top cruise lines wiki

Cruise Lines

Table of contents, carnival cruise line, costa cruises, disney cruise line, princess cruises, aida cruises, holland america line, p&o cruises, p&o cruises australia, cunard line, seabourn cruise line, royal caribbean, celebrity cruises, norwegian cruise line, oceania cruises, regent seven seas cruises, msc cruises, tui cruises, marella cruises.

A short summary of popular cruise lines

Carnival Cruise Line is a popular cruise company known for providing enjoyable and affordable vacation experiences at sea. Established in 1972, Carnival is one of the largest cruise operators globally, offering a wide range of cruise itineraries to destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, and other parts of the world. The cruise line is renowned for its vibrant and festive atmosphere, with a focus on entertainment, diverse dining options, and a variety of onboard activities for passengers of all ages. Carnival's fleet consists of modern and innovative ships, featuring amenities like water parks, live shows, and themed events, making it a favorite choice for families, couples, and individuals seeking a lively and memorable cruise experience

Costa Cruises is an Italian cruise line and a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation & plc, one of the largest cruise companies globally. Established in 1854, Costa Cruises has a long history in the cruise industry. The cruise line is known for its Mediterranean-inspired atmosphere, combining Italian style, hospitality, and cuisine.

Costa Cruises operates a diverse fleet of ships that travel to various destinations worldwide, including Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, South America, and the Middle East. The cruise line caters to a broad range of passengers, offering a mix of family-friendly activities, entertainment, and cultural experiences.

Costa Cruises emphasizes a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere onboard, providing passengers with a taste of Italian culture through its cuisine, design, and entertainment offerings. The fleet includes a variety of ship sizes and styles, allowing passengers to choose the type of cruise experience that suits their preferences. Overall, Costa Cruises aims to provide a memorable and enjoyable vacation for travelers seeking a blend of international flair and maritime adventure.

Disney Cruise Line is a premium cruise line that offers family-oriented cruise vacations with the distinctive Disney touch. Launched in 1998, Disney Cruise Line is part of The Walt Disney Company and has gained a reputation for providing magical and immersive experiences at sea.

The cruise line operates a fleet of four ships: the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, and Disney Fantasy. These ships are designed with a classic maritime style combined with Disney's signature storytelling and entertainment elements. Disney Cruise Line typically offers itineraries to destinations such as the Caribbean, Bahamas, Alaska, Europe, and more.

One of the key features of Disney Cruise Line is its emphasis on family-friendly entertainment and activities. Onboard, passengers can enjoy Broadway-style shows, character meet-and-greets, themed parties, and youth clubs catering to different age groups. The cruise line also offers adult-only spaces and activities for those seeking a more relaxed experience.

Dining on Disney Cruise Line is characterized by rotational dining, where guests rotate through different themed restaurants, each with its unique atmosphere and cuisine. The cruise line's commitment to service and attention to detail is evident throughout the onboard experience.

With its focus on creating a magical and inclusive atmosphere, Disney Cruise Line appeals to families with children, Disney enthusiasts, and those looking for a fun and entertaining cruise experience. The line's combination of high-quality service, immersive entertainment, and well-designed ships makes it a popular choice for families seeking a memorable vacation at sea.

Princess Cruises is a renowned cruise line that has been offering ocean voyages since its founding in 1965. It is part of the Carnival Corporation & plc family of cruise companies. Princess Cruises is recognized for its elegant and luxurious cruise experiences, catering to a diverse range of passengers, including couples, families, and solo travelers.

The cruise line operates a fleet of modern ships that travel to various destinations worldwide, encompassing the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, Asia, Australia, and more. Princess Cruises is particularly renowned for its Alaskan and European itineraries, providing passengers with opportunities to explore scenic landscapes and cultural attractions.

Onboard, Princess Cruises offers a mix of entertainment, dining options, and amenities, including Broadway-style shows, fine dining restaurants, spa facilities, and engaging activities. The line is known for its commitment to excellent service and attention to detail, creating an atmosphere of sophistication and relaxation for its guests.

Princess Cruises caters to a diverse range of interests, providing passengers with the flexibility to tailor their cruise experience according to their preferences. Whether seeking adventure, cultural exploration, or simply a luxurious getaway, Princess Cruises aims to deliver a memorable and immersive vacation experience.

AIDA Cruises is a German cruise line that specializes in providing a more casual and contemporary cruising experience. Established in 1996, AIDA is part of the Carnival Corporation & plc group and has become one of the leading cruise operators in the German-speaking market.

Known for its vibrant and energetic atmosphere, AIDA Cruises offers a unique and innovative approach to cruising. The cruise line is recognized for its “club ship” concept, emphasizing a laid-back and informal environment. AIDA's fleet features modern ships with eye-catching designs, and they often include amenities such as water parks, spa facilities, and a variety of dining options.

AIDA Cruises primarily focuses on itineraries in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, and other popular cruise regions. The onboard experience is characterized by a diverse range of entertainment options, including live shows, themed parties, and a variety of activities for passengers of all ages.

AIDA Cruises caters to a broad audience, including families, couples, and younger travelers, with a focus on creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. The line is also known for its environmentally friendly initiatives and efforts to promote sustainability in the cruise industry.

Holland America Line is a cruise company with a rich maritime heritage, known for offering a more classic and refined cruise experience. Established in 1873, the Dutch-origin cruise line has a long history of providing passengers with traditional, elegant voyages.

Holland America Line operates a fleet of mid-sized to large cruise ships, taking travelers to destinations around the world, including Alaska, Europe, the Caribbean, Asia, and more. The cruise line is particularly well-regarded for its Alaskan itineraries and its extended Grand World Voyages.

Onboard, Holland America emphasizes a sophisticated and culturally enriching experience. Passengers can enjoy a range of activities, including live music performances, culinary experiences, and educational programs. The line is known for its partnership with the Rijksmuseum, bringing an impressive art collection on board its ships.

Dining on Holland America cruises is a notable highlight, with a focus on culinary excellence and diverse options, including specialty restaurants offering unique and premium dining experiences.

With a reputation for attentive service, elegant surroundings, and a more relaxed pace, Holland America Line attracts a diverse demographic of cruisers, including couples, families, and older travelers looking for a refined and culturally enriching cruise vacation.

P&O Cruises , short for Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company, is a British cruise line and one of the oldest in the world. Established in 1837, P&O Cruises has a rich maritime history and offers a diverse range of cruise experiences.

The cruise line is part of the Carnival Corporation & plc and operates a fleet of ships that cater to a broad spectrum of passengers. P&O Cruises is well-known for its traditional and classic cruise style, blending modern amenities with a touch of British elegance.

P&O Cruises primarily sails to various destinations, including the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, Asia, and Australia. The line provides a variety of itineraries to suit different preferences and interests.

Onboard, passengers can expect a mix of entertainment, dining options, and activities suitable for families, couples, and individuals. P&O Cruises places an emphasis on creating a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, with features such as theaters, spas, and diverse dining venues.

The cruise line has a reputation for offering a quintessentially British experience at sea, with traditions like afternoon tea, themed events, and a focus on quality service. P&O Cruises caters to a diverse passenger base, including those seeking a more traditional cruise experience with a touch of British charm.

P&O Cruises Australia is a distinct branch of the P&O Cruises brand, operating specifically for the Australian and New Zealand market. Established in 1932, P&O Cruises Australia has become a major player in the regional cruise industry, providing a diverse range of cruise experiences.

The cruise line is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, contemporary style, and a variety of itineraries that explore destinations in the South Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia. P&O Cruises Australia aims to cater to a broad demographic, including families, couples, and individuals seeking a relaxed and enjoyable cruise vacation.

