offering freebies called Perks. Perks can come in the form of onboard credits, unlimited beverage packages, and Wi-Fi plans. Who doesn’t love freebies, right? Don’t forget to monitor for any price changes. If the fares go up, you can smile knowing that you got in at the right time. If they go down, the fares can be adjusted and you get to do a happy dance. If you’re looking to save money while on a family cruise I suggest taking advantage of free activities on board.

2.Daily Planner – Check out the daily flyer provided by the cruise line. There are so many things happening each day. In fact, so many that your family will never run out of things to do. We always take advantage of the many free activities onboard. We have watched demo cooking classes, learned how to dance salsa, sung Karaoke, and so much more thanks to our “Freestyle Daily” flyer. It is possible to have a lot of fun without having to pay for any onboard activities.

#15 Couples Cruise Tips by: Paul and Carole Love to Travel

Recap: 15 Expert Cruise Bloggers reveal their best cruise tips

I want to thank each contributor for sharing their personal cruise tips and advice. I hope you enjoyed reading the variety of tips and that some will be helpful to you as you’re planning your cruise.

If you’ve enjoyed this, you may enjoy reading about the the Most Frequenly Asked Questions by new cruisers  or Practical Cruise Packing Tips.

Have you taken a cruise? What’s the best cruise tip you can share? Please let me know in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

P.S. If you’ve found this post useful, I’d really appreciate if you could share it on social media (Pinterest and Facebook) so others can find it as well. Share buttons at the top. Thanks so much!

Recommended popular posts:

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30 Cruise Cabin Hacks Every Cruiser Needs to Know

22 Comments

Really enjoyed reading all the other bloggers tips and so please ours are included too! Great post!

Great to have your tips and thanks so much for taking the time to comment!

Real cool tipps from professional cruisers… very good, thank you for that list. There are some things I’ve never thought about before, but now I really do. Cruising doesn’t have to be expensive…

i’m so glad you found this list helpful! It’s true that there are ways that cruising can be so affordable – we cruised in an inside cabin for years when my kids were little (and often they were heavily discounted), and this way we could cruise more often.

Thanks so much for taking the time to comment!

One of the best tips I ever heard is to make sure everything works as soon as you can and report problems right away. I told my mom that TIP before her first Alaska cruise and indeed her hot water did not work. They moved her from a standard cabin to the Presidential Suite.

Hi Charles,

I think you’re 100% right! I never thought of checking everything right away, but you make a good point. And wow! A very lucky upgrade for your Mom. I’m not sure if that happens much these days, but nevertheless it’s a great tip!

Thanks for taking the time to comment,

Your blog really nice. Its sound really good. I am very time read your blog.Thanks for the sharing this blog with us.Keep it up.

Thanks for reading my blog posts and taking the time to leave a nice comment!

This is a great list and one that has many of the things I do when on a cruise. I am going on the MSC Belissima next month and can’t wait.

I’m so glad you liked it Edward. What a beautiful ship you’ll be on!

I have just returned from a cruise to St. Petersburg and one tip I would like to offer is research a plan B for a port destination. We arrived late at one port because of a medical emergency the night before and all shore excursions were cancelled. Luckily I had spotted a museum that looked interesting. Also Google to see if there is any thing interesting happening the day you are in port.

Thanks a great point. Although unlikely, it is good to have researched a port at least at a minimum to find an alternative plan. Very true that there could be a festival, free museum day and other interesting things to do and see.

I’m glad for you that you were able to see St. Petersburg and thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!

Oh, it’s great to know that most long cruises have laundry stations for you. I’m actually hoping to take European river cruise with my wife next year. It would be wonderful to see the European countryside sail by us.

Some ships have self service laundry, while others don’t. It’s always best to check with the cruise line or travel agent for specific information. That river cruise sounds phenomenal!

amazing collection for us, blog users.

Glad you enjoyed the list of tips from bloggers and vloggers! Thanks for taking the time to comment John!

I like Lucy William’s tips. Her advice will probably work for me. Because I always take a long time to prepare my belongings carefully before every trip.

That’s awesome! So glad Lucy’s tips were helpful! She has a wealth of knowledge about packing well for long cruises!

There’s so many great tips you’ve collected here, Ilana. It’s so easy to get stuck in a rut when you’ve cruised a lot, so it’s good to learn from fellow cruises what their tips are. I’d agree that it’s good to explore other cruise lines – it can also give you a new perspective of what you like and help to identify or confirm what’s most important to you when you cruise.

I love that Steph! It’s true that confirming what you enjoy most and want out of your cruise vacation is important.

This really encourages all of us to be part of the cruise ship journey. Thank you for sharing.

Great to hear!

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Best Tips for First Time Cruisers

First Time Cruise Tips

Great for people of all ages, and for all kinds of travellers (from single travellers to couples to groups of friends), a cruise can be an amazing experience.

We are committed to making sure that all first time cruise trips are absolutely unforgettable for all the right reasons: the gorgeous sights you see, the comfort of your room, the fabulous on board food and entertainment, the time spent with your loved ones, and the friends that you make on the way.

We know that heading off on a cruise for the first time can feel a little daunting, but do not worry: our comprehensive list of 60 tips and tricks for first time cruisers will ensure that you are fully prepared for the marvellous adventure ahead.

So read on , to make sure that you have not missed anything out.

Related 116 Tips to Save Money on a Cruise How to Prevent Motion Sickness Essentials to Take on a Cruise

Best Tricks and Advice

1. A little admin goes a long way

Make sure that you know what documentation is required well ahead of the cruise (your cruise company will be able to help you with this if there is any confusion), and most importantly remember to bring all of that documentation with you or you could be denied boarding.

2. Avoid the rush. Try and get onboard earlier – or later – than others

Moreover, if you have accessibility requirements (for example, if you are in a wheelchair), you can ask your cruiseline to get your room ready ahead of time and enable you to board extra early so that you have time to settle in – usually this can be done for no extra fee.

There is usually a big rush to get on the cruise ship on Embarkation Day and if you have not otherwise arranged early embarkation, you can avoid the crowd and queues by either turning up extra early on the day, or hanging around a little having a coffee or some lunch whilst everyone else boards. It’s up to you!

On this note, it’s best to ensure that you are at the embarkation port at least one day before the cruise ship departs – that usually means staying the night in a hotel somewhere close by the port on the evening before Embarkation Day.

You do not want to risk missing the cruise entirely due to a delayed flight or cancelled train.

3. Here’s a tip: take a tip!

When arriving at the port of embarkation, ensure that you have enough $1 bills in your wallet for tipping the porters who helps to carry your luggage and bring it to the ship.

4. Baggage restrictions are much more free and easy!

One of the worst things about taking a flight is packing and repacking your suitcases to ensure that you have not packed too many liquids in your hand luggage and that your suitcases all weigh the right amount.

Even worse – you get hit with a huge fee if you are over the approved limit.

First time cruise goers will be delighted to learn that there are usually no such restrictions on what you can take on a cruise ship. It is wise to be sensible, though: remember that whatever you take on board the ship will need to be taken off and on again multiple times at your various ports of call. It is also advisable to leave some empty space in your suitcases for souvenirs! For this reason, cruise goers tend to be self-limiting when it comes to deciding how much luggage to take on board.

5. You will need to find the right line to check in

When you arrive at the ship to start your first cruise, be prepared to see several different lines for travelers waiting to check in.

For example Diamond Club Members or those travelling in Aqua Class on Celebrity Cruises will have their own (usually fast moving) line, and there will be separate lines for customers who have booked out suites and customers who have booked standard cabins.

6. Book Show, Restaurants and Spa in advance

The good news is that these entertainment activities can be booked in advance well before sailing day either online on the cruise line’s website or over the phone.

7. Get yourself covered

It goes without saying that if you travel anywhere out of your home country, it is crucial to get yourself covered by comprehensive travel insurance.

Make sure that your insurance also covers any sporting activities that you are going to take part in, like snorkeling or diving and any medical conditions that you may have. Families and couples can often get better deals by opting for an insurance package that covers them as a group, so do check this out.

8. Arrive 1 or 2 nights in advance

We’ve already touched on this above, but it bears repeating as we’d hate for your dream holiday to get off to a bad start. So, make plans to be in the port where your cruise ship is going to depart from at least one day in advance of embarkation day .

We actually recommend aiming to get there 2 nights in advance if you can, because then you have some time to rest and properly refresh yourself after your flight or car journey before you embark on your cruise.

When travelling to Europe, why not stay for a few nights in Barcelona or Venice in Italy . When heading to Florida relax a few days before or after your vacation in Miami or in one of the great beach hotels or resorts in Fort Lauderdale .

9. Leave that hairdryer at home!

So some people bring their own hairdryers on board our cruise ships, only to discover that hairdryers are amply provided in cabins, spas, salons, and bathrooms on board.

Free up some space in your luggage by leaving that hairdryer behind.

10. Try and book your shore excursions in advance

These could include wine tasting, museum trips, diving lessons – you name it! Cruise companies provide a handy list of the shore excursions on offer in advance of the cruise, and it is a good idea to book up the ones that appeal to you in advance of your vacation.

Once you are on the cruiseship, you may become inspired to book a few more excursions, and you can still (theoretically at least) book them up at any point during the cruise prior to the excursion.

However, shore excursions can be super popular, so we recommend completing any additional bookings on either the first or the second day of the cruise.

Related Book Shore Excursions

11. Cruise ships have a unique payment method

Keep that American Express card in your wallet, and hang on to your cash.

When you pay for almost anything aboard a cruise ship, the payment will be made using your room key . We think that’s pretty convenient, don’t you?

12. Know what is included in the price of the cruise and what is not

This tip will help you with your budgeting . Almost all cruise ships include a variety of shows as part of the cost of the cruise, for example, and many cruise lines will also provide you with most meals included.

Many additional options – such as spa treatments, special shows, and gourmet dining experiences – will require an additional payment.

Room service is often included in the price of the cruise – something that tends to delight first time cruisers, but some cruiselines ask for an additional fee for room service at night. A full pricing list can be found on the website or once onboard, so take a look at this information.

13. Go to Speciality Restaurants the first day

However, if you plan to enjoy that specialty meal on embarkation day itself, you will find that most of the posh restaurants on the cruise ship are much less crowded. This is because everyone is busy settling in to their cabins and exploring the cruise ship, planning to enjoy that gourmet dinner later on in the cruise.

If you book that meal on the first day, you will find yourself in a delightfully tranquil environment, simply rubbing shoulders with a few old timers who have also realised that this is the best way to beat the crowds.

14. The muster drill is crucial – show up for it

Do you find yourself nodding off during the in flight safety instructions on a plane because you have heard it all before? There is something a little similar on a cruise ship and it is called the ‘ muster drill ‘.

This is a physical activity when all guests must practice assembling at a given location that has been designated as the meeting place in the event of an emergency . You must definitely attend this drill.

Just reading the location of the emergency meeting point in your cabin’s safety information is not enough – in the event of an actual emergency, things can get pretty confused. However, the muster drill enables you to plan your route to the meeting place from your cabin or from your favorite restaurant, and so you will find it much easier to repeat this route much more smoothly and calmly in the event of an actual emergency.

Don’t worry, though, first time cruisers – emergencies on cruise ships are very, very rare!

15. Take advantage of the spa tours

The same goes for visiting the spa. Indeed, many spas will provide special introductory tours for guests on the day you embark.

Spa staff will guide you around and show you the different treatment rooms and explain various treatments. You are able to take a look at the onboard sauna, hairdresser and fitness centre.

16. Head to the pool deck as you depart!

As your cruise ship departs, old timers will know to head straight for the pool.

This is so that they can partake in the unmissable and joyful tradition of the ‘ sailaway party ‘ – make sure to join them as this moment really brings everyone together and fills you with excitement about the amazing adventure that you are about to share together.

17. Be prepared for photos

Your picture probably will be taken at some point (well, several points actually!) during your voyage. First timers are often surprised to find a cameraperson popping up in the middle of their gourmet dinner and snapping their smiling face.

Our advice? Be prepared for this. Cruise ships as a rule will hire professional photographers to roam throughout the ship during the cruise to take snaps of guests enjoying themselves. If you’re really not happy about your photo being taken, you can always say no thank you.

18. When your foot hits that boarding ramp, switch off your phone

Even if you do not use it on the cruise, a switched on cell phone could be silently accruing charges as your roaming data plan hooks you up to the ships network or local networks of the different countries that the ship passes through.

Some cruise ships provide free wifi and others don’t. But, if you want to access your emails we advise using a laptop or tablet, or only switch on your phone when needed.

19. Use Hand sanitizers and wash your hands often

One of the plagues of cruise ships is, unfortunately, the gastroenteritis causing bug known as norovirus . This is because a closed off cruise ship, with a large number of people in close proximity and sharing meals, provides a near perfect environment for norovirus to spread.

Norovirus can spread relatively quickly through cruise ships and it can knock you out for several days. Help yourself and other passengers out by using hand sanitizer before and after meals, and regularly throughout the day.

It goes without saying that you should wash your hands regularly too!

20. Know how to customize your room – be a ‘diva’

On many ships, room service will be included during the day, as we have mentioned.

Here are a few things that we think you should consider asking for from your room steward: extra towels if needed, additional soap, more tea and coffee and ‘ egg crate foam ‘ (don’t worry if you haven’t heard of this, they will know what you mean – this foam is put on your bed to make it comfier).

21. Find out if you can bring alcohol on board

After all, they want to be able to make a profit from their on board bars and restaurants. It can be very nice to enjoy a bottle of wine on your balcony, though, so our advice is to find out what the cruise ship’s maximum limit for your own alcohol is and to bring that maximum amount.

That way, if you do overspend on your budget and realise you can’t really afford the on board bar on the last few nights, you can sip some of your own wine in the comfort of your own room.

22. Find a hotel with parking for cruise customers

Cruise ships tend to depart from and arrive at the same ports again and again. As a result, they have developed strong relationships with certain hotels around their embarkation port.

That means that many hotels will offer special ‘cruise parking’ rates which enable you to leave your vehicle in their car park for the whole duration of your cruise (often provided that you stay in that hotel for the night before departure).

Related Miami Hotel with special parking packages

23. Look for hotels with a cruise shuttle

Many hotels within a certain radius of the port will provide a free cruise shuttle bus (or for a small addtional fee) for getting you to the port on time on the first day.

Shuttles services provided by the cruiseline are much more expensive.

24. Worried about getting seasick? Choose your cabin wisely

This rocking motion is felt most of all around the edges of the ship.

So, you can guard yourself against seasickness by booking a cabin in the middle of the ship (look out for the word ‘midship’ next to the cabin options), or on a lower deck.

25. Planning to drink on board? Look for an all you can drink package

If you like a tipple with your meals and you want to party on your chosen cruiseliner, you may find that you rack up a sizeable bill at the on board bar.

A better option may be to pay for an ‘ all you can drink ‘ cruise package so that you can still enjoy a cocktail or three but without the hefty costs traditionally involved.

Be aware, though, that not all cruise liners will include the drinks in your cabin’s mini bar in this package – and as with hotels, cruise ship staff can be very good about invisibly restocking these bars every day, thus tempting you to raid them time and time again.

26. Every cabin should have a safe – use it

We’d love to be able to trust absolutely everyone on a cruise ship, but unfortunately sometimes items do go missing.

Popping valuables in your cabin safe will guard them against theft.

27. Be nice to the crew!

Should you leave them alone to get on with their job? Our advice is to always be friendly with the crew. Get to know them and chat to them – be nice to them at all times if you see them around!

Cruise ship staff are chosen for their excellent people skills, and most of them adore the job that they do as it enables them to meet new people. Don’t be afraid to have a laugh with them, or to approach them with any questions or needs you may have.

28. Don’t be afraid to switch up your dinner options

Have you ever ordered a dish in a restaurant, taken one bite and realised you don’t like it, but soldiered on regardless because you do not want to inconvenience the chef or pay extra for a different dish?

On a cruise ship, it is totally acceptable to return a dish you don’t like and ask for a new one, so don’t be shy about doing this! You can also order several starters or several mains for yourself if you’re feeling hungry – there’s no limit even if the menu in front of you looks like a strict ‘set menu’ in a restaurant.

29. Let the chef or waiting staff know what you like to eat!

They would surely be delighted to cook it for you and make it available for you to order.

Be aware that they may not be able to do so right away, but usually they will try and make your most favored foodstuffs available for you to order the following day.

30. Does your cruise coincide with a special date? Let the staff know!

Many cruisers book their cruise to coincide with their birthday, or with a special occasion such as a wedding anniversary.

You absolutely must let the staff know about this as cruise shop staff love to go all out with special gifts for your special day, like a song just for you, decorations in your cabin, and a delicious birthday cake.

31. All allergies and dietary requirements will be catered for

Whether you are a vegan, or whether your require gluten free or nut free meals, simply let the staff know.

You can tell them before you travel, or mention it to them at any time once the cruise is underway.

32. Treat yourself to a daytime meal in the main dining room

Cruise ships will provide you with a buffet for breakfast, lunch, and (often) dinner but there will also be a main dining room where you can eat a fancier meal with table service.

Many guests save their main dining room experience for their evening meal, but we definitely advise having your breakfast or lunch there a few times too.

Not too many people do this, and so this can be the best time to beat the crowds and enjoy a delightful lunch or a fancy start to the day with a gourmet breakfast!

33. Want 24 hour room service? It may be an option

As we mentioned above, most cruise liners provide room service throughout the day, and it is often free.

Nowadays, many companies also ask you to pay extra to get room service throughout the night as well if you want those delicious midnight feasts.

34. Your balcony is less secure than other parts of your cabin

Though a private balcony is part of your cabin and it is for your use alone, it is not so secure as the interiors of your rooms.

Do not leave valuables on your balcony – we find that a large proportion of the items stolen on cruise ships go missing from balconies. In addition, balconies can get a little windy and if you leave a pair of sunglasses, a book or a towel on the side it could get blown into the sea!

35. Be aware that other guests can see you on your balcony

Thinking of stepping straight from the shower onto your balcony to enjoy the bracing sea air on your nude body?

It’s time to think twice: not many first timers realise this, but very often you can be seen by other guests when you are on your private balcony.

36. Keep the window of your cabin closed when you are not in

Yes, this keeps your belongings safe from thieves, but it also ensures that the wind does not sneak in to your cabin and leave everything in disarray, or when sailing in the tropics your cabin will heat up or become very humid.

37. Make use of your balcony in the morning

One of the best ways to start your day on a cruise liner is to have your breakfast out on your balcony – trust us!

38. Want to keep up to date with your bill? Simply turn on the TV!

Your regularly updated, personalized bill for your stay on the cruise liner can be accessed via your TV.

39. Running out of clothing? Investigate the laundry services

All cruise liners provide laundry services, but some provide it for free.

Check out if your chosen cruise ship provides free laundry before you travel as this could be very handy.

40. There will be special events on board to keep little ones entertained

It is par for the course for cruise liners to provide events like slumber parties and kids’ film nights to keep the younger members of your family entertained. So, if you’re worried about the effects of sharing a suite with the whole family, you can always schedule a few of these child friendly events so that everyone in the family can enjoy a little time to themselves – and your kids can make new friends into the bargain.

Another option provided on a cruise is to have a qualified member of staff babysit your children for you in your room and keep your kids entertained whilst you adults head to the bar or to a show by yourselves.

41. Looking for romance on board ? Forget the crew

The atmosphere on a cruise ship can definitely be conducive to romance, and we have seen plenty of lovely lasting relationships starting between guests who met on cruises.

Hooking up with a member of the crew is a definite no-no, though. They could lose their job as a result depending on their cruise ship’s policies, and it will also be pretty awkward for you as you will be quite literally stuck on the same boat as them for days and weeks on end after your hookup ends.

