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The Ultimate Family Vacation Pools on Icon of the Seas

Here's an insider's guide to the many pools Icon of the Seas℠ will offer.

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This is Royal Caribbean’s ultimate guide to helping you take your cruising experience to the next level. Don’t just take a vacation — take an immersive cultural journey, a palate-pleasing culinary expedition, or a full-blown epic family vacation that everyone will enjoy. All you need to know and more, is just one click away.

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Relaxing Vacation Spots in the Caribbean: Peaceful Weekend Getaways

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The Most Scenic Holiday Vacations Around the World

EUROPE VACATION: REMARKABLE PLACES TO SEE IN YOUR LIFETIME

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ONCE IN A LIFETIME ALASKA CRUISE VACATION: BUCKET LIST DESTINATIONS

BEST PLACES TO TRAVEL

If you’re looking for inspiration or even if you already know exactly where you want to go, our helpful guides give you the latest scoop on top travel destinations and the best places to vacation. check them out..

the caribbean

mexican riviera

best FAMILY vacation

Want to plan a family getaway but don’t know where to start read on for the best family vacation spots and top destinations for family vacations. you’ll find everything you need to create the epic family vacay you’ve been waiting for..

The Best Time to Visit Bermuda | Royal Caribbean Cruises

April 22, 2024

Here's your guide on everything you need to know when deciding the best time to visit Bermuda.

Girls and guys weekend trip ideas: How to plan a cruise getaway | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Looking for great girls or guys weekend trip ideas? Here are some useful tips to plan the perfect getaway with your friends.

Best Long Weekend Getaways to the Bahamas on Utopia of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

April 19, 2024

Make the most of a weekend getaway Caribbean cruise to the Bahamas onboard Utopia of the Seas with these ideal travel tips.

Can You Take Days Off Without PTO? Here's What You Need to Know | Royal Caribbean Cruises

An epic vacation doesn't have to mean depleting all your vacation days. Can you take days off without PTO? Yes! Here are some ways to do it.

What's Free on Utopia of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

The new Utopia of the Seas℠ offers plenty of free restaurants, attractions and entertainment to help you plan an unforgettable, all-inclusive vacation.

How To Have the Best Family Vacation on Utopia of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Royal Caribbean's newest Oasis Class ship makes planning a family vacation easy. Here's everything you need to know.

Your Casino Drink Is a Tell | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Your casino drink will give other players a glimpse at who you are. Choose your game and your drink wisely as you spend some time at Casino Royale℠.

Free Cruise Activities | Voyager of the Seas

April 11, 2024

As one of the best cruise ships sailing, the Voyager of the Seas offers an abundance of free onboard cruise activities & vacation experiences.

What’s Free Onboard Oasis of the Seas

As one of the largest cruise ships, the Oasis of the Seas offers an abundance of free onboard cruise experiences and attractions for everyone on vacation.

How to Have Your Best Family Vacation Onboard Icon of The Seas℠

There are many reasons why Icon of The Seas℠ offers the best family vacation out there, from exceptional pools to daytime activities and rocking nightlife.

What to Know About Cruising from the Four Florida Cruise Ports | Royal Caribbean Cruises

April 10, 2024

Planning to set sail from one of the Florida cruise ports? Whether you sail from Tampa, Miami, Fort Lauderdale or Orlando, these tips will help you plan.

6 Best Cruises Out of Port Canaveral | Royal Caribbean Cruises

April 9, 2024

From short weekend getaways to family-friendly vacations and extended voyages, cruises out of Port Canaveral are the ideal island vacation getaway.

Western Caribbean Family Vacation Ideas: Icon of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

April 2, 2024

Combine the new Icon of the Seas with these top destinations for the most memorable, kid-friendly, Western Caribbean family vacation.

From NYC to Nova Scotia Vacation Ideas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Discover all the outdoor adventure activities, historic attractions and delicious foodie delights that await on a Nova Scotia vacation from NYC.

Best Weekend Cruises from Florida | Royal Caribbean Cruises

April 1, 2024

Whether you're a couple, a family or a solo traveler, weekend cruises from Florida make a fabulous quick break full of sun and sand.

Everything You Need to Plan a Perfect Day at Cococay

March 20, 2024

Planning on maximizing your experience at Perfect Day at CocoCay discover everything you need to know from record-breaking slides and rides, free kid-friendly attractions to delicious restaurants, and chilled out activities.

7 Ways To Use Onboard Credit | Royal Caribbean Cruises

March 18, 2024

Wondering what to do with onboard credit? Use it or lose it, baby! If there's one motto for how to treat your cruise credit, this is definitely it.

Best Family Vacation Onboard Mariner of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

March 11, 2024

With so many reasons why Mariner of the Seas offers some of the best options for family cruises the real decision is your next vacation destination.

Plan the Best Cruises From Venice | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Cruises from Venice can be a gateway to discovery — and not just of the places you sail to. Here are some Venice excursions to get you inspired.

How do Slot Tournaments Work? Details & Expectations | Royal Caribbean Cruises

A slot tournament at sea aboard a Royal Caribbean ship combines a relaxing cruise vacation with a fun and social way to win slot tournament cash prizes.

Benefits of Using Your SeaPass Card at Casino Royale | Royal Caribbean Cruises

What is a SeaPass® on Royal Caribbean and what are the benefits of using your SeaPass card at Casino Royale℠? VIP perks and even a free cruise, to start.

Eastern Caribbean Family Vacation Idea | Royal Caribbean Cruises

March 8, 2024

Icon of the Seas℠ offers the best eastern Caribbean family vacation around, with plenty of sunshine and beach time.

Caribbean Vacation Ideas for a Seven-Night Cruise | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Find Caribbean vacation ideas to maximize your time and fun on a seven-night Caribbean cruise, including ideas for port planning and shore excursions.

Visiting Lovely Loch Ness on Scotland Vacations | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Here's everything you need to know about visiting Loch Ness on Scotland vacations, including its history, how to get there, and the best things to do.

Fun European Vacations for Adventures | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Are you looking for your next adventure? This thrill-seekers guide will show you where to get the ultimate adrenaline fix on European vacations.

Discover Wi-Fi Cruise Packages | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Even if you plan to lose yourself in your next cruise, you'll want to stay connected. Here's what you need to know about Royal Caribbean Wi-Fi .

Tips for Summer Travel with Kids | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Planning summer travel with kids can be a breeze if you keep these tips in mind.

Everything You Need to Know About the Best Cruises For Teens | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Why is Royal Caribbean's <em>Icon of the Seas</em>℠ Caribbean sailing one of the best cruises for teens? The answer lies in the vast array of wow-worthy moments.

Planning a Trip To Alaska: Land vs. Sea | Royal Caribbean Cruises

When planning a trip to Alaska, many travelers wonder if it's better to explore the state by land or by sea. Here's why travel by cruise ship is best here.

Our Family Alaska Cruise: A Vacation We'll Never Forget | Royal Caribbean Cruises

On our family Alaska cruise, we created lifetime memories by sharing glacier spotting, dog sledding, flightseeing and other adventures with our teens.

Plan Your Best Spa Getaways | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Plan the best spa getaway possible with experiences being tailored to suit your vacation needs. Rest and rejuvenate in exotic destinations around the world.

Best Cruises from New York | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Curious about the best cruises from New York? Options include Bermuda, the Bahamas and New England. Discover these exciting cruises from Cape Liberty.

How to Plan a Culture Trip to the Caribbean Islands | Royal Caribbean Cruises

A culture trip allows you to explore the vibrant traditions, flavors and rhythms of the Caribbean islands.

A Guide to Planning the Best Family Cruises Onboard Oasis of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Plan the best family vacation, here are some of the top ways you can maximize your time traveling onboard Oasis of the Seas for your epic family cruise trip.

The Ultimate Guide to Your Caribbean Vacation| Royal Caribbean Cruises | Royal Carribean Cruises

Royal Caribbean's 2024 cruises offer the perfect Caribbean vacation, bringing you to the region's beaches, culture, history and cuisine.

What To Wear on a Cruise: Dressing for the Vacation | Royal Caribbean Cruises

When you're planning a weekend away, packing is incredibly important. If you're wondering what to wear on a cruise, this guide has you covered.

[Infographic] Eastern vs Western Caribbean

Don't know the differences between the Caribbean islands? Here's how to choose between eastern vs. western Caribbean cruise itineraries for your dream vacation.

Top Secret Vacation Spots in Europe | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Take your best European vacation with access to the top secret vacation spots to visit when traveling in Europe. Pick and save your favorite.

Caribbean Festivals with Holiday Foods | Royal Caribbean Cruises

This year, go to the Caribbean for the holidays. The combination of Caribbean festivals and local holiday foods will make it a vacation to remember.

What to Pack for a Cruise to Alaska | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Take the guess work out of what to pack for a cruise to Alaska with this guide that tells you what to bring and why you'll be glad you did!

The Best Secret Mediterranean Beaches | Royal Caribbean Cruises

From the mainstream French and Italian Rivieras to secluded idylls in the Balkans, your search for the best Mediterranean beaches ends here.

Visiting Historic Abbeys in England | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Did you know some abbeys in England are still open for visits? This guide will help you discover the most glorious and influential abbeys in England.

Top Secret Vacation Spots in the Caribbean | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Take your best Caribbean vacation with access to the top secret vacation spots to visit when traveling in the islands. Pick and save your favorite.

What Makes Royal Caribbean the Best Cruise Line? | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Having won awards year after year for our dining, entertainment, service and ships, Royal Caribbean is easily one of the best cruise lines in the world.

The Best Holiday Destinations To Visit This Season | Royal Caribbean Cruises

The best holiday destinations are those that allow you to forget your stresses back home and spend time with your closest loved ones.

The Most Famous European Cathedrals | Royal Caribbean Cruises

From Notre Dame to the iconic La Sagrada Família, here are some of the most famous European cathedrals.

Northeastern Facts to Illuminate This Beautiful US Region | Royal Caribbean Cruises

The Northeast is a must-visit destination for travelers who love food, culture, history and the outdoors. These Northeastern facts will inspire your visit.

Pablo Picasso Facts and How He Influenced the Art World | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Headed to Europe on a cruise for art immersion? Enjoy these Pablo Picasso facts for your vacation travels and save your favorite destinations.

Underrated European Travel Destinations | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Take your best European vacation with access to the top underrated travel destinations to visit when taking a vacation in Europe. Pick and save your favorite.

Best Activities for Grandparents and Grandchildren on a Cruise | Royal Caribbean Cruises

With so many activities for grandparents and grandchildren to enjoy together, a cruise vacation is the perfect choice for multi-generational families.

Fun Activities for kids in Alaska | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Fun activities for kids abound on an Alaska cruise. Embark on a thrilling journey with young explorers through breathtaking landscapes.

How to Plan a Summer Getaway Cruise That's Fun and Relaxing For All

Travel tips on planning a summer getaway cruise for kids to be one of your best summer vacations filled with fun relaxing adventures among friends and family.

Dive Into Alaska Traditions on Your Next Cruise | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Whether you're curious about Alaska native culture or other Alaska traditions, here's how to make these an integral part of your trip up north.

How to Get Travel Tuesday Cruise Deals | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Travel Tuesday cruise deals go live at midnight on Cyber Monday, and are designed to bring you discounts on experiences that you'll remember for a lifetime.

Best Affordable Summer Vacations for Families | Royal Caribbean Cruises

A smaller budget doesn't have to mean less fun. Families can look to budget cruises for affordable summer vacations that appeal to kids and adults alike.

Grenada Snorkeling: Best Places to Snorkel When Visiting St. George | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Ready to explore the best of the Caribbean's underwater world? These are some of the top spots for Grenada snorkeling near St. George's cruise port.

Planning All-Inclusive Family Vacations: Tips and Tricks | Royal Caribbean Cruises

All-inclusive family vacations, whether at a resort or on a cruise, offer the convenience of one-stop booking and activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Enjoy the Ultimate Family Vacation by the Pool on Icon of the Seas

With a pool for every day of the week, Icon of the Seas makes it easy to maximize every sun-dappled moment onboard during the ultimate family vacation.

6 Memorable Family-Friendly Attractions in the Caribbean

Looking for some top family-friendly attractions in the Caribbean? Here are the best things to do for kids and adults alike.

How to Plan the Best Hawaii Family Vacation | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Want to wow your family? Follow this guide to planning the best Hawaii family vacation.

9 Tips for Preparing Your House for an Extended Vacation | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Preparing your house for an extended vacation can seem like a huge task, but doing a few things before you go will make your trip carefree.

5 Top Kid-Friendly Places in Mexico

The best kid-friendly places in Mexico include museums, leafy plazas and ancient ruins that kids of all ages will love.

Top Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Jamaica

As a kid, I used to travel to Jamaica frequently. My parents loved traveling to the island because of the amount of kid-friendly things to do in Jamaica.

World Cruise Segments - Take One, or Take Them All!

Learn about the world cruise segments, which you can take separately or take them all for the most epic around-the-world cruise

Planning a Mini-Vacation from Los Angeles

Before embarking on cruises out of Los Angeles, enjoy a mini-vacation from LA, which might include Palm Springs, Mexico or San Diego.

How Do I Prepare My Kids for a Cruise? | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Wondering, "How do I prepare my kids for a cruise?" Check out these expert tips and activities to keep kids busy and engaged on port and sea days.

Traveling With a Toddler to Perfect Day at CocoCay | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Traveling with a toddler is easy when you book a cruise to Perfect Day at CocoCay. Read on for advice and tips for traveling with a toddler.

Why You Should Take an Alaska Summer Vacation Cruise

Most people tend to focus on the Caribbean for summer cruises, but an Alaska summer vacation can be a great option, too.

Family Cruises Onboard Icon of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Icon of the Seas is loaded with features that cater to families traveling together. Here’s how to plan the perfect family getaway onboard.

Great Ideas for Family Summer Vacations

If you're looking for great ideas for family summer vacations, take your kids on a Caribbean cruise. Cruises offer fun, safe places to travel on a budget.

Last-Minute Family Vacation Ideas

Create memorable moments. Take advantage of last-minute family vacation deals by spontaneously booking a holiday cruise for all those who you choose.

Best Restaurants on Spectrum of the Seas

Maximize your cruise vacation with the best restaurants when sailing on Spectrum of the Seas. Find the free places to eat as well as fine dining options.

Single-Parent Vacation Cruises with Kids

Discover the best travel tips to booking single-parent vacation cruises with your children traveling alongside for all the adventures and family fun.

Family Vacations on Spectrum of the Seas

Plan the most unique family vacation with the secret advantage to traveling with ease. Adventure awaits those who seek it, create your greatest experience.

Best Exotic Petting Zoos in Florida

Planning to visit the best petting zoos for exotic animals before your cruise vacation out of Florida? Enjoy insider details on these unique experiences.

Perfect Summer Getaways with Family

The best summer getaways are planned together. Create a family cruise as you sail on the perfect summer vacation to the Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska, and more.

Best Black Friday Travel Deals

Find where to get Black Friday travel deals for big savings on your ideal family getaway. Get the best Black Friday travel deals when taking a vacation on a budget.

7 Can't-Miss Cabo Day Trips

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.

The Best Travel Gifts for Dad’s Next Vacation

Dads deserve to be spoiled. Plan the ideal cruise vacation trip with an infographic guide and get ready to make memories to last a lifetime.

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

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..

[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.

The Top Free Things to Do Onboard Adventure of the Seas

April 12, 2024

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

Free Things To Do Onboard Explorer of the Seas

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.

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.

[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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

[Infographic] Top 5 Museums in Galveston

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Island-Hopping in the Caribbean for the Best Vacation Spots

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.

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. .

What to Eat at Coco Beach Club

April 8, 2024

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 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, 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.

Icon of the Seas Reveal What is included in a Cruise

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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

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

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

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Everything you need to know about one of the greatest ways to travel.

Why do you need a complete guide to cruise? We'll explain. There’s a saying around our offices that you start to hear every spring, when thoughts turn to summer vacations and we all start dreaming about days—weeks!—out of the office. Things are just better on the water, we say. Nowhere is that more true than when you’re aboard a cruise ship , pulling into a place you’ve always dreamed of visiting, or on deck under the stars in the middle of the Mediterranean, or having your personal butler bring another bottle of champagne and a full caviar service out to your private balcony overlooking those deep blues.

Yet only a small fraction of us ever give cruise ships a try: only about 3 percent of North Americans cruised in 2018, according to CLIA , the leading industry trade group, despite the fact that ships can take you places that’d be nearly impossible to see any other way (and for less cash than you’d probably expect). Don’t believe us? Let’s start with some of the hottest trends in cruising right now: expeditions . Whether to the Arctic or the Galapagos, a growing interest in smartly designed expedition ships are taking travelers—along with marine biologists and other experts—to witness whale migrations, glaciers calving, and giant tortoises strolling around national parks. There’s the perennial cruise favorite, Alaska, which makes a large state where nature dominates and where interstate highways aren’t proliferous much more accessible and navigable.

We regularly hear from readers that it’s hard deciding which cruise ship is right for you—and we get it. The truth is, there’s much more available on the market than you may realize, so if you start with the kind of trip you want to take, we can match you with a ship and itinerary that will deliver. Want small and personable and accessible? River cruising has your name all over it. Have active kids in the mix, of different ages, all of whom need entertainment—and access to other kids their age? You might want a large, tech-forward ship that has as much going on on-board as it does in the ports you visit. Maybe you need to be pampered with just a friend or partner in tow. There’s a wide network of luxury cruises that rival even the most indulgent resorts.

If your vacation time is limited or long trips are hard for you, there’s a huge surge in short-haul sailing —even in a place like Europe, which was once known for catering to leisurely trips. What about if you want to venture out alone? Fear not, solo travelers, the cruise industry wants you to sail with them , too.

We’re now entering the golden age of travel by ship, where there’s a cruise out there for everyone. Which is why we built this guide, the complete guide to cruise, to help you find it, book it, and experience it like a pro. After all, who wouldn't want to spend more time at sea?

The Best New Cruises in the World: 2024 Hot List

By CNT Editors

This New ‘Standby’ Cruise Fare Costs Just $49 Per Day—but Is It Worth It?

By Jessica Puckett

What Happens If You Miss Your Cruise Ship?

Windstar's New Winter Cruises Through the Mediterranean Are Designed for Curious Travelers

By Laura Itzkowitz

The Best Mississippi River Cruises to Discover America's Heartland

By Jackie Sheckler Finch

Planning a cruise

You Can Now Book an Ultra-Luxe Ritz-Carlton Yacht Voyage with Marriott Bonvoy Points

By Ramsey Qubein

Everything to Know Before Booking Your First Cruise

By Mark Ellwood and Ramsey Qubein

11 Things You Should Never Do On a Cruise

By Sherri Eisenberg and Elissa Garay

How to Book a Cruise With Points and Miles

Cruise Cancellation Policies: What to Know

By Elissa Garay

The Secret Trick That Can Save Up to 40 Percent on Cruise Ships

By Suzanne Rowan Kelleher

Everything You Need to Know About Tipping on a Cruise

The Pros and Cons of Booking Cruise and Flight Packages

By Stefanie Waldek

How Cruise Ship Cabins Are Changing to Better Serve Groups and Families

By Megan duBois

Packing for a cruise

What to Pack for a Cruise

By Madison Flager

9 Essential Items You’re Forgetting to Pack for a Cruise

How to Tackle These Cruise Ports Before Setting Sail

By Erin Florio

Sailings you will not want to miss

On Board the Celebrity Apex, a Mega Ship With Martini Bars and Duplex Suites

The Top Cruise Lines in the World: 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards

The Best Private Yacht Charters for Small Groups

By Fran Golden

10 Memorable Cruises for Every Occasion

The Best Antarctica Cruises for Catching 2021’s Solar Eclipse

By Zoe Baillargeon

Expedition Cruising 101: What You Need to Know

By Judy Koutsky

4 Cruises Hand-Picked for Divers and Snorkelers

By Terry Ward

A New Yacht Lets Divers Explore Raja Ampat in Style

By Stephanie Wu

Older Sailing Ships Are Making a Comeback

By Mark Ellwood

Star Wars Day at Sea Brings the Force to Your Disney Cruise

By Susan B. Barnes

Sailing Through Alaska on the Country’s Only Indigenous-Owned Cruise Line

By Bailey Berg

As More Ports Ban Mega Cruise Ships, What Is the Future of the Largest Vessels?