P&O Cruises Australia operates a fleet of modern ships that feature a range of amenities, including multiple dining options, entertainment venues, pools, and kid-friendly activities. The line places emphasis on creating a casual and laid-back onboard atmosphere, making it a popular choice for those looking for a more informal cruise experience.

The itineraries offered by P&O Cruises Australia often include a mix of port visits and days at sea, allowing passengers to explore diverse destinations while enjoying the onboard facilities and entertainment. Overall, P&O Cruises Australia is recognized for providing a value-for-money cruise experience with a focus on fun and relaxation.

Cunard Line is a British-American cruise line with a storied history and a reputation for offering luxury ocean travel experiences. Established in 1840, Cunard has a long tradition of providing transatlantic crossings, world cruises, and voyages to various global destinations.

Cunard is known for its fleet of iconic and elegant ocean liners, including the famous Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Victoria. These ships are designed to capture the glamour and sophistication of traditional sea travel while incorporating modern amenities and technology.

Cunard's focus on luxury is evident in its onboard offerings, with refined dining options, high-quality entertainment, and attentive service. The cruise line places an emphasis on formal evenings, providing passengers with an opportunity to dress up for special events and create a sense of timeless elegance.

Cunard is particularly renowned for its transatlantic crossings, maintaining the tradition of a seven-day journey between Southampton and New York on the Queen Mary 2. The line also offers world cruises, allowing passengers to embark on extended journeys to explore diverse cultures and destinations around the globe.

Cunard's commitment to providing a sophisticated and enriching cruise experience attracts a diverse clientele, including those seeking a refined atmosphere, exceptional service, and a connection to the golden age of ocean travel.

Seabourn Cruise Line is an ultra-luxury cruise line that offers intimate and upscale voyages to discerning travelers. Established in 1986, Seabourn is known for providing a high level of personalized service, gourmet dining, and all-suite accommodations.

Seabourn's fleet typically consists of small and intimate ships, fostering an exclusive and relaxed atmosphere onboard. The cruise line focuses on destination-centric itineraries, exploring a variety of exotic and desirable locations around the world, including Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, and Antarctica.

The ships in the Seabourn fleet are designed with a contemporary and elegant style, featuring spacious suites, gourmet dining venues, and a range of upscale amenities. The cruise line is committed to creating an immersive and enriching experience for its passengers, offering activities such as shore excursions, cultural events, and expert-led lectures.

Seabourn is renowned for its all-inclusive approach, with fares covering various amenities such as fine dining, premium beverages, gratuities, and more. The line caters to travelers seeking a sophisticated and intimate cruise experience, often attracting couples, honeymooners, and those who appreciate a higher level of luxury and attention to detail.

Royal Caribbean International is a major global cruise line known for its innovative ships, diverse itineraries, and a wide array of onboard amenities and activities. Established in 1969, Royal Caribbean has become one of the largest and most popular cruise operators in the world.

The cruise line is recognized for its modern and technologically advanced fleet, featuring large and innovative ships with a variety of entertainment options. Royal Caribbean's ships offer amenities such as rock climbing walls, surf simulators, ice skating rinks, Broadway-style shows, and diverse dining experiences.

Royal Caribbean cruises typically visit destinations around the world, including the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, Asia, and more. The line is particularly known for its private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas, which features a range of activities and attractions.

The cruise line caters to a diverse passenger demographic, including families, couples, and individuals of all ages. Royal Caribbean is often associated with its commitment to delivering a “WOW” factor, providing passengers with memorable and adventurous experiences both on land and at sea.

With a focus on innovation, entertainment, and a variety of activities, Royal Caribbean appeals to those seeking a dynamic and lively cruise experience with a range of options for relaxation, entertainment, and adventure.

Celebrity Cruises is a premium cruise line known for its modern luxury approach to cruising. Established in 1988, Celebrity Cruises is part of the Royal Caribbean Group and has earned a reputation for offering sophisticated onboard experiences, upscale amenities, and stylish accommodations.

Celebrity Cruises operates a fleet of contemporary ships that visit a diverse range of destinations, including the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, Asia, and other popular cruise regions. The cruise line is distinguished by its commitment to culinary excellence, innovative design, and personalized service.

The ships in the Celebrity Cruises fleet feature a range of upscale dining options, including specialty restaurants with diverse cuisines. Onboard amenities often include luxurious spa facilities, entertainment options such as Broadway-style shows, and spacious staterooms and suites with modern design elements.

Celebrity Cruises caters to a diverse clientele, attracting couples, families, and individuals seeking a refined and contemporary cruise experience. The cruise line is known for its commitment to sustainability and environmental initiatives, incorporating energy-efficient technologies and eco-friendly practices into its operations.

With a focus on modern luxury, attentive service, and a commitment to culinary excellence, Celebrity Cruises appeals to those who appreciate a more elevated and stylish cruise experience.

Silversea is a luxury cruise line known for providing ultra-luxurious, all-inclusive voyages to discerning travelers. Established in 1994, Silversea has built a reputation for its intimate and sophisticated ships, personalized service, and immersive itineraries to some of the world's most exclusive destinations.

Silversea's fleet consists of small to mid-sized ships, allowing for a more intimate and exclusive onboard experience. The cruise line offers a variety of itineraries, including voyages to the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the polar regions.

One of the hallmarks of Silversea is its commitment to all-inclusive luxury. Fares typically include gourmet dining, beverages (including fine wines and spirits), gratuities, shore excursions in many ports, and other amenities. The onboard experience is characterized by spacious suites, personalized service, and a focus on creating an atmosphere of refined elegance.

Silversea's ships often feature multiple dining venues, luxurious spa facilities, and a range of enrichment programs, including expert lectures and cultural performances. The cruise line is also known for its expedition cruises, providing travelers with the opportunity to explore remote and unique destinations with the guidance of experienced expedition teams.

Silversea Cruises caters to a sophisticated and well-traveled clientele, including couples, solo travelers, and those seeking the pinnacle of luxury in their cruise experience. The line's commitment to excellence and attention to detail has earned it a prominent position in the ultra-luxury cruise market.

Azamara is a boutique cruise line that specializes in providing destination-focused voyages with an emphasis on immersive experiences and longer stays in ports. Established in 2007, Azamara offers a more intimate and upscale cruising experience, appealing to travelers seeking a blend of luxury and cultural exploration.

The cruise line operates a fleet of mid-sized ships known for their elegant design and a capacity for around 700 to 1,200 passengers. Azamara focuses on creating itineraries that allow guests to spend more time in ports, often including overnight stays, enabling a deeper connection with the local culture and attractions.

Azamara cruises typically visit a variety of destinations, including Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, South America, and other sought-after regions. The line places a strong emphasis on curated shore excursions, often offering unique and immersive experiences that go beyond traditional tourist activities.

Onboard, Azamara provides a luxurious and inclusive experience, with features such as fine dining options, spa facilities, entertainment, and a variety of enrichment programs. The cruise line is known for its friendly and attentive service, creating a welcoming and social atmosphere for its guests.

Azamara caters to a diverse group of travelers, including couples, solo adventurers, and those with a passion for cultural exploration. The line's commitment to destination immersion and high-quality service has made it a popular choice for cruisers seeking a more intimate and enriching travel experience.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is a major cruise company known for its innovative approach to cruising and casual atmosphere. Established in 1966, Norwegian Cruise Line has been a pioneer in the industry, introducing the concept of “Freestyle Cruising,” which emphasizes flexibility and freedom for passengers in terms of dining, entertainment, and onboard activities.