42. Stay updated on current events

Cruise ships run daily newsletters which keep guests up to date about upcoming shows and shore excursions, fun little facts about the places you are going to visit, restaurant specials and new cocktails, and little pieces of information about upcoming guests’ birthdays or anniversaries.

If you have a news item that you would like to have included in this daily newsletter, simply get in touch with a member of staff.

43. Sunburn can happen when you least expect it

First timers are often disappointed to find that they get sunburned after a few hours out on their balcony enjoying the cool wind. Our advice is to apply sun cream at the start of each day and to reapply it regularly throughout the day.

44. Follow this one easy tip to stop your towel from blowing away

Add a few towel clips to your luggage (you may not be able to buy them on board the ship) and use them to clip your towel securely to the frame of a deck chair or a similar surface.

45. Find your ‘go to’ den

Cruise ships can be raucous places, filled with a real buzz as everyone kicks back and enjoys themselves to the max. We all need a little down time, though, where we can listen to music, meditate, or read undisturbed.

One item on your agenda when you first board the ship, then, should be to find a quiet spot where you know you can go for a little peace and quiet. That might be your private balcony, or it might be a cosy little cafe tucked away midship.

46. Pack a coat

Even in the tropics, nights can get cold. A warm jacked is an essential addition to your luggage.

47. Smoking is still allowed on many ships

Smoking bans are becoming ever more ubiquitous in indoor spaces such as restaurants and bars. However, many cruise ships are exempt from such bans.

On many cruiseships you will definitely be able to smoke outdoors in a certain area and on some ships still on your balcony.

48. Have a flutter!

Many cruise liners offer on board casinos (though the pay outs are usually smaller than the pay outs for casinos on dry land).

But, you can also participate in a variety of games and quizzes throughout the duration of your trip to get great prizes such as a free spa treatment, a free gourmet meal in the specialty restaurant, or a free shore excursion.

49. Want a second cruise free of charge? Bingo may be the best way to go

Onboard bingo is also your best bet if you want to win a lot of money whilst you travel.

50. Remember that the itinerary is not completely set in stone

Storms at sea, sickness warnings at one of the ports you were due to call at, or the opportunity of more enticing shore excursions at a different port, can all change your itinerary slightly when you are on a cruise.

So, it pays to be a little flexible in your thinking, and to prepare yourself for the possibility that the cruise may involve opportunities and adventures that are different to those advertised on the official schedule.

51. Your ship will not always pull right up into the port

So, instead your cruise ship will drop its anchor some distance from the port itself and a smaller ship (which is called a ‘tender’) will approach the cruise liner and take passengers to the shore or will use it’s own lifeboats.

Sometimes, it is possible for the cruise ship to take you right up to the shore line at a tender port, but sometimes high winds or rough waves can make this too difficult and they need to skip this port of call.

52. Not all ports that you stop at will be designed solely for cruisers

Cruise liners will always try and depart initially from an idyllic port that is ideal for tourists. However, not all of the ports that you stop off along the way will be so idyllic.

Prepare yourself to dock several times at a working port that is home to container ships -such ports can be pretty noisy and not offer the most amazing views (though some guests actually enjoy being amidst the bustle of a working harbour).

53. Don’t arrive late to re-board the ship

The crew of your ship will be very scrupulous about ensuring that everyone is on board before you depart, but don’t keep everyone waiting – don’t be late to re-board the ship as cruise liners have to plan their timings according to tides and weather patterns.

Ships will wait for a short time, but will depart eventually when you won’t show up.

54. A great way to beat the queues and avoid the crowds is to stay on board!

When your ship docks at a new port, there is usually an excited scramble as passengers get ready for their scheduled excursions, or simply prepare for a taste of that dry land, sight seeing, and exotic restaurant meals that they have been hankering after.

Not so fussed about that day’s shore excursions? Why not stay onboard the ship as everyone else leaves it. The staff will always ensure that the spas, restaurants, and other types of entertainment are still running even when the ship is in port. You will have the delicious feeling of having this whole giant cruise liner practically to yourself.

55. You simply must experience the on board show

Cruise ships pride themselves very much on the quality of their shows, and these shows can attract talent from all over the globe. As a result, you can always expect the cruise ship shows to be absolutely excellent and a highlight of your stay. What is more, the shows will be included in the price of your ticket, so there is no excuse to miss out on them!

Find out when they are, and make sure not to schedule anything else for that time of day so that you can experience the unique event that is a show aboard a cruise ship. Shows can include everything from stunning musicals with a professional cast to moody dramas and singalongs.

Dance events and chamber orchestras are also a popular fixture of cruise ships, and there will always be plenty of family friendly options for passengers with kids.

56. Make the effort to make new friends

You can meet people at bingo, at a show, or just sitting in the bar or the restaurant. But, however you choose to do it, once of our major pieces of advice is to make the effort to make new friends as you travel.

Many new friends you make onboard will be friends for the rest of your life.

57. Do not miss out on the sunsets

A sunset at sea is one of the most beautiful things that you will ever experience in your life – trust us!

So, find out the time of day when the sun will be setting and ensure that you are standing at your cabin window or on your balcony, or are out on deck (weather permitting) so that you can see it for yourself.

You will definitely regret it if you spent all of those glorious sunsets inside in the bar, restaurant, or bingo hall. Many cruise ships will enable you to enjoy your meal out on deck as the sun is setting, or sip a cocktail as the sky breaks into a riot of color before the onset of dusk – the perfect beginning to a fun night aboard the cruise ship.

58. Just ask for whatever you need!

Run out of towels? In need of a massage for a pulled muscle? Looking for a babysitter? Feeling super seasick or otherwise uncomfortable and wondering if you can change cabin?

No matter what your needs are, the crew and other staff members are there to accommodate them so just ask for anything it is that you need whilst you are on board.

59. If you cause trouble on the ship, you are at risk of being removed

If you are drunk and disorderly, get into a fight, are caught stealing, or otherwise cause trouble whilst on board the ship, do be aware that you run the risk of being removed from the cruise at the next port.

You and your luggage will be taken off the cruise liner and you will need to get a flight, train, or alternative boat back home. This can be mighty inconvenient, so the solution is crystal clear: have a drink and a laugh, but never get aggressive or be rude to staff members or other guests, and do not commit any crimes whilst on board the ship.

60. Be savvy about what you pack in your hand luggage

Here’s one final thing that first timers are not always aware of: cruise ship companies very often require passengers to deliver up the majority of their luggage the night before the voyage ends.

This enables them to load all luggage in to the respective areas and to enable the ship to make an efficient disembarkation. As a result, on disembarkation day, guests will very often disembark with just their hand luggage in their hands – the remainder of their luggage will await them in the cruise terminal.

This means that you will need to be careful about what you include in your hand luggage. Think about what you will need for the night before disembarkation, and the next morning itself: passports, medicines, essential cosmetics, and other items like that will surely be needed in your hand luggage rather than in the luggage you drop off in the hallway the night before.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your first cruise to the fullest of the full.

This guide has provided you with a comprehensive list of all of the things that you need to be aware of before your first time on a cruise ship . We wish you a fantastic cruise !

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How to Cruise Like a Pro

By Where's Amanda?

Still on the fence about whether a cruise vacation is right for you? I feel you. I felt the same way.

My first cruise was way back when. At a time where I didn’t have to color these grays I’m getting…say circa…the dawn of the new millennium. It was a honeymoon cruise and was a special treat for the two of us just starting out on our new journey together. After our honeymoon, I took a break from travel in general. No cruises. No flights. A road trip every summer was about all I could handle between work, college, a new marriage and a toddler. And then, about five years ago, the tide began to change. I was no longer a 20-something, newlywed, college student with a toddler. I was a seasoned wife with a teenage daughter. A daughter and husband who loved boats and me, the girl who loves to travel. It was time to revisit cruising. And revisit we did…again and again. Six cruises in the past 12 months alone. It helps that we live on a peninsula surrounded by water with more cruise ports close by than we can count on one hand. But I digress. If you’re thinking of booking a cruise vacation (and I emphatically petition you to) here are tips that I wish I had known as a first time cruiser:

1. Power Strip – Put four or five family members in a stateroom and see how much jockeying for plug-in-time ensues. Or just pack a power strip. This way, mom can charge her phone at the same time that Dad is charging his camera battery, while one of the kids is charging a tablet. Problem solved. Use caution though – a power strip with six or seven electronic devices charging all at once might cause unforeseen problems. You should also consider bringing a brand new power strip (still in packaging), because cruise line personnel can confiscate a power strip that’s deemed to be potentially unsafe.

2. Cash in Empty Travel Shampoo Bottle – Most cruise lines are a cashless experience. You put a credit card on file and then charge everything to your room including drinks, souvenirs, and optional dining. You really only need your room key the entire time you are on the boat. Unless…you are visiting the casino . You will need cash if you are gambling and it’s also nice to have some while in port. Want an inconspicuous place to stash your cash? Try an empty travel size shampoo bottle. Simply roll your bankroll insert it in an empty bottle and screw on the top. You can even stash it in your toiletry bag in the bathroom.

3. Bring permitted alcohol and/or mixers on board – Cruises are “all-inclusive” vacations. That’s the beauty of them. However there are a few areas where add-on’s can really add-up. A few glasses of wine here and a cocktail here and there can lead to a big bill at the end of your cruise vacation. Check out your ship’s alcohol policy before boarding and BYOBooze. Most cruise lines will allow for you to bring at least one bottle of wine onto the ship. My husband doesn’t drink wine so he will bring his mixers on the ship and then order a bottle of his favorite spirits and have it delivered to the room on embarkation day. This method saves us a few dollars on each cruise we take.

4. Bring water shoes – You may want to throw a bathing suit and a pair of non-slip boat shoes that provide good traction into your suitcase and call yourself packed. Especially on a Caribbean cruise vacation. However, you may want to pack yourself a pair of closed-toe shoes. Some Carnival cruise ships have a SkyCourse, which is a super fun ropes course and closed-toe shoes are required. Additionally, those white sandy beaches may be rocky once you get out past the waterline. A cheap pair of water shoes will do the trick.

5. Magnetic dry erase board – I pick up one of these at the dollar store before every cruise. Most ships are made of metal. Especially the doors. Bring a magnetic dry erase board and stick it to the inside of the cabin door so that you can leave messages for your family members.  They are also fun to stick on the outside of your cabin door. We always pose a “question of the day” on the board to encourage other guests to interact with us. It’s fun to read all of the responses at the end of the day.

6. Don’t skip formal night – REPEAT: DO NOT SKIP FORMAL NIGHT! Gone, for the most part, are the days of tuxedos and ball gowns on “formal night.” There are still cruise lines that require formal wear, including sports jackets for men on formal night. However, in general, cruising has become more casual. Carnival, for example, is mostly Cruise Casual dress code in the evenings, with the occasional Cruise Elegant evening where you have the opportunity to get as decked out as you’d like. But don’t feel like you have to be dressed to the nines to enjoy that lobster dinner. Throw on a sundress and a collared shirt for guys and get your lobster on.

7. Ship is like a glorious ghost town on port days – On a longer cruise with multiple ports of call? Stay on the ship during a port day. No lines at the self serve ice cream dispenser. You might have the hot tub all to yourself. You might even get the pool to yourself! There are so few people on the ship during port days. This would be a great opportunity to read that book out on a lounge chair on Lido Deck in complete silence and take photos of the ship without anyone in your shot. I like to order room service for lunch and sit out on my stateroom balcony and people watch on port days. It’s fun to see all the families coming and going.

8. Skip the elevator, take the stairs  – It’s vacation! They cook, they clean and you enjoy all the deliciousness. Who can turn down three-course meals and all night pizza and dessert buffets? Not I. Vacation calories don’t count do they? One thing that I have found that helps burn off some of those “vacation calories” is to opt to take the stairs instead of taking the elevator. You get a good cardio workout a few times a day throughout the duration of your cruise experience. Also, cruise stairwells tend to have a unique piece of artwork hung on each landing. It’s a good workout and a great way to get to know the ship.

9. Embarkation day discounts abound – Most folks are checking out the ship and getting settled in on embarkation day. Check out the “embarkation day” specials when you board. Spas most always have an embarkation day special.  Also, specialty restaurants people haven’t happened upon yet are easy to get reservations at on the first night. Carnival’s  Steakhouse  offers a free bottle of wine if you dine on embarkation day.

10. Pop up laundry hamper – While you’re at the dollar store picking up your magnetic dry erase board, think about picking up a cheapie pop up laundry hamper as well. They are easy to stow in your cabin closet and will keep all of the dirties corralled in a designated area. When you are packing up on the last day simply dump all the dirties into a suitcase and fold the hamper back flat and slide it into the suitcase or leave it on the ship. It was only $1.

11. Battery operated tea lights – Another dollar store find. These make amazing nightlights for bathrooms.

12. Always pay attention to SHIP’S TI ME – You don’t want to be the knucklehead running down the dock as the ship is throwing off tie-lines to sail away. Ship’s time rules on the high seas. It doesn’t matter if you’ve sailed into a different time zone. Keep your watch set on ship’s time. Don’t rely on your cell phone, which may switch to local time if you are in port and take your phone off airplane mode. A wristwatch is always best.

13. Purchase an international cell package before leaving – My husband had a whopping cell phone bill after our last 8-nighter. Of course, if had he pre-purchased a Caribbean plan before we left port it would have been a whole lot cheaper. Contact your cell phone service provider and let them know where you will be traveling. They will likely offer a package to suit your needs.

14. Last minute deals – Almost every cruise I have been on has been at a discounted rate. Frequently check in with cruise websites to see what kinds of deals they are running. Last minute cruise deals can save you over 50 percent! Also, once you have one cruise under your belt you will qualify for a return-cruiser rate. If you book another cruise while you are “on” the ship you will likely get a better rate or reduced down payment amount.

15. Bring a backpack carry-on – Remember how we discussed BYOB in number 3? You are going to have to carry that on with you and not put it on your checked luggage. Checked luggage may take quite some time to arrive to your stateroom. Be sure to pack your bathing suit and change of clothes/toiletries in your carry-on so that you can enjoy the pool and have a change of clothes for dinner just in case your bags haven’t arrived by dinnertime.

This post was created as part of my collaboration with Carnival . As always, all of the opinions, thoughts, and ideas in this post are my own.

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Discover the best things to do while traveling on your Cabo San Lucas day trip as you voyage on a vacation getaway to visit Mexico for the perfect cruise!

Winter Activities that Bond the Family

Whether you are taking a winter vacation around the world or playing games in the snow at home. Bonding over these fun family activities is sure to warm hearts.

What to Pack for a Cruise with Your Kids

Knowing what to pack for a cruise with your kids just got easier for the whole family when using our packing list of essentials. Start your trip with ease!

Things to Do on Wonder of the Seas

With a wealth of onboard cruise attractions and experiences discover 10 of the best things to do onboard Wonder of the Seas for a vacation getaway.

How to Relax on Your Cruise: Bedtime Stories

Discover how you can reach maximum relaxation during your next cruise. Find the most relaxing bedtime stories to chill while on vacation.

The Best Family Vacation On Explorer of The Seas

Explorer of the Seas is a great choice for the best family vacation. Learn how you can maximize your family time onboard.

Family Vacation Cruise Ideas for the Holidays

Start a new holiday tradition of taking a family vacation cruise while creating relaxing personal experiences for everyone with scenic destinations around the world.

Sailing With the King of Broadway: History Spotlight

Legendary composer Andrew Lloyd Webber might not seem relevant to your next cruise, but he's certain to intersect with your onboard entertainment experience.

Holiday Vacations Around the World

Planning a holiday vacation? How about New Year's Eve in Sydney? Here are the most beautiful travel destinations to visit during the holidays around the world.

One Day, Three Ways At Perfect Day At Cococay

Planning your time at the new CocoCay? If you want to unwind, head to Chill Island on the east side of CocoCay. Or visit the Oasis Lagoon or the Thrill Waterpark to get on the side of adventure.

Top Tips for Planning a Cruise to Alaska

Discover the top tips for planning a cruise to Alaska and uncover the best times of the year to spot Alaskas wildlife, locate must-see attractions, find Alaskan cruise deals and more.

Best Family Cruise Vacation on Allure of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Are you planning your next family vacation? Check out these family cruise tips for maximizing your cruise on Allure of the Seas.

Insider Tips To Saving Money On A Family Cruise Vacation

From Kids Sail Free promotions to the best places to eat on a cruise for free. Discover these amazing insider tips to saving money on a family cruise vacation.

10 Best Family Spring Break Vacation Destinations

Looking for spring break ideas for the family. Explore the 10 best family spring break destinations in the United States and the Caribbean and find the perfect mix of relaxing and adventurous vacation destinations.

Best Family Vacation On Odyssey of The Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

If you’re looking to plan an amazing family cruise vacation, the brand-new Odyssey of the Seas overflows with fun activities for kids and family-friendly entertainment.

The Ultimate Kid-Friendly Vacation to Perfect Day at CocoCay

Set sail to the best kid-friendly destination in the world on a cruise from Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando to Perfect Day at CocoCay and discover all the amazing family-friendly activities, award-winning shows, and record-breaking attractions.

Amazing Family Friendly Summer Cruise Vacations

Enjoy your family summer vacation on a cruise to Perfect Day CocoCay and discover the private islands beautiful beaches, kid-friendly attractions, great restaurants and record-breaking water rides and activities for all ages. Find summer cruise deals.

7 Perfect Puerto Vallarta Day Trips

Set sail on a cruise vacation and discover the best things to do while traveling on your Puerto Vallarta day trip. Plan your Mexico getaway your way!

6 Caribbean Vacation Wardrobe Packing Tips

Build the perfect Caribbean vacation wardrobe for your next getaway cruise with these travel packing tips. Craft a stylish cruise outfit for everyday!

Plan the Best London Day Trips Ever

Set sail on a getaway cruise vacation and discover the best things to do in London while enjoying your day trips. Experience history, Harry Potter, and more!

Best Botanical Gardens in Jamaica

Uncover the most stunning botanical gardens in Jamaica as you plan the best Caribbean vacation getaway. Enjoy the lush landscape & relaxing nature.

Family Cruises | Voyager of the Seas

Envision your next travel vacation, as you plan the best family cruise getaway while sailing onboard the Voyager of the Seas. Unexpected cruise activities.

Family Cruises | Wonder of the Seas

Envision your next travel vacation, as you plan the best family cruise getaway while sailing onboard the Wonder of the Seas.

Planning a Memorable Dubai Vacation

Traveler’s guide to planning a memorable Dubai vacation filled with extraordinary things to do while making the most of your journey across the world.

Tips for Your Panama Canal Cruise

Take a moment to make the most of your Panama Canal cruise vacation. Uncover what you might not know about this tiny and fascinating country as you travel.

Family Vacation Ideas for Cruises

Take a moment to make the most of your family vacation, uncover the best places to visit when taking a cruise for everyone. Enjoy a guide tailored to you.

Swimming with Dolphins in Jamaica

Plan the ultimate swimming with dolphin experience in Jamaica as you make the most of your Caribbean vacation travels. Enjoy a tailored adventure guide.

Fun Mother Daughter Vacation on a Cruise

Get inspiration for your next mother-daughter day onboard. Cruises are ideal for having fun with your family during an amazing vacation.

Ways to Give Back to the Community

There are many easy and impactful ways to give back to the community this holiday season. Spread the joy of holiday charity as a gift to your local area.

Adult-Only Relaxing Cruises For Moms

Relaxing on a cruise has never been easier with these kid-free ideas. Enjoy an adult-only vacation while on a cruise with your family.