By Scott Laird

Onboard Obsession: Sleeping Under the Northern Lights in a Glass Igloo

Cruise Etiquette: The Dos and Don'ts of Cruise Ship Art Auctions

The Best Cruise Deals of Wave Season 2024

By Paris Wilson

Wave Season Is the Best Time to Score Cruise Deals—Here's How

A New Cruise Is Making the Islands of Japan’s Seto Inland Sea More Accessible

By Kate Crockett

Exploring Senegal's Vibrant Countryside by River Cruise

By J.R. Patterson

Cruise Etiquette: How and Why to Book with a Cruise Specialist

The World's Largest Cruise Ship Is Coming in January—Here's What It's Like Inside

The Best New Cruise Ships and Itineraries for 2024

Seeing a Beloved Slice of Southeast Asia Anew on an Oceania Cruise

By Ashlea Halpern

6 Cruises to the Most Remote Destinations on Earth

Cruise Ship Etiquette: Breaking Down Tip Culture

Sailing the Aegean Sustainably—Just Like the Ancients Did

A Wave of Luxury Superyachts Offer a More Intimate Way to Cruise

These Fall Cruises Are Going to Alaska, Mexico, and More—And There’s Still Time to Book

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Cruise travel guides

Including a cruise within your wider trip gives you a chance to explore your destination fully, visiting remote regions and setting eyes on landscapes and wildlife you’d otherwise miss. You might visit uninhabited islands in the Pacific, spot polar bears in Svalbard, or witness a glacier calving huge chunks of ice into the ocean along Alaska’s untamed coastline.

Our specialists have experienced a wide range of cruises, testing out different ships and routes. They’ve shared their first-hand knowledge in our collection of travel guides below to help you decide where and how to cruise. Covering a variety of destinations, each guide is filled with insider tips and recommendations so you can prepare for your next voyage.

Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our destination specialists

• 617-223-4521 617-223-4521
• Make an inquiry

Inspiration for your cruise

Our cruise specialists regularly travel to discover new experiences and explore untried areas. They love nothing more than sharing their ideas and experiences to help you plan your ideal cruise holiday. We’ve written these travel guides based on our own first-hand cruise experiences to help inform and inspire your next trip.

Arctic cruises to Svalbard

Polar specialist Tom shares his experiences of expedition cruising in Svalbard in the Arctic Circle. He talks about the scenery you’ll be immersed in, the wildlife you may encounter, and what life’s like on board a polar expedition vessel.

A guide to Vietnam & Cambodia riverboat tours

Southeast Asia specialist Tom explains why traveling along the Mekong River is an ideal way to visit Vietnam and Cambodia in a single trip. Giving you time to take in floating villages and markets, the temples of Angkor, as well as Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh.

Cruising in Indonesia

Indonesia specialist, Rael shares his choice of boats for an Indonesia cruise, his favorite places to spot orangutan on a river cruise through the Tanjung Puting National Park, what you can expect to see when snorkeling, and where to spot Komodo dragons.

Mekong river cruises

The Mekong is one of the greatest rivers in Asia, and on an Audley tailor-made trip we will ensure you're able to take in the local culture, wildlife and scenery at a relaxed pace in comfortable surroundings.

A typical day in the Galapagos: what to expect

Michael, one of our specialists, takes you through what to expect on a visit. He outlines a typical morning, afternoon and evening routine on a cruise boat, and explains the major differences between a cruise and land-based stays.

Cruises in French Polynesia

South Pacific specialist Joshua reviews the Aranui, which, for him, is the best cruise vessel around French Polynesia. He explains what to expect from life on board, and why the out-of-the-way Marquesas and Tuamotu Islands are such intriguing places to explore.

Cruising in Thailand

Traveling by river in Southeast Asia on board boats brimming with character and charm is one of the best ways to view cities like Bangkok, the myriad of ancient temples, as well as traditional villages and culture in general. Our specialists describe some of their favorite trips.

A typical polar day

A trip to the Arctic or Antarctic is a real adventure but many travelers are unsure of what to expect during their voyage. Here, we share with you what a typical day on an expedition cruise in the Arctic or Antarctic is like and what you can expect to see and do.

Yangtze River cruises in China: a need-to-know guide

China can be overwhelming, so Audley specialist Heather suggests exploring it from a calmer perspective on a cruise of its greatest river, the Yangtze. She reveals the key sights, and what life’s like on board your Yangtze cruise ship.

Cruising in the South Pacific

Enjoy exploring the South Pacific islands while on a cruise with time for relaxation, activities and cultural insights.

Cruising in Southeast Asia

Travel by river, lake or sea in Southeast Asia to explore places which would otherwise be inaccessible. Cruising in Southeast Asia offers the chance to relax and observe everyday life, the scenery and wildlife.

Your guide to choosing an Alaska cruise

An Alaska cruise combines convenience with front-row seats to many of the state’s most impressive sights, from glaciers to wildlife. Whether you choose a classic cruise or an intimate expedition cruise depends on your own personal travel preferences.

Kinabatangan river cruises

A Kinabatangan river cruise is a real highlight of any Audley tailor-made trip to Borneo. You will have a good opportunity of seeing some of the best wildlife in Southeast Asia.

Choosing your Polar cruise

The awe-inspiring polar regions of the Arctic and Antarctic, are among the most beautiful and captivating in the world. Irrespective of which region you choose, visiting one of the world’s ultimate travel frontiers should prove to be a truly unforgettable and enriching experience.

Indochina cruises

Southeast Asia specialist Mark shares his cruising in Indochina highlights. Picking his favorite ways to travel down the Mekong through Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, as well as taking in the limestone karsts of Halong Bay, and the local culture and landscapes along the Red River and on Lake Tonle Sap.

Cruise destinations in Africa

Africa is blessed with hundreds of miles of wonderful coastline and mighty inland lakes. Enjoy short adventure cruises such as a sunset yacht cruise on Lake Malawi or a dhow cruise off the coast of Mozambique or Zanzibar.

River cruises in India

Take in the history, wildlife and culture of northeast India on a river cruise. Our India specialist Sarah shares some of her favorite things to see and do while cruising along the Brahmaputra, Ganges and Hugli rivers.

The Kimberley by land and by sea

An expedition cruise, Zodiac boat trips or hikes and stays on cattle ranches: two members of our Australia team share how to best experience the Kimberley, both overland and overwater, and define the allure of this Outback region.

Family vacations in Egypt

If you're planning a family vacation to Egypt we can recommend family friendly activities as well as suitable places to stay. This captivating country has a very low malaria risk.

Planning your Galapagos expedition cruise: how to choose your vessel

Audley Galapagos specialist Michael details what you need to think about when planning your Galapagos Islands cruise. He gives a brief overview of the different sizes of vessels and the advantages of each, plus what else you should consider.

Antarctic expedition cruises

Audley’s Polar specialists describe what to expect from a trip to Antarctica. They explain the logistics of cruising on an expedition vessel and how you explore the wildlife and landscapes. They also discuss what makes Antarctica such a captivating destination.

10 min read

Cruises in Canada

Whether you’re embarking on an expedition cruise through the Northwest Passage or sailing along British Columbia’s untamed coastline aboard a luxury catamaran, exploring Canada by water can be the most rewarding way to experience the country. Our team share the best Canada cruise routes.

Cruises in Australia

Explore the possibilities for small-ship cruises in Australia, including the best options for sailing the Great Barrier Reef and the remote Kimberley region. You can also find out about an excellent day cruise (with a theatrical twist) in Tasmania.

Myanmar by boat: a river cruising guide

From the deck of a boat view Myanmar's traditional waterborne ways of life, which have remained largely unchanged for centuries. Spend time in Yangon and Mandalay and visit the famous temples of Bagan.

Cruising in New Zealand

There’s a lot to love about day cruises in New Zealand, says specialist Ophelia. She shares her pick of the best from across the North and South Islands. Expect dolphins, hot springs, Māori rock art and a weka (or three).

A Snob’s Guide to Cruising

Follow these four commandments and you’ll find yourself on the right ship, in the right cabin, and in the right places. Voilà!

Every item on this page was chosen by a Town & Country editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

There may not be as many ships on the seas as there are fishes in them, but there are plenty. Even among the top cruise lines, some ships will be right for you, others not. Here's to finding the perfect match.

1 Use a specialist.

2 Study ports of call.

Nothing kills the mood like an unattractive anchorage. In the Mediterranean, for instance, you want to stop in Portofino, not busy Genoa or prosaic La Spezia ( Seabourn and Silversea both oblige). In Croatia you want Dubrovnik, not the nearby cruise terminal at Gruz ( Sea­Dream Yacht Club and other small ship lines drop anchor outside the walled city). Venice has banished big ships from its center, but Uniworld ’s tiny SS La Venezia ties up right at San Basilio, on the Giudecca Canal. In the Caribbean you want to be anchored off St. Barts or Bequia, not Philipsburg or St. Thomas; Emerald Cruises ’ new Sakara takes you to Tobago Cays, where turtles drift over seagrass beds. And port departure times matter. Silversea and Regent Seven Seas Cruises stay in Santorini until late evening, so you won’t miss the fiery sunset. So do Regent, Azamara , and Seabourn, in Mykonos.

3 Keep it exclusive.

If there is one thing most of us worry about when we think “cruise,” it’s other people. But there are many ways to lose the crowd. A private charter, of course. Aqua Expeditions ’ 15-suite Aqua Blu (Indonesian itineraries) or ­seven-suite Aqua Mare (Galápagos) fit the bill. All suites on Viking ’s ocean vessels have balconies for built-in alone time. The Otium Suite on Silversea’s new Silver Nova has 1,342 square feet of space with 270-degree views (and a whirlpool on the veranda). The Retreat, on Seabourn ships, is a shaded hideaway with private cabanas and all-day butler service above the main pool deck.

The suites on Celebrity Cruises ’ Beyond ship-within-a-ship have their own restaurant, lounge, and pool deck. You get the idea. And remember that exclusive doesn’t have to mean not social. On Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection ’s new Evrima, too cool for a traditional show lounge, a DJ spins tunes on the top deck after dark.

4 Personalize shore time.

Silver­sea’s insidery, informative SALT culinary tours are tops, but otherwise even the most exclusive cruise lines tend to offer excursions that are, well, not exclusive (and involve buses). Your cruise adviser can suggest things to do at each stop, recommend a guide, and arrange private transportation. Another trick: When a ship overnights, think about packing a bag and jumping off. Why spend the night on board in Livorno when you could be in a hotel in Florence, with two full days and an evening in the city?

And Don’t Sweat the Service

As cruisers know, top cruise lines are synonymous with great service, and some crew members have achieved cult status. Celebrity’s captain Kate McCue has more than 500,000 Instagram followers; Azamara fans book trips to dovetail with cruise director Eric De Gray’s time on board. You’ll be spoiled by:

Top hires: When Ritz-Carlton’s Evrima launched last year, 50,000 Marriott International employees reportedly applied for 250 jobs. We have high expectations.

Uncanny intuition: Many SeaDream managers come from private yachts. Used to the whims of one-percenters, they’ll know you want a table à deux on the aft deck for tonight’s dinner before the thought has crossed your mind.

Extra touches: The therapist at Silversea’s Otium spa will deliver to your room a body scrub and bath oil to match the fragrance you chose for your massage.

Three Michelin stars at sea? Newcomer Explora Journeys , launching in July, has lined up Italian superstar Mauro Uliassi as guest chef at its Anthology restaurant (until September). Expect dishes of great delicacy and complexity.

Sue Bryant is an award-winning writer and editor specializing in travel, in particular cruising and experiential travel. She is cruise editor of London's The Times and The Sunday Times and also contributes to  Cruise Critic , Sunday Times Travel Magazine , Cruise Passenger , Travel Weekly , National Geographic Traveller and Insight Guides .

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The Beginner’s Guide to Cruises

Beginner’s Guide to Cruises – Choosing the Right Cruise Line

First, which cruise line should you choose?  There’s many cruise lines out there, and you’ve likely seen many a catchy tagline on TV ads.  I usually like to differentiate the cruise lines in the following categories. Note that I’m excluding river cruises from this post. Those provide an entirely different experience from traditional cruise ships. To try it yourself, consider reading this post with 6 TIPS FOR YOUR NEXT WESTERN CARIBBEAN CRUISE .

Budget Mass Market – these are your big cruise ships with a lower price point, and generally advertise to a younger clientele.  You do get your standard cruise ship amenities, like the endless buffet line.  Many also have “gimmick” features designed to attract younger cruisers and families, like Royal Caribbean’s artificial rock climbing wall.  Staterooms are usually smaller, with a lower standard of amenities.  Cruise lines in this category: Carnival, Costa, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean.

Upscale Mass Market – these ships are slightly smaller, though “small” means 2,000-3,000 passengers.  Prices run a little higher than the budget lines, though the trade-off is a more luxurious ship and more personalized service.  These cruises also target an older demographic.  Cruise lines in this category: Celebrity, Cunard, Holland America, MSC, Princess.

Luxury All-Inclusive – if you’ve cruised before, you might have received brochures from a “luxury” cruise line.  At first blush, the prices might give you a little sticker shock.  They are often several times the price of a mass market ship.  But, the ships are substantially smaller, and typically are all-inclusive.  In other words, no upcharges for things like specialty dining, or for alcoholic beverages.  Cruise lines in this category: Azamara, Crystal, Hapag-Loyd, Oceania, Paul Gauguin, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, Silversea, Viking Ocean Cruises, and Windstar.

I should also mention Disney Cruise Line, which doesn’t neatly fall into any of these categories. While certainly mass market, it’s the only cruiseline that actively markets to…well, families with kids. From what I gather, the mix of amenities and activities falls somewhere between budget and upscale; however, pricing runs much higher than the budget lines. Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral, for example, typically run 2-3x higher on Disney compared to Royal Caribbean or Carnival.

So which to choose? It really boils down to your preference on ship size, and how much nickel-and-diming bugs you. In general, the more upscale the cruise line, the smaller the ship, and the more inclusive the fare. After trying out one of the mega-ships in 2017, I’m not really a fan. They’re too big and impersonal, and service tends to suffer. I personally think the 2,000-3,000 passenger ships provide a decent compromise. They feature plenty of amenities, yet are small enough to keep service reasonably personal. Get More Information here for some reliable maritime lawyers who can help you if ever you get injured in a cruise ship!

Beginner’s Guide to Cruises – Choosing Cruise Destination and Length

The cruise lines literally run the gamut when it comes to both cruise length and destination. Most of the major lines serve the same destinations, which is to say, pretty much everywhere. Cruises to the Caribbean, Alaska, and Mexico probably attract most of the attention and advertising here in the states. But there are plenty of other worldwide itineraries out there, including:

• Trans Panama-Canal, usually California or Florida to South America
• Europe, Baltics, and Russia
• Mediterranean, both western and eastern
• Transatlantic crossings
• Northeastern US and Canada
• US/Canadian West Coast
• Hawai’i
• Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, and India
• Australia and New Zealand

Some of your specialty cruise lines hit more “exotic” destinations like Antarctica and Greenland. But prepare to pay a pretty penny for the privilege. Note that many ships operate “back to back” cruises covering multiple itineraries. For example, the same ship might cruise from Istanbul to Rome, then Rome to Barcelona. You can book both cruises if you wish. Pricing varies, however; sometimes, it’s additive (i.e. you pay for two separate cruises). Other times, the cruise line might sell it as one single cruise with some discount off the combined price. You typically see this with longer inter-continental itineraries.

When it comes to picking an itinerary, keep in mind, a cruise lets you have a taste of multiple destinations. But with usually only a single day (typically 8 am – 5 pm) in port, you’re not going to be able to do a whole lot. You usually have time for one shore excursion. Or maybe a couple of tourist sites if you explore yourself. My general advice: cruises make ideal trips if you want to try out a destination, but don’t want to commit to a longer stay. The exception – “expedition” cruises, which focus on a specific area for several days. Bermuda cruises, meanwhile, often give you one full and two half days in the island nation.

As for cruise length, cruises range from 3 days to as much as 150 (yes, really) days. My advice here really applies more to cruise newbies. You’re either going to love cruising, or hate it. There really is no middle ground. For first timers, I usually suggest starting out with a short cruise; for example, a 3-night Caribbean cruise from Florida to the Bahamas. If you love it, great, go with a longer one next time. If you hate it, well, you’re only on the ship for a couple of days.

Honestly, as a veteran of several cruises, I don’t care for the short cruises. 3 nights basically means you board, get settled, then pack up again just as you get comfortable. I personally prefer cruises of 7-10 nights. That gives you enough time to unwind and enjoy the ship, but it’s not so long that you get bored.

Beginner’s Guide to Cruises – Choosing the Right Stateroom

Once you select an itinerary, now comes the fun part – selecting a stateroom. As a general rule, cruise ships offer the following stateroom categories:

• Interior – these rooms typically comprise the smallest rooms on the ship, and have no window. They’re also the cheapest.
• Oceanview – slightly larger rooms with either a porthole or floor-to-ceiling window facing the sea.
• Oceanview with Balcony – standard oceanview room with a small exterior balcony.
• Mini-suite – basically a larger version of the oceanview with balcony. Some include additional amenities like bathtubs, priority boarding/disembarkation, dining reservations, etc. Most mini-suites occupy the higher decks of the ship, allowing for better views from the balcony.
• Suites – the largest and most luxurious rooms on the ship. Besides tons of space, suites typically include butler service, exclusive lounge access, an exclusive concierge, etc. Like mini-suites, suites typically occupy the higher decks of the ship.

Some cruise lines also offer “concierge class” staterooms.  Think of these like club level rooms at hotels. Major benefits include a stateroom on a dedicated floor, a dedicated dining room (often with a special menu), and access to a dedicated concierge for shipboard and shore activities.

Obviously, what you choose depends on your travel budget. But in general, my suggestion is, if you have the means, go for a room with a balcony. One of my favorite things to do when cruising is to head out on the balcony when arriving or departing a port and take in the views. Or to enjoy the sunset with a cup of tea. Yes, you can do any of those things up on the pool deck. But I find something special about doing that in the peace and quiet of my own balcony. If you’re cruising to Alaska or through the Panama Canal, definitely pay extra for the balcony. It’s dog eat dog when it comes to securing real estate for the view of the glaciers or the canal crossing. You’ll appreciate every penny you spent for the guaranteed view.

That being said, as reader “coasttal123” notes below, think about how much time you plan to spend in your stateroom. With a small child in tow, the extra room from a balcony or mini-suite comes in handy. On the other hand, if you plan to spend all your time on shore excursions, or at the pool, bar, shopping arcade, etc., perhaps saving money with an interior stateroom makes more sense.

Also note that location within the ship can make a difference. Your best views are midship; you receive better pricing at the forward and aft (rear) of the ship. Some staterooms at the aft end face the rear, providing you a beautiful view of the ship’s wake . You generally feel less vibration on higher decks, but if you get seasick, there’s less motion on the lower decks (midship also helps in this regard). Also keep in mind proximity to elevators and stairs, and major ship amenities such as dining rooms. All cruise lines provide deck plans, so I suggest reviewing that before selecting a specific stateroom. You probably don’t want a stateroom right above or below the disco, for example, if noise disturbs your sleep. On the other hand, a room near the stairs leading to the dining room saves time at dinner.

Booking Direct vs. Booking via Travel Agent

Like other modes of travel, most cruise lines allow you to book direct or via a travel agent. Unlike airlines or hotels, though, booking through a travel agent often yields a better deal. Why? Travel agents sometimes have access to additional discounts or onboard credits. An “onboard credit” is basically like an airline voucher, which you can use to cover onboard purchases. For example, I often use cruise.com to book, and they sometimes offer me an extra $50 of funny money as a repeat customer. Not much, but usually enough to cover most of a soda package for a 7-night cruise. I recommend checking both the cruise line website and a travel agent to see who offers the better overall package.

Also, I’ll discuss this more in a future post, but if you have the Amex Plat, you have access to the Cruise Privileges Program . This provides some additional discounts and goodies, through a select number of major cruise lines.

Either way, you can usually select a specific stateroom at the time of booking. Or, if you want to take a chance, you can book a “guarantee” cabin. This means you’re guaranteed to receive a cabin of a certain category, such as an oceanview with balcony. You don’t get to pick a particular room, though. But you could hit the jackpot and receive an upgrade to a higher category.

If you book through an agent, like the airlines, you can manage your reservation at the cruise line website. This allows you to select dining times, book shore excursions, etc. If you want to change or cancel, though, you must contact the agent if you book through one.