NCL operates a fleet of contemporary and modern ships that cater to a broad range of travelers. The cruise line offers a variety of itineraries to destinations worldwide, including the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, Asia, and more. Norwegian Cruise Line is particularly known for its diverse and exciting onboard entertainment, including Broadway-style shows, live music, and themed parties.

One of the key features of Norwegian Cruise Line is its flexible dining options, allowing passengers to choose when and where they want to dine without assigned seating times. The ships also offer a wide range of specialty restaurants, providing diverse culinary experiences.

NCL is known for its innovative amenities, such as the “Waterfront” promenade, outdoor activities like ropes courses, and the “Freestyle Cruising” concept, which gives passengers more control over their cruise experience. The cruise line caters to families, couples, and individuals seeking a relaxed and fun-filled vacation at sea.

With a focus on freedom, flexibility, and a vibrant atmosphere, Norwegian Cruise Line appeals to those looking for a more casual and dynamic cruise experience.

Oceania Cruises is a premium cruise line that offers an upscale and refined cruising experience. Established in 2002, Oceania is known for its mid-sized ships and a focus on culinary excellence, destination exploration, and a sophisticated onboard atmosphere.

Oceania Cruises' fleet consists of intimate and luxurious ships that typically carry fewer passengers, allowing for a more personalized and relaxed experience. The cruise line offers a range of itineraries that explore various destinations, including Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, South America, and more.

One of the standout features of Oceania Cruises is its commitment to culinary excellence. The line's ships boast multiple gourmet dining venues, often curated by renowned chefs. Passengers can expect a high standard of cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh and locally sourced ingredients.

Oceania's onboard experience also includes luxurious accommodations, spa facilities, and a variety of enrichment programs, such as guest lectures and cultural activities. The line often includes longer stays in ports, allowing passengers to explore destinations more thoroughly.

Catering to a discerning clientele, including couples and solo travelers, Oceania Cruises provides a sophisticated and refined atmosphere. While it may not have as many extravagant amenities as some other cruise lines, it is recognized for offering a premium experience with a focus on fine dining, cultural exploration, and a relaxed onboard ambiance.

Regent Seven Seas is a luxury cruise line that specializes in providing ultra-all-inclusive, all-suite voyages to discerning travelers. Established in 1992, Regent Seven Seas is known for offering a premium cruising experience with a focus on personalized service, gourmet dining, and immersive itineraries.

The cruise line operates a fleet of small to mid-sized ships that are designed to provide an intimate and luxurious atmosphere. Regent Seven Seas offers a variety of itineraries that span the globe, including destinations in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and more.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is distinguished by its commitment to all-inclusive luxury. Fares typically include gourmet dining, fine wines and spirits, shore excursions, gratuities, Wi-Fi, and other amenities. The spacious suites on board feature luxurious furnishings and personalized service.

The cruise line is known for its focus on destination immersion, often providing longer stays in ports and offering a selection of shore excursions that go beyond typical tourist activities. Regent Seven Seas emphasizes enrichment programs, including guest lectures, cultural performances, and other activities that enhance the overall cruise experience.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises caters to a sophisticated and well-traveled clientele seeking the pinnacle of luxury in their cruise experience. With an emphasis on attentive service, gourmet cuisine, and inclusive offerings, Regent Seven Seas is a top choice for those who value a premium and pampering cruise experience.

MSC Cruises is a global cruise line that offers a diverse range of cruise experiences, catering to a broad audience. Established in 1987, MSC Cruises has grown to become one of the largest privately-owned cruise companies in the world.

MSC Cruises operates a modern and innovative fleet of ships that travel to destinations around the globe, including the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe, South America, Asia, and more. The cruise line is known for its extensive itineraries and the variety of choices it provides for passengers.

The onboard experience with MSC Cruises is characterized by a combination of Mediterranean-inspired design, diverse entertainment options, and a family-friendly atmosphere. The cruise line offers a range of dining choices, including specialty restaurants with various cuisines, and features amenities such as pools, spas, theaters, and kids' clubs.

MSC Cruises caters to a diverse demographic, including families, couples, and solo travelers. The cruise line is often recognized for its competitive pricing, making it an attractive option for those seeking a value-for-money cruise experience.

MSC Cruises has continued to expand its fleet and enhance its offerings, introducing new ships with innovative features and amenities. While it may not be as all-inclusive or luxurious as some other cruise lines, MSC Cruises provides a wide range of options for those looking for a contemporary and vibrant cruise experience.

TUI Cruises is a German cruise line that caters primarily to the German-speaking market. Established in 2008 as a joint venture between TUI AG and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., TUI Cruises aims to provide a contemporary and family-friendly cruise experience.

The cruise line operates a fleet of modern ships, offering itineraries to various destinations, including the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, and more. TUI Cruises is known for its relaxed and informal atmosphere, appealing to a diverse range of passengers, including families, couples, and solo travelers.

One of the distinctive features of TUI Cruises is the focus on the “Mein Schiff” concept, which translates to “My Ship” in English. This concept emphasizes a premium all-inclusive experience, where passengers enjoy a variety of amenities without additional charges. This often includes meals, beverages, gratuities, and some shore excursions.

Onboard, TUI Cruises provides a mix of entertainment options, multiple dining venues, and a variety of recreational facilities, including pools, spas, and fitness centers. The cruise line is known for its family-friendly approach, with dedicated kids' clubs and activities for younger passengers.

TUI Cruises has gained popularity for its combination of value, all-inclusive offerings, and a modern cruise experience, particularly for the German-speaking market. The Mein Schiff fleet has expanded over the years, introducing new ships with updated features to enhance the overall cruise experience.

Marella Cruises is a British cruise line that operates as part of the TUI Group. Originally founded in 1965 as Thomson Cruises, the company rebranded to Marella Cruises in 2017. Marella Cruises focuses on providing a variety of cruise experiences for the UK market, offering itineraries to diverse destinations around the world.

Marella Cruises operates a fleet of mid-sized to smaller ships, providing an intimate and relaxed atmosphere for passengers. The cruise line caters to a broad audience, including families, couples, and solo travelers, offering a range of itineraries that cover regions such as the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Northern Europe, and Asia.

One of the distinctive features of Marella Cruises is its all-inclusive approach, with many of its cruise packages including meals, drinks, and gratuities. The cruise line emphasizes a casual and friendly atmosphere, providing a variety of dining options, entertainment, and recreational facilities onboard.

Marella Cruises often incorporates themed cruises, family-friendly activities, and special events to enhance the cruise experience for passengers. The cruise line aims to provide a value-for-money option with a focus on convenience and inclusivity.

Overall, Marella Cruises is known for its approachable and relaxed style, making it a popular choice for British travelers seeking an enjoyable and hassle-free cruise experience.

Which cruise brand is best for you? A guide to the most popular lines

Thinking about booking your first cruise? The sheer range of choices can be daunting. There are more than two dozen lines marketing to North Americans — no two alike.

The list of brands includes everything from giant companies such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line, which are household names, to lesser-known small operators such as Windstar Cruises.

Some of the brands — Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line, in particular — operate massive vessels that are like giant floating resorts with deck-top water parks and other over-the-top amusements . Others specialize in intimate, boutique hotel-style ships.

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Some lines, such as Carnival, are aimed at a budget crowd. Others operate vessels that are as luxurious as any upscale resort found on land. A few small luxury players such as Regent Seven Seas Cruises have ships with lavish suites that'll cost you as much as $11,000 a day .

Where should you start your search for the perfect cruise for you? Below, you'll find our quick guide to some of the most popular cruise brands. As you'll see, it's not meant to be an in-depth review of the lines. It's just a short overview — enough to give you a sense of which particular cruise operator might best appeal to you.