Fun European Cities to Visit With Kids

Traveling with kids? Here are some fun European cities to visit on your next European cruise — plus tips to make it a memorable, stress-free experience.

How to Plan the Best Family Cruises Onboard Quantum of the Seas

Dive into out-of-this-world adventure on the groundbreaking Quantum of the Seas®, where far-flung feats, treats and eats make for unforgettable, one-of-a-kind memories.

Planning a Rome Vacation From the Sea and Beyond

Here are some Rome vacation must-sees and tips on how to navigate travel when arriving or departing via cruise through Civitavecchia.

Where to Find the Best Skiing in the Alps

Here's everything you need to know about skiing in the Alps, including where to stay and when to visit.

What's the Best Travel Credit Card for Rewards and Benefits?

This guide to the best travel credit card focuses on the benefits of traveling with a credit card and the best cruise credit card for rewards and benefits.

Relaxing Vacation Spots in the Caribbean

Visit tranquil places in the Caribbean, like the cenotes of Mexico, to find the most relaxing vacation spots.

Best Caribbean Islands for Families

The best Caribbean islands for families offer beaches, adventures, and new experiences. Plan your family-friendly Caribbean vacation today.

How to Plan a Cruise for the First Time

Read up on how to plan a cruise for the first time, including tips on what to pack, where to go and how to select the perfect itinerary for your vacation.

How To Plan a Trip for Relaxing Vacations

From organizing ahead to avoiding overpacking and fostering a new mindset, here's how to plan a trip for creating a relaxing vacation in eight easy steps.

Vacation Ideas for Families on Icon of the Seas

Travel with the best family vacation ideas possible onboard Icon of the Seas. Encounter top level cruise experiences and its seven neighborhoods.

Bahamas Travel Hacks for Families

If you're taking the whole family on a Bahamas vacation, we've got some travel hacks for families to make your kid-friendly trip easier.

Relaxing Family Vacations & Getaways

Discover why cruises are the best fit for large families. Find flexible dining options, age-appropriate activities, & adult spaces to bond.

Best Family Vacation Onboard Adventure of the Seas

Experience the ultimate family adventure onboard Adventure of the Seas! Book your best family vacation and set sail on the adventure of a lifetime.

How to Budget for a Vacation

Reveal all the best tips on how to budget for an affordable family vacation getaway. Ensure your travels with less stress and more enjoyment.

Family Vacation Ideas on Symphony of the Seas

Uncover all the exciting family vacation ideas and travel activities that are waiting for you onboard a cruise getaway with Symphony of the Seas.

Family Vacations on Liberty of the Seas

Embark on the best family vacation aboard Liberty of the Seas. Experience the ultimate adventure and create unforgettable travels with your loved ones.

Family Vacations on Harmony of the Seas

Uncover all the exciting travel activities and ideas for the best family vacation waiting for you onboard a cruise getaway with Harmony of the Seas.

Family Vacations on Navigator of the Seas

Navigator of the Seas offers endless opportunities for you to bond with your loved ones. Discover all the exciting family vacation ideas and travel activities.

Family Cruise Activities on Ovation of the Seas

Uncover the best ideas for family cruise activities! With all kinds of unforgettable fun, a relaxing trip on Ovation of the Seas will top your watchlist.

FIND A CRUISE NEAR YOU

Adventure is closer than ever browse through our helpful guides to find the perfect cruise sailing from your backyard. from weekend getaways to weeklong explorations, there are countless thrilling options for cruises near you..

The Best Cruises From Florida

March 20, 2024

Discover some of the most amazing islands you can visit in the best cruises from Florida. Learn tips on how to maximize a few days before or after your cruise at this amazing departure port.

Galveston Top Rated Attractions and Tours

From the historical Galveston Ghost Tours and the Taste of the Strand Tours to bird-watching at the Bolivar Flats and visiting the historical Bishop's Palace and Moody Mansion. Here are Galvestons top rated attractions and tours you dont want to miss.

Cruises From LA: Amazing Destinations

Cruises from Los Angeles are the best way for you to discover the Mexican Riviera. Jump onboard a Baja Cruise from Los Angeles and start an amazing family vacation.

Best Cruises From Miami

Cruise from Miami and start your vacation in one of the worlds best places to visit, then set sail from the Port of Miami to The Bahamas, Mexico, Puerto Rico and beyond on weekend getaway cruise or a longer Caribbean adventure. Here are the best cruises from Miami

7 Best Cruises From New Orleans

Cruise from New Orleans to the Bahamas on affordable cruise vacations to the Caribbean with stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Cozumel, Roatan, Belize City, Key West, Nassau, and Costa Maya. Find cruise deals out of New Orleans

9 Cool Things to Do on Short Cruises From LA

Explore 9 cool things to do on short cruises from Los Angeles with Royal Caribbean Cruises. Top-rated vacation destinations in the Baja Coast, including Catalina Island and Ensenada.

24 Hours in Miami, What to See and Do

Follow our one-day guide to experiencing Miami, and you’ll get a pretty well-rounded taste of this melting pot metropolis. Discover the best things to see and do with 24 hours in Miami.

Best Cruises From Texas

Royal Caribbean offers plenty of great itineraries to choose from if you’re looking for an unforgettable cruise from Texas. Keep reading to discover the best spots.

10 Best Breweries in Los Angeles

Craft beer lovers, come thirsty and hoist a pint in some of the best breweries in Los Angeles and beyond!

The Best Cruises From The New York Area

From the sun-dappled Caribbean to the quaint Canadian coast, you won’t believe how many incredible places you can sail to on a NY cruise. Here are just some of the fascinating places you can cruise from the New York Area.

Explore the Fun-Filled Cruises Out of Tampa

From the tropical islands of the Caribbean to the European shores, discover all the amazing places you can visit on a cruise out of Tampa. Here are 10 of the fascinating places you can cruise to from Tampa Florida.

Best Summer Vacation Cruises From New York

Your guide to the best summer vacation destinations you can cruise from New York. Check some new vacation destinations off your bucket list on the perfect New York cruise.

Best Cruises From Orlando

Maximize your vacation on an adventures cruise from Orlando and experience translucent water caves in the Bahamas, water-soaked adventures at Perfect Day CocoCay and breathtaking views at every destination. Here are 10 amazing destinations you can cruise to from Orlando.

Best Cruises From Orlando, Florida

Looking for a great weekend getaway? Cruise from Orlando to the Western Caribbean islands on a 3 night Bahamas and Perfect Day Cruise or longer 7 night western caribbean cruise out of Port Canaveral. Find cruise deals from Orlando FL.

Best Cruises From Fort Lauderdale

Cruise from Fort Lauderdale to the Bahamas on a weekend getaway cruise or longer 7 Day Caribbean Cruise that takes you to Nassau, Perfect day at CocoCay, St. Maarten, San Juan, Cozumel and Falmouth. Find cruise deals out of Ft. Lauderdale

9 Galveston Vacation Must Know Facts

Galveston vacations are totally underrated. This charmingly fascinating Texas beachside town is teeming with history and tons of interesting facts.

Top 10 Florida Birding Hotspots | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Explore the best bird-watching spots in Florida! Our comprehensive guide offers insider tips and information for an unforgettable birding vacation.

TOP THINGS TO DO

There’s no time for tame on vacation. take a peek at our travel tips for ideas on the top things to do onboard our award-winning ships. plus, learn about all the must-dos at top travel destinations..

When is the Best Time to Visit Maine? | Royal Caribbean Cruises

When is the best time to visit Maine? It depends on your interests, but August, September and October tempt with lobster, whales, beer and fall foliage.

The Best Time to Visit Banff | Royal Caribbean Cruises

The best time to visit Banff is also the best time to cruise from Vancouver, so go ahead and pair your sailing with a side trip.

10 Best Things To Do in Australia

From Melbourne to Sydney to iconic animal experiences and world-class wine regions, here are the 10 best things to do in Australia.

Alaska Souvenirs to Take Home With You So You Never Forget Your Trip | Royal Caribbean Cruises

After traveling somewhere new, you want to bring something back with you to remember all of your fun adventures. Don't miss these Alaska souvenirs.

A Guide to Australian Beaches

Discover the best Australian beaches for families, wildlife spotting, lounging, learning how to surf and diving into authentic beach culture.

Best Things to Do in Baltimore | Royal Caribbean Cruises

There are so many things to do in Baltimore. It's full of history, good food, amazing culture and fascinating people.

Visiting Los Angeles From the Sea | Royal Caribbean Cruises

These tips for visiting Los Angeles on a California cruise include what to pack, the best things to see and how to experience this West Coast destination.

Best Vacation Spots in Alaska in the Summer

Alaska in the summer is a must for adventure travelers looking for wilderness hiking, epic glaciers, dog sledding, and sea kayaking

Hawaiian Traditions: A Deep Dive Into Luau History

Learn about luau history, its traditions, and how to experience this unique Hawaiian celebration.

Hawaii Hidden Gems: Secret Beautiful Places for Vacation | Royal Caribbean Cruises

The most beautiful Hawaii hidden gems including secret spots on Oahu, Big Island, Maui and Kauai. Includes hikes, gardens, black sand beaches and more.

The Spookiest Places in Europe for Ghost Hunters | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Seeking scary places to visit? These are some of the spookiest places in Europe, from the streets of London to the forests of Transylvania.

Big Ben Facts to Know Before Your Next Vacation | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Discover the most fun Big Ben facts, plus facts about the royal family and its connection to Elizabeth Tower and the Houses of Parliament.

Best Things To Do in Athens, Greece, on Your Cruise Vacation

There is no shortage of things to do in Athens. The Greek capital has a history of more than 3,400 years to entertain you.

Planning a Barcelona Vacation From the Sea

A Barcelona vacation is always a good idea, but arriving at this iconic port of call by sea is a truly unique experience. Here's why.

The Top Free Things to Do Onboard Adventure of the Seas

Discover free things to do on your Adventure of the Seas vacation! Explore exciting destinations without breaking the bank. Affordable experiences await.

Tour Galveston's Historic Homes

Galveston's historic homes are a great introduction to this exciting city. Find out some of the must-see historic homes, and when and where to tour them.

How to get from Brightline trains to port? | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Cruising out of South Florida has never been easier, thanks to convenient routes on the high-speed Brightline train.

Top 5 Museums in Galveston [Infographic]

Headed to the Texas Gulf Coast? Whether or not you stop there before cruising, these are the top five museums in Galveston you should check out.

Island-Hopping in the Caribbean for the Best Vacation Spots

May 1, 2024

Discover the best vacation spots while island-hopping in the Caribbean. With so much to see plan the ideal cruise with an infographic guide full of ideas & travel tips.

[Infographic] What to Drink at Perfect Day at CocoCay

April 15, 2024

From the island's signature Coco Loco drink to its elevated Coco Cuvée, Perfect Day at CocoCay offers a wide range of sips worth getting excited about onshore.

Free Things To Do Onboard Explorer of the Seas

April 12, 2024

Learn about some of the best free things to do onboard Explorer of the Seas. You don’t need to blow your budget in order to enjoy an unforgettable vacation.

Free Things To Do Onboard Freedom of the Seas

A guide to some of the best free things to do onboard Freedom of the Seas, so you can spend less time planning and more time experiencing all the complimentary thrills.

Free Things on Harmony of the Seas

Discover free things to do on your Harmony of the Seas vacation! Explore exciting destinations without breaking the bank. Affordable adventure awaits.

Top 10 Free Things to Do on Ovation of the Seas

Discover what’s included from dining venues with free food to free activities and entertainment, you’ll be amazed with a vacation on Ovation of the Seas.

Free Things to Do on Quantum of the Seas

Discover what’s included from dining venues with free food to free shows and entertainment, you’ll be amazed traveling on Quantum of the Seas.

What's Free Onboard Wonder of the Seas

Enjoy the best cruise activities when vacationing onboard Wonder of the Seas with travel tips on free places to eat as well as included onboard attractions.

Insider Tips to Maximizing Your Time at Perfect Day at CocoCay

Discover Perfect Day at CocoCay insider tips and learn what to bring, what to expect, how to make cabana reservations and how to find your way around the island.

Top Things to Do on Icon of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

This larger-than-life cruise ship offers endless onboard activities to fill all your sea days.

How to Plan the Best Family Cruises on Serenade of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Whether you’re traveling with adult relatives, small children, or the whole extended family, this Radiance Class cruise ship offers something for everyone.

Take Your Perfect Day at CocoCay® to the Next Level | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Who said you shouldn't mess with perfection? Visit a thrilling water park or a relaxing lagoon to make your Perfect Day at CocoCay® even better.

Berlin for Oktoberfest: What To Know Before You Go | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Berlin for Oktoberfest is one of the world's best parties. Here's everything you need to know before you go on your cruise to Berlin.

[INFOGRAPHIC] A Guide to the Best Cruise Ship Restaurants

Planning a getaway at sea with Royal Caribbean? Treat your inner foodie to the best cruise ship restaurants with this guide to cruise ship dining.

The Top 10 Things To Do Onboard Oasis of the Seas | Royal Caribbbean Cruises

Enjoy an outlined list of the top 10 fun things to do onboard Oasis of the Seas to help get your vacation-planning ideas flowing for your travels.

Making the Most of a Seven-Night Western Caribbean Cruise | Royal Caribbean Cruises

What to do on a seven-night western Caribbean cruise including the best destinations to visit, what to pack, top shore excursions and cruise travel tips.

Dive Into the Epic History of Hawaiian Surfing | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Travel back in time and discover the history of Hawaiian surfing and how it went from a royal pastime to an international sport.

9 Things to Do in Galveston with Kids | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Family activities in Galveston range from exploring pirates and ghosts to heading to the beach and local water parks. Here's a list of our favorites.

Best of Boston: Sights, Bites and Delights | Royal Caribbean Cruises

A best of Boston guide full of ideas for the best Boston tours including harbor cruises, ghost walks, historic and nature walks and major league sporting.

Polynesian Culture in Hawaii: History of Dancing and Island Influences | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Hawaii is more than resorts, volcanoes and beaches. The best trips to these paradise islands invite you to discover Polynesian culture in Hawaii.

Hawaii Vacations for Couples: 8 Most Romantic Spots To Visit | Royal Caribbean Cruises

A guide to Hawaii vacations for couples including where to go, what to do and how to amp up the romance on a Hawaiian cruise to the islands.

Celebration Travel Tips & Vacation Ideas

Celebration travel accounts for an estimated 60% of cruise bookings. Here are some vacation ideas for your next birthday, graduation or anniversary.

New Orleans Voodoo History | Royal Caribbean Cruises

A surge of freed Haitians entered Louisiana, bolstering the Voodoo population and introducing new rituals and beliefs into the New Orleans community. Learn more about the history of New Orlean’s Voodoo.

What Is the Best Way to See Alaska? | Royal Caribbean Cruises

As you plan your Alaska vacation, you might be torn between traveling by cruise ship, plane or even car. Here's how to decide the best way to see Alaska.

Enjoying Breakfast in Rome

While it's true that many Italians take a quick, casual approach to the day's first meal, your breakfast in Rome will be anything but forgettable.

9 Family-Friendly Things To Do in Miami Before a Cruise

A comprehensive list of family-friendly things to do in Miami before a cruise that will excite the whole family.

Lace Up for the Best Ice Skating in the World | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Ice skating is an exciting activity for families and couples. When you cruise on the World Cruise, you can discover the best ice skating in the world.

Mexico Weekend Getaways from LA | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Enjoy Los Angeles and new Mexican flavors and vistas during one of our Mexico weekend getaways.

Best Cruise Ship Pools are on Icon

Icon of the Seas features some of the best cruise ship pools in the world, not to mention water slides that break records and private areas for adults.

Local Things to Do in Barcelona

Discover the best things to do as a local while traveling to Spain for your own Barcelona vacation experience with these helpful ideas & travel tips.

Things to do on a Catalina Island Vacation

Discover the best things to do on a Catalina Island vacation from where to eat and relax to top family-friendly activities and wildlife watching spots.

Rainforest Pyramid | Moody Gardens

Travel tip when planning a Galveston vacation, don’t miss your chance to visit Texas’ Rainforest, Aquarium, and Discovery Pyramids in Moody Gardens.

Best Fishing Trips in Florida

Where are the best fishing spots in Florida? What is the top location to plan a fishing trip before my cruise? Start your search for the ideal fishing getaway.

10 Amazing Los Angeles Day Trips

Discover the best things to do while traveling on your Los Angeles day trip as you voyage on a cruise vacation from California for the perfect getaway trip!

7 Memorable Mazatlan Day Trips

Voyage on a cruise vacation and discover the best things to do while traveling on your Mazatlan day trip. Visit Mexico for a perfect getaway!

Local Jamaican Dishes & Delicacies

Discover the most delectable Jamaican dishes as well as a few of the best-known restaurants to visit during your next vacation cruise to Jamaica.

Best Cruise Restaurants Onboard Wonder of the Seas

With an abundance of onboard cruise restaurants and fine dining experiences discover the top cruise foods aboard Wonder of the Seas for a vacation sensation.

Things to Do on Spectrum of the Seas

Plan a vacation with many onboard cruise sensations. Discover the top 9 things to do while traveling onboard Spectrum of the Seas.

Top Mediterranean Cruise Experiences

From Mykonos to Malta, we’ve curated a collection of the top spots to have a luxurious experience on your Mediterranean cruise.

Things to Do on Serenade of the Seas

Make your vacation a sensation with onboard cruise attractions and experiences! Discover the top 10 things to do onboard Serenade of the Seas.

Caribbean Speed Boat Tours

Create the best speed boat adventure experience while on your cruise to the Caribbean. Enjoy the ultimate travel guide made for your next vacation voyage.

Things to Do on Ovation of the Seas

With so many onboard cruise attractions and experiences discover the top 10 things to do onboard Ovation of the Seas for a vacation temptation.

Top 11 Must-Try Mediterranean Foods

Mediterranean food is renowned worldwide for being exceptionally healthy and balanced. Here are the top 11 must-try Mediterranean foods.

Top 10 Waterfalls to Visit in Jamaica

Discover the top 10 famous waterfalls to visit in Jamaica while traveling on your cruise vacation as you enjoy an abundance of hidden destinations.

Top 9 Things to Do on Independence of the Seas

Here are the top 9 things to do onboard Independence of the Seas. Independence of the Seas has become a guest favorite thanks to all its activities.

Conquer the World's Longest Zip Line in Alaska

Don’t wait any longer, riding the world's longest zip line in Alaska will be an experience you'll never forget while on your next Alaskan mountain adventure.

Dog Sledding Tours

There's nothing like an amazing adventure during an Alaskan vacation, and if you're looking for things to do then dog sledding is a bucket-list experience.

Top 10 Things to Do on Mariner of the Seas

Here are the top 10 things to do onboard Mariner of the Seas. Mariner of the Seas is loaded with fun onboard attractions and unforgettable experiences.

Best Mexican Rivera Cruises

Do you want to escape to the Mexican Rivera? Discover Baja, Ensenada, and Cabo San Lucas onboard the best cruise ships.

Best Things To Do On A Cruise

Explore the Oasis Class ships seven neighborhoods and discover the best things to do on a cruise that delivers a larger than life experience. Find deals for cruises on the Oasis class ships

Top 10 Things To Do Caribbean Islands

From reggae music and art museums to cobblestone lanes and leafy plazas, the Caribbean islands each have their own distinct flavor. Explore this selection of the top 10 things to do in the caribbean islands.