Finally, most cruise lines offer “future cruise promotions” if you book another cruise while still on board. Sometimes the promotion is a discount off the rack rate; other times, it’s onboard credits or reduced rates on beverage/specialy dining packages. If you find yourself enjoying your cruise, might as well stop by and see what the offers are. Typically you only have to put down a nominal deposit. And often, the cruise line lets you put down an “open” deposit, good for 2-4 years, and you can take advantage of the promotional offer as long as you book during that time.

Dining and Beverage Charges

Unfortunately, except for high-end cruises, cruise ships charge extra for a whole lot of stuff. Your basic cruise fare includes the stateroom, “standard” dining, and most shipboard activities and entertainment. You pay extra for shore excursions, soft drinks, alcohol, specialty dining, and certain activities like wine tastings. (Luxury cruise lines often include at least some alcohol in the base fare.) Among mass market lines, Disney is one notable exception as it includes soft drinks for free.

Now, you can defray the cost of upcharges somewhat. First, both the cruise lines and travel agents run constant promotions offering onboard credits. Generally, the higher category stateroom you reserve, the more credit you receive. Second, if you plan to drink a lot of alcohol and/or soda, consider buying a beverage package. Princess, for example, offers unlimited sodas, juice, and mocktails for $9.99 per person/per day. Or, move up to a package that adds espresso drinks for $19.99/person/day. Or go all-out with beer, wine, and cocktails up to $12/serving for $59.99/person/day.

Think carefully about how much you actually plan to use the benefits before buying, though. Last time I cruised with Princess in 2015, sodas cost $2.50 each. Wine, beer, and cocktails averaged about $8 each. Let’s assume you decide to buy the soda package. You’d need to order 4 or more sodas per day to break even. Do the math and make sure it makes sense for you. Note that technically, a beverage package is specific to the person who buys it. In other words, 3 people sharing a stateroom can’t share a single beverage package. In practice, over 9 cruises, I’ve found that wait staff don’t enforce this. When both my wife and I order sodas, they look at my soda sticker and don’t charge for either one. But your mileage may vary.

Important note: bringing aboard your own alcohol is strictly verboten. Ship security will find it, and hold it until the last day of the cruise. (Ditto for any liquor you buy in port.) You can, however, bring your own bottled water; I recommend bringing a bottle or two. The ship usually charges $3-4 a bottle. Once you reach your first port, you can buy some at a supermarket for a fraction of the cost.

Fixed vs. Specialty Dining

Meanwhile, when it comes to dining, there’s two things to consider. First is deciding between “fixed time” dining, or “anytime” dining. Fixed dining simply means you eat dinner in the main dining room at the same time each night. Typically, this means a choice of a 5:30 pm or an 8 pm seating. “Anytime” means you can show up for dinner at any point during dinner service, usually 5-10 pm. (Breakfast and lunch are always on an anytime basis.) With fixed dining, you receive the same table with the same seatmates at the same time, every day; with anytime dining, you may have to wait in line for a table, and may not sit with the same people.

Note that you usually can request either a separate table for your party, or a shared one with others. If you choose anytime dining, you can call to reserve a table earlier in the day. If you don’t, you have to wait in line; you can usually get seated quicker if you agree to share a table. Also note that Norwegian completely eliminated fixed dining several years ago. The “Freestyle” concept includes anytime dining for all cruisers.

So which is better? If you have a large party and/or just don’t like waiting in line or making reservations, go with anytime dining. Personally, I prefer fixed dining. Traveling with the family, the security of the same table each day without a wait comes in handy. Having tried both, I also think the wait staff performs more personalized service with fixed dining. They get to know your preferences, and are usually better at handling special meal requests. On the other hand, if you like partaking in evening shipboard activities, fixed dining gives you less flexibility. Of course, you always have the fallback of the buffet, or specialty dining, discussed below.

“Specialty dining” is a fairly new concept, mostly applicable to mass market cruises. This can be a steakhouse, a health-conscious offering, sushi, etc. (See here for Princess’ specialty restaurant lineup as an example.) Cost typically ranges from $20-50 per person; you do sometimes see fare sale promotions that offer one or two freebies per sailing. Unless you’re getting a freebie or using up some onboard credit, I’ve never really understood this concept. I’ve always gotten plenty of (good) food in the main dining room; I have noticed some reduction in quality and portion sizes since specialty dining became a thing, though. Personally I just don’t see the value in dropping an extra $40 for a steak. I’d rather spend that money in port.

Beginner’s Guide to Cruises – Shore Excursions

Unless you plan to spend all of your port time at the pool, shore excursions are probably the most important part of a cruise. You have three general options for planning time in port.

Book a Ship Operated Shore Excursion

The cruise lines themselves offer multiple shore excursions in each port; these range from a couple of hours for shopping to all-day adventures. When buying from the cruise line, you can apply onboard credits to the cost, which of course reduces your out-of-pocket cost. The ship is also guaranteed to wait for you in case the tour runs late for some reason. The downsides: they cost more, and these are typically large group tours of 40 ore more people. So as you can imagine, you don’t get much time at any one spot, and there’s little opportunity to customize.

Book a Privately Operated Tour

In all larger cruise ship ports, private companies operate tours that compete with the cruise lines. These tours are sometimes cheaper, sometimes not, but are almost always much smaller groups. For example, I’ve booked a tour by ToursByLocals to the Andes in Chile , which included only our family. That gives you a lot of flexibility; the guide provides a suggestion, but you can customize it the way you want within reason. Another option – find the Cruise Critic Roll Call for your cruise ( example ) and either join a tour group, or try to create one of your own. Tour operators often offer discounts for groups larger than 4 or so. Or you can Google “shore excursions in [X]” and look up local operators in that port. (Here’s an example in Cartagena, Colombia.)

One downside to going private: you obviously can’t apply onboard credits. Additionally, if arriving at a “tender” port, those with private excursions receive last priority for a boat. That means it may take three or more hours just to get off the ship; that typically leaves you with very little time in port. Also, if you go with some local operators or join a Cruise Critic group, you might be stuck paying cash. Finally, remember that the ship will NOT wait for you if you’re running late. Make sure you thoroughly research the operator and pick only reliable guides.

Do It Yourself At the Dock

If you really like winging it, you can just try to hire someone at the dock. As you exit the ship, you’ll typically walk through a gauntlet of taxis and tour operators hawking their services. These can work out well. For example, after Royal Caribbean canceled our scheduled tour in Grand Cayman , mom found a booth selling island tours for $20 a person. And it ending up being a pretty good tour. Often times, you can negotiate a better price; this is especially true if you just want to hire a taxi to drive you around for the day.

Or if you really want to go cheap, you can just get off the ship and walk around the city. My wife and I actually had a nice time doing just this in Manta, Ecuador . The ceviche on the beach certainly was might nice.

The same warnings about private tours apply here. You’re probably going to have to pay cash, and the ship won’t wait for you if you’re late.

My recommendation: it’s generally easy to find reliable private tours these days. They might or might not save you money, but I’ve generally had better, more personalized experiences with them.

Booking Air Travel To and From Your Cruise

I’ll wrap up with a quick word on booking air travel to and from your cruise. All of the major cruise lines allow you to book flights through them. In the past, they just charged a fixed price, and assigned you whatever flights they wanted to. Now, though, it really just works like a third-party booking engine. You select your own flights, and pay the going published rate based on fare class. So why book through the cruise line? If you do, the cruise lines takes responsibility for any flight delays. They become responsible for getting you to the ship, even at the next port, if you misconnect. Otherwise, you’re on your own if you run late.

In general, I advise never never EVER book a flight to arrive the same day your cruise departs. Just don’t do it. I’ve read far too many horror stories of missed cruises due to flight delays. Instead, at a minimum, plan to arrive the night before, and spend a night in town. Many hotels in cruise ports, such as Port Canaveral, even offer cruise packages which include free transportation to the port the next day. If you absolutely must arrive the day of departure, book your flights through the cruise line. Or at least make sure you have travel insurance that will cover your cost to reach the next port.

Final Thoughts

I’ll cover some specific destinations like Alaska, and how to find the best deals on cruises, in future installments. In the meantime, hopefully this helps you select your perfect floating vacation!

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About Sriram Srinivasan

Sriram is an aficionado of all modes of travel, by land, air, and sea. A recovering frequent business traveler, he shows how to make the most of your vacation time, even without status.

WHATSINPORT.COM: YOUR CRUISE GUIDE TO 1200 PORTS OF CALL

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Planning Your First Cruise: The Ultimate Tips Guide

The first time that my family went on a cruise we were so excited, but there are so many things I wish I’d known before we went! A guide or a few tips could have really helped with planning.

I brought way too many things and didn’t wear half of what was packed in that huge suitcase (especially shoes)! The cruise was still amazing and one of our fondest memories, but I changed things up and streamlined my preparations on each subsequent cruise experience.

So, are you ready for an unforgettable cruise vacation? Make your bon voyage dreams a reality with the perfect getaway by researching and being ahead of the game!

You may have a lot of questions regarding your first cruise, and it can be challenging to know what’s in store – especially if this is the first time you’ve experienced this type of vacation. We’ve got you covered!

• First Cruise Planning Tips:

Our Travel Makes Me Happy team created this guide to help you plan your first cruise vacation! We’ll walk you through the whole process, from researching different cruise lines, what you should pack (and leave at home), and fun things you can experience during your trip.

Table of contents

Cruise pre-planning, decide on a destination and port to embark on your cruise voyage, tips to pick a cruise line and ship, what size stateroom should you choose, balcony staterooms, interior staterooms, ocean view staterooms, suites and other staterooms, know what’s included in your fare, here are some of our top pics for cruise deals from our partners:, early dining vs. late dining on your cruise, muster safety drill, cabin unpacking tip, excursions through the cruise line, get back to the ship before “all aboard” time, medications, portable back up battery charge and data, magnetic hooks, formal attire, lightweight sweater, passport or birth certificate, embarkation day, after boarding your cruise, navigating the ship, scheduling your time onboard, see a musical or comedy show, mini golf and sports deck, skyride, north star, roller coasters, bumper cars, surfing, rock climbing, cruise spa access, tipping extra for great service onboard, debarkation day, final thoughts on first-time cruise planning guide and tips, keep reading for more great travel articles.

The best advice I can give anyone taking their first cruise is to research, plan, and pack accordingly. The better you can plan, the better off you will be!

You don’t want to have any last-minute vacation anxiety or inconveniences because you forgot something important. It’s best to learn the process particular to the cruise line that you choose so that there are no surprises.

For finding the best flights using Skyscanner’s flight search tool will let you compare. They show flight prices of many travel websites so you can choose the cheapest and best one.

Deciding on your destination whether your ideal cruise is fun in the Caribbean sun, a grand European itinerary, or a multi-country River Cruise is an important step in planning.

It may be that you go with an itinerary available from ships in your nearest home port. For us, it is the Port of New Orleans so we often cruise on one of the lines that leave from there and decide on the destination based on what is offered at our home port.

You may also use budget considerations or time off allowances to guide your cruise choice.

The great thing about cruising from a port close to home is that you dont have the added expense of flights and extended days off from work.

We still usually stay in a hotel the night before close to the cruise terminal just to make it easier to get there on the morning of the cruise.

Check out the itineraries on Celebrity Cruises ! They have great Alaska and Caribbean cruise options!

Before booking your voyage, it’s important to research the different cruise lines and ships available. Read past passenger reviews, look at ships’ photos, and compare prices. This will help you find the best cruise line and ship for your budget and needs.

Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean offer the most varied experiences, especially for multi-generational families. If you are looking for an adult-oriented feel, Virgin offers some great itineraries with many leaving out of Florida ports.

Disney is also a great cruise line for families, but their unique experiences sometimes come with a price tag to match. For river cruises, Viking is top notch in the cruise experience.

Tip: We love decorating our cabin door with colorful magnets to help us find it quickly and feel festive!

Decide on a Stateroom to Book

Cruise ships come in different sizes and offer a variety of stateroom types and sizes.

You can choose the accommodation that best suits your needs, from rooms with balconies to interior staterooms.

Some regular staterooms also sleep up to 5 people (it varies by line), but that would be really tight for adults (in our opinion). You may not be in the room except for sleeping, but trying to get ready in the tiny cruise ship bathrooms would be a nightmare for us.

Most staterooms are smaller than a hotel room and the bathrooms are tiny. They do offer great storage space in most of them with closets, shelves, and drawers.

If you want more privacy or to spend time outside, then balcony rooms are ideal. A balcony also gives you a more private way to enjoy the view without having to go up to the public area decks.

When we took an Alaska cruise, a balcony cabin made such a difference in how much we enjoyed the cruise! It is really nice to sit out on your balcony and have coffee each morning or relax at night and watch the stars.

Interior staterooms offer great value for couples or families who wish to keep their budget to a minimum. Keep in mind that they don’t have windows, so it can get dark and feel claustrophobic.

The upside is that if you like it really dark to sleep an interior room is great. When we cruised with our kids we would get a balcony cabin and we’d get the kids an interior room across the hall and it was a great way to save money for us.

Some cruise ships even have virtual windows or portholes to make it less claustrophobic and give the illusion of a window.

Ocean View Staterooms are usually a little less expensive than balcony rooms, but if the price difference is not that great I’d choose a balcony every time.

Ocean View rooms offer a window so that you can see the ocean and get some light in the room.

Suites are a luxe option if your budget allows. They offer larger bathrooms and balconies usually.

The rooms also have larger seating areas and some really posh ones have amazing amenities and come with a butler to cater to your every need.

Spa Staterooms are another option on some ships and offer daily entry into the spa to enjoy the thermal pool, saunas, and other offerings (it will vary by ship).

Spa treatments are extra, of course.

We loved the spa balcony that we had on the NCL Breakaway and started each day with a dip in the thermal pool and visit to the salt therapy room.

When you book a cruise, most of your meals and entertainment are usually included in the fare.

A few exceptions include shore excursions, spa treatments, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and upgrades.

When planning your trip, research what will be included in your fare and budget accordingly.

Some cruise lines such as Viking offer a more inclusive experience with excursions and other things included in the basic fare. Virgin also does this to an extent.

It’s best to research exactly what is included in what you are paying because you don’t want to be hit with a huge alcohol bill at the end of the cruise.

In addition to the fare you will be charged a daily gratuities amount (it varies by line).

Find the Best Deal for Your Cruise

Do some research to find the best cruise deals.

We also have a Free Easy Travel Budget Calculator to help you find out how much you’ll need for your trip!

Also, don’t forget good travel insurance to protect your cruise investment! Don’t cruise without coverage – get the best travel insurance with Travelex!

We are usually early diners so choose the earliest time for the main dining room.

This leaves enough time for shows or activities after dinner for us.

The main shows usually have multiple showings to accomodate early and late diners so it just depends on if you like to eat earlier or not.

If eating in the main dining room (or multiple main dining rooms on some ships) you are assigned the same table number and service crew for each night of the cruise.

“Your time” dining is also an option on most ships so you can eat whenever you are ready instead of rushing to make your set time.

Make sure to check out all of the dining options for the ship that you choose.

On embarkation day (the day you board the ship) there will be a Mandatory safety drill that you and your group will have to attend.

Your muster station is usuallly listed on your sail card and you must check in to your station number area for the safety briefing.

This is to inform you of safety procedures and location of life vests/boats in case of emergency.

** UPDATE ** We just got back from a Carnival Mardi Gras cruise and they had us check in at the station and then “self-muster” in the room with a video so other lines may have moved to this or will soon.

It’s a great idea to unpack and organize on the first day of the cruise after dinner when the luggage has arrived.

Staterooms usually have many options for storage so that you can unpack and organize everything.

You can then place the empty suitcase under the bed or in the closet so that it doesn’t take up floor space.

This will help you be able to find the things that you need without having to go through the suitcases and make the most of the small stateroom space.

If you need some great tags for your cruise, Amazon has these great clear cruise luggage tag holders that work great!

Tips to Book an Amazing Cruise Excursion on Your First Cruise

Look into what is available in each port of call and ensure that it fits within your time frame and activity level.

If there is something special you want to do, make sure to plan for that in advance.

We usually book our excursions well in advance of the cruise, but I know some people like to wait until they are on the ship to book. One drawback of this strategy is that the excursion you really want may be sold out if you wait until you are on the cruise.

Most cruise lines offer shore excursions at each port. These are usually organized activities or tours you can join and explore the local area with other passengers. It’s a great way to get off the beaten path and experience something in the company of fellow cruisers.

The great part about booking and excursion with the ship (not an outside company) is that the ship will not leave you at port if the tour is running late. There are also tour organizers outside of the cruise line that you can book, but make sure the timing works out and read reviews before you book.

If you book your excursion through the cruise line they will deliver an envelope to your stateroom with the tickets or information about what time and where to meet on the day of the excursion.

Many cruise lines also let you off of the ship first if you have an early excursion booked through them so make sure to check.

It’s also a good idea to pay attention to the travel time to and from the excursion too and if it involves a boat ride or long bus ride to get there.

We took an excursion in Cozumel one time that had a half hour ferry ride in rough waters each way that kind of took away from the dream experience I had imagined (I should have been more prepared).

Don’t be a “pier runner”! On almost every cruise we sit on our balcony (if we have one) and watch pier runners feverishly running to try and get back on the ship after or close to “all aboard” time. Some don’t make it.

It happens easily when people are having too much fun at the port bars and lose track of time.

Each evening on a cruise you are usually given a daily calendar of what is going on the next day on the ship. On port days you will be given a guide of the port and what time to be back on the ship.

There will also be announcements over the speaker the morning of the port call so make sure to pay attention to the time you need to be back on the ship because they will leave if you are not back before “all aboard” time (and people will be laughing and cheering you on from their balconies).

**Important Customer Service Tip**

A reader recently alerted us to the fact that if there is an issue with your cruise account or other customer service issue and it is not resolved before leaving the ship it may be difficult to get a quick solution.

She sailed Carnival and was told that there is only email customer service after the cruise as they have done away with the phone c.s. line and her response time was 45 days.

So, if there is any issue it is best to wait at guest services and get it resolved before the cruise is over .

Things to Pack for a Cruise

If you’re going somewhere with warm weather, pack apparel that feels comfortable and is lightweight as well as multi-functional.

For colder climates, bring layers along with rain gear (if there’s space). It’s sensible to be prepared for changes in temperature or an unexpected shower.

You do not need to pack a beach towel as most cruise lines provide beach towels that can be checked out or are in your stateroom for use on port days.

A lightweight backpack or tote for transporting towels and beachwear for excursions is also great. The soft backpack ones with the strings work really well.

Below is a nice and inexpensive option from Amazon and the best part is that it is easy to pack to bring with you!

There are certain items that you will want to make sure you bring with you on your cruise, such as:

• Sunscreen and bug wipes
• Swimming gear
• Comfortable shoes for walking around the ship
• Sunglasses/hat or both
• Cash for ports. Most cruise lines are cashless, but you will probably need cash for some ports, tipping, etc.
• Outfit for elegant or formal night (or nights) if you choose (it depends on the cruise line), outfits for themed parties like the NCL infamous “glow party”, Carnival Mardi Gras’ 80’s party and of course their “Mardi Gras” party, and other lines have their own version so make sure to read up on it before you cruise.

I recommend bringing basic items like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, and a toothbrush.

Cruiselines do have dispensers usually of shampoo/conditioner/body wash, but if you are particular to your favorite bring it if space allows.

It is usually kind of expensive if you have to buy any essentials on the ship so having your own saves money.

Staterooms also usually provide decent hairdryers too so you can save space and leave yours at home.

Remember your medication if you need it at sea! Take a small first-aid kit containing essential medicines such as pain relievers, anti-diarrheal tablets, Benedryl (for those with allergies), and motion sickness medication. If you have to purchase these in the ship gift shop they are usually more expensive.

Combat motion sickness with Sea Bands or motion sickness patches if you are prone to motion sickness to help you feel your best while traveling. However, if you do get seasick guest services will usually have packets of seasick medication that you can get for free or 1-3$.

Being well stocked with basic medications before setting out on your journey will help to guarantee that you have an enjoyable time away from home!

If you’re out at sea, I strongly suggest turning your mobile phone on airplane mode to avoid exorbitant roaming fees.

You’ll likely take many pictures or videos while sailing so the battery will drain very quickly. It’s a good idea to take a portable back up battery charger that will recharge your phone should it go dead with all of the amazing pictures you will be taking!

Make sure you don’t have an unexpected expense due to data charges by activating the airplane mode feature!