Once you've narrowed down the choices to a few brands that you think best fit your style, do a deeper dive into them and their specific ships, their itineraries and home ports and their comparable costs (either on your own or with the help of a cruise-savvy travel agent ). Note that TPG has many guides to individual lines, which you can find by clicking on our cruise line hub pages linked in each segment below.

Related: TPG's ultimate guide to picking a cruise line

With just four ships, each holding fewer than 700 passengers, Azamara is one of the smallest players in the cruise business. But it has a loyal following of travelers who appreciate the upscale ambience of its vessels, the inclusive amenities it offers (including gratuities and alcoholic drinks) and its destination focus.

The line prides itself on offering longer stays in ports, including multi-day visits. Its ships have an intimate, boutique-hotel feel. Pricing is higher than at the big, mass-market lines but not quite as high as you'll find at luxury lines.

Related: 5 things to love about Azamara's newest ship

Carnival Cruise Line

The self-described "fun ship" line is the king of short, affordable, fun-focused cruises from U.S. ports to the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Mexico and beyond.

The choice of roughly one in five cruisers, Carnival Cruise Line' s ships are notoriously lively, flashy and packed with fun features such as water parks with multiple waterslides. Just don't expect anything too fancy .

Related: The ultimate guide to Carnival Cruise Line

Celebrity Cruises

Designed to be a cut above mainstream options such as Carnival while remaining relatively affordable, this Miami-based "premium" line is known for some of the most stylish big ships at sea.

Expect high-end design, cutting-edge art and trendy restaurants. In short, Celebrity aims for sophisticates, not the party crowd (although it's not a luxury product).

Celebrity's four newest ships, Celebrity Edge , Celebrity Apex , Celebrity Beyond and Celebrity Ascent, feature "infinite veranda" cabins that are open to the sea in a way we haven't seen with other ocean ships. They boast a glass wall that opens from the top to create a balcony-like effect.

Crystal Cruises

This much-beloved luxury line recently restarted operations under new owners after shutting down for 18 months. For years, it was considered the ultimate luxury cruise operator, and our take after sailing on Crystal Serenity after its relaunch is that the line is even better than before. Initially, Crystal has returned to operations with just two ships. But it recently announced plans to expand rapidly with four more ships over the next six years.

A storied line with roots that go back to the 1800s, this three-ship brand is perhaps best known for its 2,695-passenger flagship, Queen Mary 2. The ship lives up to its billing as a true ocean liner with semiregular, transatlantic service between Southampton, England, and New York.

Cunard fans love the line's relatively formal vibe (including nightly dress codes) and other nods to ocean liner tradition, including evenings with ballroom dancing. A fourth Cunard ship called Queen Anne is set to debut in 2024.

Related: Why I was wrong about transatlantic cruises

Disney Cruise Line

Meet-and-greets with Disney characters, Disney-themed shows and the most extensive kiddie fun zones on the high seas are just a few of the family-friendly allures of a Disney cruise . If you're a Disney fan, nothing quite compares.

If Disney isn't your thing, well, this probably isn't the line for you. The biggest downside of the brand? As with Disney's parks on land, it doesn't come cheap.

Related: A first-look photo tour of Disney's newest ship, Disney Wish

Holland America

Tradition long has been a touchstone for this storied line, which dates to 1873 and is known for carefully crafted, globe-circling itineraries on midsize ships.

However, Holland America has been shaking things up in recent years with lively new venues such as B.B. King's Blues Club. Couples and retirees are the market for this line. Families with kids might want to look elsewhere.

MSC Cruises

A giant of cruising in Europe, Switzerland-based MSC Cruises is making a big play for North Americans with newer, bigger ships sailing year-round from Florida to the Caribbean and Bahamas. It also offers sailings from New York City.

Like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian, MSC Cruises operates big, resort-like vessels that appeal to a broad audience. Among the highlight of its cruises in North America are stops at its new private island in the Bahamas, the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve .

Norwegian Cruise Line

Multistory waterslides, ropes courses and even go-kart race tracks are among the gee-whiz attractions atop Norwegian Cruise Line 's giant, resort-like ships. The vessels also are packed with eateries, bars, casinos and showrooms.

The brand is known for its entertainment, including big Broadway shows such as "Beetlejuice." If you're looking for a Las Vegas-style resort at sea, this is your line.

Oceania Cruises

Oceania has carved out a niche with relatively small, upscale ships that offer a significant upgrade from mass-market vessels but aren't quite as fancy (or pricey) as luxury offerings.

Its seven ships feature a relaxed, country club-like ambience and inspired dining that appeal to a mostly older crowd.

Itinerary-wise, Oceania is known for destination-intensive voyages that typically are 10 nights or more in length, with some globe-circling trips as long as 180 days.

Related: Take a look at Vista, Oceania's stunning new ship

This France-based line is a specialist in expedition cruising , a type of cruising that involves traveling to remote, hard-to-reach places on small, hardy vessels that carry their own landing craft.

Operating a fast-growing fleet of tough but upscale expedition ships (none carrying more than 264 passengers), Ponant is known for voyages to places like Antarctica and the Arctic.

If you're looking for waterslides and laser tag, this is not the cruise line for you.

Related: This epic Ponant trip will take you to the North Pole

Princess Cruises

Popular with middle-aged couples, retirees and multigenerational families, the "Love Boat" line's ships aren't as flashy (or big, for the most part) as those of Royal Caribbean and Norwegian, and that's just the way its customers like it.

Princess Cruises ' customers also like its wide range of itineraries, including voyages in Asia and Australia, as well as closer-to-home places like the Caribbean. It's long been one of the dominant lines in the Alaska cruise market.

Related: The ultimate guide to Princess Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

This Miami-based luxury line operates some of the most opulent vessels at sea, including three recently unveiled Explorer-class ships billed as the most expensive luxury vessels ever built on a cost-per-berth basis.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is particularly known for some of the most over-the-top suites at sea (including some bigger than the average American home ), some of the most inclusive fares in the cruise business and high levels of service. The only catch: You'll pay a pretty penny for it. Rooms on Regent ships start at around $1,000 per person per day and can cost as much as $5,500 per person per day.

Royal Caribbean

For megaresort fans, there's nothing quite like a Royal Caribbean vessel.

The line's biggest ships are more than 20% bigger than almost any others afloat (only MSC Cruises has ships that come close in size) and feature every type of amusement imaginable, from rock climbing walls and surfing pools to Broadway shows and ice skating rinks.

Families, in particular, will love this line, due to all the family-friendly activities and venues on its vessels. Royal Caribbean ships sail everywhere in the world, but the line's heaviest presence is in the Caribbean and Europe.

Related: The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean

Another leader in luxury cruising, this seven-ship brand offers all-suite vessels, top-notch service and elegant cuisine.

As with other luxury lines, Seabourn offers a wide range of itineraries around the globe. It also recently jumped into more adventurous, expedition-style cruising with two new 264-passenger vessels designed to operate in polar regions such as Antarctica and the Arctic.

Silversea Cruises

Exquisite service, refined dining and well-appointed accommodations are hallmarks of this Monaco-based luxury line with 12 vessels. Silversea Cruises is also known for its industry-leading array of off-the-beaten-path itineraries.

Its growing fleet of small expedition ships will take you everywhere from the Arctic to Papua New Guinea in style.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Fans of upscale hotel chain Ritz-Carlton will feel at home on one of this line's yacht-like vessels. Or, at least, that's the idea.