Ultimate Guide To Oasis Lagoon

The best Oasis Lagoon at Perfect Day at CocoCay insider Tips to discovering all the amazing things to do, family-friendly attractions and thrills you don't want to miss. Find cruise deals to Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Top 5 Southern Caribbean Islands to Visit

Cruise to the best Southern Caribbean Islands and explore the most beautiful destinations in the Caribbean from the white-sandy beaches in Aruba to the vibrant capital city of Puerto Rico. Here are the top 5 Southern Caribbean islands you don’t want to miss.

Perfect Day Honeymoon Guide

Celebrate your newly-wedded bliss on a romantic Caribbean honeymoon cruise to Perfect Day at CocoCay, the best Caribbean destination for newly married couples. Find cruise deals to Perfect Day at CocoCay

The Ultimate College Spring Break Cruise Vacation

If you are looking for an all-out college spring break vacation filled with beach vibes, thrilling rides and amazing parties it doesn’t get any better than a spring break cruise to Perfect Day at CocoCay. Find cruise deals to Perfect Day at CocoCay

11 Adventurous Water Activites In Puerto Rico You Must Try

Discover all the amazing water activities in Puerto Rico that you must try from Scuba Diving with coral sharks, watching Forlorn Bays Light Up at Night, to ridding down natural waterslides when visiting Puerto Rico.

Top 7 Things to Do on Odyssey of the Seas

Here are the top 7 things to do onboard Odyssey of the Seas. The new Odyssey of the Seas has so many amazing onboard attractions.

10 Best Places to Visit in Turkey

Cruising to Ephesus soon? Here are the 10 best places to visit in Turkey, with something for every traveler.

20 Amazing Eastern Mediterranean Tours

From The Sultan Ahmed Mosque tour in Istanbul to the ancient history combined with breathtaking nature tours in Rhodes. Here is our top 20 list of the best tours for a Eastern mediterranean cruise vacation.

Top 7 Most Thrilling Things to do at Perfect Day At CocoCay

Experience the top 7 most thrilling things to do at the Perfect Day at CocoCay from sliding down the tallest waterslide in North America to zip lining across the island and much more.

Top 4 Insider Tips to Thrill Waterpark

Thrill Waterpark at Perfect Day At CocoCay top 4 insider travel tips uncovers free things to do, places to go and thrills you can share with friends. Find cruise deals to Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Best Restaurants at Perfect Day At CocoCay

Explore all the restaurants on the Perfect Day at CocoCay island and discover all the complimentary dining venues that offers loads of food and drink favorites that will fuel you up in between adventures.

Guide To Chill Island at Perfect Day

Discover Chill Island insider tips to all the relaxing things to do from renting overwater cabanas with VIP services, snorkeling with the friendly manta rays to finding the best places to unwind and soak up the island vibes.

8 Things To Know Before You Visit Coco Beach Club

Packed with premium all-inclusive amenities, Coco Beach Club at Perfect Day at CocoCay provides guests with exclusive luxury vacation experiences and VIP treatment. Discover the top 8 things to know before you visit Coco Beach Club.

The 5 Most Relaxing Things to do at Perfect Day At CocoCay

Discover the most relaxing things to do on your luxury getaway to Perfect Day at CocoCay from the luxury CocoCay Overwater Cabanas to the most popular Chill Island Cabanas and much more.

Visit Australia for Kite Flying Vacation

Plan a trip for visiting Australia for a sky-high kite flying adventure. Make your Australian vacation a sensation with these travel temptations!

Sugarloaf Mountain Rock Climbing

Consider planning a Sugarloaf Mountain rock climbing trip for an exhilarating experience as you take a Brazil vacation cruise. Adventure awaits!

Top 10 Best Aquariums in Florida

Plan a day trip before or after your cruise to make the most of your vacation travels from Florida with a visit to the top 10 best aquariums.

Best Things to Do in St. John

Find the best things to do in St. John along with the need-to-know on how to get to the small Virgin Island for your own travel vacation getaway.

Things to Do on Voyager of the Seas

Plan the best vacation with all included onboard cruise activities and experiences! Discover the top 10 things to do onboard Voyager of the Seas.

Best Belize Landmarks to Discover

Envision your next Belize vacation cruise, plan a long or short getaway to visit famous landmarks such as the mysterious Great Blue Hole. Adventure awaits!

Art Basel Miami Day Trip Before a Cruise

Plan one of the best Miami day trip experiences before or after your cruise with an unforgettable visit to Art Basel. Enjoy every part of your vacation!

10 Australian Vacation Experiences

Make your Australian vacation a sensation with these travel temptations! Discover the top 10 remarkable things to do when visiting Australia.

Best Cruise Restaurants | Voyager of the Seas

With an abundance of onboard cruise restaurants and fine dining experiences discover the top cruise foods aboard Voyager of the Seas.

Adventure Traveling Jungle Tours

Uncover the ultimate jungle tours and adventure traveling experiences throughout the Caribbean and South America. Enjoy a guide tailored to your vacation cruise.

Galveston Camping: 10 Tips to Before You Go

Take a moment to make the most of your Galveston camping trip. Uncover the best campsites, when to visit, and adventurous things to do as you camp.

How to Haggle in Street Markets of the World

Uncover the ultimate guide on how to haggle like a local as you make the most of your world travels. Adventure awaits those who seek it.

Traveling in Thailand | Things to Do in Bangkok

Uncover the best things to do in Bangkok for making the most of your vacation when traveling in Thailand. Enjoy a guide tailored to your cruise travels.

Best Cruise Restaurants | Freedom of the Seas

Planning to dine at the best cruise restaurants onboard the Freedom of the Seas. Remain in the know with the ultimate cruise dining guide to sailing with success.

The Best South American Countries to Visit

Here's a guide to some of the best South American countries to visit on a cruise. Here, you'll find a beautiful land of wonder and adventure.

A Guide to the Best Places to Visit in the Caribbean

Each Caribbean island has its own identity, attractions, culinary delights and natural wonders. These are the best places to visit in the Caribbean.

What's Included in on a Cruise

New to cruising and unsure exactly what is included on a cruise? Read on to learn about all the fun things Royal Caribbean ships offer for free.

Cruise Ports Near Me: Midwest United States

As you browse cruises, the first question you ask will be "Where are cruise ports near me?" Here's how to choose a port, and what to do once you're there.

Best Day Trips From Tokyo on a Japan Vacation

Enjoy these vacation ideas for things to do while planning the best Japan day trips when visiting Tokyo. Make your trip an amazing experience with these tips.

Best Asian Countries To Visit for First-Timers

A guide to the best Asian countries to visit on a cruise for first-timers.

Go Extreme Cave Tubing in Belize

Intrigued by the thought of cave tubing in Belize? Here's everything you need to know before you book your next adventure for your vacation.

5 Best Ways to Experience Mardi Gras in New Orleans

Enjoying the best ways to experience Mardi Gras is easy when keeping these tips in mind for visiting New Orleans during this exciting, historic holiday.

Best Things to Do on Your Galveston Day Trip

Planning to visit Galveston? Here's how to plan the ultimate Galveston day trip, whether or not it is before or after a cruise out of Texas.

10 Facts About Turkey the Country

Planning to visit Turkey? We have the top 10 facts about Turkey the country, giving everything, you need to know to plan the best vacation trip.

Best Caribbean Adventure Vacations

Your guide to some of the best adventure vacations in the Caribbean for thrill-seekers, with activities like volcano hiking, ziplining, and more.

Relaxing 7 Day Cruise to Europe

No matter which 7-day cruise to Europe you end up booking, here's how to plan a European vacation that's high on adventure with low added stress.

Top 8 Things to Do on Explorer of the Seas

Here are the top things to do onboard Explorer of the Seas. Explorer of the Seas unlocks a world of adventure for every traveler onboard.

Galveston Historic District: 9 Things to Do

The Galveston Historic District is a busy port city that is bursting with history and excitement. Explore some of the best things to do on the Strand.

Free Things to Do on Navigator of the Seas

Discover all the free places to eat along with the top complementary things to do on a vacation cruise getaway with Navigator of the Seas.

12 Best Places to Dance in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Dancing in San Juan is a favorite local thing to do. A great experience for those wanting to experience the joy and soul of Puerto Rican music.

Top 9 Things to Do on Allure of the Seas

Here are the top things to do on Allure of the Seas. There are so many things to do on this cruise ship, you’re going to wish you had more sea days to experience them all.

Top Things to Do on Liberty of the Seas

Uncover all the exciting travel activities and ideas on the top things to do that are waiting for you onboard a cruise getaway with Liberty of the Seas.

Cliff Camping while Extreme Hiking: The Do's and Don'ts

Looking to go cliff camping while extreme hiking? Don't miss our guide to the do's and don'ts of this thrilling outdoor adventure. Learn essential safety tips and gear recommendations to make the most of your experience.

10 Things to do on Rhapsody of the Seas

Discover 10 of the top ideas for things to do while traveling on a travel vacation onboard a cruise getaway with Rhapsody of the Seas.

11 Things to do on Adventure of the Seas

Uncover some of the best ideas for things to do while traveling on a family vacation onboard a cruise getaway with Adventure of the Seas.

The Ultimate Guide to a Blue Lagoon Iceland Vacation

Plan the ultimate Blue Lagoon Iceland vacation. Our guide covers top attractions, insider tips, and expert recommendations. Start planning now.

Quick Bahamas & Key West Vacations

Bahamas & Key West vacation getaways are perfect for travelers looking for pristine beaches, rich history, delicious food, & stunning wildlife encounters.

Fashion Week Places to Visit in Paris

Find all the top fashion places to visit in Paris and how to get there during Fashion Week getaway travels. Plan your France vacation!

FOR THE FOODIES

From mouthwatering dishes you can’t miss in bermuda to the most decadent desserts around the world, you’ll find the ultimate foodies guide for food lovers right here take a look and get ready to be hungry. .

Top 9 Mariner of the Seas Restaurants | Royal Caribbean Cruises

May 10, 2024

Enjoy the best cruise food possible on Mariner of the Seas. Discover which restaurants offer the top dining options for your vacation getaway.

What to Eat at Coco Beach Club

Perfect Day at CocoCay® is Royal Caribbean's® private island escape. It's best known for its thrilling water park, gorgeous cabanas and beautiful beaches, but it's also a foodie's dream come true.

Best Cruise Ship Food Planner for Families and Couples | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Sea, sand, sun and fab food? You bet! The best cruise ship food is literally at your fingertips at these Royal Caribbean restaurants.

Best Serenade of the Seas Restaurants | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Enjoy an insider’s guide to the best places to eat on your cruise vacation while dining onboard Serenade of the Seas at its many restaurant options.

The Best Cruise Restaurants Onboard Jewel of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Enjoy an insider’s guide to the best places to eat on your cruise vacation while dining onboard Jewel of the Seas at its many restaurant options.

The Best Western Caribbean Street Food | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Sure, it's a region renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, but western Caribbean street food — with its diverse cultural richness — is also a draw.

The Best Cruise Restaurants Onboard Brilliance of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Enjoy an insider’s guide to the best places to eat on your cruise vacation while dining onboard Brilliance of the Seas at its many restaurant options.

Alaska Food: Where to Find the Best Food in Alaska | Royal Caribbean Cruises

The best Alaska food to try on a cruise includes king crab, salmon, fry bread, birch syrup, wild berries and more.

The Best Cruise Restaurants Onboard Rhapsody of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Enjoy an insider’s guide to the best places to eat on your cruise vacation while dining onboard Rhapsody of the Seas at its many restaurant options.

The Best Cruise Restaurants Onboard Odyssey of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Discover an insider’s guide to the best places to eat on your cruise vacation while dining onboard Odyssey of the Seas at its many restaurant options.

The Best Cruise Restaurants Onboard Icon of the Seas

Whether you’re a serious foodie or just appreciate the simple pleasure of a great meal, you won’t be disappointed by the cruise dining options onboard Icon of the Seas.

Dining Guide to Quantum of the Seas

With many great options for onboard cruise dining experiences, we have your guide to discovering the top places to eat on Quantum of the Seas.

Finding Speakeasy Bars Near Me

Planning to visit famous speakeasy bars around the world without the password? Enjoy insider details on traveling to these interestingly unique experiences.

Famously Popular Foods from Bermuda

Encounter most famous foods in Bermuda including Bermudian Fish Chowder, Rum Cake, and more. Envision your next foodie vacation.

Best Desserts in the World

Discover the most delightful foods to enjoy on a sweet-lover's journey as you treat yourself to the best desserts in the world. Plan your foodie vacation.

6 Caribbean Islands with Delicious French Cuisine

Find the best Caribbean Islands to visit with your cruise to eat like a French in the Caribbean. These islands were made just for you.

Best Food in Nassau, Bahamas

A guide to the best food in Nassau, Bahamas. Discover new flavors in restaurants by the water or within the historic city of Nassau.

Indonesian Food in the Caribbean

Encounter Indonesian food and how Indo Caribbean culture has influenced the flavors of Caribbean cuisine. Envision your next foodie vacation.

The Best Craft Breweries in Alaska

For all the beer lovers planning an Alaskan cruise vacation, we’ve curated the ultimate zythophile guide to visiting 5 of the best craft breweries in Alaska.

Best New York Foods Using NY Water

Sample the best foods in New York with our guide to uncovering the top places for enjoying the secrets of NY water in bagels, pizza, and doughnuts.

Five of the Best Mexican Food Dishes to Try

Discover local favorite foods including the best types of Mexican dishes to explore during your next vacation to Mexico for sampling its vibrant culinary history.

New Orleans Restaurants

Mr. Bs Bistro, Pascals Manale, Brigstens, Dragos Seafood Restaurant. Here are New Orleans best restaurants serving local NOLA dishes from backyard crawfish boils to chargrilled oysters and locally sourced seafood Gumbo.

Holiday Food Around the World

Planning a holiday cruise this year? Find traditional holiday dishes from around the world for an unforgettable culinary food vacation.

6 Popular Farm Foods from Spain

Here are six of the most popular farm foods from Spain. The headstrong Spanish farmers continue to produce some of the world's finest oranges, olives, and hams.

16 Best Foodie Vacation Destinations

Sink your teeth into tender succulent seafood in Maine, crave-worthy curries in Jamaica, French-inspired flavors of St. Maarten and many more indulgent dishes at these 16 Best Foodie Vacation Destinations.

Top 10 Restaurants On Allure of the Seas Cruise Ship | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Foodies love Allure of the Seas! Discover 10 onboard restaurants that will make you a believer.

Top 15 Food and Wine Destinations in The Mediterranean

Cruise to the Mediterranean and discover the regions top 15 food and wine destinations from the most famous tapas in Barcelona, to the endless choices of seafood in Greece and more. Find deals for cruises to the Mediterranean.

15 Best Traditional Puerto Rican Dishes

Cruise to Puerto Rico and experience Old San Juan distinct culture and the best traditional Puerto Rican dishes from the most popular Mofongo, the favorite street sandwich Tripleta and Puerto Ricos national dish Arroz con Gandules and more.

Best Comfort Food from Around the World

Encounter the best comfort food from around the world including Belgian frites, Croatian ice cream, and more. Envision your next foodie vacation.

Local Insight: Best Caribbean Rums

What are the different types of rum? How can you tell good Caribbean rum? Enjoy our vacation guide to the best places to travel for distilleries.

How to Choose the Best Olive Oil

Uncover the secrets to having the best olive oil in the world as well as the know-how on all the many types and their uses. Enjoy a guide tailored to you.

10 Best Breweries in Northeast America

Uncover the best breweries in Northeast America to make the most of your vacation travels. Adventure awaits those who seek it, enjoy a guide tailored to you.

Eating in Italy | Local Food Traveling

Uncover the ultimate guide to eating locally in Italy as you make the most of your vacation travels. Adventure awaits those who seek it.

Turkish Desserts to Sweeten your Vacation

Turkish desserts are as pivotal to the experience of traveling in Turkey as a cruise through the Bosphorus Strait. Enjoy a guide tailored to your vacation.

The Ultimate Sparkling Wine Cheat Sheet

The Ultimate Sparkling Wine Cheat Sheet. Before you say "cheers" with your next glass of sparkling wine, take a moment to learn about what's inside the glass you're clinking.

Discover the Caribbean National Dishes

Caribbean cuisine is something you can't miss when visiting the region. Explore this guide to learn about the Caribbean National Dishes.

Enjoy the Best Breakfast in South America

Where to find the best breakfast in South America including Peru, Colombia and Brazil. What to eat and where to find the tastiest bites to start your day.

Israeli Food: Top 10 Must-Trys

Here's a list of some of the best Israeli food found in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa and beyond including sabich, shakshuka and bourekas.

Best Food Vacations & Holiday Recipes

Indulge in culinary delights on the best food vacations. Explore holiday recipes from around the world and discover the best places to visit for foodies.

Top Cruise Dining on Symphony of the Seas

Experience the best cruise restaurants onboard Symphony of the Seas for an unforgettable dream vacation. Book now for a stress-free getaway!

Famously Popular Street Foods

Explore culture through famously popular street foods on your Ultimate World Cruise. Enjoy the best food around the world from Mexico to Asia, & beyond.

Best Food on Navigator of the Seas

Experience exquisite dining on vacation with Navigator of the Seas cruise restaurants. Indulge in delectable cuisine and breathtaking ocean views.

Best Harmony of the Seas Restaurants | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Discover the best cruise restaurants available onboard on Harmony of the Seas for an unforgettable family vacation filled with delicious cuisine.

Top 9 Restaurants on Ovation of the Seas

Have your pick of all the best restaurants and dining option when planning a cruise vacation onboard the award-winning Ovation of the Seas.

Best Restaurants in Galveston

Enjoy this handy guide on the best local restaurants in Galveston when seeking the top places to eat on your visit to this Texas beach town.

Planning the Best Family Cruises on Wonder of the Seas

What's Free for Cruise Activities Onboard Wonder of the Seas

10 of the Best Things to Do Onboard Wonder of the Seas

Best of lists, discover where to find the 10 most beautiful beaches in the caribbean or the top european cities you can cruise to this summer. we’ve made a list of the best vacation spots to visit. read on and start planning.

Top 9 Free Things to Do on Symphony of the Seas

Discover what’s included from free activities to dining venues with free food, you’ll be amazed when taking a vacation onboard Symphony of the Seas.

Best Free Things to Do on Odyssey of the Seas

Your cruise fare includes so many great free things to do onboard. Discover the best free things to do onboard Odyssey of the Seas cruise ship.

Best Places to Visit in Ancient Egypt

There are so many great places to visit in ancient Egypt. Plan your vacation in Egypt from the wonder of its pyramids to the many temples and tombs.

Best Black Friday Vacation Deals

Make it easy to travel on a budget with the best Black Friday vacation deals for your dream getaways. Save big on Black Friday deals for vacation.

Europe Vacation: Best Places to Visit

There's more to a European cruise vacation than just packing your bags! Plan the perfect trip on your travel getaway to visit the best places in Europe.

Best Relaxing Beaches in Florida

Where are the best relaxing beaches in Florida? What is the quietest beach in Florida? Start your search for the most beautiful & secluded places to visit.

Best Mediterranean Cruise Destinations

Uncover 8 of the best Mediterranean cruise destinations while on your travel vacation. Adventure awaits those who seek it, enjoy a guide tailored to you.

The Best European Summer Vacations

Planning the best European summer vacations? We’ve curated the ultimate guide to visiting some of the most relaxing and legendary destinations to travel to in Europe.

Choose the Best Baja Mexico Cruise for You

Discover the best things to do on vacation as you enjoy numerous iconic destinations on your Baja Mexico cruise from Los Angeles including Ensenada and Cabo.

Best Cruises From Barbados

On the best cruises from Barbados, you can visit Trinidad, Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao. And some farther-flung destinations in Central and South America on longer itineraries.

