Advice & Tips

From news reports of passengers falling overboard to ships being quarantined due to outbreaks of diseases, one might question if it's safe to go on a cruise. 

While there are inherent risks with any form of travel, you can rest assured knowing the cruise lines have implemented safety protocols and health measures to help ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience. 

That, however, doesn't mean that you can disregard common sense. While onboard your cruise, you must exercise caution, especially when going ashore. 

What really works to minimize seasickness?

As soon as I got on my first cruise, I realized that I was susceptible to seasickness. 

Once the ship begins moving, I start feeling nauseous, dizzy, and sick. This makes it hard for me to focus and enjoy the cruise vacation.

It certainly pays to be loyal to a specific cruise line, as the more you sail, the better perks that you'll get. However, not all loyalty programs are designed the same way. 

Since I began cruising in the early 2000s, I've been on over a dozen sailings on five different lines, including MSC Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean, and I've learned that I prefer certain lines over others due to the benefits of their programs. 

People often perceive cruises to be centered around eating, drinking, and gambling. This, however, is far from the truth. While eating is certainly an important aspect of any cruise, those who aren't into drinking or gambling will find more than enough activities to keep them busy while onboard. 

Cruising appeals to a diverse range of individuals, as you can choose a voyage that meets your vacation preferences. Whether you're seeking a port-intensive European adventure, relaxing tropical getaway, or scenic Alaskan journey, there's the perfect ship and itinerary for everyone.

Cruising is one of the most affordable vacation options available. When booking a cruise, your cruise fare covers dining, entertainment, accommodations, onboard activities, and transportation between ports of call.

While it’s true that your fare is quite inclusive, cruise lines have plenty of ways to get you to spend even more money once onboard. Take one look at your daily itinerary and you can find countless ways to spend money each day of your cruise.

While planning for an upcoming cruise vacation is always exciting, packing your suitcase can feel daunting. No one wants to waste time packing items that aren’t necessary to have a great cruise. Those who are new to cruising might even feel overwhelmed about what to bring onboard for their first cruise.

While most people think of cruising as a great vacation for families or a group of friends, they can make for a great solo trip, too. You do not have to worry about coordinating dinner plans or browsing through shore excursions trying to get everyone to agree on a single outing. 

Plus, with so many scheduled activities, it's easy to find an event you are interested in and strike up a conversation with others in attendance. If you ever find yourself not knowing what to talk about, simply discuss what you did while in port! 

There are plenty of ways to spend money while on your cruise ship vacation, but some of these extra costs are totally avoidable.

I think there's a fine balance between not spending a dollar extra on principle during your cruise and buying every add-on you can find. You want a fun vacation experience, but no one wants to spend more than they have to.

The holiday season is among us, and it’s the busiest time of the year! As the holidays quickly approach, you might be looking for unique gift ideas, especially for those tough-to-shop-for loved ones in your life. Cruisers and travelers alike will always appreciate travel-savvy gear for the beginning of a new travel year.