The cruising arm of Ritz-Carlton has been in operation for just a bit over a year, and the jury still is out on where it ranks in the pantheon of luxury cruise brands. The line notably struggled to get off the ground after years of construction delays for its first and only ship.

Dubbed Evrima, the line's only operating ship is a 298-passenger vessel designed to appeal to Ritz-Carlton regulars with an elegant, residential look. A second, bigger ship called Ilma that's already open for bookings debuts later this year.

Related: The ultimate guide to the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

This fast-growing line has dominated the world of river cruising for North Americans for years, and in the last few years, it's become a significant player in upscale ocean cruising as well. Viking 's 80 river ships operate on just about every major river in the world, and its 10 ocean ships (up from just one in 2015) can be found in a growing number of destinations, too.

Viking is known for impeccably designed vessels with modern Scandinavian interiors and offering unusual, port-intensive itineraries. They also operate with a mostly all-inclusive format, as Viking long has subscribed to a "no nickel-and-diming" philosophy. Just don't bother booking the family. Kids under 18 aren't allowed on Viking.

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking cruises

Virgin Voyages

This relatively new cruise line, backed by Richard Branson's Virgin Group, is reinventing mainstream cruising with a hipper, more inclusive, younger vibe (though not too young; its ships are adults-only). Think tattoo shops, karoake booths and no upcharges for tips or eateries.

Virgin Voyages ' first three ships ( Scarlet Lady , Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady ) have suites by acclaimed designer Tom Dixon. Destinations include the Dominican Republic, Mexico and a private beach club in the Bahamas, as well as parts of Europe and Australia.

Related: I've been on more than 150 cruise ships; here's why I loved my first Virgin sailing

Windstar Cruises

If the idea of sailing on a big ship makes you cringe, small-ship specialist Windstar could be the answer.

Its six vessels carry just 148 to 342 passengers — fewer than fit on a single big-ship lifeboat — and are wonderfully intimate.

Romantic types will love Windstar's three vessels with sails — a relative rarity. Foodies can choose one of the James Beard-themed cruises, which include market tours and cooking demonstrations with a James Beard Award-winning chef.

More guides that will help you plan a cruise:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 15 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise
• Guide to picking a cruise line

U.S. News Announces the 2023 Best Cruise Lines

Virgin Voyages earns its first No. 1 ranking in the Best for the Money category.

U.S. News 2023 Best Cruise Lines

Washington, D.C. – U.S. News & World Report, publisher of Best Hotels , Best Vacations and Best Travel Rewards Programs , today released its annual rankings of the Best Cruise Lines .

The 2023 rankings highlight 17 cruise lines to help every type of traveler find the cruise that’s right for them. For the first time, Virgin Voyages takes the No. 1 spot in the Best Cruise Lines for the Money ranking, offering the best value among cruise lines. U.S. News considered the overall cruise line quality and average base fare per night, as well as extra benefits such as free gratuities, Wi-Fi access and all-inclusive package options. Carnival Cruise Line, known for its budget-friendly fares and frequent sales, and Celebrity Cruises, which offers a more upscale experience at reasonable rates, rank No. 2 and No. 3, respectively.

For the ninth consecutive year, Disney Cruise Line is the Best Cruise Line for Families . The family-oriented line offers ships with character meet-and-greets, themed dinners, nighttime fireworks, waterslides and more. Royal Caribbean International comes in at No. 2, thanks to its onboard amenities that cater to guests of all ages, while Carnival Cruise Line ranks No. 3, offering family-friendly perks like water parks, basketball courts and ropes courses on its ships.

"After more than two years of sailing restrictions and limited voyage options due to the coronavirus pandemic, cruisers and cruise lines are excited to be on the seas again,'' said Nicola Wood, senior travel editor at U.S. News. "The Best Cruise Lines rankings evaluate a variety of cruise types, making it easy for travelers to find the best options that fit their budgets, cruising styles and desired destinations."

U.S. News ranks cruise lines in six categories: Best Cruise Lines for the Money, Best Cruise Lines for Families, Best Cruise Lines for Couples, Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean, Best Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean and Best Luxury Cruise Lines. The rankings follow a comprehensive, transparent methodology that factors in expert evaluations of ship quality, traveler ratings, health assessment results and more.

This year's rankings are accompanied by editorial roundups of the top gay cruises for 2023, the top cruise lines for solo travelers and the best cruise insurance ; each piece aims to provide helpful advice and planning information to a wide community of cruisers. U.S. News also offers additional cruise tips and recommendations, such as what to pack on a cruise , the top river cruise lines , fun adults-only cruises and more.

2023 Best Cruise Lines Rankings

See the full rankings here .

Best Cruise Lines for the Money 1. Virgin Voyages 2. Carnival Cruise Line 3. Celebrity Cruises

Best Cruise Lines for Families 1. Disney Cruise Line 2. Royal Caribbean International 3. Carnival Cruise Line

Best Cruise Lines for Couples 1. Viking Ocean Cruises 2. Seabourn Cruise Line 3. Azamara

Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean 1. Disney Cruise Line 2. Virgin Voyages 3. Celebrity Cruises

Best Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean 1. Viking Ocean Cruises 2. Seabourn Cruise Line 3. Azamara

Best Luxury Cruise Lines 1. Viking Ocean Cruises 2. Seabourn Cruise Line 3. Regent Seven Seas Cruises

For more information on the Best Cruise Lines , explore Facebook , Twitter and Instagram using #BestCruises.

Media Contact: Michelle Day, [email protected] , 202-955-2212

About U.S. News & World Report U.S. News & World Report is the global leader in quality rankings that empower consumers, business leaders and policy officials to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting their lives and communities. A multifaceted digital media company with Education, Health, Money, Travel, Cars, News, Real Estate and 360 Reviews platforms, U.S. News provides rankings, independent reporting, data journalism, consumer advice and U.S. News Live events. More than 40 million people visit USNews.com each month for research and guidance. Founded in 1933, U.S. News is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

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Cruise ships

• 1.1 Choosing a cruise - early questions
• 1.2.1 "Big Three" cruise lines
• 1.2.2 Independent cruise lines
• 1.2.3 Small ship cruise options
• 1.3 Cruise types
• 1.4.1 Ocean cruises
• 1.4.2 River cruises
• 1.5 Cruise seasons
• 1.6 Cruise demographics
• 1.7 If handicapped or pregnant
• 1.8 Booking a cruise
• 1.9 Travel insurance
• 1.10 Other resources
• 1.11.1 Cabin grades and categories
• 1.11.2 Cabin types
• 1.11.3 Features
• 1.11.4 Cabin location
• 1.11.5 Other
• 1.12 Key ships officers
• 2.1 What to pack
• 2.2.1 Passports and visas
• 2.2.2 Boarding passes and tickets
• 2.2.3 Cruise-line luggage tags
• 2.2.4 Other essential papers
• 2.3 Flying to/from port
• 2.4 Home to/from port by land
• 2.5 Embarkation
• 3 Get around
• 4.1 Taking photos
• 6.2 Account balance management
• 6.3 Tipping
• 6.4 Shopping on-board
• 6.5 Shopping ashore
• 7.1 Dress code
• 10.1 Aboard
• 10.2 Ashore
• 11.1 Sunburn
• 11.2 Queasiness
• 11.3 Care about exercise and choices of tours
• 11.4.1 Prevention
• 11.4.2 If you become ill
• 11.5 Food and drink ashore
• 11.6 Carrying bottled water
• 11.7 Medical staff
• 11.8 Physical limitations
• 12.1 Calling
• 12.2 Internet on-board
• 12.3 Internet ashore

Cruise ships are large passenger sea vessels popular as a form of tourism. During the last decade, they became a major part of the tourism industry. Tourists usually embark on a round-trip to visit several ports of call, there are also "trips to nowhere" without any stop-overs, where the journey and onboard services are the main attraction. By far, the major destination for cruise tourism is the Caribbean , although the Mediterranean , Baltic , or Alaska regions are also popular. They are increasingly a topic of controversy due to their heavily negative environmental impact, over-tourism, and other ethical issues. On the other hand, they are an important source of income in many regions, and some people love them due to their advantages. They make it easy to visit several places in a single trip with no need to repack belongings and use a car/train/bus/plane to travel to each location.

