Advice & Tips

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.

Did you know that there are cruise ships at sea that are longer than the Eiffel Tower? Wonder of the Seas measures a whopping 1,083 feet long, with Icon of the Seas coming in even longer at 1,198 feet. 

With so many activities going on simultaneously, it's rather easy to get separated from your party. Some may want to lounge by the pool, while others want to explore the youth clubs or attend trivia at one of the lounges. 

One of the biggest shopping days of the year is finally here: Black Friday. Although most people think of massive discounts on electronics, savvy travelers know that Black Friday is also a great time to prepare for their next cruise.

When packing for your cruise, you should make sure to review not only what’s allowed onboard your cruise ship, but also the destinations you’ll be visiting. Each cruise line has a long list of prohibited items that are banned onboard their vessels; however, cruise ship passengers are also required to follow local laws and regulations in each port of call.

Cruising for the first time can be equally exciting as it is nerve-racking. For those who have never stepped foot on a cruise ship before, everything onboard is a new experience — both good and bad.

When you go to book a cruise, you will notice that the price is per person, rather than per night like standard hotels. 

This can lead to a bit of sticker shock. If the going rate for a balcony cabin is $1,000 per person, does that mean you will actually have to pay $4,000 for your family of four?

That price does not even include other miscellaneous things, like flights, pre-cruise hotels, shore excursions, and other cruise add-ons. 

The longer your cruise is, the more time you will have to explore everything your ship has to offer. Plus, you will be able to visit more ports of call, allowing you to explore more of the world. 

7-night cruises are popular choices for families. 3- and 4-night sailings can often leave a lot to be desired, whereas it may be difficult to schedule longer cruises due to school and work schedules.