You can stay on airplane mode even while on the Ship’s wifi package . Check with your cellular provider to see if they have a cruise package plan or if your plan includes the ports that you will be traveling to.

On a cruise ship, visitors must be conscious of utilizing their space wisely. You want to keep the room in your cabin–most cabins are only 160 square feet!

The metal walls and doors make magnetic hooks a great way to help organize. They provide an efficient way to use your limited area while ensuring everything is easily accessible.

You can also bring magnetic signs to put on the outside of your door. That will make it easy to spot when you are heading back to the cabin at the end of the day.

For most cruises, packing an outfit for the formal or dressy evening is a must-do!

Make sure to pick one that’s elegant yet comfortable. Some itineraries have more than one formal night. So be sure to check with your chosen cruise line/ship and see which nights are “formal”.

Participating in formal nights is not mandatory. It is totally up to you how dressed up or down you get. There are also other restaurants like the buffet that you can visit on that evening if you don’t want to get dressed up.

After cruising for many years we’ve realized that it is not as formal (at least on US sailings) as it was in the past.

Some people still go all out on the formal wear and that’s great.

However, with packing light sometimes I just pack dressy pants and a blouse that can mix and match and my husband will wear a nice button down Hawaiian-style shirt with dressier slacks.

A vacation in the Caribbean might not require much besides your swimsuit, but you may need something cozy and lightweight for warmth during those breezy nights onboard.

Restaurants and cruise ship casinos can quickly become chilly spots. So be sure to tuck away a sweater or pashmina just in case! We usually wear a sweater or light jacket in the auditorium for evening shows because it gets chilly.

Don’t forget your passport (or birth certificate if using that instead)! In an unexpected emergency, you must have a valid passport to board any flight back home from another country.

It’s wise to spare the time and expense for a passport, even if you plan on only taking closed-loop cruises. The sense of security it will provide is worth its weight in gold.

We usually take a photo of our passport so that we have it on port days, but do not take it with us on excursions.

You really only need your ship sign and sail card to get on and off the ship at port.

I know some people insist on having their passport with them at all times, but we just wouldn’t want to lose it.

Most cruise lines will give you a time to show up at the port or you schedule your selected time.

When you arrive you can hand off your larger bags to luggage assistants.

They will make sure your bags are properly tagged (with the printed tags provided at online check-in) and take them away until they show up at your stateroom later in the day.

We usually keep an extra set of clothes in our carry-on bag or tote in case the luggage is late showing up and it is time to go to dinner.

You’ll then line up to go into the port and go through security where they check your passport/birth certificate and boarding paperwork. You then go through the bag check which is similar to airports. Make sure not to bring any prohibited items (check your cruise line website).

M ost cruise lines allow 1 bottle of wine per adult and we usually take advantage of this for having a bottle in the room to sit on the balcony in the evenings with.

Once you are through security, you will be guided to the cruise check-in area and this is where your onboard account is set up, passports/birth certificates checked again, and cruise paperwork.

You are then given a sign and sail card (or it may be called different things on other lines). This card is how you scan into and off of the ship.

NOTE: Sometimes we have received our cards at the stateroom instead of at check-in.

After you have your cards in hand you are given a boarding group and wait until it is called to board the ship. Then the fun begins!

Once you are on the ship many people head to the buffet. We like to see what other eating options are open on embarkation day (it varies by ship) and usually choose another option that is less crowded. Either way, you will not be disappointed because there is a variety of food available.

It is also a great time to wander around and get the feel of the layout of the ship and all that is offered.

Your luggage will show up later in the day (usually before dinner) and the staterooms will be ready at a time designated by the particular ship you are on.

There is a mandatory Muster Drill (mentioned earlier) that you will need to attend (you are given a station area) and check in for before everything else opens and the cruise gets in full-swing.

I t’s a good idea to learn the navigation terms for the sections of the ship such as:

• Forward: The front side onboard interior of the ship
• Aft: The onboard rear side of the ship
• Port side: The left side of the ship if you are facing forward (towards the front of the ship).
• Starboard: The right side of the ship when facing forward

To get the most out of your time onboard, it’s important to schedule some activity for each day of your trip—you don’t want to miss out on anything!

We love to look at the next day’s newsletter schedule after returning to the stateroom each night to see what we are interested in doing the next day.

Cruise ships offer various activities for guests, including spa treatments, fitness classes, dance classes, games, entertainment options, and more.

On larger cruise ships that offer many different shows or activities you have to book a reservation in advance.

Check your online cruise planner for your ship to make sure you don’t need to book a reservation in advance.

We were surprised the first time we sailed on RCL Harmony of the Seas that we had to book everything in advance! The ice skating show was amazing (below pic) and I’m glad we made a reservation.

Things to do on a Cruise

While you’re hanging out on the ship for several days, you may be wondering what’s in store for you and what your entertainment options are.

Here are some unique things you can do on many of the popular cruise lines!

Take in a night at the theater, entirely free of charge! On select Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line ships, you can enjoy iconic musicals like Grease, Mamma Mia, or Jersey Boys.

We love the Broadway-caliber shows on so many of the ships we’ve been on. Get ready to experience the world’s best theaters without leaving the ocean’s waves!

The comedy shows are also a favorite with our crew!

Mini-golf is a fun activity for families and couples aboard cruise ships, so it’s no surprise that you can find courses on Carnival cruises, Royal Caribbean vessels, Norwegian Breakaway, and some of their Breakaway Plus class ships as well as Disney Cruise Line’s Dream and Fantasy!

A first-time cruise can have so many adventurous activities all on the ship! SkyRide® (Carnival Vista class ships) is like pedaling a bicycle.

You’ll never forget it. But unlike biking, how often can you ride around the ship while suspended in mid-air above the vessel and gazing at the azure ocean below? SkyRide offers an experience that’s totally out of this world!

The Larger Carnival ships like Mardi Gras even offers a roller coaster at sea! Some of Disney’s ships also have a coaster.

We loved the RCL Harmony of the Seas giant slides and amusement park area! There was so much to do that we didn’t get to it all.

Some NCL ships that we’ve been on have bumper cars that are a blast!

Most of the ships have rock climbing, some have bowling, basketball courts, and other fun activities! Sea days can be relaxing or exciting with all there is to do.

If you’re looking for some relaxation, then the spa on some cruise ships is the place for you. A great first-time cruise tip is to make time for at least visiting the spa to see what is offered.

With options like saunas, steam rooms, Salt therapy rooms, and thermal tubs available to guests on board ships from Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Disney, Costa Cruises, and more, you can easily sit back and relax!

One of our favorites is the previously-mentioned NCL Breakaway’s thermal pool and salt room in the spa. They also had heated bed loungers that look out to sea that were amazing!

You can get a day pass that provides entry to the rooms and thermal pools or buy a week pass (if you book a spa cabin it is usually included).

Specific spa services (like massages, facials, etc) are extra, but just visiting the spa and relaxing in the steam rooms is rejuvenating!

I know tipping can be a controversial topic on many of the cruise ship forums, but we always tip our cabin stewards, main dining room wait staff, and many bartenders extra on top of the daily tips that are added to your cruise fare.

It’s a personal choice, but we feel they always go above and beyond.

The amounts vary and also vary by the length of the cruise but on average we tip our cabin steward 20-40$ on the last day of the cruise, wait staff in the main dining room 10-20$, and an extra 1-2$ to the bartenders/coffee shop most times on each order.

We bring cash for the cabin steward and wait staff, but just add an extra 1-2$ here and there on the bill for drinks when we sign for them.

Tipping extra is totally optional! I just thought I’d mention it because I was unsure on our first cruise and some examples would have helped with planning.

At the end of your cruise you will get information in the room the day before about debarkation procedures.

If you choose, you can have your larger bags packed and outside of the stateroom the night before where they will be picked up and will have already gone through customs when you get off the ship.

You can also roll your bags off of the ship yourself and go through customs [ self assist ].

Either way is usually efficient. Having the larger bags picked up the night before just saves you from having to lug so many bags off the ship.

You will be given (or choose) a time to get off of the ship and when your group, floor, etc. is called you can make your way to the waiting area.

You are then called to the gangway to head off of the ship (sad face) and on your way through customs and then home.

I’m usually sad after the cruise ends and ready to book another one!

Taking a cruise for your next vacation can be a gratifying experience that will be amazing for the whole family.

With proper planning and packing beforehand, scheduling activities during your time onboard, and connecting with other passengers along the way, you will have an incredible adventure!

Before you know it you will be a cruise expert with tons of sailings under your belt!

Are you taking your first cruise or are you a seasoned cruiser? Drop us a line and let us know your story!

Bon Voyage!

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25 Best Selling Cruise Books – Cruise Travel Guides, Fiction & More!

Sharing is caring!

Whether you’re a first time cruiser or a cruise veteran in need of specific cruise  destination information, this list of cruise books will help! While there’s so much we can learn from cruise blogs and youtube channels, books about cruising provide in depth information often isn’t available anywhere else.

In this post, I share 25 of the best and most well reviewed cruise books on Amazon to help you plan and enjoy your travels. I also included some entertaining fiction cruise books and romance novels that you can read on a cruise or at home.

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

25 Best Books About Cruises (Fiction & Non-Fiction)

While most of these cruise books are paperbacks or hardcovers, many are available in a Kindle version or Audiobook. You can take advantage of an Audible Plus free trial and as well as promotions on Kindle Unlimited Membership Plans .

Amazon Prime Free Trial

Amazon Prime comes with many benefits, including faster, free delivery, movies and TV shows (Prime TV) and even borrowing Kindle books. If you don’t already have Amazon Prime, check out the FREE 30 day trial .

Cruise Travel Books

1. berlitz cruising & cruise ships.

Often referred to as the “cruise industry bible”, the book Berlitz Cruising and Cruise Ships is the longest-running guide to cruising and cruise ships. Written by author Douglas Ward, it includes a great first timers guide to cruising as well as fascinating reviews of over 300 ocean going cruise ships.

Recommended: Berlitz Cruise Guide – Cruising & Cruise Ships (see price and Amazon reviews here)

Fodor’s The Complete Guide to Alaska Cruising

Looking for a beginner’s guide to planning your Alaska cruise? The Fodor’s Complete Guide to Alaska Cruises offers everything you need from choosing the right cruise line and ship, to port guides, detailed maps and destination photos.

In addition to the paperback version, you can also get the Kindle version here .

Recommended : Fodor’s The Complete Guide to Alaska Cruising

Rick Steves Mediterranean Cruise Ports (Rick Steves Travel Guide)

If you’re planning a Mediterranean cruise, Rick Steves Mediterranean Cruise Port Travel Guide is a must-read. Rick Steves loves Europe and shares practical tips on how to make the most of your time in each cruise port destination. The travel guide includes full color maps and self-guided tours that will be very helpful and can even be brought along on your Mediterranean cruise .

Recommended: Rick Steves Mediterranean Cruise Ports Travel Guide (read excellent Amazon reviews here)

**Kindle version also available: Rick Steves Mediterranean Cruise Ports (Kindle)

Kindle Books

If you have a Kindle and love it, make sure to check out the Kindle Unlimited Membership Plans . You’ll get unlimited reading of over 1 million books!! This is especially useful if you plan on bringing your Kindle on your cruise .

Rick Steves Scandinavian and Northern European Ports Guide

If you’re going on a Baltic cruise, you’ll want to pick up a copy of Rick Steves Scandanavian and Northern Ports Guide . You’ll get practical advice on cruising to 18 European cruise ports including  Copenhagen, St. Petersburg, Tallinn, Warnermunde, Oslo, Stavanger, Bergen, the Norwegian Fjords,  Geirangerfjord, Amsterdam,Bruges, Brussels, Ghent, Southampton, Paris and more.

No Rick Steves travel guide would be complete without self-guided walking tours and full color maps.

Recommended: Rick Steves Scandanavian and Northern Ports Guide 

Fodor’s Caribbean Cruise Ports of Call (Full-color Travel Guide)

Planning a Caribbean cruise? Fodor’s Caribbean Cruise Ports of Call is a helpful guide to the Caribbean cruise ports, sights and activities. One of the best reviewed books about cruises, this book makes a great gift for any cruise lover !

Recommended: Fodor’s Caribbean Cruise Ports of Call

Frommer’s EasyGuide to River Cruising 

River cruising is gaining popularity among experienced and first time cruisers. However, river cruising isn’t all that similar to ocean cruising. Frommer’s River Cruising is a guide that provides expert advice in an easy to read book. Authors Fran Golden and Michelle Baran.

Recommended: Frommer’s EasyGuide to River Cruising (see details & reviews here)

Antarctica Cruising Guide

This Antarctica Cruising Guide: Fourth edition: Includes Antarctic Peninsula, Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Ross Sea is a great book to have if you’re planning this bucket list cruise.

Authors Peter Carey and Craig Franklin are Antarctic scientists and travel guides and they’ve included photographs, wildlife descriptions and detailed maps in this Antartica Cruising Guide.

Recommended: Antarctica Cruising Guide

Ultimate Cruise Planner

The Life Well Cruised Ultimate Cruise Planner is a printable planner that you can use in every step of planning your cruise. The 47 page cruise planner includes cruise packing lists, shore excursion planning forms, a countdown calendar, payment tracker and more. Please note that this is not a physical product, but can be downloaded, printed and used as often as you need.

See details here: Life Well Cruised Ultimate Cruise Planner

Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner

Regular price: $27 now just $17.

Best Cruise Tips: 303 Cruise Hacks Saving You Time, Money & Frustration

First time cruisers will appreciate this book with over 300 cruise tips to save you time, money and frustration. Author Randall Stewart, shares advice on using a travel agent, getting the best deal on a cruise, making the most of days in a port of call and more.

Recommended: 303 Cruise Hacks Saving You Time, Money & Frustration

Carnival Cruise Tips for Families: Create Hassle-Free Vacation Memories

Cruising with Carnival? Here are some great Carnival family cruising tips in this book by Dale Stevens.

Recommended: Carnival Cruise Tips for Families

Unofficial Guide to the Disney Cruise Line 2022

The Unofficial Guide to the Disney Cruise Line by Erin Foster, Len Testa and Ritchey Halphen has great advice for first time Disney cruisers, money saving strategies and cruise packing tips. You’ll get great information on the Disney Cruise Line entertainment, dining and Castaway Cay, the cruise line’s private island.

Recommended: Unofficial Guide to the Disney Cruise Line 2022 (see price & amazon reviews here)

Cruise Books that Make Great Gifts

Here are some books about cruising that make wonderful gifts for cruise travelers .

100 Years of Cruise Ships in Colour  Hardcover

This beautiful hardcover book by author William H. Miller, includes 150 photographs of cruise ships and ocean liners, beginning in the 1920’s through today. 100 Year of Cruise Ships in Colour is a great book for any cruise history buff.

Recommended:   100 Years of Cruise Ships in Colour (see details & “what’s inside” on Amazon)

180 Years of Cunard

A beautiful and fascinating book by authors Chris Frame and Rachel Cross looking back at 180 years of Cunard ships and history. This book is a must have for anyone who loves Cunard as well as any fans cruise ships and ocean liners.

Recommended:   180 Years of Cunard (check price & details on Amazon here)

High Tea on the Cunard Queens; a Light-Hearted Look at Life at Sea

In High Tea on the Cunard Queens , author Paul Curtis recounts stories of his 50 years as an entertainment officer with Cunard, He combines history and anecdotes in this entertaining book.

Recommended: High Tea on the Cunard Queens (see reviews here)

Cruising Interrupted

If you love cruising, Cruising Interrupted is a must-read. A follow up to popular cruise book, The Joy of Cruising, author Paul C. Thornton shares the stories of passionate cruise travelers, against the backdrop of the pause in cruising due to the pandemic. Some familiar cruise vloggers and bloggers are featured, along with many interesting cruise travel personalities.

Recommended: Cruising Interrupted (check price & details on Amazon here)

The Joy of Cruising: Passionate Cruisers, Fascinating Stories

In The Joy of Cruising , author Paul C. Thornton profiles travelers from all over the world with an extraordinary  passion for cruising. The Joy of Cruising will interest anyone who has ever cruised, aspires to take a cruise, or just loves travel.

Recommended: The Joy of Cruising (see price & reviews here)

Cruise Confidential: A Hit Below the Waterline: Where the Crew Lives, Eats, Wars, and Parties

Cruise Confidential is a fun, steamy tell-all book written by Brian David Burns, a former Carnival cruise ship crew member. If you’ve wanted to know what goes on below deck, so to speak, or simply want a good laugh, this book fits the bill!

Recommended: Cruise Confidential (see 300+ great reviews)

Cruise Fiction Books

Santa Cruise

The ultimate Holiday cruise romance novel!  In Santa Cruise , author Fern Michaels shares the heart-warming and entertaining story of 4 single ladies who embark on a Christmas and New Year’s cruise. This ladies singles cruise is full of adventure and even new found love..

Recommended: Santa Cruise (see 500+ Amazon reviews here)

Starboard Secrets: A Cruise Ship Cozy Mystery Novel (Millie’s Cruise Ship Mysteries Book 1)

Starboard Secrets: A Cruise Ship Cozy Mystery Novel (book 1) is the first book in an entertaining series by author Hope Callaghan. Millie Sanders, a recently divorced woman, manages to land her dream job as an assistant cruise director. Millie gets more adventure than she bargained for, as she becomes embroiled in a murder mystery onboard the Siren of the Seas.

Recommended: Starboard Secrets: A Cruise Ship Cozy Mystery Novel (book 1)

Millie’s Cruise Ship Mysteries Box Set (Kindle Edition)

This set of the first 10 books in Millie’s Cruise Ship Mysteries Box Set (Kindle Edition) is an amazing value! It is a Kindle edition, which is especially good is you’re bringing your Kindle on your next cruise.

If you’s enjoy unlimited reading and listening on your Kindle or device, consider signing up for a Kindle Unlimited membership plan .

Recommended: Millie’s Cruise Ship Mysteries Box Set (Kindle Edition)

The Missing Sapphire of Zangrabar: A Patricia Fisher Mystery

Love a cozy cruise ship mystery? You’ll enjoy  The Missing Sapphire of Zangrabar: A Patricia Fisher Mystery by author Steve Higgs.

Getting away from her cheating husband, Patricia boards the world’s finest luxury cruise ship for a three-month tour of the world. Unfortunately, things go awry when she’s accused of a crime she didn’t commit. Now she and a couple new allies must solve this mystery before they end up dead!

Recommended: The Missing Sapphire of Zangrabar: A Patricia Fisher Mystery (see 800+ Amazon reviews)

Blood Cruise

If you’re in the mood for a cruise mystery that’s actually scary, Blood Cruise by Matt Strandberg is it! This thriller takes place on a Baltic Cruise and won’t be what anyone expected!

Recommended:  Blood Cruise: A Chilling Thriller (read Amazon reviews here)

Undercover Billionaire: A forbidden Cinderella cruise ship romance

A take on “Undercover Boss”, Undercover Billionaire has the handsome billionaire and heir to a Greek shipping line boarding one of his own cruise ships, as a passenger, to find out why it’s underperforming. In this fun and sexy cruise romance novel, you’ll find out if he break his own rules as he unexpectedly falls for one of the cocktail waitresses – and what happens next…

Recommended: Undercover Billionaire: A forbidden Cinderella cruise ship romance by Amy Andrews

A Very Beary Christmas Cruise (Dark Wing Paranormal Holiday Cruise) 

A Very Beary Christmas Cruise by Ellie Pond is a paranormal story of Michele, who goes on a solo Holiday cruise and meets a bear shifter – and yes, romance ensues. This book is one of 4 books in the series, but stands alone on it’s own.

Recommended: A Very Beary Christmas Cruise (read 400+ Amazon reviews here)

The Couple in Cabin 2124: A Patricia Fisher Mystery

The Couple in Cabin 2124 by Steve Higgs is another Patricia Fisher Mystery. This time, after a crew member takes his own life, Patricia obeys his dying wish and becomes involved in investigating the odd couple in cabin 2124. In addition to a mystery to solve, Patricia has a bit of romance playing out in her own life.

Recommended: The Couple in Cabin 2124: A Patricia Fisher Mystery

Cruise Ships Coloring and Drawing Book

Are you going on a family cruise or looking for stocking stuffers for your cruise loving kids or grandkids? This Cruise Coloring Book for Kids & Toddlers is a perfect gift!