On a cruise, your "hotel" comes along with you – cabin, meals and transportation, and even entertainment. You unpack once, and may go to bed in Cabo San Lucas and wake up in Puerto Vallarta , and so on to other destinations, to repack only at the cruise end. This can make a great travel experience. Your sense of where you are is compromised only by not taking note of your itinerary and the daily ship's newsletters delivered to your cabin. Such a sampling of various ports, cities, islands, or shores in a region can help you decide if and where you'd want to visit later for a longer time. Typical cruise itineraries limit the time you spend in each place; usually, it means just a day of activities or sightseeing. They may also include one or more days at sea – paradise if you enjoy a relaxing day by the pool or other shipboard activities, but less so if you prefer more active and open exploration ashore. Nonetheless, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks for enough people to support a growing industry.

Today you can visit every continent on earth, including Antarctica , by cruise ship. Exotic destinations, such as the Galapagos Islands , are best visited by small expedition vessels. While these cruises are expensive, you'll be traveling with expert guides.

This article focuses on ocean cruising and ships. There exist river cruise ships, popular particularly in Europe, working on a similar principle, just using rivers and other internal waterways. Cruise ships represent just one of the multiple options for passenger travel by sea ; ferries reach isolated coastal outports with no road and islands where distance or limited amounts of traffic make highway bridge construction impractical, river boat and barge canal cruising offer more in-depth, close-up looks at many countries in their interiors, while the few remaining ocean liners were designed not as floating hotels for entertainment but as practical transport vessels built for speed. For travel on smaller vessels, see Cruising on small craft .

Understand [ edit ]

The golden age of transoceanic passenger travel has faded greatly. The few surviving ships from the era of the great ocean liners have mostly been converted to cruising, preserved as museums and/or hotels, or are laid-up. That does not mean that travel across the sea by ship is gone too. In truth, modern-day passenger ships are sometimes faster than the ocean liners of yore, and in some ways more luxurious – and you do not have to buy first class tickets to enjoy most of it. The Cunard "Queens" Queen Mary 2 , Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth still make traditional fast Atlantic crossings seasonally and receive use as cruise ships at other times. Queen Mary 2 , launched in 2004, runs from Southampton to New York City , formerly a well-beaten path for multiple rival trans-Atlantic passenger lines. In those days, passengers were separated physically by the class of passage they had booked (exemplified in the movie "Titanic"). Today nearly all public facilities and areas are shared by all passengers.

The picture of cruise ship travel painted by the TV series The Love Boat (aired 1977-87) isn't particularly misleading (except about the inevitable bliss before debarkation and the all-American crew), but it is rather incomplete . Due to economy of scale, most modern cruise ships carry lots of passengers. While the luxury segment of the cruise industry boasts small ships – even "boutique" vessels or "mega-yachts" – most ships form floating towns. Voyages range from a few days to full circumnavigations of the globe lasting three months or more, while fares range from a few hundred dollars to US$100,000 or more.

Luxury cruise lines may have ships carrying just 100–800 or so passengers. Larger ships carry 2,000–3,500 passengers, while mega-ships can carry over 5,000. The largest cruise ship in the world, Wonder of the Seas can carry nearly 7,000 passengers (5,750 at double occupancy) and has a gross tonnage over five times that of the Titanic ! Each size has its merits; for example:

• Smaller ships can visit smaller harbors in highly desirable, rugged shorelines or unusual locales, e.g. the Riviera, Galapagos, Fjords.
• Larger ships may offer a few more amenities as discussed in "On-board" below but must use well-sized harbors (or anchor/moor off-shore), and require transport and touring infrastructures to handle so many people.
• Mega-ships offer huge public spaces and wide-ranging activities, but are limited to major ports with even greater tourist infrastructures.

Cruise lines offer widely varying itineraries. Examples range from:

• A few days at sea or to a nearby port-of-call. These may be offered as an introduction to cruising, or just as an opportunity to party.
• One or two weeks to visit ports and sights in a particular region, per "Cruise types" below.
• A month or more to see a region of the world, or three or more months to go around the world; a lifetime experience.

Each cruise is comprised of one or more cruise segments , e.g., a 1–2 week "round-tripper" may be one segment, while visiting two or more regions may sometimes involve 2–3 segments of an around-the-world cruise. That way, cruise lines can sell affordable "pieces" of long cruises that otherwise few can consider. Not infrequently, cruisers will buy two or three back-to-back/sequential segments to build a longer cruise, e.g., 7–10 days from Florida to the Western Caribbean, return, then 7–10 days for the Eastern, or two or more world regions when they are far away.

The price of an economy cruise may be compared to staying at a hotel with small rooms but good facilities, meals, etc. Standard cabins may cost $80–150 per day per person, while the rate for a luxury cruise or expeditionary cruise to polar regions can cost $1,000 per day — yes, per person. As a rule of thumb, if you focus only on economy you may get a somewhat older, less well decorated and equipped ship; you may have to pay for meals (rare); or your cabin may have noise from the ship's engines or other sources. If you pay a bit more for essentially the same cruise but on a higher-quality or newer ship, you should get better amenities, comfort, etc.

Choosing a cruise - early questions [ edit ]

Especially for first-time cruisers, this overall article should help you understand what going on a cruise is all about, and what might fit what you'd like. Before that, you might ask yourself key questions:

• Are environmental considerations important to you? Cruise lines pollute more than almost any other type of transportation or vacation option you could choose.
• Who'll be in your group, e.g., just friends, a couple, a family of parents and children, a multi-generational family (including grand-parents)? And do any members have special needs, e.g., to get around?
• What "caliber" of cruise interests you? — economy, mainstream, premium, luxury, expedition?
• Does your budget fit a typical cruise with lots of benefits included (discussed below)? Or perhaps an "all-inclusive" where (at substantially greater cost) nearly everything is pre-paid by and for everyone, e.g., tours, spa services, unlimited alcoholic drinks?
• How much time do all in your group have to make the trip together and when? And how well does the "when" fit with where you all might want to go, e.g., Alaska in January might have certain complications.
• How much time do you want to spend at each cruise destination? Each cruise tends to vary in the amount of time they spend at their destinations. This is an especially important consideration for Caribbean and Mediterranean cruises which can stop in multiple islands and cities even in the span of a few days. Some cruises will spend a few hours at each destination, whereas some cruises will spend a whole day or more. Look into the trip itinerary and ask yourself if you want to spend most of your time relaxing on the ship, or if you prefer to explore each destination.

With basic answers to those questions and use of this article, (we hope) you'll be able to generate a picture of what kind of cruise fits you best. Many find themselves surprised that the cost for a cruise (using advice on cost-avoidance noted below) may cost about the same as a road trip or fly/stay vacation of comparable length, services and accommodations.

Companies [ edit ]

"Big Three" cruise lines [ edit ]

The "Big Three" of the ocean cruise industry are (from largest to smallest) Carnival Corporation , Royal Caribbean Group , and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings . Together, they carry 80 percent of all cruise passengers.