The Best Caribbean Ports to See on Your Cruise

Discover the best Caribbean ports to see on your cruise. These Caribbean ports are filled with sights to enjoy an affordable Caribbean vacation.

10 Best Luxury And Standard Cruise Ship Accommodations

Explore the 10 best luxury and standard Royal Caribbean cruise ship accommodations from the luxurious 2-story Ultimate Family Suite with a dedicated concierge and VIP privileges to the less expensive Studio Stateroom designed for a perfect nights rest.

11 Fun Facts About the Best Caribbean Destinations

Discover 11 fun facts about the best Caribbean destinations. Plan your next visit to the Caribbean with around these surprising facts.

The Best Summer Vacation Cruises From The Northeast

Maximize your summer vacation with plenty of sun, underwater discoveries, street dancing and zip-lining on a Cruise from the Northeast to Bermuda, the Bahamas, Mexico and Perfect Day at Cococay.

Best of NYC: Visiting The Statue of Liberty

Enjoy the best of NYC before or after your next cruise from the New York area. Spend the day visiting Lady Liberty before cruising.

Best Mini Vacation Getaway Destinations

Envision your next travel trip, plan a short mini cruise to the Bahamas or a relaxing vacation getaway with a day trip in Oregon. Adventure awaits!

Best Summer Vacation Ideas & Spots

Plan your escape from the winter weather with the best summer vacation ideas for spots to keep the sunny skies and warm ocean breezes alive year-round.

Best Baja Fishing Trips in Mexico

Experience top Baja fishing trips on your next vacation. Plan the best travel adventure with expert precision and make unforgettable memories.

Best Places to See Northern Lights

On the hunt to travel to the best place to see the northern lights? From Alaska to Iceland to Norway, here's where, when, and how to see the northern lights.

Best Costa Rica Waterfalls for Vacation

Experience the best waterfalls in Costa Rica on your next vacation. Our curated guide offers a range of breathtaking destinations and adventures.

The Best Alaska Cruises

Your Guide to the Best Cruises From Alaska. Learn more about the most stunning destinations you can visit on an Alaska cruise from Seattle or Vancouver.

Best Scotland Castle Tours

There are over 1,500 Scotland castle tours to choose from. We've narrowed down a list of the most; historic, cultural, famous, and royal significance.

Vacation the Best Beaches in Galveston

Planning a Galveston beach vacation? From the best beach spots to hotels, restaurants, and shopping, your beach trip to Galveston starts here.

Best Adventure of the Seas Restaurants

Uncover the best places to eat on a cruise onboard Adventure of the Seas from specialty restaurants and fine dining to complimentary place for free eats.

PLAN YOUR CRUISE

Need help planning a vacation we’ve got you covered. check out our guides for everything you need to know to make the most of your getaway, like how to plan a cruise, what to pack and more., get to know your ship, learn cool tips about our ships — and read our cruise ship reviews and guides to learn the best things to do onboard, what’s included, and why we’re voted the best cruise line, year after year. we have all the details for you in one convenient place.

Top Reasons Why Grandeur of the Seas Delivers Epic Family Cruises | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Enjoy an insider’s guide full of Voyager Class insights for planning your best family cruise vacation onboard Grandeur of the Seas.

Icon of the Seas Reveal What is included in a Cruise

April 25, 2024

Discover all the best things to do as we reveal what is included in a cruise onboard Icon of the Seas, the world's first Icon Class ship with Royal Caribbean.

Best Time to Go to Casino Royale℠ | Royal Caribbean Cruises

April 24, 2024

When should you go to Casino Royale℠ on a Royal Caribbean cruise? The best time to go to the casino might be during a sea day, show time or late at night.

Free Things to Do on Rhapsody of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Maximize your travels at no additional cost. Create your all-inclusive vacation experience with some of the best free things to do on Rhapsody of the Seas.

Free Things to Do on Grandeur of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Insider’s guide to all the best free things to do onboard Grandeur of the Seas both for cruising with kids and when taking an adults-only vacation.

What’s Free Onboard Icon of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Icon of the Seas has a lot of affordable vacation options at no additional cost including free restaurants, fun activities, and many places to relax onboard.

Free Things To Do on Serenade Of The Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Enjoy our guide to some of the best free things to do onboard Serenade of the Seas. Spend time experiencing all the complimentary activities and food.

What’s Free Onboard Independence of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Find a breakdown of some of the top free things to do onboard Independence of the Seas when looking for what is included with your cruise vacation.

The Best Free Things to Do Onboard Brilliance of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Brilliance of the Seas, smaller than Oasis Class cruise ships, offers an intimate low-key vibe that has kept a strong fanbase among vacation travelers.

What’s Free Onboard Radiance of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Check out the full list of things to do that are included on Radiance of the Seas & browse popular itineraries to start planning your next vacation onboard.

What's Free Onboard Liberty of the Seas

When you sail onboard the much-loved Liberty of the Seas®, bold thrills, crave-worthy dining and maxed-out adventure are all included in your cruise fare.

Spectrum of the Seas Free Activities

Maximize your travels at no additional cost. Create your own all-inclusive vacation experience with some of the best free things to do Spectrum of the Seas.

Top Things to Do on Grandeur of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Enjoy an insider’s guide to all the top things to do onboard Grandeur of the Seas for cruising with kids and when taking an adults-only vacation.

Best Independence of the Seas Restaurants | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Enjoy an insider’s guide to the best places to eat on your cruise vacation while dining onboard Independence of the Seas at its many restaurant options.

The Top Things to Do Onboard Brilliance of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Brilliance of the Seas makes it impossible to feel bored during a vacation! These top things to do onboard this beloved cruise ship make it a fan favorite for many.

Where to Find the Best Texas BBQ | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Whether you are looking for brisket, sausage or ribs, here's where to go for the best Texas BBQ in restaurants across the state.

Best Brilliance of the Seas Family Cruises | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Enjoy an insider’s guide to discovering the best family cruises for your next vacation onboard Brilliance of the Seas. Start sailing today.

The Best Eastern Caribbean Food | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Caribbean food, which spotlights spices, tropical ingredients and cultural influences.

Why Anthem of the Seas for the Best Family Cruises | Royal Caribbean Cruises

As part of the Quantum Class at Royal Caribbean, the Anthem of the Seas is an engineering marvel loaded from bow to stern with next-level features for families.

The Top Free Things to Do Onboard Anthem of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Find out what is free onboard Anthem of the Seas. Check out a full rundown of the dining options, shows, and cruise activities available for your vacation.

A Guide to Casino Etiquette | Royal Caribbean Cruises

This insider's guide to casino etiquette offers several casino tips and strategies that can help both beginers and advanced players.

How to Plan Unforgettable Family Cruises Onboard Radiance of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Enjoy the best family vacation cruise possible while onboard Radiance of the Seas with our breakdown of tips and tricks to making the most of your getaway.

Best Restaurants on Anthem of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Get insider tips about the game-changing Quantum Class cruise ship, Anthem of the Seas, and its amazing restaurants accompanied by an unparalleled food scene.

Best Independence of the Seas Family Cruises | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Enjoy an insider’s guide to discovering the best family cruises for your next vacation onboard Independence of the Seas. Start sailing today.

The Best Cruise Restaurants Onboard Radiance of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Enjoy a rundown of all the dining options onboard Radiance of the Seas, plus a glimpse of some of the top menu items at each restaurant.

The Best Cruise Restaurants Onboard Liberty of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

The fan-favorite cruise ship from New York, Liberty of the Seas, is home to some of the best cruise restaurants in the entire Royal Caribbean fleet.

How to Have an Epic Family Vacation Onboard Rhapsody of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Planning your next epic family vacation starts today onboard Rhapsody of the Seas, a mid-sized cruise ship that is part of the Royal Caribbean Vision Class.

Travel in Style: Best Rooms on a Cruise Ship | Royal Caribbean Cruises

This handy guide gives you the scoop on the best rooms on a cruise ship, from budget-friendly options to royal suites.

Top 7 Restaurants On Explorer of the Seas Cruise Ship

To help make planning your meals on deck a little easier, we’ve rounded up some of the best dining options onboard Explorer of the Seas.

How to Choose the Best Rooms for Families on a Cruise Ship

How do you choose a stateroom on a cruise ship? Start researching the best rooms for families on a cruise ship now to make sure your trip is perfect later.

Making an Icon: Icon of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Icon of the Seas is not just another cruise ship, it the very first in an all-new class being shown in the monthly video series, Making an Icon.

Things to Do on Radiance of the Seas

With an endless amount of onboard cruise attractions and experiences discover the top 10 things to do onboard Radiance of the Seas for your next vacation.

Top 9 Things to Do on Harmony of the Seas

Here are the top 9 things to do onboard Harmony of the Seas. Harmony of the Seas is an award-winning wonder that’s loaded with all kinds of incredible onboard experiences.

Top 10 Things to Do on Symphony of the Seas

Here are the top 10 things to do onboard Symphony of the Seas. Symphony of the Seas is brimming from bow to stern with amazing experiences, including delicious dining options.

Top 8 Things to Do on Freedom of the Seas

Here are the top 8 things to do onboard Freedom of the Seas. Freedom of the Seas has even been called the best ship for first-time cruisers.

Top 10 Things to Do on Navigator of the Seas

Here are the top 10 things to do onboard Navigator of the Seas. Navigator of the Seas has all kinds of family-friendly activities, foodie-approved restaurants, and amazing bars.

The Top 9 Things To Do Onboard Quantum Of The Seas

With an abundance of onboard cruise attractions and experiences discover the top 10 things to do onboard Quantum of the Seas for a vacation temptation.

Family Vacation Ideas on Freedom of the Seas

Experience a memorable family vacation aboard Freedom of the Seas. Enjoy exciting activities, delicious dining options, and endless fun for all!

explore our private islands

Check out our guides to learn more about private island vacations at perfect day at cococay and our private destination labadee — including things to do, best dishes to try and how to get there..

Weekend Getaways: Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas [Infographic]

Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas gives you the best opportunity to create your own great weekend getaway the way you want to travel!

Top Free Activities and Free Things To Do at Perfect Day at CocoCay

The best free activities and free things to do at Perfect Day at CocoCay®, Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas.

Labadee Private Island Vacations | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Indulge in the best private island vacations in Labadee and discover all that this island has to offer for thrill-seekers and chill-seekers alike.

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44 Must-Have Alaskan Cruise Tips, Tricks, and Secrets

Headed out this summer on Alaskan cruise? Even if you’ve taken a regular tropical cruise before, preparing for a trip to Alaska is completely different than any other vacation you might take. From the weather you’ll experience to what you do on shore, there are a lot of differences from your typical cruise.

To help you prepare, Cruzely has pulled together dozens of our most helpful tips and things to know about sailing to the last great frontier. From packing to selecting the right ship to when to sail, we’ve got everything covered with what we’ve learned from sailing there ourselves.

For even more on Alaskan cruising, don’t forget to see our list of things to pack , what to consider when selecting the right ship , and our best cruise deals to Alaska .

Long Daylight Hours Impact Your Body Clock and Sleep

If you haven’t spent time this far north, be ready for long days. In Alaskan ports, the sun can rise around 4 a.m. and set after 10 p.m. Without the rhythm of a normal day that we’re used to farther south, you will likely wake up earlier than you are used to and go to bed later.

That’s on top of any time difference between Alaska and where you live (it’s four hours behind the East Coast). 

You might find that after three or four days, the long days catch up with you and you end up crashing early to make up for lost sleep.

Be Ready for Odd Alaska Port Times

Head on a Caribbean cruise, and the schedule is familiar — show up to the port of call early in the morning and you’ll depart in the evening. Some ports are like that in Alaska, but not all. For instance, you might actually show up in the afternoon and then leave later in the evening. And instead of having a full day in port, sometimes you just have a few hours.

Take a look at a recent schedule to get an idea of what you can expect:

Uber/Lyft/Taxi Are The Easiest Options to the Seattle Port

Flying in for your cruise? Many people are, which leaves the question of how to get to the port. If cruising from Pier 66, then you can take a train from the airport station to Westlake Center . Then it is a 15-minute walk over to the cruise terminal. If sailing from Pier 91, there isn’t an easy public transportation option.

Most people will find it far easier just to catch an Uber/Lyft or a taxi from the airport . Not only does this minimize the amount of walking with luggage, but it also means a direct ride to the port, and you don’t have to worry about figuring out public transportation schedules. Expect a ride to run about $50-60 each way.

There Are Different Ports in Seattle (Be Sure You Have the Right One!)

Head to a cruise port in most cities and there is one port with multiple different terminals. If sailing from Seattle to Alaska, it’s a bit different. The two main piers are Pier 66 and Pier 91. These two spots are about two miles away from each other.

Pier 66 is near downtown and is home mainly to Norwegian Cruise Line ships. Pier 91 generally serves other cruise lines. Your cruise line will let you know which terminal you’ll sail from in your booking documents. 

Book a Ship With Somewhere Warm to Swim

Sure any cruise ship you select is going to have hot tubs for passengers. But we suggest looking for those that have a solarium or other covered spots with pools. Only a few ships have them, but covered pools are a great spot to be able to relax and swim while staying out of the chilly air that can accompany a cruise to Alaska.

Also, don’t forget to pack a swimsuit.

Don’t Forget to Pack Binoculars for Alaska

One thing that’s very different from a Caribbean cruise is the scenery on an Alaskan trip. That’s why it’s always a good idea to pack a pair of binoculars to take in the sites from both the ship and the shore during ports of call. The good news is that a pair of binoculars doesn’t have to be big or expensive. You can find an affordable pair on Amazon that won’t take up a ton of space in your luggage.

We’d suggest keeping them handy. During our cruise, we were just walking the deck and randomly saw whales swimming at a distance… but didn’t have any binoculars with us.

Sail on a Ship With Plenty of Indoor Things to Do

So much of taking an Alaskan cruise is about the scenery, but you can’t spend all your hours outside watching nature go by. That’s why it’s a good idea to book a ship that has a lot of indoor activities and things to do. Given that the weather in Alaska can be rainy and cool (especially with the wind when a ship is sailing), indoor things to do give you a chance to have fun while also staying out of the weather. In general you can find a lot more to do on the bigger and newer ships — say those built in the past 10-15 years.

Layer Your Clothes During the Day

When you’re out and about in Alaska, be sure to layer the clothes that you wear. Temperatures can range 40 degrees in a day, as well as dealing with different elevations, rain, clouds, and sun.

To be sure you’re prepared for anything, layering your clothes can give you options for when it warms up or it cools down. A base layer is a good idea, along with some outerwear in case of weather.

No, It’s Not Always Freezing (Weather Can Be Great)

If you think of Alaska, you might think of the cold… but you’d be surprised. Yes, there can be cold, damp, and breezy days. But many days are also very mild with lots of sun. For instance, during a recent Alaskan cruise, we saw grey skies with temps in the 40s while sailing, but then days in port were full of sun and in the 70s. 

Don’t Forget the Sunscreen

If you are sailing to The Bahamas or Mexico you know to pack sunscreen. But an Alaskan cruise? One of our best tips is to pack sunscreen here as well. During the summer the days are long with a lot of opportunity to get burned if it’s clear out — especially with sun reflecting off of the water. Bring just as much as you would for the Caribbean and put it on just as often on exposed areas.

The area on the back of your neck can especially get burned as it’s likely to be exposed.

Be Prepared for Expensive Excursions

When you sail to Alaska, shore excursions are a must. While you can explore around the port of call on your own, excursions give you a chance for everything from viewing glaciers to panning for gold, to sightseeing to whale watching. The things you can do in Alaska on a shore excursion are unlike what you can do anywhere else.

Just be prepared for some sticker shock. Many excursions run into the hundreds of dollars, compared to offerings on Caribbean cruises that are typically much cheaper. Also, be sure to book as early as possible for the most choice.

Still, don’t let the higher cost scare you off. Excursions will be some of the most memorable moments of your cruise.

Sailing From Vancouver to Alaska? Flying to Seattle & Taking the Train May Save Money

While Seattle is the big departure port for Alaskan cruises, a fair number also sail from Vancouver, Canada. The issue here is that for many in the United States, a plane ticket to Vancouver can be hundreds more than the same ticket to Seattle. This is despite the fact that the two cities are just over a hundred miles apart.

If you find this situation, it can be much cheaper to book the flight to Seattle and then take one of the many services between the two cities. For example, the four-hour train ride from Seattle to Vancouver only cost us about $40 when we took it.

Don’t Forget Cruise Insurance

Think of all the recent headlines regarding travel and health and then add on all the everyday occurrences like missing a flight or getting hurt or sick. Yes, having some travel insurance can give you peace on mind.

If you’re taking any vacation, but especially a trip to remote regions like Alaska, getting insurance for your trip is a no-brainer .

It can usually be found for a just a few percentage points of the total cost of your vacation.

Book a Seattle Hotel with a Shuttle to the Port

Many people fly into the area to take their cruise. That means transportation is always a big issue. While Uber, Lyft, and taxis are abundant in Seattle, there are a number of hotels that can also make things easier. To attract cruise customers, some hotels in Seattle have cruise shuttles that will take you to the port when it’s time to board. Simply stay a night and your transportation is taken care of for you.

You’ll Find the Cheapest Fares in May and September

The height of the Alaskan cruise season runs the summer, but most ships start sailing May and don’t finish up the season until September. Those May and September trips — when families that have kids in school can’t sail — are usually cheaper due to lower demand. You can find the same cabin on the same trip for hundreds of dollars less by sailing during one of these months versus the height of summer.

Find a trip in April or October? It will be even cheaper, although the weather may be a bit colder.

Your Phone Will Likely Work in Port

One issue with sailing on most cruises is that your phone doesn’t work unless you have an international plan (you can use your phone via the ship’s wi-fi).

If sailing to Alaska, there is at least a chance (depending on your carrier) that you’ll have your normal cell service when in port. Since Alaska is part of the United States, your cell service provider may also offer service in this area with any additional charges. Check with your provider for a current map, or see our article here .

Balconies Offer Amazing Views… But Are Chilly (May Not Use it Much)

Just about everyone will tell you to spring for the balcony cabin on an Alaskan cruise, and for good reason — the views can be spectacular. But just remember that things can get pretty chilly on those balconies. With the ship underway there is a constant breeze blowing, combined with already cool temperatures. So you can definitely take in the views, but you might not be sitting on the balcony as much as you think.

One Drawback of Balconies? Evening and Early Morning Light

We wouldn’t argue that having a balcony is great, but we can think of one drawback. When we sailed to Alaska in a balcony cabin, the light late at night and early in the morning made it hard to get good sleep. 

Remember, the days are long during the Alaskan summer. It can be that come 5 a.m. light is flooding in around the window curtain. To us, that makes it hard to get back to sleep if you happen to wake up early.

Observation Areas Are Perfect for Alaska

Some ships — like the Norwegian Joy — have observation areas. On the Joy and sister ships like Encore, there is the Observation Lounge and it is a multi-story sitting area with large windows that provide a sweeping view of the surrounding scenery. If the weather is an issue, it’s always warm and dry in this spot. Sailing ships with indoor observation areas looking out on the scenery are ideal.

Price Shopping for Your Alaskan Cruise? Prices Are the Same Across Sites

You can make your head spin by searching site after site for the best cruise deal. And while many promise low fares, we’ve found that the prices are almost always the exact same whether you go to the cruise line’s website or a third-party site. What might change are the incentives to book. So one site might charge $1,000 for a cruise, but have $50 in onboard credit. Another might have the same trip for $1,000 as well, but with $100 in onboard credit. All told however, the differences are usually small (if any)

One site that can be a little different is CostcoTravel.com if you’re a Costco member. They often offer cash you can use in the store as an incentive. It may not be worth it for your particular trip, but it’s worth a look. See our article on the best websites to book a cruise here .