Recommended: Cruise Ships Coloring and Drawing Book (check Amazon for price & reviews)

Cruise Tip for Books

If you love to read on a cruise, but are trying to pack light and want to avoid bring a lot of heavy books, consider an Amazon Kindle Membership Plan. You can find more information here: Amazon Kindle Membership

If faster shipping of your books would be useful, don’t forget to check out the free 30 day Trial Amazon Prime (amazon link)

Related posts:

Holiday Gift Guide for Cruisers 2021-22

50 Most Recommended Amazon Cruise Essentials

75 Genius Cruise Hacks and Tips

17 Worst Cruise Ship Cabins to Avoid

What to Pack for a Caribbean Cruise

Final thoughts on Best-Selling Cruise Books

If you love cruising or are planning a future cruise, these books about cruising will get you in the mood. These cruise planning and fiction cruise books are great reads on a cruise ship or at home!

Have you read any of these books and would you recommend? What other cruise books have you read recently that could be added to this list?

P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself ;-). Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons at the top). Thanks so much!

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Cruise packing list: The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

P acking for a cruise can be complicated, especially for first-timers who aren't 100% sure what to expect. The task is made even more stressful because you can't run to the nearest shopping mall to pick up something you forgot when you're sailing in the middle of the ocean.

What you need is a cruise packing list that accounts for cruise line dress codes for daywear and evening wear, the various activities you'll do on board and in port, the gear you need for travel and to enhance your cruise cabin, and the necessities you need for daily life and unexpected emergencies.

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We've listed 103 essentials you should always pack for any cruise vacation. Follow our cruise packing list to avoid packing mistakes and be prepared for anything on your next sailing.

Daytime clothing

When packing for a cruise, start with the basics: what you plan to wear each day.

On every cruise line, daytime clothing is casual, and on a big-ship cruise, nearly anything goes. On a more upscale or luxury cruise ship, casual daywear tends to be more fashion-forward and stylish, so you might feel out of place in your cheap tee from Target.

Of course, the destination and weather will dictate what exactly makes it onto your cruise packing list. For a Caribbean cruise , you'll want plenty of beachwear; for an Alaska cruise , you'll want rugged clothes for hiking and warm layers for the frequently changing weather. In the Middle East and Asia, you might need an outfit that covers the shoulders and knees for visiting religious sites.

Remember that any destination can be unseasonably warm, cold or wet, so pack a jacket for that Bahamas cruise or a short-sleeved top for an Arctic sailing — just in case.

If you want to stay fit on your cruise and plan to hit the onboard gym or go biking in port, pack activewear. I once forgot to pack socks on a short warm-weather cruise and was disappointed when I wasn't allowed on the ship's bungee trampoline.

Related: The 10 wildest attractions you'll find on a cruise ship

Cruisers traveling in a group should consider planning matching outfits, especially if they wish to take group photos on board. Group T-shirts are common, as are color-coordinated outfits for everyone from the kids to the grandparents.

Most important of all: Double-check that you've packed underwear. You're welcome.

Pack one outfit for every day, or plan to do laundry on your cruise ship . I like to look for ways to reuse pieces to save space. For example, I'll dress up a top with a skirt or dress pants for dinner, then wear the same shirt with jeans in port the following day. Or, I'll bring one solid color dress and wear it twice, but with different accessories.

Here's your daywear packing list (adjust numbers for the length of your sailing):

• Casual tops
• Workout wear
• Bathing suits and swimwear
• Cover-up or swim shirt
• Sweatshirt or sweater

Evening clothing

Some cruise lines, such as Norwegian Cruise Line , have a relaxed attitude toward dinner attire, and you can come as you are. Other lines, especially the more upscale ones, have strict dress codes for dinner. For cruises on those ships, you'll need to add some nicer outfits to your cruise packing list.

Evening wear on cruise ships tends to fall into two categories: resort casual and elegant. For casual nights, think of a date-night style. Some cruise lines do allow jeans in the evening; pair them with cute tops and nice shoes.

Elegant or formal nights bring out cocktail dresses, suits, ties and jackets. If formalwear is not your thing, choose room service, or go to the buffet or a casual restaurant for dinner to skip dressing up. Some luxury cruise lines will not allow underdressed passengers into certain restaurants or entertainment venues on formal nights.

Related: Cruise ship restaurant nirvana: The 9 best meals you can have at sea

Pro tip: Many cruise ships turn up the air conditioning at night. Pack a light sweater or dressy shawl to keep you comfortable in cool onboard restaurants and theaters.

Don't forget to pack outfits for cruise ship theme nights. Popular themes include white night, pirate night and Halloween — and, yes, cruisers do go all-out with costumes. Check with your cruise line to see which parties or theme nights will take place, and then pack accordingly.

Consider an eye patch or swashbuckling hat for Disney Cruise Line 's Pirate Night, a white sundress for Norwegian Cruise Line's White Hot Night and some neon leggings for Carnival Cruise Line 's '80s night.

Definitely don't forget the ultimate evening wear — comfy pajamas — especially if you're sharing a cabin with family or friends.

Here's your eveningwear packing list:

• Skirt and blouse
• Wrap or sweater
• Button-down shirt or polo
• Dress slacks or nice jeans
• Suit or tuxedo for formal night
• Cocktail dress or gown for formal night
• Theme cruise attire and costumes

It's easy to fill a carry-on with footwear alone when packing for a cruise. The must-have basic is a comfortable pair of travel shoes for the flight, ship and walking in port.

Other types of footwear to add to your cruise packing list are sneakers for athletic activities, flip-flops for the pool and beach, and dress shoes for dinner. (Ladies, try to match your outfits, so you only need to bring one pair of heels.) You might also want casual or athletic sandals, hiking boots or water shoes for rocky beaches.

Related: 13 things you should do before every cruise

Pro tip: Lay out all the pairs of shoes you think you need for the cruise, and then decide which shoes can do double duty and which you can leave at home. For example, on a Caribbean cruise, a sturdy pair of waterproof athletic sandals (like Keens) can multi-task as travel shoes, beach shoes and rugged activity footwear. A comfy pair of flats can pair with your casual daywear and your fancy evening attire.

Here's your footwear packing list:

• Sneakers or comfortable walking shoes
• Water shoes
• Hiking boots
• Dress shoes for the evening
• Slippers for in-cabin use

Accessories and gear

Once you've packed all the clothing, it's time to accessorize.

For sunny days, men and women will want to bring hats and sunglasses. On cold-weather cruises, you'll need a warm beanie, scarf, gloves and waterproof gear. (Antarctica and Arctic cruises have unique packing lists, so check with your cruise line.)

Related: 20 must-have cruise items — including a roll of duct tape

Don't forget belts, jewelry and ties for evening dress. Have a little fun with it — you're on a cruise.

Don't forget to add these accessories to your cruise packing list:

• Wide-brimmed sun hat or baseball hat
• Rain jacket and/or pants
• Pashmina or shawl

Toiletries and medicine

Like hotels, cruise ships typically provide soap and shampoo in your cabin. Some also offer conditioner and body lotion. However, it's hard to know whether your hair will respond well to the onboard products or if you'll hate the scent.

It's always safer to pack your own toiletries. Bring more than you think you'll need because it may be hard to find your favorite brands in foreign ports, and cruise ships sell necessities at inflated prices. (Here are a few more things you should never buy on a cruise ship or in port .)

Although you'll find hand sanitizer stations throughout your cruise ship, you'll still want to pack your own.

Sunscreen is essential; look for reef-safe versions if you plan on swimming in the ocean. Bug spray is also useful, especially in Alaska, where people joke that the mosquito is the state bird.

Related: 21 tips and tricks that will make your first cruise go smoothly

It's always smart to pack a first aid kit for your cruise; make sure it contains seasickness remedies if you're sensitive to the motion of the ocean. Over-the-counter medications are pricey on board, so bring the brands you most commonly use. If you take prescription medicine, bring enough for the trip and a few extra days' worth, just in case.

Pack these toiletries and medications for your cruise, preferably in your carry-on bag:

• Shampoo and conditioner
• Hair-styling products
• Toothpaste and toothbrush
• Glasses, contacts and contact lens solutions
• Razor and shaving cream
• Moisturizer
• Body lotion
• Lip balm (consider one with SPF protection)
• Soap (if you're picky about scents or ingredients)
• Feminine products
• Hand sanitizer (gel or wipes)
• Seasickness remedies (patches, pills, ginger candies and acupressure wristbands)
• Pain-relief medication, such as Tylenol or ibuprofen
• Allergy medication
• Upset stomach medication

Travel gear

Not all of us are lucky enough to live an hour or two from a cruise port. Many cruisers have to fly or road trip to their departure port and need to pack for this travel as well. Make sure your cruise packing list accounts for your pre- and post-cruise travel needs, as well as items useful for your time on board.

For long and overnight flights to your cruise, pack accessories for the plane. If you've scheduled a pre-cruise hotel stay, consider packing the necessities for that overnight in a separate bag so you don't need to unpack and repack your main suitcase.

Related: 10 must-have travel accessories for less than $15

You'll want to pack your tablet, portable video game system and e-reader for both your pre-cruise travel and the sailing itself. Don't forget all the related charging cables. Or, skip the tech and bring a few books, as many cruise ships no longer offer onboard libraries.

It should go without saying, but you are responsible for packing necessary travel documents, including your cruise/flight/tour tickets, passport book or passport card (or birth certificate) and visa paperwork. Do not put these items in your checked bags. Pack them in your carry-on so they're always on hand and less likely to go missing.

I'm a fan of bringing a day bag for carrying things around the ship (like toting my book, water bottle and cover-up to the Lido Deck pool) and a small purse for carrying my key card, lipstick and tissues at night. Some folks prefer to bring a lanyard to keep their cruise room key card close at hand.

If you like to walk about with your morning coffee or tea, you can't get a to-go cup at the buffet unless you're paying extra for a latte or espresso. Pack a travel coffee mug so you can fill up on the free stuff. I also recommend bringing a reusable water bottle and filling it up at the buffet or even a bar. It helps reduce plastic waste, and you don't bust your budget buying bottled water.

• Neck pillow
• Noise-canceling headphones
• Regular headphones or earbuds
• Tablet or laptop
• Portable video game system
• Playing cards or other small diversions
• E-reader or physical books
• Visa documents
• Cruise ticket or documents
• Travel insurance information
• Tour booking information
• Small purse
• Water bottle

Cabin enhancements

First-time cruisers don't realize all the cruise ship cabin hacks they can employ to enhance their onboard accommodations. Usually, all you need to pack are a few key items from home.

Many cruise cabin walls and doors are magnetic (Did I just blow your mind?), so I like to pack magnets both as fun decor and for organizational purposes. Magnetic clips and hooks can help keep paperwork and hats off the in-room desk and couch, while a magnetic whiteboard can be useful for leaving notes for your travel companions.

Newer cruise ships are designed so every cabin has enough electrical outlets and USB ports conveniently located throughout the room. However, older cruise ships have a sad lack of outlets. Unless you want to constantly battle your travel companions for charging priority, pack a power strip, multi-prong outlet or power adapter/current converter so you can charge multiple devices at once (and use any 220V European outlets in the cabin).

Just be sure that your power strip doesn't include a surge protector; those are banned from most cruise ships, as are extension cords.

Related: Packing for a cruise? These items aren't allowed on board

For evenings on board, pack a night light or battery-operated candles so you can find your way to the bathroom in the dark. A small, portable sound machine is helpful for blocking out hallway noise if your cabin is in a noisy area of the ship, such as close to the elevator banks.

You can sweeten your cabin bathroom by bringing a bathroom spray to mask unpleasant odors. Traveling with babies and toddlers who hate showers? A small inflatable kiddie pool or tub packs down small and can be used to give your little one a bath.

You don't need to pack a clothesline to dry wet items because one is usually hidden in your cabin's shower. However, I do recommend bringing a laundry bag or pop-up hamper to keep dirty clothes separate and off the cabin floor. Chair clips are useful if you plan to dry your clothes on the balcony and don't want them to blow away.

Related: 6 reasons you'll want to book a balcony cabin on your next cruise

Pack these items to enhance our cruise cabin:

• Power strip or multi-pronged outlet without surge protection
• Power converter
• Night light
• Battery-operated candles
• White noise machine
• Bathroom spray
• Inflatable kiddie pool
• Pop-up hamper or laundry bag
• Chair clips

Port day gear

You'll want to pack items specific to the activities you aim to do in port. Leave room on your cruise packing list for items that will change based on your destination and planned tours.

No matter where you cruise, you'll want a strong but lightweight backpack to stow everything you want to take off the ship with you. I love the kind with mesh pockets on the side to tuck away a water bottle.

In especially scenic destinations, such as Alaska or Scandinavia, you might want to bring binoculars and/or a DSLR camera (rather than relying on your phone for photos). Don't forget accessories like extra batteries, chargers and memory cards.

On beachy cruises, you'll want a beach bag, sand toys for the kids and perhaps your own snorkeling gear. Wet bags (or even plastic zip-top bags) will keep your wet stuff from leaking onto everything on your way back to the ship.

Related: 8 must-pack accessories for your next beach vacation

For water sports like kayaking, consider a dry bag to stow your camera gear, smartphone and wallet and prevent them from getting wet. Waterproof cases for your cellphone and camera are also useful, as well as "beach wallets" that let you go into the water with your credit cards and cash on your person.

• Camera, memory cards, portable tripod and other accessories
• Waterproof dry bag
• Waterproof phone and/or camera case
• Waterproof beach wallet
• Snorkel, mask and fins
• Beach toys for kids (such as packable pails and inflatable floats)
• Retractable hiking poles
• Packaged snacks (such as protein or granola bars) for long excursions
• Lightweight packable travel towels if you want something that folds up smaller than the bulky cruise ship beach towels

Miscellaneous items to pack for your cruise

Some must-pack items for cruises defy categorization but are important nonetheless. Don't leave them off your cruise packing list.

Cruise lines have strict rules about what types of beverages and alcohol you can bring on a cruise ship . If you're picky about wine, many lines will let you bring on a 750 ml bottle or two. Pack your favorite, but be prepared to pay a corkage fee if you drink it at an onboard bar or restaurant.

If you plan to purchase wine in port to bring home, you'll also want to pack bubble wrap or wine protector bags to get your bottles home safely.

Some lines, such as Holland America and Carnival, also allow you to bring on a limited number of cans of nonalcoholic drinks such as soda, juice or seltzer water. This can cut down on your bar bill or fuel your Diet Coke obsession should your ship carry only Pepsi.

I'm sure I don't need to remind anyone to bring their cell phone on vacation (but remember to pack the charging cables). However, you might not know to download your cruise line's app before you leave home. The app will show you the daily schedule, deck plans, dining reservations, shore excursion options and more. Many apps, like the one from Celebrity Cruises , even allow you to chat with other passengers while you're connected to the cruise ship's internet . (Remember to keep your devices in airplane mode to avoid accruing large at-sea roaming charges.)

You'll want cash, especially small bills, for tipping porters and purchasing small souvenirs in port. Depending on your itinerary, you might want to acquire some foreign currency in advance. Otherwise, you can use an ATM once you arrive in port. (ATMs almost always offer a better exchange rate than airport kiosks.)

Bring a credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees, so you don't spend more than you need to abroad. (If you don't have one, consider applying for one of the best credit cards for travel .)

What not to pack for a cruise

Now that you know what to put on your cruise packing list, you'll also want to know what to leave out. Some items you might be tempted to pack are outright banned by the cruise lines . Others simply aren't necessary.

Here's what you can leave out of your suitcase.

• Linens and towels
• Hand soap (unless you're picky)
• High chair and portable crib (your ship will provide these)
• Coffeemakers and other appliances with heating elements
• Illegal drugs (including marijuana and CBD products, even if they're legal in your home state or departure port)
• Extension cords
• Beverages beyond the modest allotment of wine or nonalcoholic drinks in cans
• Meat, cheese, fruit or other non-prepackaged food (check with your cruise line if you have dietary restrictions and require special food items)

Bottom line

Many cruisers tend to overpack when it comes to clothes and shoes but sometimes forget about other necessities. When you take your suitcase out of the closet and begin packing for your next itinerary, refer to this list and be sure you're covered when it comes to both clothing and those all-important accessories.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Protect Your Trip »

How much does a cruise cost in 2024.

Use this guide to learn more about cruise pricing and how to figure out the total cost of a cruise.

How Much Does a Cruise Cost?

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With the rising cost of everything, cruise fares – some even as low as $27 per person per night based on double occupancy – seem like an incredible bargain. And they certainly can be, but the fares you see advertised online often don't include extras like taxes, fees, port expenses, gratuities, shore excursions, specialty dining, alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, room service fees and more.

Cruise pricing can be confusing with so many variables. Unless you're sailing with a smaller luxury line that is all-inclusive , your bill on the day of disembarkation may be unexpected or even shocking. Small things like buying bottled water or renting noodles for floating in the ocean at a cruise line's private island can add up quickly. To help you plan better for a cruise vacation , U.S. News has broken down some of the costs and add-ons you need to take into consideration before booking your next getaway on the high seas.

Find your perfect cruise

How much does a one-week cruise cost?

A cruise can cost anywhere from about $109 per person in an interior cabin for a four-night Bahamas cruise up to $101,199 per person for an entry-level suite on a 168-night world cruise – and anywhere in between. Cruise fares vary based on itinerary, number of nights, cabin type, amenities and cruise line. Here are a few examples of base cruise cost ranges on larger cruise lines for various regions:

• A seven-night Caribbean cruise in November ranges from approximately $270 to $2,600 per person.
• A seven-night Alaska cruise in May ranges from approximately $250 to $1,700 per person.
• A seven-night Mediterranean cruise in June ranges from approximately $620 to $2,300 per person.
• A seven-night Mexico cruise on the Pacific Coast in January ranges from approximately $470 to $700 per person.
• A seven-night Canada and New England cruise in October ranges from approximately $490 to $1,100 per person.

What's included in the base fare with a larger cruise line?

Mass market cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean International , Norwegian Cruise Line , MSC Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line – and more upscale lines like Celebrity Cruises , Holland America Line , Cunard Line , Disney Cruise Line and Princess Cruises – advertise "starting from" base fares, which are for inside cabins. These are the least expensive staterooms on the ship, and they do not have windows. Staying in these accommodations still gives you access to all the complimentary dining venues and several types of nonalcoholic beverages (such as nonbottled water, iced tea, juices, hot coffee and tea), as well as the ship's pools, gym facilities, kids clubs and onboard entertainment.

If you want a room with a view – or a larger stateroom – consider booking an ocean view room with a window, or a cabin with a balcony or veranda. With these rooms, you'll have access to all the ship's included amenities and typically more spacious accommodations for the week. Of course, this option will come at a higher price point.

No matter which room category you choose, port expenses, taxes and fees are not included in the base fares, and they're automatically added to the cost of your cruise. The amount of these charges will depend on the length of your cruise and where you're sailing. Gratuities for the staff and crew are also additional.

Ready to plan a cruise? Find the best value sailings on  GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

What if you want more amenities and perks?

For more perks, you can splurge on a suite or a higher room category. With Celebrity's Concierge Class, for example, you'll be treated to amenities such as a welcome lunch, a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine, personalized concierge service, an exclusive destination seminar, pillow selection upon request, laundry service and more.

With Disney Cruise Line's Concierge Staterooms and Suites, guests have a dedicated concierge agent offering personalized assistance for pre-arrival planning for port adventures, dining reservations, other onboard activities and special requests. You'll also get priority check-in and boarding, a private welcome reception, free Basic Surf Wi-Fi, access to a private lounge with complimentary food and beverages (alcoholic and nonalcoholic) served throughout the day, and other perks.

You may opt to stay within an exclusive area of the ship, such as the MSC Yacht Club, The Haven by Norwegian or Celebrity's The Retreat. These high-end private retreats offer a mostly all-inclusive experience with additional features, while still including access to all the entertainment, dining venues and more on board. The accommodations can cost hundreds more dollars per day, but you'll have an experience similar to sailing on a small luxury vessel.

For example, the MSC Yacht Club offers an intimate all-inclusive space within its larger ships. The private area is accessible with a key card and features luxurious suites, a dedicated concierge, 24-hour butler service, a private restaurant and lounge, a secluded pool deck, priority reservations for specialty dining, VIP seating for entertainment, and other amenities. There are also additional dining and snack options throughout the day at the pool and lounge.

You'll find similar amenities in Norwegian's and Celebrity's private retreats, including priority boarding and disembarkation, exclusive sun deck areas, and priority access when boarding tenders for going ashore.