Carnival Corporation is the largest of the Big Three. It owns nine cruise lines:

• Carnival Cruise Line
• Princess Cruises
• Costa Cruises
• AIDA Cruises
• Holland America Line
• P&O Cruises International
• P&O Cruises Australia
• Cunard Line
• Seabourn Cruise Line

Royal Caribbean Group is the second largest of the Big Three. It wholly owns three cruise lines, and share with TUI Group a (50%) stake of two cruise lines.

• Royal Caribbean International
• Celebrity Cruises
• Silversea Cruises
• TUI Cruises (in German)
• Hapag-Lloyd Kreuzfahrten (in German)

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is the smallest of the Big Three. It owns three cruise lines:

• Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
• Oceania Cruises
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Independent cruise lines [ edit ]

• Compagnie du Ponant
• Crystal Cruises
• Disney Cruise Line
• Fred Olsen Cruise Lines
• Marella Cruises (TUI)
• MSC Cruises
• Peter Deilmann-Reederei (in German)
• Phoenix Kreuzfahrten (in German)
• Transocean Kreuzfahrten (in German)
• Viking Ocean Cruises
• Virgin Voyages

Small ship cruise options [ edit ]

• Adventure Canada – Canadian Arctic including Northwest Passage crossings, Greenland
• Nicko Cruises – cruises in German rivers including the Rhine, Elbe, Saar, and Oder
• North Pacific Expeditions – adventure cruises to Alaska (via Inside Passage), Prince William Sound and the Kenai Peninsula
• North Star Cruises – Australia, New Guinea, Indonesia
• Orion Expedition – adventure cruises, worldwide but specialising in things like Antarctic or Amazon trips
• Paul Gauguin Cruises
• SeaDream Yacht Club
• Star Clippers – sailing vessels
• Un-Cruise Adventures – small ship adventure cruises focusing on wilderness, wildlife and treading lightly; Western hemisphere
• Viking River Cruises – river cruises in Europe, Egypt, and Asia
• Windstar Cruises – luxury sailing vessels
• SkarvLines Adventure Cruises - small ship converted fishing trawler cruising Scotland's waters, focussing on wildlife, walking & Scottish heritage.

For less-traditional cruising,

Cruise types [ edit ]

Your experience will be substantially affected by the cruise type you choose. You'll see discussion of other issues about timing (high-/low-season and "shoulder" seasons), and distances and how to traverse them later.

On a port-intensive itinerary, except for a few sea days:

• You might dine one evening, then enjoy entertainment, dancing, etc., go to sleep, and wake-up docked at your next port of call.
• You can eat breakfast shipboard at your place of choice and be off-ship on your way to an organized tour, self-arranged tour or activities, or just a walk-about.
• An "all-day" tour may include lunch; see the tour description. A half-day morning tour can have you back to the ship for lunch, after which you may choose shopping or a walk-about for the afternoon. Half-day tours that begin shortly after on-board lunch allow you to walk about on-shore or shop in the morning.
• See discussion of touring in "Ashore" below

If you prefer such a cruise:

• Look for itineraries in regions that offer many nearby ports, such as the Mediterranean, Baltic , The Fjords, the United Kingdom, Caribbean, Alaska, Australia, South Pacific and the Mexican Riviera.
• Look for departure ports within the region, to minimize sea days: for example, Caribbean trips starting in San Juan for the Caribbean, Amsterdam or Copenhagen for the Baltic or Fjords.
• In contrast, ships from Miami, Fort Lauderdale or Tampa can take 1–2 days to reach the Caribbean, and the same to return. But you have more cruise and ship choices there, and you can choose to drive to either port if you live close enough (see "Get in" below).

If you prefer sea days , you can look for:

• Re-positioning cruises (often crossing oceans) or crossings per se. The former takes the ship to a new region for many segments that take advantage of an approaching high season, e.g., from Alaska to "winter" in the Caribbean. The latter involves a segment of a major cruise to another region. Both usually take two weeks or more, and often involve one-way international flights to reach departing or ending ports. (See "Flying" under "Get in" below.)
• Visits to distant islands or regions, e.g., a voyage to/around Hawaii from Los Angeles.
• Segments of around-the-world cruises, usually "crossing" major regions over a period of 3–6 weeks. They, too, will usually involve one-way international flights.
• Around-the-world cruises, taking 90 days or more — best considered once you know you're comfortable with many days at sea.

When you find a voyage that appeals to you, look at "Do" below and the ship's description (on-line or in brochure) to appreciate on-board activities.

There are also various cruises for special interests , e.g., for bridge players (perhaps with a few masters on board), celebrity entertainers, lectures on culture, political science or history, or LGBT lifestyles. There have even been Linux, "geek", big band, rock and roll, and home theater cruises, some of which are annual events. A few cruise sites will help you find them. Their itineraries may focus more on on-board activities than destinations.

Cruise modes/themes [ edit ]

Ocean cruises [ edit ].

• Classic cruises still exist, the cruises where you dress up for dinner. The exclusive ships are patronized by an affluent clientele and the ships are more of ocean yachts with larger cabins than modern ocean giants. A special subcategory are the large sail ships.
• Sightseeing cruises are designed to include as many sights as possible, itineraries including the Mediterranean and port cities of Northern and Western Europe. A subclass more reminiscent of expeditions are cruises around Cape Horn , to Antarctica or into Milford Sound . On such cruises you will generally travel onboard special-built ships.
• Club cruises have a casual atmosphere and dress code on board. They almost always include land excursions, wellness, fitness and sunbathing on board. These cruises are common all over the world.
• Fun cruises are geared towards entertaining the guests and include an entertainment program as well as discos and movie theaters. This "Las Vegas-version" of the club cruise is primarily offered by American cruise companies in the Caribbean.
• Theme cruises – as the name indicates, they are centered around a theme like music, sports, wellness or fine dining. Frequently there are famous people on board such as Olympic medalists, star chefs, singers or orchestras. These cruises can be quite expensive and are usually only worth considering if you are very interested in the theme.
• Mini-cruises of one or a few days are usually taken on board large ferries, these are common for example in the Baltic Sea .
• Expeditions mean a limited number of guests, and high prices on board ships small enough to get to places where normal cruise ships wouldn't be able to go. Popular are destinations like the Amazon or the Poles. In particular the icebreakers that are required for some polar cruises offer only a few dozen cabins. Such cruises are geared towards people who want to experience and learn more about the destinations and are often headed by academics and other experts who hold lectures on board.
• Round the world cruises on luxury cruisers take at least three months and prices start from US$15,000. These are in practice series of shorter cruise segments, each one or two weeks in duration, that can be booked separately.
• Freighter cruises sound exotic, but on surprisingly many freighters you may travel as a paying passenger. For long distances, these are often cheaper than regular cruises and they are certainly different from other forms of travel. There are some drawbacks, though: there is generally no entertainment on board and the cabins are rather spartan. The ports and the schedules are planned according to the freight, not to the wishes of the couple of extra passengers.
• Maiden voyages – traveling on the very first trip from the shipyard (or from some other departure port) to the customer can be astonishingly cheap if tickets are available. These are the "test drives" of new ships and can be real adventures. Finishing work is often still being done on the interior during the maiden voyage, moreover the crew is inexperienced with the ship or do not know each other well. There are many things that can go wrong on such a trip – the worst case scenario being engine malfunction in the middle of the ocean, and itineraries often change during the voyage. Often what is called the maiden voyage isn't the first voyage, but may be the first for which tickets are advertised, and some roughness is likely to remain, although there may be special programs to give nice press coverage.