Don’t Forget a Nightlight

If you’re sailing in an interior cabin, then do yourself a favor and pack a nightlight right now. You know that interior rooms don’t have windows, but you might not realize just how dark it gets. Without any light, getting up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night is tough in an unfamiliar cabin. The alternative is to turn on the cabin lights, which will wake your partner up. A cheap nightlight on Amazon is worth its weight in gold.

Cabin Fans Add Some Ventilation and White Noise

If you’re the type of person who has to have white noise and/or some airflow to help you sleep, then you should know that cruise cabins don’t have fans or vents. You can bring your own, however. You can pick up a cheap fan on Amazon for about $20 that won’t take up too much space in your cabin. If you get warm or simply like having some airflow, it’s a great thing to pack with you.

Plug-In Adapters Are a Must

The good news is that cruise ships are getting more generous with plugs in the stateroom cabins. Not only do they now include more on newer ships, but they also include USB charging ports. Still, many older ships have two or sometimes just a single outlet in the cabin. That makes it hard to charge devices.

A cheap power adapter can plug in and give you several plugs where there used to only be one. Just don’t pack one with a surge protector as they aren’t allowed on ships.

Use Your Cabin Safe

Every cabin you sail will have a small safe, usually tucked into the closet or in the cabinets. While it’s not that big, it’s an easy way to store your valuables — passports, keys, cash, and more. Be sure to use the safe whenever you leave the cabin. While theft is rare, there’s no sense in making things any easier for someone with sticky fingers.

Do The Math Before Buying a Drink Packages

Drink packages make things extremely simple. You pay one price and get to drink pretty much anything on the ship for no additional charge. That said, they aren’t always the best deal, depending on how much you’ll drink. For instance, you have to purchase the drink package for every day of the cruise, even when you are in port and unlikely to use it that much.

To make things simple we have a drink package calculator here that can give you a better idea of the package is worth it for you.

Just keep in mind that the vibe on an Alaskan cruise may not lend itself as much to drinking as it would on a Caribbean trip. It’s less about the party than sailing in warmer locations.

Some Cruise Lines Are Cheaper Than Others for the Same Sights

No one would argue that some cruise lines offer more luxury or nicer ships than others. But if you’re most interested in seeing Alaska — and not the ship — then most cruise lines offer similar routes. In other words, you can see the same sites as someone paying double or triple what you paid by going with a cheaper line. In particular, we’ve found in the past that Holland America has fares that are often inexpensive compared to rivals.

Do the Math on Balconies Versus Interior

If you can afford it, it’s preferable to sail on a balcony versus an interior cabin. But there is a lot of demand for these rooms and the prices can be significantly higher than an interior room.

While a balcony is nice, it’s not like there aren’t places around the ship to take in the scenery. In other words, if the price difference it outrageous, book the interior cabin, save the cash, and still get to experience 95% of what passengers with a balcony get to see, just not from the comfort of your own room.

Don’t Be Afraid to Pack Plenty

You’re going to be bound by airline restrictions if you fly into the port, but if not, don’t be afraid to overpack for your trip. Alaska can throw a lot of different weather at you in a short period of time, meaning different clothing is needed. Add in things like elegant night, and you’ve got something else to pack for. Meanwhile, it’s not so easy to run out and get anything you might have forgot at home. Cruise lines don’t charge for baggage, so bring pretty much as much as you want.

Be Ready to Pay to Park

Driving into Seattle for a cruise to Alaska? Be forewarned that parking during your trip is expensive. Rates are $30 per night to park at the ports . Given the location of the terminals, there also aren’t many spots around for independent parking. You can stay at a hotel offering a parking package , but other than that there aren’t many ways to get around the parking fee if you’ve got to leave your car somewhere.

No, Marijuana Isn’t Legal on the Ship (But Is in Alaska Ports)

Sailing from Seattle to Alaska? One quirk is that recreational marijuana is legal in both states. It’s also legal in Canada, where Alaskan cruises will also stop. However, it’s a bad idea to bring it on the ship, and it is against the rules. Cruise ships follow federal law, which says pot is illegal. Plus, the ship travels internationally, making it an even worse idea to bring marijuana or even CBD products into another country.

Instead, just enjoy in ports if you want to partake and leave the rest on land.

Always Fly Into Port the Night Before

Flying in for your cruise? Then the most important piece of advice is to fly in the day before your ship departs. These days between weather, mechanical issues, and even computer shutdowns, there are way too many instances of flights getting delayed. Fly in the morning of your trip, and a delay could mean you miss the entire cruise. Give yourself peace of mind and fly in the day before. 

Wait Until Port to Pick Up Anything You Forgot

It’s inevitable that you’ll think of something that you forgot to pack while on the ship. It’s just the way things are. If this happens to you, we’d suggest waiting until you get into port to pick up whatever you needs. Cruise ships sell staples — everything from candy bars to cough medicine — but there can be an insane markup on the prices. You’ll save money and have a wider selection if you wait until the ship ports. There will be a small store or two where you can pick up sundries.

Download the Cruise Line’s App

All the major cruise lines now have apps that you should download before you board the ship. Why are they so important? These apps are full guides to the ship and everything on board. In your pocket you can have a full map of every deck, a complete list of every activity, opening and closing times, port information, and can even check the summary of your onboard spending account. In short, the apps are extremely valuable to passengers. The best part is they are free to download and use.

In fact, the apps have gone from being “nice to have” to practically required to sail these days.

Always Wait For People to Get Off the Elevator First

Elevators are the heart of ship, and you’ll likely ride them several times a day. One annoying habit is that many cruisers like to crowd around the doors to get on. That means those trying to get off the elevators are stuck while those wanting to get on move out of the way. Just keep things simple and make sure there is no one else exiting before trying to get on your elevator.

Don’t Forget Your Swimsuit

Sure in Alaska you aren’t going to the beach, but there are still opportunities to take a dip. From the pools on the ship (hopefully covered) to hot tubs that are nice and warm during a cool Alaskan night, you’ll definitely want to pack that swimsuit. You might use it more than you realize.

All the other “beachy” stuff, however, you can leave at home.

Get Your Cash Beforehand (ATMs Are Expensive on the Ship)

You likely want to bring some cash on your cruise. It’s best to grab it before you head to the ship. On the cruise ship there are cash machines, but expect to pay dearly. Charges of $6 to get out cash are normal . Save the money and bring cash from home. Not sure how much to bring? Here’s some advice on how much cash to bring on a cruise .

Bring Your Wine or Champagne

Cruise lines don’t let you bring beer or liquor on the ships. But they do allow you to bring a bottle or two of wine of champagne . If you drink these beverages, then take advantage of the perk. Consider that a moderate bottle of wine in a grocery store can cost $10-12. Meanwhile, a glass of wine on the ship can be $10-12. In other words, that bottle you bring can save you a small fortune compared to drinking on the ship.

Payouts in the Casino Aren’t that Great

During your trip there will be plenty of time to try your luck in the ship’s casino. Now it doesn’t take a genius to know that any time you gamble the edge always goes to the house. On a cruise ship that edge can be even larger.

Payouts are notoriously low on the ships , including blackjack that pays 6-to-5 and video poker with low returns. If you still want to gamble ,there’s nothing wrong with that but just know that the chips are stacked against you.

Casinos will be open when the ship is at sea, outside of the jurisdiction of the states/countries where it sails.

Sunglasses Are a Must-Have in Alaska

Again, you might be surprised at times by the sun in Alaska. While there can be some overcast days, those sunny days can hit hard. Just because you’re not going to the Caribbean doesn’t mean you can leave the sunglasses at home.

Invest in a Camera With a Zoom

These days almost all of us use our phone as our camera. While phone cameras are great for most shots, they often lack in the zoom capability. If you want to spot wildlife in Alaska and catch a snapshot, then you’ll want a decent camera with a zoom feature. This will allow you to get stunning pictures of the beauty of Alaska, even if you are quite a distance from your subject.

A Cheap Poncho Keeps Your Prepared

We’ve covered that it can rain in Alaska. That’s why we suggest packing several of those inexpensive plastic ponchos. They fold up into a small square so that they take up hardly any space in your luggage. Even so, they can unfold and be worn to keep you drier in a downpour. Pack several for each person in your party because once you used them you aren’t going to want to try to dry them out and fold them up again.

Sail Late in the Season For the Best Chance of Northern Lights

The Northern Lights can occur year round, but the long days during the summer mean that your chances of seeing them are less. If you sail late in the season (late August or September), then the days start getting shorter. That leaves a longer — and darker — time for you to be able to see the spectacle. There’s still no guarantee you’ll get to see them, but it will increase your odds.

Crowds Are Smaller in the Shoulder Season

Want to sail with fewer crowds and ships? Look to set sail in the early part of the season (May) or the later part of the season (late August-September). With school back in session, fewer families can take a week off to sail to Alaska. Meanwhile some ships either aren’t sailing yet or have moved on for the season. That can mean fewer people in ports of call.

Different Cruise Lines Appeal to Different Passengers

While the cruise lines often sail similar routes and see similar things, there is a difference between the cruise lines and what they offer passengers. Some passengers are simply looking for the cheapest fare while others want to highest-level of luxury. Still others want to sail the biggest and newest ships. There’s no doubt that different ships will have different experiences, so do your research before booking to find the line that best fits your style.

If you want a lot of things to do, we’d suggest Carnival or Royal Caribbean. Want a more elegant experience? Try Princess, Holland America or Celebrity.

Yes, You Need a Passport or Birth Certificate to Cruise to Alaska

If you’re sailing from the United States… and sailing to another U.S. state… why do you need a passport or birth certificate to travel? Cruises stop in Canada for at least one port of call to satisfy requirements put on them by U.S. laws. That means you technically leave the U.S., sail to a foreign country, and then re-enter.

It’s best to have a passport, but if your cruise starts and ends in the same port you can travel with a government-issued birth certificate. For more on details about sailing with a passport or birth certificate, see our article here .

Expect to Spend More on an Alaskan Cruise

One of the big draws of cruising is that it can be a cheap vacation. Head to the Caribbean for a few days and you might find a fare as little as $200 per person. That’s not the case for Alaskan cruises. Expect to spend significantly more.

Most trips for a week start at $500 per person for the cheapest rooms in the shoulder seasons. Peak times to sail see prices start at $800 or more for an interior cabin. Add in port fees and taxes, gratuity, and charges for double occupancy, and you can expect to spend $2,000 at a minimum. Don’t forget the cost of flights to the port as well and excursions, which are a must.

We will say that it seems a big jump in Caribbean fares has made the prices more comparable, but we’d still expect to spend more on average for Alaska.

Have questions about sailing to Alaska? Let us know in the comments below.

More on Cruising Alaska:

• Can I Use My Phone? Guide to Cell Phone Access on an Alaskan Cruise
• 29 Must-Have Things to Pack for an Alaskan Cruise (11 You’d Never Think Of)
• Are Alaskan Cruises Worth It? Absolutely, and Here’s Why…

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Which direction is best for an Alaska Cruise? Vancouver to Seward? Or vice versa. And should cabin be facing the land as best for viewing?

You will take A LOT of pictures. Have a memory card that is sufficient.

Oh, good idea. Videos also take up a ton of space.

Hello. I know your article said to fly in the night before but where we’re coming from the only direct flights back and forth are on Saturday. The flights will arrive then depart during the 12 o’clock hour. Barring flight problems would that allow enough time to get to port on departure day and then back to airport upon arrival back?

That should be fine. The reasons for flying in early are to make a more relaxing time getting to port and juuuuuust in case there is a delay.

When applying for an ETSA for a cruise from Vancouver to Alaska and then back to Vancouver for a return flight to UK, how do i fill in 1. USA contact information 2. USA address as the drop down menus don’ give many options?

I’m not sure about that. You might call the cruise line for information.

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17 Royal Caribbean Cruise Tips for First-time Passengers, According to Experts

Here's how to maximize your Royal Caribbean cruise, whether it's your first or fifth time on board.

Elizabeth Heath is a writer and editor living on a hill in Umbria, from where she writes about travel in Italy, the rest of Europe, and farther afield.

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean Cruise

If you’re shopping for a traditional cruise, chances are you’ll consider Royal Caribbean. The household name among big-ship cruise lines is the second-largest carrier on the seas (after Carnival). It has 27 ships in its fleet, including the new Icon of the Seas , the world’s largest cruise ship, with room for 7,600 passengers. Another four mega-ships are under construction. Even Royal Caribbean’s smallest vessels hold more than 2,400 passengers, so by any definition, they’re big.

If you’ve never sailed with Royal Caribbean, it can take a while to learn the ropes — nautical reference intended. And since your vacation time is precious, we asked some cruise line experts how to make the most of your first voyage. Here are their tips and tricks for first-time Royal Caribbean guests.

Don't wait to book.

It’s a piece of advice that goes for most cruise lines. Matt Hochberg of Royal Caribbean Blog , a fan and information site that's not affiliated with the company, says to book your Royal Caribbean cruise “as early as possible — as in now. It’s not like airfare where you can wait on the chance that prices will go down. Cruise prices stay where they are and only go up, and right now, demand is as high as it’s ever been. Your best bet is to book as early as you can, like 12 to 24 months out, to lock in the lowest price.”

Make show reservations in advance, too.

“Would you show up in New York for a theater weekend and simply cross your fingers and hope you get tickets to the shows you want?” asks Rob Clabbers, a Travel + Leisure A-List advisor and founder of Q Cruise + Travel . The answer is probably not, so use the "Manage My Cruise" feature on the Royal Caribbean website and book the shows you don’t want to miss. “You’re more likely to get the reservations you want and you’ll avoid having to scramble for seats or stand in line on your first day on board,” he adds.

Study the ship layout before your cruise.

If you’re like me, the anticipation of a cruise is half the fun. Use the weeks and months before your sailing to study deck plans and hone in on your favorite amenities. The largest Royal Caribbean ships are like small cities — the Icon and Oasis class ships even have their own neighborhoods. If you already have your bearings before embarking, you’ll waste less time riding the wrong elevator or wandering the wrong deck when trying to get to your destination — or back to your stateroom.

Get a jump on online check-in.

As soon as you book, access the "Manage My Cruise" portal on the Royal Caribbean website (the Royal Caribbean app has some of the same features). Then, as soon as online check-in opens, get right on it so you can secure the earliest possible window. “It makes the cruise terminal experience way faster,” says Hochberg. “About 30 days in advance, they’ll give you a check-in window. Arrive right around that time and you’ll breeze through — you don’t even stop moving.”

Opt for a drinks package.

You won’t go thirsty on a Royal Caribbean cruise, but free drinks are limited to standard coffee and tea, tap water, hot chocolate, milk, and a few other basics. Everything else costs extra — often a lot extra. “Even if you don’t drink alcohol, it may be worth checking out the options in advance, if you’re into premium coffees, sodas, juices, or bottled waters," says Clabbers. “Royal Caribbean occasionally offers promotions on the ‘Manage My Cruise’ [portal] that may save you money on certain beverage packages.”

Pack a swimsuit in your carry-on.

“Royal Caribbean ships have so many great pools and water features,” says Hochberg. And they get really crowded. Get ahead of the other passengers by packing a swimsuit in your daypack or carry-on. You can enjoy the pools, water parks, or the popular FlowRider surf simulator while you wait — often several hours — to access your cabin. “Embarkation day is one of the best times to go to the pools,” Hochberg adds. If you’re traveling with kids, you'll be glad you stashed those suits in your bag.

Splurge on a suite.

“Royal Caribbean ships can feel large and busy, so maybe you want to upgrade to a suite,” says Clabbers. Most suites start at around 300 square feet and go up from there — both in dimensions and price. You can expect to pay about twice as much for a suite, but the additional space may offer a welcome break from all the hubbub on board. Clabbers adds, “Depending on the category and ship you choose, you may enjoy suite-only restaurants and lounges, VIP treatment and embarkation, and even Royal Genie butler service.”

Asses how much drinking you’ll really do.

Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package — the only one that includes alcohol — follows a dynamic pricing model between $56 and $105 per day, per person, with prices varying depending on the ship, itinerary, and other factors. Alcoholic and soft drinks are expensive on board, but you still have to indulge a lot to make the package worth the investment. If you’re not sure how much you'll drink (and don’t want to feel obligated to do so simply because you’ve paid for a package), consider going a la carte for the first few days of your cruise. You can always add a drinks package later, as long as you still have at least four days left on your sailing.

Find your place in the sun.

If you want a poolside lounge chair, you'll have to arrive by 10 a.m. at the latest on most Royal Caribbean ships, according to Hochberg. “People who sleep in and roll up at noon are not getting a chair by the pool,” he says. That said, the ships do have plenty of outdoor space, even if it’s not right by a pool. “If you just want to be outside, there are other chairs. Walk to the front or back of the ship. The further away you are from the pool, the more chairs you’ll find,” he adds, noting the promenade deck on any Royal Caribbean ship is always a great spot to read.

Consider a balcony cabin.

Like most cruise lines, Royal Caribbean is adding more balcony cabins and suites on its ships, and that’s, of course, due to customer demand. “Balconies are the most popular option,” says Hochberg. Though they cost more than an interior or non-balcony room, they’re still reasonably priced compared to suites. Hochberg adds, “They offer more space and fresh air, and if you do get seasick, the view and fresh air help.”

Choose an older ship.

If your vacation is more about the destination than the journey, you should consider an older, smaller Royal Caribbean ship, especially given the demand for their newer Oasis and Icon vessels. Radiance and Vision classes are among the oldest and smallest in the fleet, but still offer plenty of big-ship amenities without the “city at sea” feel. Hochberg calls these ships “much more manageable,” to the point that you probably don’t even need to make show or specialty dining reservations in advance — though you might still want to book once you’re on board.

Look for no-kid zones.

Royal Caribbean is a family-friendly cruise line — there are a slew of facilities and programs made just for kids. But if you prefer a more adult experience, Royal Caribbean offers options. “Certain areas are adults-only, such as the casino and nightclubs,” says Hochberg. While bars and lounges technically allow children to enter, he says it’s rare to see kids in these areas in the evening. Later dinner seatings also mean fewer young kids. Almost every ship in the fleet offers the Solarium, an adults-only section with a pool and whirlpool, a sundeck, and a bar. On the brand’s private Caribbean island playground, Perfect Day at CocoCay , Hideaway Beach is the adults-only pool and beach, though entrance is for a fee. Hochberg also says that “on longer sailings — those past seven nights — the amount of kids drops precipitously.”

If you can’t snag a show reservation, try walking in.

Because booked passengers scoop up show reservations as soon as they’re offered online, you may not get your first choice when it comes to the many show offerings, which include ice-skating performances, aqua theater, and Broadway-quality productions. But don’t give up, says Hochberg. “Show up at least 30 minutes before the show, even if it's sold out,” he says. “You’ll almost certainly be able to get in, as people blow off their [advance] reservations.”

Cost out The Key program.

Clabbers says Royal Caribbean cruisers should look into The Key program , the paid upgrade that’s akin to the Genie+ service at Disney theme parks. “It provides priority boarding access, a welcome lunch, high-speed internet access, fast lane access to onboard activities, private time at the FlowRider surf simulator, dedicated theater seats at shows, and other niceties.” Prices fluctuate, though, so before you purchase, compare the cost of The Key versus that of Royal Caribbean’s Voom Surf & Stream internet package. If there’s not much difference in cost (remember, it’s per user, per day), The Key benefits are worth springing on. However, if there’s a big price difference — or you want to disconnect during your cruise — you can skip The Key.

Look into third-party excursions.