Guests of MSC's Yacht Club receive the line's Premium Extra Beverage Package, which covers premium liquors, fine wines and Champagne in the Yacht Club and at most other venues on the ship. Accommodations in The Retreat on Celebrity also include premium beverages throughout the ship. If you're staying in The Haven by Norwegian, a beverage package is not covered in the pricing, but Norwegian frequently advertises its "Free at Sea" package, which includes free unlimited bar, free specialty dining, complimentary Wi-Fi, discounts on excursions and other perks.

What factors determine pricing?

Base pricing and the additional components vary greatly among the cruise lines, so you'll need to determine what your budget is for the trip – and what you can and can't live without when it comes to accommodations and amenities. Travelers may also find that one cruise line has a deal or promotion with reduced pricing that covers airfare, specialty dining, a beverage package, free Wi-Fi or other perks in the advertised rate (such as the Norwegian package mentioned above), while another line isn't running any specials for a similar itinerary.

Voyages on older cruise ships tend to be less expensive, so if you're on a tight budget, consider a ship with fewer bells and whistles. If you're sailing on a short itinerary in the Bahamas and plan to lounge by the pool or on the beach all day, you may not be concerned about having high-tech onboard amenities, martini bars and several specialty restaurants.

Save the money to splurge on more expensive fares when you're planning to sail on longer voyages on larger and newer ships . You'll want several days at sea to enjoy the onboard amenities on some vessels, such as a three-level racetrack and a 10-story-tall slide on Norwegian Viva . It would take a full week (or more) to explore all the entertainment options aboard Royal Caribbean International's newest ship, Icon of the Seas – or all the new entertainment offerings and attractions on Princess Cruises' latest addition to its fleet: Sun Princess.

Another significant factor to consider is the time of year you want to travel. Better deals are available in the offseason, but the offseason varies depending on what part of the world you're traveling to. For example, May is a great time to find a deal in the Caribbean. The offseason – or shoulder season – in that market typically runs from May to November. However, keep in mind this period overlaps with hurricane season .

You also may be able to find last-minute deals in many other destinations if you're flexible. Working with a travel agent is an excellent way to learn of last-minute specials and cruise deals that offer add-ons like beverage packages, specialty dining inclusions, shore excursions and other perks. You can also check out the online specials that change frequently.

Solo travelers may pay more

If you're traveling alone, you may also need to factor in a single supplement, which can add up to as much as 100% of the cruise fare. To save money, bring a friend so you can access the lower double occupancy fare or consider lines that feature rooms for solo travelers; select Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and Celebrity ships offer solo staterooms, as do other cruise lines. Check out our guide to the best solo cruises with no supplement fare .

These smaller accommodations – typically ranging from around 100 to more than 200 square feet in size – are priced and designed for solo travelers. Key card access to Norwegian's Studio Lounge is included with the line's solo cabins and offers a place to relax and mix and mingle with other cruisers. Other lines that offer solo cabins include Holland America, MSC, Cunard and Virgin Voyages . While the price may not be as inexpensive as the double occupancy fare when traveling with someone else, these accommodations offer some savings over a typical solo fare.

Some lines often feature special deals on select sailings where the single supplement is waived or reduced. A knowledgeable travel agent specializing in cruises can assist in finding the best offers for solo travelers.

'Kids cruise free' promotions can help families save

If you're traveling with kids, many cruise lines – such as Holland America, MSC, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Disney and Princess – offer "kids sail free" promotions periodically throughout the year. You can also find discounted fares for children on select sailings.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has fares as low as $999 for children 17 and younger on a variety of select voyages. Regent's regular fares typically start at around $3,600 per person for a seven-night cruise, so this is a significant savings. This fare also includes unlimited complimentary shore excursions and all the benefits and perks of sailing with an all-inclusive luxury cruise line. Regent even has a current promotion where kids sail free on a selection of seven- to 20-night itineraries in Europe and the U.K.

Food and beverages are another expense to consider

Once you determine your total cruise fare with the taxes, fees, port charges and gratuities, you'll need to budget for the additional expenses you'll have on the ship – and these extras can add up quickly. Meals at specialty dining venues, alcoholic drinks and other beverages may not be covered in the basic cruise fare. You'll also have to pay for room service on many ships.

You can purchase specialty dining, beverage and Wi-Fi packages before or during your cruise. These packages offer savings over purchasing everything individually – and it's best to buy them once you book your cruise, as they're typically cheaper to purchase before you board the ship.

For an example of the savings with a food package, Royal Caribbean offers up to a 40% discount with a dining package. This package includes reduced pricing for children ages 6 to 12, while kids 5 and younger eat for free. The cruise line's unlimited dining package also offers discounts on bottles of wine.

In addition to specialty dining venues that charge a flat fee – usually between $30 and $50 – there are also restaurants that charge as much as $135 or more for dinner, such as the adult venues on Disney Cruise Line's ships. Other restaurants feature a la carte menus with sushi, bar food and even steakhouses that price out individual courses. Some of these venues may not include gratuities, so that's another add-on. If you decide to dine at any of these spots – and they're not included in your package – you'll have to budget for them in the total cruise price.

Enticing dessert items in the gelato and ice cream shops on some ships also come with a price, including Coco's and Dolce Gelato on Norwegian or MSC's Venchi Gelati and Chocolate.

There are endless options when considering beverage packages, too, so you need choose what fits best with your interests and budget. Some of the package options are only for nonalcoholic drinks like fountain sodas, sparkling waters and coffees, while premium or deluxe beverage packages cover beer, wine and cocktails, so they are more expensive.

Depending on the cruise line, most premium packages will usually cover drinks up to $15, but many craft cocktails on cruise ships can be quite expensive, costing much more, especially if you request a specific brand for the liquor. If you have the premium package and want to splurge on the fancy beverage, you'll have to pay the difference.

It's important to know that there are a few select venues and bars on some ships that do not accept a beverage package, so you'll have to pay extra for drinks at those places. For example, MSC's ships have several signature venues that do not accept drink packages, such as Hola! Tacos & Cantina, Lavazza coffee shops and Venchi 1878.

Norwegian offers a package that covers top-shelf beverages and select bottles of wine and Champagne, Starbucks coffee, bottled water, soda, specialty drinks and other beverages. You'll need to budget around $138 per person per day for this option – and an additional 20% gratuity. This type of package can add up to quite a bit of money on a seven-day cruise or longer. For more information, consult our guide on the drink package options for major cruise lines .

Bundle pricing

For additional savings, look into bundle pricing that includes specialty dining, Wi-Fi, photos and more. Purchasing them together may be more cost-effective. For example, Holland America offers the "Have It All" package, which encompasses a $100 shore excursion credit, the Signature Beverage Package (including the service charge), one evening of specialty dining and the Surf Wi-Fi package for a six- to nine-day cruise. If you're sailing for 10 to 20 days or even longer, the benefits increase. The line estimates savings of 50% when you purchase this bundle.

While these packages may not always work out in your favor, you'll at least know what your dining, imbibing, excursions, Wi-Fi and even additional activities on the cruise will cost.

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Additional costs on a cruise ship

Cruisers will also incur additional fees from excursions, fitness classes, spa treatments, access to thermal spa rooms, babysitting services, ship tours, wine tastings, cocktail demonstrations, cooking classes, laundry services, and some entertainment venues and activities on the ship. Examples include Norwegian's racetrack, Viva Speedway; high-tech attractions like the Robotron thrill ride and the XD cinema on MSC Seascape ; and Carnival's first roller coaster at sea, BOLT.

See some of the more popular added costs you'll want to consider below.

Wi-Fi access

If you need Wi-Fi during the cruise, that's another cost to factor into the total price. Here are two examples of pricing for internet plans for two cruise lines.

Carnival offers three options for Wi-Fi, using Starlink. The basic Social Wi-Fi Plan gives you access to certain social media channels like Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp and more, starting at about $15 per person per day. The cost increases to roughly $20 per person per day with the Value Wi-Fi Plan. This option gives you access to your email and to sites for weather, news, finance and more. It does not support Skype or music and video streaming services like Spotify and Netflix during your cruise.

The last option, Carnival's Premium Wi-Fi Plan, starts at around $19 per person per day and offers speeds up to three times faster than the Value plan. With this plan you can make Zoom calls and use Skype. For all three of these plans, you can save 15% off the total price if you book in advance of your trip.

Celebrity also uses Starlink. The line's "All Included" fare includes basic internet and a classic drink package, which the line says can save you potentially hundreds of dollars. If you don't book that fare, Wi-Fi plans range from around $20 per day for basic service to premium Wi-Fi at $35 per day.

• Shore excursions

If you're traveling to far-flung or new destinations, you'll want to book shore excursions. Cruise lines recommend that you book excursions directly with them rather than hiring an independent tour company or operator, but it can be more expensive to book tours through the cruise line.

However, if you experienced a delay on an independent tour and couldn't get back to the ship on time, there's a chance you could get left behind if you're not on a ship-sponsored tour. If you decide to go with a private tour guide, be sure to book an excursion that will allow you to arrive back at the ship with plenty of time to spare before the vessel departs for the next destination. Most tour operators in busy cruise ports work with the cruise ship schedules all the time, so you should be fine with a reputable independent guide.

Some trips last an entire day or are once-in-a-lifetime adventures like dog-sledding on a glacier in Alaska or taking a helicopter ride over the active volcanoes and waterfalls in Iceland. These types of excursions can be costly, ranging anywhere from hundreds to even thousands of dollars. If these types of experiences are not in your budget, look for historic walking or panoramic driving tours. These activities are shorter in duration and typically the least expensive tours available on the cruise. Many of these types of tours will cost less than $100. And, of course, there are always other options available that range between the lower and higher price range of excursions.

If your ship is docked directly in the town or city, then you'll be able to explore off the ship on your own for free. Some cruise lines also offer complimentary shuttle buses into town or a round-trip ride for a nominal fee if it's not within walking distance of the ship. That's another less expensive option for you to sightsee, shop or grab lunch in town.

Transportation

Transportation is another expense that's often overlooked in the total cost of a cruise. Consider if you'll be driving or flying to the cruise port. If you're driving, you'll have to pay for gas and parking at the port – and maybe a hotel the night before the cruise, depending on when you arrive and when your ship is scheduled to set sail. Don't forget the meals or beverages you'll purchase on the way.

If you're flying to the port, especially on a long-distance flight, it's best to come in a day early. In that case, you'll also have to pay for a hotel, transfers from the airport to the hotel and then a transfer (private hire, Uber or cab) to the ship's terminal. There will also be meals to budget for while you're in town before the cruise and a ride back to the airport after the cruise.

Souvenirs or forgotten items

Don't forget to account for purchases on the ship. Items that you forgot to bring from home will be more expensive on board. It's also easy to run up the bill when buying souvenirs for yourself or the kids. It's a good idea to periodically check your bill online or with guest services to see the current balance. You can keep a running tab of what you've billed to your stateroom – and also make sure that the charges are correct.

Cruise pricing checklist

To sum it up, here's a checklist of major items that will help you to compare costs across cruise lines and tally up the total cost of a cruise:

• Base cruise price
• Taxes, fees, gratuities and port expenses
• Specialty dining
• Food and beverage packages
• Optional activities (such as spa treatments or extra-fee entertainment on the ship)
• Miscellaneous expenses (such as meals and beverages ashore)
• Air or ground travel to the port
• Hotel prior to embarking

If you don't want to budget for all the individual expenses related to a cruise – and you don't need the over-the-top entertainment of a larger cruise ship – consider booking a mostly all-inclusive or fully all-inclusive cruise with a luxury cruise line . These cruise lines include almost everything in your cruise fare.

Mostly all-inclusive cruises

One option for a mostly all-inclusive cruise is Viking Ocean Cruises . The line's 12 all-veranda ocean-going vessels accommodate between 930 to 998 guests based on double occupancy – and all of Viking's ships feature the same categories of staterooms and suites, dining, lounges, and entertainment venues across the fleet. The ships offer an immersive cultural curriculum on board with regional dishes, destination performances and enrichment lectures.

Viking's fares include veranda accommodations, port taxes and fees, free Wi-Fi, access to the spa and fitness center, 24-hour room service, ground transportation (if you book airfare with Viking), and one complimentary excursion in each port. You'll also have alternative dining options at no extra charge, plus free beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board the ship. Specialty coffees, teas and bottled water are available 24 hours a day at no extra charge.

If you like to have an aperitif before your evening meal or an after-dinner cocktail, those beverages will be at an additional cost. You'll also need to budget for any optional shore excursions that are not included in the fare.

Keep in mind that Viking is an adults-only cruise line , so children younger than 18 are not permitted.

All-inclusive cruises

Regent Seven Seas, Silversea Cruises and Seabourn Cruise Line boast all-inclusive luxury experiences with shipwide amenities such as ocean-facing suites, butlers, premium spirits, fully stocked in-suite bars, no tipping and complimentary dining at world-class restaurants.

Additional perks with Regent Seven Seas include complimentary unlimited shore excursions, free two- or three-night land programs, a free one-night hotel stay before the cruise departure, transfers from the airport to the ship, and business class or economy airfare (depending on the destination).

Silversea offers door-to-door arrangements where everything is handled by the cruise line. You can also opt for a port-to-port all-inclusive rate if you prefer to make your own travel arrangements. If you're on one of the cruise line's expedition cruises, fares will include a pre- or post-cruise hotel stay. All door-to-door and port-to-port Silversea fares cover a selection of complimentary shore excursions in each port.

If you're interested in an even smaller ship – and are sailing to the Caribbean or Mediterranean – SeaDream Yacht Club features an intimate luxury experience on its two 56-stateroom yachts. The fares include top-notch cuisine, an open bar, gratuities, complimentary daily yoga, access to water sports and movies under the stars.

How much does a luxury cruise cost for two?

If you want to go on a mostly adults-only luxury ship, what can you expect to pay for two people? This will depend on the ship, where you want to sail and for how long – and what amenities are included in the fare.

For a seven-night cruise in the Caribbean in December 2024 round-trip from Miami with Regent Seven Seas, an all-inclusive cruise fare with suite accommodations starts at $7,398 ($3,699 per person). There are additional perks and savings available, depending on the level of accommodations you book and if you combine this cruise with another voyage. You can also check with a travel agent specializing in cruises to see if they have access to other promotions.

For a Silversea cruise in December 2025 that sails round-trip from Bridgetown, Barbados, the all-inclusive port-to-port cruise fare starts at $9,800 for two people ($4,900 per person) in suite accommodations. Contact a travel agent before booking to see if they can offer upgrades or additional amenities.

While the price tag may seem high, compare the total cost with the base fare on a larger cruise ship and then add in all the extras.

See the top cruises on  GoToSea .

The bottom line

The average cost of a cruise is all over the map – and there are many variables to consider. Hiring a cruise specialist to navigate the rough waters may be your best option. Cruise specialists are also privy to special deals and incentives that you may not be able to access on your own. Travel agents can also advise you of promotions that may include free specialty dining, beverage packages, complimentary Wi-Fi, shore excursions, discounts on solo and family travel, and more. This approach will save you the hassle of searching online or calling the individual cruise companies to check on what specials are available.

If you'd rather have one price with everything included so there's little room for surprises at the end of the trip, consider a mostly or fully all-inclusive cruise fare. If you don't need waterslides for the kids, big Broadway shows and high-tech entertainment, a cruise on a small luxury line may suit you well.

When doing the math and comparing the costs, you might be surprised how similar in price cruising with a larger mass market cruise line and a smaller luxury line can be. In the end, your decision will come down to your personal preferences and what you value most for your cruise vacation.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed to destinations around the globe on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, luxury yachts, expedition vessels and traditional masted sailing ships. Cruising is one of her favorite ways to travel and she hopes to book an extended cruise to see the rest of the world someday soon. She covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• Cruise Packing List: Essentials for Your Cruise
• How Much Does an Alaska Cruise Cost?
• Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival: Which Is Right for You?
• The Top Cruise Insurance Plans
• Is Travel Insurance Worth It?

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Hawaii Cruise Travel Guide

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Multiple islands, no island-hopping flights , great price, lots of time for shore excursions, what isn’t there to love about a Hawaii cruise? Let’s see if cruising Hawaii is right for your Hawaii vacation!

Hawaii has always been a swoon-worthy destination for travelers. It’s also a popular destination for cruise ships, allowing passengers to hop between islands without ever setting foot on a plane.

If you’re interested in cruising to the Hawaiian islands, then there are certain things to keep in mind for your trip. Cruises can be tricky to plan, especially considering the short days on land and the busy nights back on board. 

But we’re here to help! This article (and our Cruising Hawaii Guide) will make sure you’re thoroughly prepared for your voyage! 

All our cruise resources, all in one place: Book your cruise during the best time to cruise Hawaii . Learn about Hawaii’s cruise ports so you know what to expect when you step off the ship. Check out our curated list of shore excursions for each island: Oahu , Maui , Kauai , and the Big Island

Cruising Hawaii Guide

Get the cruising hawaii guide.

Booking a cruise to Hawaii is the easy part (in our opinion). The hard part is finding the best shore excursions, planning self-guided itinerary days, and how to get around the island.

The Cruising Hawaii Guide provides everything you need to plan your trip, including 90+ shore excursion tour options, over 11 self-guided itinerary days, our favorite restaurants, and the best beaches. We want your cruise to Hawaii to be unforgettable, and stress-free.

Add the  Oahu Wayfinder Itinerary  to your cart with coupon code  CRUISE  to save $7.

Hawaii Cruise Facts

Before you head out to sea, there are a few important facts to keep in mind about your Hawaii cruise.

• According to the Passenger Vessel Service ACT (PVSA), foreign-flagged ships navigating between two US ports are required to stop at a foreign port like Canada or Mexico. You may also see this law come up as the Jones Act, but that only applies to cargo vessels and not passenger vessels like cruise ships.
• Currently, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America is the only major cruise ship that qualifies for the PSVA, which is why it can embark and disembark in Hawaii without going to a foreign port. 
• A Hawaiian shirt is very different from an Aloha shirt! While Hawaiian shirts are brightly colored with unique patterns and prints, Aloha shirts feature a fish, Kapa, or floral pattern and the print is continuous with the chest pocket. They have a collar, button-up, and are worn untucked. Locals prefer muted colors.
• Gambling is illegal in Hawaii (they don’t even have a state lottery!), so don’t expect to find a casino on the islands. For this reason, cruise ship casinos do not operate while they are docked in Hawaii. And if you’re traveling on NCL’s Pride of America, you won’t find a casino on board at all! 

What to Pack for a Hawaii Cruise

Packing for a Hawaii cruise isn’t exceptionally different than packing for a Hawaiian vacation on land . But in addition to your clothes and accessories, there are some specific things that you should consider bringing.

• Mineral sunscreen : To help protect the reefs, Maui and the Big Island have banned chemical sunscreens, so make sure to pack mineral sunscreen. While the rule isn’t enforced on the other islands, it’s always a good idea to use mineral sunscreen and sun-protective clothing to protect the environment!
• Daypack or bag: Your time on land can be as long as 10-12 hours a day. We recommend a durable backpack or day bag to hold your towels, sunscreen, water, wallet, etc. If you forget something, you can always visit one of the many ABC stores (convenience stores) on the islands.
• Rainjacket: Tropical downpours can happen on any of the islands. Bring one on board, and don’t forget it during your shore excursions.
• Cash: Although Hawaii is mostly cashless, some businesses, like some food trucks, are cash-only.
• Extra money: To make the most of your time on land, we recommend booking shore excursions ( luaus , helicopter tours , circle island tours , etc.). However, these things can be expensive, so make sure you budget for these activities. We also have some tips to save money on shore excursions, which we’ll discuss a bit later.
• Hawaii cruise attire: Get into the aloha spirit with some festive gear, like an aloha shirt. You can find high-quality ones at Kahala or Reyn Spooner .

As you can see, this is just a short list of things you will want to bring with you. You can find a full list of packing essentials on our What to Pack for Your Hawaii Vacation list.

Hawaii Cruise Ports

Hawaiian cruise ships can travel and dock at four islands – Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island. Here is a list of the ports that may be included in your itinerary:

• Honolulu Pier 2 Cruise Terminal on Oahu (minutes from Waikiki Beach)
• Port of Hilo on the Big Island (Hilo, East Hawaii)
• Kailua Pier (tender port) in downtown Kailua-Kona, Big Island
• Kahului Harbor in north-central Maui
• Lahaina Harbor (tender port) in West Maui (currently not operational)
• Nawiliwili Harbor on Kauai’s East Side, near Lihue Town (see our Lihue Things to Do + near the harbor )

Get everything you need to know about all of Hawaii’s cruise ports .

You’ll find that most ship itineraries either embark or disembark on the mainland. However, NCL’s Pride of America is the only ship that starts and ends in Hawaii (Honolulu, Oahu, to be exact). We recommend coming to Oahu a few days early if you’re going on this cruise. Not only will this give you time to explore the island, but it can also help with jet lag. 

You can check out our Oahu Wayfinder Itinerary , which is packed full of must-see sights, insider tips, and driving routes to make sure you make the most of this extra time on the island. You can also save $7 using the coupon code CRUISE when you purchase both the Oahu Wayfinder Itinerary and the Cruising Hawaii Guide .

Hawaii Cruise: Norwegian’s Pride of America

NCL’s Pride of America is the cruise line that stays in Hawaii. On top of that, it’s the only ship that operates year-round, so there’s a lot of flexibility in terms of dates. Their 8-day, 7-night Hawaii: Inter-Island cruise leaves and returns to Honolulu every Saturday. 

This is a great option for travelers who want to see four Hawaiian islands in a short amount of time. Here is the current itinerary as of 2024:

• Day 1: Embark in Honolulu, Oahu
• Day 2: Kahului, Maui
• Day 3: Kahului, Maui
• Day 4: Hilo, Hawaii
• Day 5: Kona, Hawaii
• Day 6: Nawiliwili, Kaui
• Day 7: Nawiliwili, Kaui
• Day 8: Disembark in Honolulu, Oahu

Compared to other luxurious cruise lines, the Pride of America may lack some of the extravagant features and amenities of high-end ships. But this cruise is designed to get you off the ship and for the price, it’s an excellent option to see the best of what Hawaii has to offer. 

The ship itself is in good condition, and the on-board food and entertainment are above average. There are over 20 different restaurants and bars, sports courts, kids’ and teens’ clubs, a spa, and tons of daily activities.

Another great perk is that they spend the night at the dock in Kahului and Nawiliwi, so you can do late-night or early-morning activities that you wouldn’t be able to do otherwise. But even if you head back to the ship, you have lots of time on land for shore excursions. This is, in our opinion, the most important factor to consider, as you’re taking this cruise to explore Hawaii after all! 

Popular Hawaii Cruises from the Mainland

Besides the Pride of America, there are plenty of other companies that cruise to Hawaii. Keep in mind that all of these ships leave from the mainland and spend several days crossing the Pacific Ocean. Sea days can be really fun, but they usually mean that itineraries will be longer than a week.

As we mentioned earlier, foreign-flagged ships going between two US ports will need to make a stop in a different country. That’s why you’ll see these ships docking or embarking/disembarking from Canada or Mexico. Remember that these are foreign countries, so US citizens will be required to travel with a passport.

• Departure: San Diego
• Return: San Diego
• Ports: Nawiliwili (Kauai), Honolulu (Oahu), Kahului (Maui), Kona (Hawaii), Hilo (Hawaii), Ensenada, Mexico
• Departure: Honolulu
• Return: Vancouver, BC
• Ports: Lahaina (Maui), Hilo (Hawaii), Kona (Hawaii), Honolulu (Oahu)
• Departure: San Francisco, California
• Return: San Francisco, California
• Ports: Hilo (Hawaii), Honolulu (Oahu), Lahaina (Maui), Nawiliwili (Kauai), Ensenada, Mexico
• Departure: Vancouver, BC
• Return: Honolulu
• Ports: Lahaina (Maui), Honolulu (Oahu)

The Best Time to Cruise Hawaii

Hawaii is a year-round destination, which means there’s not a bad time to visit. With that said, some times are better than others, especially if you’re going on a cruise.

The best time to cruise to Hawaii is in the fall , specifically in September and October. The shoulder season means fewer crowds and cheaper deals, although it’s still warm enough for beaches and outdoor activities. 

However, there are plenty of other factors to consider when deciding when to go to Hawaii. Our Best Time to Cruise Hawaii article has more in-depth information on cost, tourist numbers, and weather patterns to help you pick a date.

Besides the Pride of America, which operates year-round, most cruise lines will only set sail at certain times of the year. Therefore, it’s important to plan in advance if you have specific dates in mind. 

How to Get Around for Shore Excursions

Once your ship has docked at the port, you’re free to roam around and explore the island at your leisure. If you’ve booked a shore excursion, transportation may be included to and from the dock. But this isn’t always the case, which means you’ll need to make your way to the meeting point on your own.

The tender port in Kailua-Kona (the Big Island) and the cruise terminal in Honolulu (Oahu) are the only two docks where there are sights and attractions within walking distance. While the Honolulu port is close to downtown Honolulu, it’s still a 15-minute drive from the center of Waikiki, so you’ll still need transportation or a guided tour if you want to see that area.

But for all the other ports, you’ll need to arrange transportation to get out of the industrial dock area. You’ll have several options to do so:

• Taxi and rideshare: Uber, Lyft, and local taxis can be called to pick up and drop off at the dock.
• Rental car: Renting a car allows you to see the island at your leisure. Some rental companies will pick you up at the dock. If not, then you’ll need to take a taxi or rideshare to the rental office or airport.
• Public transportation: While not the most convenient, public transportation is cheap and reliable. The Bus (Honolulu) has the most routes and frequent departures, and Oahu is the easiest island to get around without a car , while the other islands have buses that leave every hour.
• Guided tours: Many guided tours will pick you up at the dock to take you around the island for a few hours. It’s nice to have a local guide and not worry about driving. You can see our top picks for shore excursions in the next section.

Cruise Hawaii: The Best Shore Excursions

Planning an activity with limited time on land can be challenging. That’s why we highly recommend booking a shore excursion! Here are a couple of activities on each island that you won’t want to miss out on:

• Driving the Road to Hana
• Snorkeling Molokini Crater
• Be on the summit of Haleakala volcano at sunrise
• Whale watching during the winter months
• More Maui shore excursions

Kaui: 

• Touring the Napali Coast by helicopter, airplane , hiking , or boat
• Mountain tubing through the jungle and irrigation tunnels
• Hiking the Waimea Canyon
• More Kauai shore excursions

• Visiting the historic Pearl Harbor
• Take a full-circle island tour
• Learning how to surf in Waikiki
• Enjoying a 2-hour catamaran sail
• More Oahu shore excursions

Big Island:

• Hiking in Hawaii Volcanos National Park
• Coffee tasting in Kona
• Night snorkeling with Manta Rays
• Stargazing on Mauna Kea
• Whale Watching (only from December to March during whale watching season!)
• More Big Island shore excursions

However, all of this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to fun shore excursions in Hawaii. You can find over 90+ shore excursions (as well as information on restaurants, transportation, and self-driving itineraries) in our Cruising Hawaii Guide .

Tips for Booking Shore Excursions

When it comes to booking an excursion, you have two options: booking through the ship or directly with the tour operator.

Here are the benefits of booking with the cruise ship: 

• Guaranteed return: Cruise-organized excursions are structured around the ship’s docking schedule, so you won’t have to worry about missing your departure time.
• Transportation: Transportation is usually included so there’s no need to hire a taxi or book private transportation services to and from the dock.
• Refunds: If your tour is canceled due to bad weather or inability to dock, you’ll get a refund from the cruise line.
• Booking options: You can book your excursion online or once you’re on the boat. Having this flexibility is great if you’re not sure of your cruise plans! Just note that popular excursions do fill up quickly and may not be available once you get on the ship.

And here are the reasons it makes sense to go with the tour operator:

• Support locals: When you book with a tour company, you’re supporting a local business and contributing to the growth of the community.
• Cost: In the majority of cases, the price of the excursion will be much lower than if you were to book with the cruise ship. 
• Availability: Excursions offered by the cruise line are limited, which means they tend to sell out fast. Going with a local company means more flexibility.
• Small groups: Local tour operators usually have smaller group sizes (up to 12 people) compared to ones operated by the cruise line.
• Cancellation policy: Many excursions have a generous cancellation policy in case your plans change, which can be anywhere from 24 to 72 hours.

Tips for DIY Shore Excursions

Getting off the ship can be chaotic, but here are some tips to make sure it goes as smoothly as possible:

• Try to disembark as early as possible. That way, you’ll be able to maximize your time on land.
• Get a rental car if you want to be flexible with your plans. Not only is this cheaper than taking a taxi or booking a tour, but it allows you to see more things at your own pace. Just remember to give yourself time to get to the airport or rental car office.
• Don’t try to cram too much in one day. The islands are big, and you don’t want to spend all your time driving. Instead, pick a few important things that are a priority to see.
• Not all tours have to be full-day excursions! You can book short-duration tours (farm tours are great!) if you want more flexibility.
• Some parks and beaches require advanced reservations, so do your research beforehand!

One final tip: don’t leave your day on the island to chance! We know Hawaii in and out, so we put a lot of effort into prioritizing the best shore excursions and self-guided days for your limited time on land in our Cruising Hawaii Guide .

Beaches Near the Cruise Ship Docks

As we mentioned earlier, many of the cruise ship ports are in industrial areas. While most of the nice beaches are further away, there are some that you can visit if you want to stay near the docks.

• Honolulu: Ala Moana Beach Park
• Kauai: Kalapaki Beach (Nawiliwili Harbor). While you’re here, you can also pick up banana bread from The Jammin Banana and head to Duke’s for lunch.
• Maui: Ho’okipa Beach is just a short Uber ride away past Paia. It’s famous for windsurfing and green sea turtles on the beach!
• Big Island: Kamakahonu Beach (Kona-Kailua Pier, where the tender drops passengers off). It’s a pretty cove but can be busy during port days.
• Big Island: Reeds Bay Beach Park (Hilo). It’s near the harbor, but it’s not the best beach on the island due to Hilo’s wet, rainforest climate.

Looking for more beautiful beaches? We have a full list of all the best spots in our Cruising Hawaii Guide .

Thanks for reading The Hawaii Vacation Guide! I'm the co-founder, with my wife Erica, of the best Hawaii travel guide on the internet in our biased opinions. We enjoy traveling throughout Hawaii after living on Maui and Oahu. We share our adventures, travel tips and resources, and honest reviews so you can easily plan your dream vacation to Hawaii. Editing our videos, teaching the kids how to snorkel, and learning about the 'aina (land) and Hawaii culture are my favorite things to do. Have a wonderful trip to the Aloha State.

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The ultimate guide to Carnival Cruise Line ships and itineraries

If the United States has a national cruise line, it's Carnival .

The self-described "fun ship" line is the king of short, affordable, fun-focused cruises from U.S. ports to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexico and other nearby destinations. No matter where you live in the U.S., you're probably within a few hours of a Carnival ship.

Where you won't find Carnival ships, notably, is in Asia, South America or, for the most part, Europe. Unlike other big cruise brands such as Royal Caribbean , Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess Cruises , Carnival doesn't spread its vessels around the world to draw a fly-in crowd. Aimed squarely at Americans, its trips are all about cruising close to home at a reasonable price.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Indeed, if you're going on a Carnival cruise , the odds are you're driving to the ship, not flying, and you're probably not paying much more than you would for a trip to a local beach town.

You're also not going for anything too highbrow. Carnival ships are all about fun in a very laid-back, unpretentious, nothing-too-fancy sort of way.

Entertainment, at times, is as lowbrow as the line is low-cost. This is, after all, the brand that for many years held a Hairy Chest Contest around the pool deck on every voyage, to a standing-room-only, hooting and hollering crowd.

The fun comes in many ways, though. While Carnival's ships for the most part aren't quite as big as the giant ships operated by Royal Caribbean and Norwegian, they're packed with a wide range of fun features, from waterparks with multiple waterslides to cooking classrooms where you can learn how to make the line's signature chocolate melting cake.

Related: A beginner's guide to picking a cruise line

3 things TPG loves about Carnival

• The "fun" focus that oozes into everything.
• The food (really — see below).
• The kids' programs.

What we could do without

• The smoke in the casino.

The Carnival Cruise Line fleet

Carnival is one of the world's biggest cruise lines by passenger capacity, with 25 ships that together offer nearly 80,000 berths.

In general, these are big ships. However, with two exceptions, they're not giants by today's standards.

Carnival has just begun operating its first truly giant ships in years, the 181,808-ton, 5,282-passenger Mardi Gras and the 183,521-ton, 5,374-passenger Carnival Celebration . However, the line's next-biggest vessel, the 4,090-passenger Carnival Venezia , measures just 135,225 tons. That's about 40% smaller than the biggest ships operated by Royal Caribbean .

Seven of the line's 25 vessels measure less than 100,000 tons, which makes them almost midsize by today's cruise ship standards.

Related: Every Carnival ship ranked from biggest to smallest

This is a notable change for the brand from just a couple of decades ago. There was a time when Carnival operated some of the biggest cruise ships in the world.

However, for many years it chose not to follow rivals such as Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises in building ever-bigger ships . Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration are now the only Carnival ship on the list of the 50 biggest cruise ships.

The arrival of Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration over the past two years has marked a major turning point for the line. At around 180,000 tons, they rank at No. 15 and No. 13, respectively, among the world's largest cruise ships — the only Carnival ships to crack the Top 20. They are roughly 35% bigger than the line's next-biggest ship. One more ship in the series — Carnival Jubilee — will arrive in December 2023.

The 25 Carnival ships currently in operation can be broken down into eight classes: Fantasy, Spirit, Conquest, Splendor, Dream, Sunshine, Vista/Venezia and Excel. Many of those classes have a lot in common. Unlike Royal Caribbean, Carnival doesn't always drastically change the design of its ships from class to class.

Note that the Carnival fleet is scheduled to grow over the next year with two more new vessels. As noted above, the line has ordered another sister vessel to Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration that will be ready to sail in late 2023.

In addition, the line in 2024 will begin operating a ship in the fleet of its sister line Costa Cruises : Costa Firenze. It'll sail from Los Angeles.

Related: The 8 classes of Carnival ships, explained

Destinations and itineraries

Carnival is all about cruises from U.S. ports. You'll find at least one of its ships sailing out of pretty much every major port city around the country. It's rare to find them based anywhere else.

Carnival's biggest operations are out of PortMiami and Port Canaveral in Florida; Galveston, Texas; Long Beach, California; and New Orleans — all major cruise hubs. You'll also find Carnival ships in such secondary cruise ship ports as Baltimore; Charleston, South Carolina; Mobile, Alabama; and Jacksonville, Florida.

The overarching idea for Carnival's ship deployments is that a large percentage of the U.S. population can reach one of the line's ships by car, saving the cost of flights.

For the most part, Carnival ships sail relatively short voyages of three to eight nights.

Carnival vessels based on the East Coast and along the Gulf of Mexico mostly sail to the Caribbean and Bahamas. Some East Coast ships also head to Bermuda, New England and Canada. On the West Coast, sailings to Mexico, Hawaii and Alaska are the norm.

Carnival also offers some Panama Canal voyages.

Occasionally, Carnival will deploy a ship to Europe for a few weeks or months. This often takes place when a vessel needs to go to a European shipyard for an overhaul.

In recent years, Carnival also has deployed two of its vessels to Australia to operate voyages from Sydney and Brisbane. In a departure from Carnival's American-focused business model, the Australia sailings are aimed mostly at the local Australian market, though they are open to American travelers.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Carnival cruise

Who sails Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival is the undisputed leader among North America-based cruise brands when it comes to affordability, which makes it popular with vacationers on a budget.

It's also popular with a fun-seeking crowd. Carnival trips are all about letting loose and having a good time. Maybe you'll drink a little too much, eat a little too much, play a little too much — but in the end, you'll say it was your best trip ever.

At one level, Carnival can best be described as a working man's or working woman's vacation. The typical Carnival customer is a teacher, a nurse, a firefighter, a contractor or the like, either still working or retired. This isn't a line for Wall Street bankers or white-shoe lawyers.

Carnival also is huge with families. The "fun" is for all ages, from 2-year-olds to retirees.

Still, it's just as much psychographics as demographics that define the typical Carnival customer. Carnival executives have often used the word "spirited" to describe the people who are drawn to the line, and that's as good a word as any.

Carnival draws a lively, outgoing crowd looking to be part of the action. The typical Carnival customer is the sort of person who shoots up a hand when an entertainer asks for a volunteer to come on stage or jumps up to dance during midmeal music shows in the dining room starring the waiters (yes, on Carnival, this is a thing).

Cabins and suites

Unlike some of its biggest competitors, Carnival isn't known for a huge range of cabin categories on its vessels. The vast majority of the accommodations on Carnival ships fall into one of three broad buckets: windowless inside cabins, oceanview cabins and balcony cabins.

You'll find relatively few suites on Carnival ships. Each of the vessels in Carnival's recent Vista Class series, for instance, offers fewer than 75 suites. Each of the line's earlier Conquest Class ships has around 50 suites. The oldest Fantasy Class vessels have 28 suites and 26 junior suites.

This is in part due to Carnival's focus on affordability. The typical Carnival customer isn't in the market for a super fancy, high-priced suite.

That said, Carnival has seen the success that some of its competitors have had with a bigger range of upscale accommodations, and it's eyeing more suites for future vessels. The new Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration each have 180 suites — more than twice the number of Carnival's other recent ships.

Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration have 11 different categories of suites in all, four of which are part of a new premium Excel category of suites that come with extra amenities and access to a new-for-the-line, resort-style enclave at the top of the ship called Loft 19.

Design-wise, Carnival's cabins and suites are fairly basic and comfortable, if not super stylish. Cabins on recently unveiled or overhauled vessels have a soothing palette of creams and blues. Cabinetry in these rooms is a crisp and clean faux wood, and cabin bathrooms are neutral.

Note that Carnival's two oldest ships — those that are part of the 1990s-built Fantasy Class — have relatively few balcony cabins by today's standards. (After retrofitting, several have around 150 balcony cabins, out of a total of more than 1,000 cabins in all.) In part because of this, Carnival has been phasing these ships out of its fleet in recent years.

Related: Everything you want to know about cabins and suites on Carnival ships

Restaurants and dining

Like other big-ship operators, Carnival packs a lot of dining options onto its vessels — some included in the price, some at an extra charge.

Every vessel has two main dining rooms and a casual buffet eatery where meals are included in the fare. The buffet is called the Lido. For dinner in the main dining room, you must sign up for either Your Time dining (you go whenever you want) or Traditional Dining (you have a fixed table and time for dinner).

Other included-in-the-fare options found on most ships include what may be the two best quick-serve poolside dining venues at sea: BlueIguana Cantina and Guy's Burger Joint.

Related: 7 secret Carnival cruise breakfast spots that let you skip the buffet crowds

BlueIguana is a Chipotle-style restaurant, with yummy made-to-order burritos and tacos. Created in partnership with Food Network's Guy Fieri, Guy's Burger Joint offers burgers that beat anything you'll find around the pool on other mass-market ships and even most luxury vessels.

In addition, every ship has at least one — and usually several — extra-charge eateries. The most common ones found across the fleet are Fahrenheit 555, the line's signature steakhouse, and Italian cuisine-serving Cucina del Capitano (if you're a Carnival fan, you know this as the place where waiters sing and dance between courses). The two venues have flat fees of $49 and $24 per person, respectively.

Other extra-charge eateries often found on Carnival vessels include Bonsai, an a la carte sushi restaurant (now on 14 ships), and JiJi Asian Kitchen, which costs $24 per person (now on four ships).

Six of Carnival's newest ships — Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Celebration, Mardi Gras, Carnival Venezia, Carnival Panorama and Carnival Horizon — also have teppanyaki eateries called Bonsai Teppanyaki (priced at a flat $42 per person for dinner; $38 at lunchtime). Most of these six ships (all but Carnival Venezia) have an a la carte barbecue-and-beer joint called Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse, too.

The latter venue was created in partnership with Food Network's Guy Fieri and serves a free lunch on embarkation and sea days, with all items smoked on board.

Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse, notably, has its very own in-house brewery you can see behind glass walls — something still relatively rare on cruise ships. It makes house beers including Parched Pig West Coast IPA and Parched Pig Toasted Amber which you'll find on many Carnival vessels in kegs and cans. Carnival is the only cruise line to keg and can its own beer.

The quality of the food (and drink) on Carnival ships always surprises us, given the budget pricing of the brand. Despite being one of the industry's lowest-cost operators, Carnival manages to pull off one of the best steakhouses at sea in Fahrenheit 555, and even the no-extra-charge main restaurants get the basics right.