Shore excursions must also be reserved in advance, and depending on when you book, you might not get your first choice of activity or time slot. But that doesn’t mean you have to stay on board or near the port all day. “Of course, Royal Caribbean offers shore excursions wherever they go,” says Clabbers. “But if you like more options and potentially smaller groups or lower fares, take a look at excursions offered by third-party providers.” Clabbers likes Shore Excursions Group and Project Expedition . “If you prefer private [excursions], Context Travel offers cultural and historical tours and activities in cities around the world.”

BYOB — to a point.

Perhaps you don’t want to buy a beverage package, but you’d like to have a glass of wine or two during your cruise. Royal Caribbean lets you bring one 750-milliliter bottle of wine per cabin guest, per cruise, and for many light drinkers, that’s plenty. Don’t try and bring more than this, and don’t put it in your checked luggage — it will be confiscated and returned at the end of your journey, as will any alcohol you buy in ports of call. You can also bring up to 12 containers (bottles, cans, or cartons) with up to 17 ounces each of soft drinks per stateroom. If you bring your bottle of wine to a restaurant or other public area, you’ll be charged a corkage fee.

Skip the transatlantic cruise if you're a first-timer.

Transatlantic repositioning cruises are not ideal for first-time Royal Caribbean passengers, according to Hochberg. “Transatlantic cruises are like a fine wine. Once you’re more acclimated and know you like the shipboard experience, they offer great value priced per night,” he says. But you don’t want to get on board and find that you don’t like the brand, or worse, don’t like cruising. “They are long cruises with lots of sea days, and are very susceptible to the weather.”

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FinanceBuzz

These 13 Cruise Hacks Will Change the Way You Travel

Posted: May 3, 2023 | Last updated: January 22, 2024

If you’ve been planning a cruise for a while, the last thing you want to do is waste a second of your dream vacation.

To help you get the most out of your cruise, and avoid wasting your money , we’ve put together a list of tips to make your vacation as fun and affordable as possible.  

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Find the right package

Saving money on your cruise starts the moment you start planning. Instead of booking the first cruise that catches your eye, research your options and compare prices.

You could learn that the popular cruise line isn't the most affordable, or that you’re willing to pay more to reach your dream destination even though it’s pricier than you thought.

No matter what, taking the time to be extremely selective about the cruise you take will pay off in memories you know you’ll treasure.

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Book as early as possible

Like airline flights or hotel prices, cruises tend to cost more the longer you wait to book. Once you’ve decided on the perfect cruise, go ahead and book it — a year in advance, if you can.

Don’t forget that cruises scheduled for either summertime or the holiday season fill up quickly and cost more than off-season cruises. And if you want to take a holiday cruise, book your trip ASAP.

Take advantage of travel deals

Are you a Costco member? You might qualify for discounted fares with certain cruise lines or specific destinations.

Similarly, booking through some credit cards with travel rewards can pay off in immediate discounts or help you earn miles so you can travel more later.

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Budget for more than the cost of your ticket

Like any other type of vacation, plan for more expenses than just the price of a ticket.

Cruise ships have several stores on board where you can buy everything from duty-free goods and toiletries to clothes and souvenirs.

If you plan to disembark at key destinations (and we’re guessing you do), you’ll want a spending budget for those trips as well.

Write a packing list and stick to it

If your typical packing style is to throw everything you think you’ll need in a bag the night before your trip, you’ll want to change your last-minute habit for your cruise.

Planning in advance ensures you’ll have all the essentials so you can spend as little as possible on items at your cruise ship’s mall, which almost always cost more than the same items on land.

Pack a separate carry-on bag

Along with your main pieces of luggage, pack a small carry-on bag that you can walk on board with.

Include anything you want easy and immediate access to, like a week’s worth of medications (neatly organized in a pillbox), and anything you’ll need for a trip onshore, like a swimsuit.

That way, you won’t have to wait for your checked luggage to arrive in your cabin to start feeling at home on your ship.

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Look for fun activities ahead of time

You already know which ports your cruise is stopping at, so as soon as you book the cruise itself, start planning your shore excursions.

Internet access can be both pricy and slow on a cruise ship, which means doing your research ahead of time can save you money. And since ships only dock for a few hours at a time, you need to know in advance which sites you want to see.

Be sure to calculate how long it will take you to reach them and whether you can get there and back again before the ship leaves — because it isn’t going to wait around if you’re late.

Scope out your ship’s amenities and activities in advance

Along with planning your shore adventures, don’t forget to plan your oceanside adventures.

Get to know your ship’s layout, especially the location of the mall and dining areas. Read up on any activities the cruise line has planned and decide which ones you want to attend.

You’ll enjoy knowing exactly what to look forward to, and you’ll be able to plan a more accurate budget too.

Decide if you want to pay for drinks

Cruise lines often offer drink packages where you can pay in advance to have nearly unlimited access to the bar.

If you’re planning on enjoying a tipsy cruise, you’ll probably save more in the long run by buying a drink package up front.

On the other hand, if you’re fine with a drink (or less) a day, you’ll save money bringing your own beverage. Just make sure to find out if your cruise line has a corkage fee and plan accordingly.

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Get to the city you’re embarking from at least a day in advance

What’s the easiest way to ruin a cruise? Failing to make it on board before the ship sets sail.

Travel slowdowns happen, from bad weather on the road to delayed flights, so you don’t want to arrive in town the day of your departure.

Even though it requires you to budget for an extra night at a hotel, you’ll save a lot of stress if you give yourself a day of leeway.

Don’t overschedule every moment

Unstructured moments are often the ones where the most memorable experiences take place. While you’re organizing activities and planning your shore excursions, don’t forget to leave time to simply explore, lounge, and relax.

Use your cruise line’s app

There’s a lot to keep track of on your cruise, from sailing times to onsite entertainment.

Instead of trying to memorize all the dates, times, rules, and regulations on your own, download your cruise line’s app so you can access crucial information on the go.

Most importantly, you can use the app on your cruise without paying for a Wi-Fi package. You can make reservations, book massages, and (depending on the app) communicate with other people in your party without wasting data or money.

Minimize your phone time

As we said above, cruise lines have notoriously slow, expensive internet. Taking a break from tech can save you money, not just because you won’t have to pay for internet, but also because your phone won’t eat up your data roaming the high seas for a signal.

If you need internet access, consider paying for Wi-Fi for just a few days out of the entire trip. It’s cheaper and will also help you stay in the moment and enjoy your cruise while it lasts.

And if you plan on using your phone’s camera to document the trip, make sure to keep the phone in airplane mode.

Bottom line

Whether you’re looking for a cruise for when you retire early or you’re a seasoned cruise pro, you’re practically guaranteed to have a fantastic time on your trip if you plan ahead.

Following the 13 tips we listed here will simply make it that much more enjoyable, and you'll be able to save some money during your vacation. 

More from FinanceBuzz:

• 7 things to do if you’re barely scraping by financially.
• Can you retire early? Take this quiz and find out.
• 12 legit ways to earn extra cash.
• 9 simple ways to make up to an extra $200/day

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Around-the-World Cruises: Everything Travelers Need to Know About These Epic Voyages

By Scott Laird and Mark Ellwood

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

An around-the-world cruise is often thought of as the pinnacle of a  sailing vacation . Some cruisers treat these multi-month journeys as once-in-a-lifetime trips; others are frequent guests, a world cruise but one piece of their annual travel plans. There are also the enduring tales of older travelers who elect for extended world voyages as an unconventional retirement plan . (Though as onboard WiFi becomes more reliable, it's now possible to work remote from many cruise ships, as well.)

Whatever the reason, the allure of this mode of travel is strong. Why not unpack once, enjoying fairy godmother-like service, exemplary amenities, and always-changing views for months on end? Plenty of cruisers with time and money on their hands do exactly that, choosing an extended at-sea lifestyle for at least a portion of the year. Around-the-world cruises often run from early January through March or April, although new off-season itineraries are being introduced.

If an epic voyage across multiple oceans and continents fits into your future, be prepared to plan the trip far in advance. World cruises have a strong following among cruisers—many of the sailings can sell out up to a year before departure. Travelers can also book shorter “segments” joining the ship for only a portion of the journey, but cruise lines often add significant value-adds to those booking the entire voyage—everything from free business class airfare to other exclusives like special parties and invite-only shore excursions.

Here's everything travelers need to know about taking an around-the-world cruise, including tricks from veteran world cruisers, booking tips, and some of the best itineraries in 2025 and beyond.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Booking tips for around-the-world cruises

How much is a cruise to go around the world.

World cruises, which may not actually circumnavigate the globe entirely, but are generally in a category that covers at least three continents and lasts from 90 to 150 days, generally start around $140 per passenger per night based on double occupancy. All in all, the cost of 100-plus day world cruise can range from $16,000 to over $800,000 per person, depending on the line and cabin type.

Is an around the world cruise worth it?

That’s certainly subjective, but travelers already accustomed to cruising—who appreciate the amenities of a ship and the lifestyle of a new port to view through the window every few days—will likely consider world cruises good value.

How much does a 180-day cruise around the world cost?

The longest world voyages we found generally lasted up to 140 to 150 days at their upper limits, although Oceania Cruises world cruises can be 180 days or more, starting at $48,799 per passenger.

Advice from frequent world cruisers

Roger Foenander and his partner David Mutton—loyalists to Viking Cruises —note the lack of pressure to see and do things within a tight timeframe on longer journeys, which provides plenty of freedom to relax. That might mean attending onboard enrichment lectures, spending the afternoon playing cards with fellow passengers, or dipping into the onboard spa and sauna before cocktail hour.

Linda Wiseman, who has traveled with Cunard , suggests new faces can help get ahead of any monotony: “In the dining room, we tell the maître d’ not to seat us with another couple who is sailing the whole thing—that way, our seat mates switch every few weeks, and we can meet different people.”

New Orleans-based philanthropist and veteran world cruiser Phyllis Taylor observes that these sailings are a class set apart, without the frenzied pace of shorter itineraries: “The difference between a short cruise and a  world cruise  is night and day, storm and calm, fleeting thought and thoughtfulness. I enter the bar in the evening, in no time my favorite song is being played, my favorite drinks sit before me. I go to dinner and my favorite table is waiting for me, and my waiter has already served the iced water with lemon just as I like it."

But the real value of a world cruise, Taylor says, is the chance to fully immerse in and savor the experience: “With an extended cruise you absorb the lifestyle of life at sea; with the great advantage of having a crew and staff that treats you like royalty.”

The best around-the-world cruise itineraries

You can book world cruises in their entirety or join one leg of the journey for a shorter voyage.

Silversea’s 136-day sailing onboard their newest ship, Silver Dawn , will embark in Tokyo in January 2025. Called Controtempo , the cruise will sail in the opposite direction and season of many world cruises, taking in Japan and China in January before heading to Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka, the Maldives , and Seychelles in February. The ship will spend the spring making its way up Africa’s Atlantic Coast—arriving in the Baltic Sea before cruising to Iceland and Greenland (an uncommon call for World Cruises), then tracing Newfoundland and New England to New York.

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Fares start at $77,560 “Port-to-Port” or $79,060 “Door-to-Door,” which includes business class airfare and transfers—including pickups and drop-offs in the traveler’s home city.

Princess Cruises

Most world cruises departing from North America head to sea in January, but in 2026 Princess Cruises will be offering 114-day World Cruises during the northern summer. Departing in early May from Auckland, New Zealand; or Sydney or Brisbane, Australia (mid-autumn in the Southern Hemisphere), the sailings are timed to arrive in Western and Northern Europe during the peak of summer, promising endless sunny days.

The sailing also has a number of long stretches of sea days for cruisers who like time to unwind and enjoy the amenities of the ship, Crown Princess . Some of the longer ocean crossings, like Brisbane to Bali and Colombo, Sri Lanka to Aqaba, Jordan will take a week or longer, while three other ocean crossings are at least four days.

Inside cabins start at $15,588 per passenger or from $22,248 for Princess Plus fares, which includes beverages, WiFi, and onboard gratuities.

Crystal’s land partnerships with parent company Abercrombie & Kent are front and center during their 2025 World Cruise , a 123-night sailing departing from Fort Lauderdale on January 7 onboard the Crystal Serenity —fresh off a complete refurbishment that reduced the total number of cabins, which now all offer butler service in every room or suite category.

With port calls in South America, Africa, India, the Middle East, and Europe, Crystal will offer guests a number of overland packages in partnership with Abercrombie & Kent—think multi-night side trips to the Galápagos Islands , Machu Picchu, the Serengeti, Taj Mahal, or Karnak Temple.

Guests booking Crystal's full World Cruise will have included Business Class airfare, $1,500 shipboard credit, luggage valet, and airport transfers. Fares start at $66,500 per passenger based on double occupancy in an Ocean View Deluxe stateroom.

Regent's luxury world cruises tend to sell out far in advance.

Regent Seven Seas

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has already opened their 2027 world cruise for booking—and they have a tendency to sell out quickly. It will be the first year a larger Explorer Class ship, the Seven Seas Splendor , will undertake the world voyage, calling at 71 ports en route from Miami to New York in January 2027.

The routing will take the ship from the Caribbean to the Pacific coast of Mexico via the Panama Canal, Hawaii, several ports in French Polynesia (calling twice at both Moorea and Bora Bora), Australia, Southeast Asia, India, the Persian Gulf, the Eastern and Western Mediterranean, and Bermuda before arriving in New York.

Early bookers will get a long list of added amenities, including first class airfare, a pre-cruise gala in Miami, exclusive shoreside experiences in Panama City, Colombo, and Málaga , unlimited shore excursions, unlimited beverages, gratuities, transfers, door-to-door luggage service, and unlimited laundry, dry cleaning, and pressing. Fares start at $91,449 per passenger and go up to $839,999 per passenger for the ship’s most luxurious suite.

Oceania Cruises

Many world cruises depart in January and sail in the 100- to 140-day range, mostly wrapping up by April or May. Oceania’s 180-day world cruises last until midsummer, and are often “true” around-the-world sailings, ending in the same port they first embarked from.

Oceania’s 2025 Global Horizons sailing lasts a whopping 196 days onboard Insignia , roundtrip from Miami. The sailing includes several destinations in the Eastern Caribbean, and—extraordinary for a world voyage—a week of scenic cruising along the Amazon River . The voyage continues in South America before crossing the Atlantic to the remote islands of Tristan de Cunha, a British Overseas Territory, before making landfall again in Namibia , tracing the African coast through South Africa, Mozambique, and the French department of Mayotte (another rare stop for a cruise), island-hopping in the Indian Ocean before calling in India.

The sailing covers a lot of ground in Asia—Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, China, Japan, the Philippines, Brunei, and Indonesia—before cruising the west and south coasts of Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji, French Polynesia, and Hawaii. Crossing the Pacific to San Diego the ship then hops down the coasts of Mexico and Central America through the Panama Canal before returning to Miami in mid-July.

Oceania’s 2026 Around the World in 180 Days sailing is also roundtrip from Miami. Sailing westbound, the itinerary covers the east and west coasts of South America, the South Pacific, Australia, Southeast Asia, and much of the Middle East before transiting the Mediterranean to spend significant time in northwestern Europe and the Baltic Sea before crossing the far north Atlantic via Iceland and Canada before returning to Miami.

Starting fares for each of the world voyages currently range from $48,799 to to $57,999, including a number of value-adds like roundtrip airfare and airport transfers, plus a number of added onboard amenities.

Cruise ships to return to Baltimore two months after bridge collapse

Royal Caribbean and Carnival temporarily relocated to Norfolk after the Key Bridge collapse in March.

Cruises will soon set sail from Baltimore again, resuming operations two months after a cargo ship took down the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

In an X post on Wednesday, the Port of Baltimore revealed that Royal Caribbean International’s Vision of the Seas would leave on May 25 for a five-night trip to Bermuda. It will be the first cruise from a major carrier that leaves from Baltimore since the deadly bridge collapse on March 26.

The cruise line confirmed the news, saying in a statement it “looks forward to returning to the Port of Baltimore once again.”

Three major cruise lines sail from Baltimore, though only two had ships based at the port during the spring. No cruise ships were in port when the accident happened. After some scrambling , Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line both moved their Baltimore-based operations to Norfolk.

Carnival said in a statement that it plans to sail the Pride from Norfolk on May 19. That ship is expected to finish the cruise in Baltimore a week later. Because of those plans, the cruise line is encouraging guests to make their way to Baltimore ahead of the trip, and take a free, Carnival-provided bus more than 200 miles to Norfolk.

The ship is scheduled to leave Baltimore for a 14-day Greenland and Canada itinerary on May 26 before resuming seven-day Bahamas or Caribbean cruises.

“We remain in close contact with local, state and federal officials regarding the return of our operations at the Port of Baltimore,” Carnival said. The port said Wednesday it could only confirm Royal Caribbean’s schedule.

Norwegian Cruise Line does not have any Baltimore sailings scheduled until September. American Cruise Lines, a smaller company that operates river and coastal cruises, was able to start operating Chesapeake Bay trips from Baltimore earlier this month.

More than 444,000 people cruised out of Baltimore’s port last year, according to a news release issued by Maryland Gov. Wes Moore’s office.

Baltimore bridge collapse

How it happened: Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed after being hit by a cargo ship . The container ship lost power shortly before hitting the bridge, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) said. Video shows the bridge collapse in under 40 seconds.

Victims: Divers have recovered the bodies of two construction workers , officials said. They were fathers, husbands and hard workers . A mayday call from the ship prompted first responders to shut down traffic on the four-lane bridge, saving lives.

Economic impact: The collapse of the bridge severed ocean links to the Port of Baltimore, which provides about 20,000 jobs to the area . See how the collapse will disrupt the supply of cars, coal and other goods .

Rebuilding: The bridge, built in the 1970s , will probably take years and cost hundreds of millions of dollars to rebuild , experts said.

43 Carnival Cruise Line tips, tricks and hacks to enhance your vacation at sea

Want to hear a secret that will enhance your upcoming Carnival cruise? How about 43?

Carnival Cruise Line 's affordable rates and plethora of U.S. departures means it attracts a lot of first-time cruisers. No matter how much research you do, it's hard to be completely prepared to step onto a ship for the first time.

You learn so much on that first sailing that you may wish you could go back and get a do-over to maximize your time on board and ashore.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

As someone who's sailed Carnival for 15-plus years, I have learned a lot of useful information about how to make the most of a "Fun Ship" sailing.

Learn from my experiences — and mistakes. Here are 43 Carnival Cruise Line tips, tricks and hacks that you can use to get maximum enjoyment out of your first Carnival cruise or next vacation at sea.

Book early for low fares, but check the fine print

Carnival's Early Saver fares offer some of the lowest base prices for cruises outside of special promotions. They also come with price protection should the rate drop on your sailing after you've booked.

You can only book these fares on cruises departing more than two or three months from the booking date. However, make sure you read the fine print before committing. If you have to cancel or change your cruise before final payment date, you will be assessed a $50 per-person fee, and your deposit will be returned only as a future cruise credit that expires within the year.

In general, booking cruises early is a good idea to lock in the best rates, as well as the best cabin availability.

Book shoulder-season cruises to save

Carnival can be a budget-friendly line, but you can save more by sailing at less popular times of year.

For example, Alaska cruises in May and September will be cheaper than peak-season sailings in July. Caribbean cruises in November before the holidays will be more affordable than the same itineraries during winter or spring break weeks.

Take advantage of drive-to cruise ports

Carnival ships embark passengers from more U.S. ports than any other major cruise line.

That means beyond the main ports in Florida, New York and California, you can sail from places like Baltimore, Jacksonville, Charleston, Mobile, Norfolk and Tampa.