In general, the food isn't gourmet. For the price point of the line, it's quite impressive.

Related: The best meals you can have at sea

Entertainment and activities

For the most part, Carnival ships don't have quite as many features on board as Royal Caribbean or Norwegian vessels, in part because they're not as big. They're still packed with a variety of attractions, including multiple entertainment venues, casinos, spas and lots of deck-top fun zones such as water parks and ropes courses.

Theaters and shows

There's seemingly always something playing on a Carnival ship, whether it be a glitzy singing-and-dancing production in the main theater, a comedy show in a secondary lounge, a magical act or a call-you-up-on-stage interactive game show.

Every Carnival ship has one big theater where you'll often find flashy, fast-paced production shows that string together a medley of loosely related tunes. Designed to be quick and digestible, they typically last around 30 minutes and have relatively small casts (just eight on some ships).

In general, the production shows aren't nearly as sophisticated — or as long — as what you'll find on Royal Caribbean or Norwegian ships. But they're lively.

Carnival also uses its big theaters for lots of interactive shows that involve you, the passenger, getting a little silly. They include Lip Sync Battle Carnival — a shipboard adaptation of the Paramount Network TV series — and Hasbro, the Game Show.

With the latter, you can team up with your friends and family to play giant versions of Connect 4 Basketball or Simon Flash in front of a live audience.

Carnival is also well known for the Punchliner Comedy Clubs on its ships, which draw quality comedians and can get a little raucous late at night with adult-only performances.

When it comes to raucous, though, nothing on Carnival ships quite compares to the frequent karaoke nights on board. On Carnival, it's a thing. Sometimes held in a secondary lounge or a shipboard pub, karaoke on Carnival draws a big crowd. Passengers come prepared with rehearsed songs and sometimes even their own guitars.

Insider tip: Get to the comedy shows early to snag a good seat — or any seat at all. These shows on Carnival ships are hugely popular.

Other interior attractions and activities

In addition to entertainment spaces, the interiors of Carnival ships are loaded with other venues where passengers can kick back and let loose day and night, including a wide range of bars, lounges and nightspots.

Every Carnival ship has a casino, usually smack in the middle of the main entertainment deck.

Also, there are always several music venues where you'll find live performers in the afternoons and evenings, including — on some ships — the Atrium Bar and a secondary hub area called Ocean Plaza. There's almost always a piano bar that's home to lively singalongs.

Other popular venues found on some Carnival ships include RedFrog Pub, which serves up Carnival's tasty housemade beers on tap, as well as plenty of other choices.

On one of Carnival's newest ships, Carnival Panorama, there's no RedFrog Pub, but the Smokehouse Brewhouse has a stage that's home to live music nightly and some of the ship's karaoke sessions.

Carnival Panorama also houses Carnival's first cooking classroom. Dubbed Carnival Kitchen, it's located near the ship's main restaurants and is a seriously tricked-out venue complete with nine state-of-the-art, marbled granite cooking stations for two and a dedicated dining area.

Passengers can learn to cook everything from Carnival's classic warm chocolate melting cake to its popular saffron risotto during one- to two-hour classes that cost $30 to $59 per person.

One other new-for-Carnival attraction on Carnival Panorama is the first Sky Zone trampoline park at sea.

Near the ship's tween and teen clubrooms, it has two padded trampoline areas where you can jump around and take part in games like jousting on a balance beam or shooting baskets while bouncing. There's even trampoline dodgeball and, at one end of the room, a climbing wall augmented with interactive game elements.

Deck-top attractions

The top decks of Carnival vessels are covered in family-focused attractions – pools, waterslide areas and bustling fun zones with such draws as ropes courses and miniature golf.

Waterslides, in particular, are a big thing. In fact, when it comes to waterslides on ships, Carnival is the cruise world's king. The line began adding them to vessels way back in 1978. There's now at least one waterslide on all but one ship in the Carnival fleet (Carnival Luminosa) — something no other line can say.

On the vast majority of Carnival ships, there's not just a single waterslide but a whole water park area. Dubbed WaterWorks, these areas vary in size and features from vessel to vessel. They typically have one or two big waterslides (sometimes three!), a play zone with interactive water features and a large, continuously filling dump bucket that periodically soaks everybody within range.

On some Carnival ships, there's also a SportSquare area with such gee-whiz attractions as the high-flying, pedal-powered SkyRide (something that first debuted in 2016 on Carnival Vista and is now on four ships), a suspended-in-the-air ropes course, a basketball court, miniature golf, miniature bowling, ping-pong tables and other outdoor games.

It's a fun-at-sea focus that has gone to new levels over the past two years with the debut of Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration, each of which has — get this — a roller coaster on the top deck . Really. We're not making that up. At 800 feet in length, these aren't the biggest roller coasters ever. However, they're real ones — the first ever on a cruise ship.

Meanwhile, for passengers hoping for quiet time away from the kids, many Carnival ships also have an adults-only Serenity retreat area on their top decks with padded loungers, daybeds, hot tubs and often a bar.

In short, there's a ton to do up top on Carnival vessels — and it's almost all available to every passenger on board the vessels at no extra charge (the roller coaster is the only exception).

Unlike some lines, Carnival has resisted the trend of big-ship operators carving out whole sections of deck-top areas for the exclusive use of passengers staying in suites or willing to pay hefty access fees.

Related: The 12 cruise ships with the most spectacular attractions at sea

Children's programs

Carnival claims to draw more children than any other cruise line. So perhaps it makes sense that it has one of the most extensive children's programs at sea. The line has formal children's programming and activities for children as young as 2 years old through the age of 17.

The heart of the program, called Camp Ocean, brings free, supervised activities daily for children aged 2 to 11. The line splits children here into three age groups — Penguins (aged 2-5 years), Stingrays (aged 6-8 years) and Sharks (aged 9-11 years).

Each group has its own age-appropriate activities ranging from face painting to pirate adventures. On many ships there are extensive dedicated spaces for the different groups.

While the free programming ends at 10 p.m., you can pay extra to leave your kids at Camp Ocean until 1 a.m. During those hours, Camp Ocean transforms into a supervised slumber party-type environment with games, movies, crafts and snacks, along with late-night parties called Night Owls.

Carnival also offers dedicated tween and teen programs on ships for children aged 12 to 17. The younger children in this age range (12-14) are grouped into what's known as Circle C and have their own dedicated lounge on ships. It's a place to get together to talk, watch movies, play video games and take part in other activities.

Older kids (aged 15-17) are grouped into what's known as Club O2 and have their own lounge for meeting up, listening to music, dancing, singing karaoke and other activities.

What to know before you go

Required documents.

If you're a U.S. citizen on a cruise that starts and ends in a U.S. port, you'll need a current passport or an official copy of your birth certificate and a driver's license or other government-issued photo identification to sail. A few other forms of identification, such as a passport card, also are acceptable.

Passports must be valid for at least six more months. For cruises from international ports, you'll need a passport. Note that it is important that the name on your reservation be exactly as it is stated on your passport or other official proof of nationality. All this said, we recommend checking Carnival's website before sailing for the very latest on requirements.

Carnival adds an automatic service gratuity of $16 to $18 per person, per day to final bills, depending on the cabin category (children under the age of 2 are exempt). If you are unhappy with the service you receive, you can adjust this amount at the Guest Services desk before disembarking. Also, an 18% gratuity is added to bar bills and the cover charge of the Chef's Table.

Related: Everything you need to know about tipping on cruise ships

Carnival has been rolling out faster Wi-Fi systems across its fleet in the last couple of years, such that you can now stream video on some ships. Pricing changes over time, but the fastest "premium" service on Carnival vessels was recently priced at $21.25 per day when bought in advance ($25 per day when bought onboard).

Carnival also offers a less expensive "social" plan that only allows access to key social networking sites (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) and messaging services such as WhatsApp for $15.30 a day when bought in advance. A slightly more expensive "value" plan, at $19.55 per day when bought in advance, adds access to email and most websites.

The social and value plans cost $18 and $23 per day, respectively, when bought onboard a ship.

Related: Wi-Fi on ships really is getting better

Carry-on drinks policy

Carnival allows you to bring one bottle of wine or Champagne per person onto ships at boarding plus up to a dozen standard cans or cartons of nonalcoholic drinks such as sodas.

Nonalcoholic drinks in glass or plastic bottles are not allowed. Note that you'll be charged a $15 corkage fee if you want to bring the wine or Champagne to an onboard restaurant or bar to drink. Drinks brought on board must be carried in your carry-on luggage.

Smoking policy

On most ships, smoking (including electronic cigarettes) is only allowed in designated outdoor areas and in casinos and nightclubs. It's forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies. In casinos and nightclubs, only cigarette smoking is allowed. On Carnival ships in Australia, smoking is only allowed in designated outdoor areas.

Most Carnival ships have self-serve launderettes on cabin decks with washing machines, dryers, irons and ironing boards. There's a $3.25-per-load charge to use a washer or dryer. The launderettes also have vending machines that dispense small boxes of detergent and water softener at $1.50 per box.

In addition, vessels offer extra-charge laundry and, on select ships, dry cleaning services.

Note that three of the line's newest ships — Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Venezia — do not have launderettes. Carnival fans are quite peeved about this, and you should be, too. Write the line a letter.

Electrical outlets

Most vessels have standard North American-style, 110-volt outlets in rooms, as well as European-style, 220-volt outlets. A growing number of vessels also have USB ports in cabins.

The exceptions are the two Carnival ships that traditionally have sailed in Australia (Carnival Luminosa and Carnival Splendor), which are fitted with a standard Australian three-point plug or adapter providing 220/240 volt 60Hz. Adapters are available on these ships for purchase if needed.

The currency used on most Carnival ships is U.S. dollars. The exceptions are any Carnival ship based in Australia, where pricing is listed in Australian dollars.

All vessels operate on a "cashless system," with any onboard purchases you make posting automatically to your onboard account. You'll receive a Sail & Sign card that you can use to make charges. This same card also gets you into your cabin.

Drinking age

You must be 21 to consume alcohol on most Carnival ships. The drinking age on sailings on Carnival ships in Australia is 18.

During the day, there is no specific dress code, and people dress casually. If it's a sea day in a warm-weather destination, and you're bound for the top deck, that means looking like you're going to the beach — T-shirts, shorts and bathing suits (with a cover-up to go inside) are just fine.

During the evenings, there is an official dress code, but it's pretty laid-back. Most nights are designated "cruise casual," which means just that — khakis or jeans, polo shirts, sundresses, etc. Super casual items such as cutoff jeans, men's sleeveless shirts, T-shirts and gym shorts aren't permitted.

One or two nights a cruise, there will be a more formal "cruise elegant" night where men are expected to turn out in dress slacks and a dress shirt, preferably with a sports coat, or even in a suit. The suggested attire for women on such nights is cocktail dresses, pantsuits, elegant skirts and blouses.

Related: What to pack for your first cruise

Carnival Cruise Line loyalty program

Carnival has a point-based frequent cruiser program, the VIFP Club, that has five tiers, ranging from Blue (requiring no points) to Diamond (200 points).

Members earn one point for every night they sail on one of the line's ships. To hit the second tier, Red, takes one cruise. Reaching the third tier, Gold, requires 25 points.

There is one twist to the earning structure, and it's in your favor: If you're going to hit a tier cutoff during a voyage, you will receive the benefits of that tier from the beginning of that cruise.

In other words, if you are sailing seven-night cruises, you will be Gold level on your fourth sailing, as you will be passing the 25-day mark on that sailing.

As is typical with cruise line loyalty programs, lower tiers don't bring all that much in terms of truly valuable benefits.

In fact, the lower tiers of the Carnival program are among the most stingy in the entire cruise universe. You'll receive things like a single complimentary bottle of water (at the Red tier) and a single free drink that only can be ordered on the last night of a cruise (at the Gold tier). Higher levels of the program are more enticing.

Related: Everything you need to know about Carnival's loyalty program

The second-to-highest tier, Platinum (75 points), brings such perks as priority check-in and boarding, priority debarkation, priority dinner reservations, priority spa reservations and priority water shuttle boarding. Platinums also get complimentary wash-and-fold laundry service (with a limit of two to five bags, depending on the length of the cruise).

The top Diamond level (200 points) brings such added perks as unlimited free wash-and-fold laundry service, a guaranteed seating time in the main restaurant, a dedicated toll-free number for sales and service and a one-time room upgrade.

Note that, in contrast to airline frequent flyer programs, cruise line loyalty programs do not require you to requalify for status every year. So, yes, the perks with lower tiers aren't great. However, it's not as difficult as it might at first seem to hit the more rewarding higher-level tiers in just a few years if you're cruising a lot.

A Carnival passenger taking seven-night cruises will hit the Platinum level during their 11th sailing. Sail a few longer voyages, like a transatlantic sailing, and you could reach it even sooner.

In case you're curious, VIFP stands for Very Important Fun Person.

Related: The TPG guide to cruise line loyalty programs

How much does a Carnival cruise cost?

In general, Carnival ships are among the most affordable at sea. It's not uncommon to find Carnival voyages to the Caribbean, Bahamas or Mexico starting well under $100 per person, per night including all taxes and fees — at least in the offseason.

As of this story's posting, six-night Eastern Caribbean sailings from Miami in 2024 were starting at $339 per person, not including taxes and fees of $170.19. That works out to just $85 per night, per person, with taxes and fees for a package that includes your lodging, transportation and meals.

As you might expect, pricing for ships will generally be lower during offseason periods such as September, October and parts of November.

The timing of when you book can also matter. Cruises book up much further in advance than airplanes or hotels, and many cruisers will tell you that the best pricing for any given sailing is often available when cruises first go on sale (which can be a good two years before a departure). Booking far in advance gives you the best chance of getting your preferred cabin type and location on a ship.

Once on board a Carnival ship, you'll pay extra for most drinks, extra-charge restaurants, spa services, shore excursions, internet service and a few other things — unless you've bought a package for some of these items in advance. Most onboard activities such as shows and deck-top attractions are included in the fare.

Related: 15 ways that first-time cruisers waste money on a cruise

How to book

If you're sure you know what sort of cabin you want, on which ship, on which itinerary — and about a dozen other things — you can head over to Carnival.com to book directly.

That said, given the complexity of booking a cruise — there are a lot of decisions to make during the booking process; trust us — we recommend you use a seasoned travel agent who specializes in cruises.

A good travel agent will quiz you about your particular interests, travel style and preferences, and steer you to the perfect cruise line, ship, itinerary and cabin for you. They can also help you if something goes wrong just before, during or after your voyage.

If you're sure Carnival is your line, look for a travel agent who specializes in trips with the brand. You want someone who understands all the little quirks that are unique to Carnival's cabin categories and, preferably, has done ship inspections to see the cabins firsthand.

Related: How to book a cruise with points and miles

Whether you use a travel agent or not, make sure to maximize your credit card points when paying for the cruise by using a credit card that offers extra points for travel purchases . This could be the Chase Sapphire Reserve , which offers 3 Ultimate Rewards points on travel and dining (excluding the annual $300 travel credit). There's also the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card , which brings 2 Ultimate Rewards points on travel and 3 Ultimate Rewards points on dining.

Bottom line

Carnival ships are all about fun, in a lively, let's-not-take-this-too-seriously sort of way. They're also incredibly affordable. Just don't expect anything too fancy or highbrow.

This is a budget vacation, not a luxury product, and one that is sometimes a bit over the top in its keep-the-party-going formula.

If the idea of crew members dancing during your meal in dining rooms or rowdy karaoke parties makes you cringe, this isn't the line for you. However, if you're ready to let loose and be a little goofy, it may be a perfect choice.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

Danube river cruises: an ultimate guide to cruising Budapest and beyond

Why, when and how to sail along Europe’s second-longest river, which meanders through the likes of Vienna, Budapest and Bucharest

Its banks are lined with dramatic, unspoiled landscapes, postcard-perfect towns and villages, and grand, opulent cities . Take a river cruise down this majestic river and you’ll encounter some of the world’s most stunning countryside, including the UNESCO-protected Wachau Valley, along with an array of fascinating cultures.

Cruising Europe’s waterways is a great way to see more of the region in a short period of time than you might do by land, and a river cruise can be the ideal introduction to cruise holidays for first-timers.

While ships are smaller than those traversing across oceans, river cruise itineraries often feature big-name guests onboard – as is the case with our seven-night sailing along the Danube , when one of the UK's best-loved historians, Lucy Worsley (pictured below), joins guests on a private visit to Vienna’s Royal Lipizzaner Stables and Spanish Riding School.

What is the best time of year to cruise the Danube River?

The Danube is a year-round destination with the exception of January and February, when few cruise lines operate here. Summer, when the weather is hottest, is peak season and as a result Europe’s cities are particularly crowded. Because of that, we recommend taking a Danube river cruise in April, May, September and October. Good Housekeeping's seven-night itinerary sails in September, when the weather should still be balmy and dry, but the summer hordes have gone home.

Where does a Danube river cruise start and end?

The Danube either flows through or delineates part of the border of Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova and Ukraine. Many cruises traverse the stretch between the capital cities of Vienna, Austria and Budapest , Hungary, starting or ending at either location.

Our seven-night Danube river cruise with Lucy Worsley departs from the city of Engelhartszell in Austria before calling at Vienna (pictured below), the pretty town of Esztergom in Hungary and Budapest. You'll then loop back down the river, calling at Slovakia's capital Bratislava and the Wachau Valley in Austria before returning to Engelhartszell.

Is a Danube river cruise worth it?

Absolutely! If you love dazzling landscapes, magnificent architecture and fabulous food, a Danube river cruise is hard to beat. Exploring Europe by water requires no internal flights and train rides and eliminates schlepping around with your luggage in tow.

On a river cruise, you can discover multiple destinations – and even get to the heart of them with a guided tour, should you wish – in just one trip, all the while returning to the same luxurious stateroom and comfy bed each night.

What are the best things to do on a Danube river cruise?

One of the highlights of any Danube cruise is the Austrian capital, Vienna, with its musical heritage, imperial palaces, array of art museums, stunning Lipizzaner stallions, and delectable cuisine (a slice of Sachertorte chocolate cake is a must when in town!).

Secondly, Budapest, the capital of Hungary, boasts breath-taking architecture as well as historic thermal baths (pictured above), while Bratislava shouldn’t be overlooked with its lively 18th-century Old Town and impressive reconstructed hilltop castle from which you can look down over it.

Other hotspots along the Danube include the verdant Wachau Valley in Austria, which tumbles down to the riverbanks; and medieval Esztergom, Hungary’s former capital, which is home to the country’s largest church, Esztergom Basilica.

And that’s all without mentioning the entertainment and facilities onboard your ship. Join us on our seven-night Danube cruise and you’ll sail aboard A-ROSA FLORA, which boasts an onboard spa offering beauty and body treatments, gym, spacious sun deck, heated outdoor pool, outdoor restaurant with canopy top, bar and dancefloor, lounges and plenty of evening fun.

Which cruise lines offer Danube river cruises?

Among the companies offering cruises along the Danube are A-ROSA Cruises , with whom we have partnered to bring you our remarkable river cruise . A-ROSA has 20-plus years of experience in sailing couples, families, groups and solo travellers along some of Europe’s loveliest rivers in laidback style, giving you lots of freedom to explore port stops at your own pace.

How much does it cost to cruise the Danube?

Danube cruises can be great value, with our cruise through Austria, Hungary and Slovakia starting just over £2,000 per person for a week. All meals and drinks, including sparkling wines and cocktails, are included, as are snacks and afternoon tea. Also included is the use of the sauna, gym and top-deck heated swimming pool. You'll also get 15% off treatments in the onboard spa.

Sail the Danube and visit Vienna's famous riding school with Lucy Worsley in September 2024.

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Cruise Planners - Susana Johnson

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Goodyear, AZ 85338

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At Cruise Planners, we pride ourselves on curating unforgettable adventures that cater to the unique needs of our clients. By choosing us, you're not just getting a vacation, you're investing in lifetime memories. We're committed to exceptional customer service, and with our knowledge and expertise, you can trust that Cruise Planners is the right choice for your travel needs. Experience the difference and join our community of satisfied travelers today! *Exclusive Pricing *Ocean Cruises *River Cruises *World Cruises *Expedition Cruises *Luxury Travel *All-inclusive resorts *Personalized Vacation Packages *Group Travel (Reunions, weddings, birthdays, friends and family, etc.) *Solo Travel *Guided Land Tours *Travel Insurance (provided by Allianz) - insurance available for travel booked with or without us. It's not too late! …

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