Driving to your cruise port can save you money over flying. Also, the older ships sailing from these destinations often have an abundance of affordable cabins.

Be rewarded for your military service

Carnival Cruise Line rewards servicemen and women with a military appreciation gathering on every sailing, a Heroes Tribute Lounge on select ships and military discounts on every cruise .

Active and retired members of the U.S. and Canadian militaries can take advantage of a few extra dollars off their cruise bookings.

Use the best price guarantee to combat buyer's remorse

If the cruise fare drops within 48 hours of your booking, you can take advantage of Carnival's best price guarantee to receive 110% of the difference back in onboard credit.

The line also guarantees shore excursion pricing. The fine print is complicated, so make sure you understand it before submitting a claim.

You don't have to pay all at once

Various cruise payment plans are available for Carnival cruisers who need them.

Carnival EasyPay is available on select cruises booked at least five months in advance. Pay the deposit when you book, and the cruise line will charge your credit card once a month until the cruise is paid in full, with no added fees.

Alternatively, travelers can book their cruise and pay using Financing Powered by Uplift. It's essentially a loan that you can pay back over up to 18 months.

Earn more on your purchase when you pay with a rewards card

A cruise can be an affordable vacation or a hefty investment, so make sure you make the most of your purchase.

Book your Carnival sailing with a credit card that earns points, miles or cash back. Even better, use a card that earns extra rewards on travel purchases.

If you're in the market for a new card, apply for one before you book your vacation at sea and apply the cost of your cruise toward your minimum spend to earn the signup bonus.

Research your ship before you commit to it

The oldest, smallest ships in Carnival's fleet are the 2,130-passenger Carnival Elation and Carnival Paradise. The newest, largest vessel is the 5,282-passenger Carnival Celebration .

All of the line's cruise ships, built over decades, do not offer all of the same public spaces, restaurants and cabin styles. Make sure you look up information about what your ship offers before booking. You don't want to get excited about a specific restaurant or onboard roller coaster only to discover it's not available on the ship you booked.

Protect your vacation investment with insurance

Life is unpredictable. A snowstorm, illness, car accident or flight delay could all cause you to miss your Carnival cruise.

If it would be a hardship to lose your cruise payment or pay out of pocket for last-minute travel changes, make sure you purchase travel insurance from a third-party provider to protect your vacation investment.

If you have pre-existing medical conditions, you'll need to sign up for a plan within a few weeks of booking your cruise.

Take advantage of stockholder benefits

Do you own 100 shares of stock or more in the Carnival Corporation? Cruise line stockholders are entitled to receive an onboard credit of $50 to $250, depending on the length of your cruise.

Alert the line at least four weeks before your sail date to request the credit. Once on board, you'll have free money to spend on drinks, specialty dining, shore excursions or souvenirs.

Book your drinks package before you sail

A beverage package can be a great way to save on your bar bill if you typically order a lot of extra-fee sodas, beers and cocktails when you travel. Carnival Cruise Line has one of the most affordable beverage packages in the industry. Add it to your reservation before you cruise, and you can save 10% on the package price.

Book shore excursions in advance

You won't save any money by booking your shore excursions pre-cruise, but you will be able to lock in a spot on the tours you most want to take.

The most popular tours often sell out, especially ones with limited space (such as snorkel trips on small boats). You can always cancel if your plans change. Just do so more than 24 hours prior to sailing in order to get a full refund. Cancel on board and you'll be subject to a 25% cancellation fee. Tours canceled within 24 hours of arriving in that port are not eligible for any refunds.

Book specialty dining before you sail or as soon as you board

Carnival offers amazing free food, but its specialty restaurants are also worth the splurge if you're looking for variety or a date night out.

Its teppanyaki venues are hugely popular and often book up. If you want to make a reservation for an extra-fee eatery, you will want to reserve your spot as early as possible.

If you can, make restaurant reservations online as soon as you can after booking your cruise. If not, get on the ship as early as possible and reserve your table as soon as you get on board. Otherwise, you'll find yourself eating at 9 p.m. or missing out on the dining experience entirely.

Arrive a day early

When you fly or even drive to your cruise port on the day of your sailing, you're taking a risk that flight delays or traffic will cause you to miss your ship's departure.

It's always safer to build in some buffer time by planning to arrive in your embarkation port city the day before your ship is scheduled to set sail. It's an added cost, for sure, but it means you'll be less stressed going into your cruise vacation. You might also be able to explore a little in town before you board.

Choose an early arrival time

Like many cruise lines these days, Carnival attempts to make the boarding process less chaotic and crowded by assigning cruisers boarding time slots – usually half-hour windows. While you won't be turned away if you turn up late (unless you're so late that embarkation has ended), you won't be allowed in the terminal if you show up early.

If you want to make the most of your time on board, choose an early arrival time by checking into your cruise as soon as possible. That way, you can be one of the first people on board and have extra time to make reservations, eat lunch before the crowds come and enjoy top-deck attractions before everyone else discovers them.

Pay more to get to the fun first

Suite guests and high-level members of Carnival's VIFP Club loyalty program receive extra perks and priority that average cruisers do not.

However, you can buy your way into a better cruise experience with Carnival's Faster to the Fun program. Perks include access to priority boarding on embarkation day, early access to your cabin to drop your bags, expedited luggage delivery, priority access to the guest services desk, priority dining reservations, priority boarding of water shuttles from ship to shore and flexible disembarkation options.

Pack bathing suits and closed-toe shoes in your cruise carry-on

Most cruisers hand their larger suitcases over to the porters at the cruise terminal, and the suitcases are delivered to their cabins later in the afternoon. Be smart about what goes in the bag you'll carry on board , so you can make the most of your first day on the ship.

Pack a bathing suit so you can hop in the pool, hot tub or water slides before they get crowded, and bring closed-toe shoes so you can try out Carnival's ropes course, roller coaster or elevated bicycle ride. You'll also want to carry electronics and valuables, and important medications on board with you as well.

Don't overpack — Carnival cruises are casual

We know you want to take all your fun outfits on your vacation but overpacking means lugging around heavy suitcases and potentially paying extra to check multiple bags. A Carnival cruise is a casual affair, so it's easy to keep things simple and not overpack.

According to Carnival's dress code , jeans and nice shorts (i.e. not gym shorts or cut-offs) are acceptable dinner attire on most evenings.

A couple of evenings will be deemed Cruise Elegant, but you don't need a tux. Just look dressy, and you'll be fine. We've all seen people wear jeans on these nights, and no one turns them away. Or, eat at the buffet, where it's always casual.

Pick one color scheme so you don't need as many shoes. Also, feel free to wear items more than once — you'll never see most of these people again anyway.

Bring your own toiletries

Carnival cruise ships provide the bare minimum of toiletries — bar soap to wash your hands, dispensers of generic shampoo and body wash in the shower.

You'll be better off bringing your favorite skin and haircare brands. You'll also want to bring a first aid kit with common over-the-counter medicines, bandages, feminine hygiene products and aloe cream for sunburns.

In a pinch, you can usually purchase these items on board, but they'll be overpriced and restricted to only a few products.

Pack these other key items for your Carnival cruise

We know you're good with sunscreen and underwear, but there are a few cruise-specific items new cruisers might not think to add to their cruise packing list .

Carnival cabin walls are magnetic, so bring magnetic clips and hooks to keep baseball hats, lightweight jackets and shore excursion tickets off the desk and couch and neatly hung on the walls.

Lanyards are ideal, especially for little kids, to keep your cruise card close when your clothes don't have pockets. Pack towel clips to keep your pool towel from blowing off your lounge chair. Pick fun designs to readily identify your chair in the sea of sunbathers.

Bring your own beverages

Port and ship security will shut you down if you try to smuggle most alcoholic beverages on board.

However, Carnival does allow each guest to bring 12 cans or cartons of nonalcoholic drinks (like soda, juice or seltzer), as well as one bottle of wine. This can save you money if you don't buy a drinks package. You will be charged a $15 corkage fee if you wish to drink your own wine in an onboard restaurant or bar.

Download the Carnival HUB app

The Carnival HUB app is essential for planning your cruise both before and after you're on board. It allows you to make reservations for dinner and purchase tours, spa treatments and onboard Wi-Fi.

It allows you to view the daily schedule of activities and create a personal schedule of your favorites, peruse menus for onboard restaurants, check your onboard bill and look up deck plans of your ship. You can also order food delivered to your poolside lounge chair and text your friends for a nominal fee.

The app is free, and you do not need a cruise ship internet plan to access it.

Keep your phone in airplane mode

You'll use your phone for all sorts of things on a Carnival cruise — snapping photos, scanning QR codes to pull up menus and using the HUB app.

Purchase a Wi-Fi plan, and you can text, browse the internet and post to social media. However, you must remember to put your phone on airplane mode as soon as the ship sets sail. Otherwise, your phone will switch to satellite roaming, and you'll be charged an expensive fee for data and phone use while at sea.

Book the Bolt roller coaster soon as you board

Bolt is Carnival's new roller coaster attraction found on Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration. The thrill ride is tons of fun, but a maximum of four people can ride it at any one time. Reserve a spot as early as you can to make sure you get to try the attraction.

Because the roller coaster cannot operate when it's especially windy, the top-deck ride often gets shut down on sea days. Choose a port day for your turn on the coaster, or book a spot on the first sea day, so you have time to rebook if the attraction closes before you can ride it.

Request tables early for open-seating dining

When you want to eat at a non-reservation sit-down dining venue for breakfast and lunch (and dinner, if you've chosen Carnival's Anytime Dining plan), you must request a table on the HUB app, and you'll be alerted when one is ready.

Sometimes a table is ready right away. However, if you're aiming for a popular restaurant at dinner, you may be in for a wait.

Instead of booking immediately when you want to eat, request your dinner table 30 minutes early, especially if you want to eat between 6 and 7:30 p.m. At worst, you'll get a spot a little earlier or later than you desire, but you won't be forced to eat at 5 or 9 p.m.

Ask for a real menu

Carnival has gone digital with restaurant and bar menus. You can find them on the HUB app or by scanning the QR codes set on every table.

However, if you left your phone in the cabin or your eyes can't take the small print, ask for a traditional paper menu. The bars and restaurants always have some on hand.

Don't miss the sea day brunch

One of Carnival's best-included meals is the sea day brunch, offered all morning long on days with no port stops.

The wide menu runs the gamut from traditional breakfast items to more savory lunch entrees and includes menu items you won't find on other days. If you don't get to try every dish you'd like, don't worry; you can always come back the next sea day.

You can sit down for lunch at specialty restaurants

At lunchtime, most Carnival cruisers flock to the line's counter-service venues — Guy's Burger, Shaq's Big Chicken, the pizzeria, the deli counter and the buffet.

However, don't forget about sit-down options, many of which are free. Both Cucina del Capitano and Chibang! offer complimentary lunches, or you can enjoy Emeril's New Orleans fare or sushi for an extra charge.

Take your little kids for breakfast with Dr. Seuss

Once per cruise, Carnival transforms a section of one of its main dining rooms into a Dr. Seuss-themed wonderland and invites families to dine on whimsical morning fare.

Kid-friendly music plays in the background and favorite Seuss characters come out to pose for photos. The Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast (and, yes, you can order that famous storybook meal) does cost extra. Make reservations early in the cruise via the HUB app. This one's a must for the preschool set, but older kids might be too cool for Seuss school.

Look for breakfast venues beyond the buffet

Carnival ships have many overlooked breakfast spots that can make dining a pleasure when the buffet is packed.

You can find a buffet outpost of breakfast staples at Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse, eggs and biscuits at Big Chicken and breakfast burritos at BlueIguana Cantina. Or, pick up a ready-made bite with your coffee at JavaBlue Cafe.

Ask for off-menu veggie burgers at Guy's Burger Joint

Guy's Burger Joint is an homage to the carnivore. Order up patties made from bacon or burgers covered in chili.

However, if you lean toward a more plant-based lifestyle, you can still indulge in burgers topped with onions and mushrooms from the toppings bar.

It's not on the menu, but you can request a veggie burger, and the dining staff can heat you up a meatless burger (with or without cheese). It might take a few minutes longer than the ready-made cheeseburgers, but it's worth the wait.

Don't miss the dinner show

Carnival's dining room staff is an energetic lot, and they strut their stuff in nightly song-and-dance routines in the ship's main restaurants.

It is perfectly acceptable to get up and dance along with them or wave your napkin to the beat. (But please, shake the crumbs out first.) Some crew members are more talented dancers than others, but everyone loves to join in the fun.

You don't have to finish your bottle of wine

It's always cheaper to buy wine by the bottle than by the glass, and Carnival's restaurants are no exception to this rule.

However, if you think you might want a glass or two with dinner on several nights, go ahead and order that bottle. If you don't finish it, Carnival's wait staff will save it for you, and you can request it on another night.

They'll even pass the bottles from one restaurant to the next, so you can order something special in the steakhouse and finish it in the main dining room the next night.

Say no to the souvenir glass

Many fun drinks come in souvenir glasses, especially at Carnival's poolside bars. What you're going to do with a container that's shaped like Carnival's iconic split funnel once you're back home is anyone's guess.

Instead of cluttering up your suitcase with souvenir cups bound for the dusty back corners of your cabinets, ask for the same drink in a regular glass. It will also shave a buck or two off the cost of your drink.

Bring refillable bottles

Don't waste money and landfill space on endless bottles of water on your Caribbean cruise. Instead, bring a reusable water bottle and fill it up at the buffet or in your cabin each morning.

In the same vein, only coffee you pay for comes in a to-go cup. Bring a travel mug to get complimentary tea and coffee from the buffet and take it with you wherever you go on board.

Use your loyalty benefits

Free bottled water and cocktails, a special chocolate dessert, complimentary laundry and free specialty dining are some of the perks you can enjoy when you gain higher tiers of status in Carnival's VIFP Club loyalty program.

While some perks may be delivered to your cabin (such as souvenir gifts and special event invites), others you may need to seek out. Read up on which perks you're eligible for and be sure to take advantage of the money-saving offers.

Don't miss the Towel Animal Takeover

Once per cruise, often on the last sea day, Carnival's room stewards really work their magic by "taking over" the pool deck with their towel animal creations.

Stop by the pool around breakfast time and you'll be amazed to find a different towel animal on every lounge chair, plus some extra-large critters huddled around the pools and hot tubs. It's a fun photo opp not to be missed.

Line up early for shows

Carnival's comedy shows and musical numbers in the Celebrations Central venues on its newest ships often have more demand than seats available. If you want to guarantee a spot at a specific show, or get a preferred seat without blocked sightlines, you'll need to line up early.

Don't think you can sneak into the end of the show before and stay through to the next one. Carnival staff will clear the theater before inviting the next crop of audience members in to find a seat.

Don't miss the live music

Carnival puts special emphasis on live music, and you can often find a solo artist or small ensemble performing in the atrium, casino, bar areas or by the pool. If you like pop songs by piano, the piano bar always attracts an enthusiastic crowd. Country, classical and covers — you can make your way through the musical gamut as you bar hop at night.

Take your little ones to Camp Ocean

Camp Ocean, Carnival's kids club, takes children as young as 2 and doesn't mind if your kid is still in diapers. This is unusual in the cruise world, as most kids clubs on other lines start at age 3.

In addition, the extra-fee Night Owls group babysitting (from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.) welcomes junior cruisers as young as 6 months. Parents can use these services to get a break or a night out away from their toddlers and tykes.

Watch sailaway from a secret deck

On many Carnival cruise ships, you can find small outdoor seating areas at the forward end of several of the cabin corridors. These tucked-away public verandas of sorts are not well known, so you can often have them to yourself during scenic cruising, such as sailaway or when you're approaching a port.

You'll know you're getting close to a secret deck when you find a door with a porthole window at the end of a cabin corridor, instead of another hallway with doors leading to forward-facing cabins. The doors are sometimes locked at night or in high winds, so try again later if you can't get through.

Don't double tip

Carnival adds an 18% service charge to your bill whenever you order a drink at a bar or pay for a meal at an extra-charge restaurant. Gratuities are automatically added to spa bills, as well.

You do not need to tip above this, though many passengers get confused or add a tip because they're used to always adding one back on land. Tip extra for impressive service if you like, but do not feel compelled to add an additional gratuity above the automatic one.

Seek out shade past the cabanas on Half Moon Cay

Half Moon Cay, Carnival's private island in the Bahamas, is a great stop for a beach day. Its shores are full of soft, white sand, but there's not much shade to be found for those of us who burn easily.

You can pay extra for a clamshell to cover your lounge chair or to rent a cabana . If you seek shade without a price tag, though, you do have an option — but you have to walk for it.

Head past the bars and cabanas and main rows of lounge chairs to the far side of the beach. Here's you'll find a few hammocks tucked among the trees and loungers you can pull into the shade. (You'll also find the off-duty crew hanging out here as well.)

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New Saudi cruise line bans alcohol, CDs and ‘magazines that violate public decency’

Exclusive: many banned items are unlikely to be found in passengers’ luggage, such as handcuffs, soldering irons and paint thinner, article bookmarked.

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Passengers booking voyages on Saudi Arabia ’s first cruise ship have been warned not to bring scissors, CDs or ‘magazines that violate public decency’ on board.

The vessel – which shares the name Aroya with the state-owned cruise line – is due to make its maiden voyage in December this year. Initially the ship will be sailing from its home port on the Red Sea, Jeddah, to Aqaba in Jordan and two Egyptian ports: Sharm el Sheikh on the Sinai Peninsula and Ain Sokhna, south of Suez.

Passengers are expected to comply with a long list of banned “dangerous goods, articles, and substances”.

Among them, “any substances that may affect mental health or similar items”. These include “alcoholic beverages of all types”.

The Saudi venture is believed to be the first cruise line on which the consumption of alcohol is not part of the voyage experience. Aroya will have an “exclusive VIP lounge and bar” that serves nothing stronger than coffee or fruit juice.

Other cruise firms are banned from serving alcohol while in Saudi ports or coastal waters. MSC Cruises says: “On respect to the Saudi law, alcohol will not be served during the calls in Saudi Arabian ports. Alcohol will be available to our guests when the ship sails in international waters.”

Yet strong drink is only one of dozens of items that are not allowed on board Aroya . Passengers are told: “Please review our Prohibited Items Policy before packing your bags to avoid any inconvenience during your journey.”

Some banned items are obvious: guns, ammunition and swords. Others are unlikely to be in the luggage of the average cruise passenger, such as soldering irons, tear gas and paint thinner.

At the foot of the rules is the heading: “Any additional items that may impact safety procedures, cause panic, or disrupt public decency.” These include:

• Compact discs
• Magazines that violate public decency

Among other items on the banned list are natural ivory, drones, fishing nets and “sticks of all kinds and similar items, except those used for sanitary purposes such as toothbrushes”.

Prohibited “sharp objects” include scissors and open razor blades.

Many passengers may be alarmed to see that “devices that contain non-removable batteries” are banned. Mobile phones, tablets and laptops could all breach this rule.

A regular cruise holidaymaker, Richard Salkeld, said: “Increased choice has driven competition and enabled greater access to cruise holidays for many more people than ever before.

“However, holidays can be stressful enough when considering the planning and document requirements demanded by airports, airlines, destination countries and cruise companies.

“Therefore anything which reduces consumer choice and adds further complexity, challenge or restrictions to a cruise break could also significantly limit the appeal to prospective customers.”

While British cruise fans are welcome on board Aroya , the main aim is to cater for nationals of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states. The company says: “Aroya Cruises aims to provide exceptional all-year-round experiences tailored to Saudi and GCC nationals and residents.”

Thirsty passengers will be able to drink beer ashore in both Egypt and Jordan during ports of call.

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