River cruises [ edit ]

The character of these cruises depends on the cities and regions next to the river. These are common on major rivers such as the Danube (Europe), Volga (Asia) or Nile (Africa). Many package tours to China include a multi-day cruise along the Yangtze River including passing through the ship locks of the Three Gorges Dam.

These ships and boats are much smaller than ocean cruisers and the entertainment on board is much more limited.

Cruise seasons [ edit ]

Many cruising regions have "high", "low" and "shoulder" seasons . These usually track with the most and least desirable times to visit the region, and times in-between, e.g., winter for the Fjords and late summer and fall for the Caribbean (tropical storms) are deemed undesirable. Expect to pay premium prices during high-season, substantially less in "low", and perhaps you'll find some bargains in "shoulder", e.g., for "re-positionings".

Under repositioning cruises , many ships transfer among distant regions that have opposite high-seasons, e.g., between the Mediterranean, Baltic or Alaska and the Caribbean , South America , Australia , or New Zealand . The long distances require many sea days, often at attractive per day prices for those who like at sea days. On the downside, you may not see much else than the ocean during the cruise.

Here are some of the most popular cruising regions in the world:

• Mediterranean — often divided in a western and eastern section, cruises in the latter section may include ports in the Black Sea or the Red Sea
• Western Europe — some cruises are extended all the way to the Canary Islands and the Azores
• Northern Europe — including the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, if you are looking for a shorter cruise, this may be a good area
• Alaska — normally runs out of Vancouver in the summer months
• Caribbean — possibly the most popular cruise destination, usually out of ports in on the east coast of the United States, some trips continue all the way to the South American coast
• Oceania — commonly in the waters of Australia and New Zealand, but sometimes also including islands in the Southern Pacific, usually from hubs off the east coast of Australia
• Southeast Asia — can generally be divided into the eastern and western sections, with Singapore serving as a hub serving both sections. Hong Kong is also a major hub for the eastern section of Southeast Asia.
• Cold areas of the world, like Greenland , Svalbard and Antarctica are usually visited by special ships that have the ability to travel through ice. Be prepared for bad weather or ice changing the itinerary of the cruise. Usually the cruise company has planned in alternative destinations if it's impossible to follow the original schedule.

Cruise demographics [ edit ]

While the cruise industry once catered primarily to seniors, the age of passengers has diversified significantly. The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) in 2018 reported the average age of cruise ship passengers is 46.7 years, which is slightly younger than the populations of Japan and Germany (47.3 years and 47.1 years respectively). Many lines appeal to 20–to-40-year-old couples, "party" cruises attract young adults, and Disney and others focus on families with children and teens. Cruising has turned into an enormously popular family vacation due to well-designed children's programs, even special cabin configurations.

Some itineraries and cruise-lines may attract more seniors, e.g., trans-Atlantic and -Pacific re-positioning cruises, Holland–America (it very effectively supports but doesn't just market to seniors). Reasons include cost, cruise length, numbers of days at sea, and dates that conflict with school.

If cruise demographics are important to you, read the cruise description carefully, research web sites on cruising (see "Other resources" below), and work through your travel/cruise agent to learn the probable demographics of any trip you're considering. You'll be glad you did so, or you risk embarking on a ship filled with rowdy young adults or seniors with limited activities.

If handicapped or pregnant [ edit ]

If anyone in your party has a physical limitation , the cruise line can usually help – especially if notified in-advance. Without sacrificing personal privacy, use your agent (or directly if no agent is involved) to let them know about your needs and when they apply, e.g.

• If you need access to special cabin facilities, you can be assigned a cabin specially equipped for your general needs, e.g., ADA qualified. These may include door thresholds with little or no rise, convenient handrails to get about the cabin and bathroom, and special bathing equipment.
• Help with the significant walking distances to embark and dis-embark (process discussed below), or to go on port visits. In some ports the ship is anchored offshore and shore excursion participants are transported ashore by small boats which might pose challenges if you've not prearranged crew assistance.
• If you purchase a fly/cruise or cruise-extension package (also discussed below), you should mention any other help you'll need.
• Some companies may also require you to bring an assistant to help you in possible emergency situations.

A cruise can place you some distance from proper pre-natal care and birthing facilities , especially advanced medical care, as sickbays are not equipped or staffed to handle labor or premature infants. If you have any complication, or might be well-into your third-trimester during a cruise under consideration, consult your doctor. Then inform the cruise-line, through your agent if used. A note of fitness for travel from him/her can assuage the fears of the line and staff as you go through embarkation processing.

Many cruise lines will in fact not permit you to cruise once you reach a certain point in your pregnancy – often 24 weeks. Failure to check this may mean you'll be denied boarding upon arrival at the pier to embark if you are too far along. Birth at sea also has some interesting but not unsolvable citizenship complications.

Booking a cruise [ edit ]

You can book a cruise through several types of providers, e.g., directly with a cruise line (by phone or on-line), through an on-line travel web site (that may also offer (even bundle) flights, hotels, tours, et al.), through a web site that sells only cruises, and through travel agents or cruise agents that offer their personal advice and services. Most agents charge little for their services unless you have special requests/needs. Beyond on-line sources, ask neighbors who travel, or look near home for an agency. Be selective and you'll often find someone who can help – for complex trips, good advice and travel arrangements can be very useful, or even crucial.

• Make all deposits and final payments by credit card. You'll enjoy the best possible protections by the issuing bank should anything go wrong. Debit cards rarely provide such.
• When on-line, assure you are looking at a reputable on-line seller, i.e., look for credentials. Cruise specialists are certified by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), and will show a seal authorized by the CLIA. Many of their staff are trained agents; some specialize in certain cruise lines, with detailed insights into what any ship or cruise offers.
• If you become a repeat customer, sellers may offer to assign you an agent who can learn your preferences, and (with multiple cruises over the years) can give advice and services, help with problems encountered as your trip approaches, even offer notices about unpublished deals, information which is unavailable just on-line.

Once you've found one or more cruises that suit you, you'll want to know the full costs and terms, including port fees and taxes, options on how to get to and from the port easily and on-time, what the cruise contract calls for, and other details rarely reflected in brochure or web-site prices or pages. Prices shown are per person, for double occupancy in a cabin usually designed for two adults. If you have a group of 3-4 (e.g., family), the per person cost for the third and fourth in the same cabin (designed for 3-4) may be lower. Prices shown will reflect port fees, but not taxes because taxes vary by your home country (sometimes state/province) and other factors. Taxes will be shown in invoiced quotes of cruise costs specifically for you; if not, the invoice is incomplete, inaccurate, and possibly bogus.

You may be able to extend the cruise you're looking at economically if cabins are available. Book any extension very-preferably at the same time you book the initial cruise segment, at least well before cruise start. You can ask about an extension just before or after embarkation, but you'll have little hope in high season when cruises are quite full, and virtually no hope of occupying the same cabin.

If you wish to cruise alone (e.g., in a double-occupancy cabin), you will often face a "single supplement" charge, often equal to the cost of a second person. Expect to be quoted "double" because cruise lines dislike single cruise guests in cabins (even if they pay the double price for the cabin); the ship can't earn other revenues from you in the restaurants, bars, and shops on board, as well as for other services. If cruising alone remains crucial to you, you should allow an informed cruise/travel agent to help you choose it and a cabin.

To better understand cost details, how they work and the meaning of basic cruise contracts, at least look for and digest related articles in travel/cruise web sites before you decide to book. Many of their terms are based on international maritime law and the laws of the country where the ship is registered, rarely those of a traveler's home country. And they will favor the cruise line — another reason why quality travel insurance becomes important.

Unless you have considerable experience with choosing and booking a cruise, consider using an agent. He/she should help you considerably to understand the contract, all fixed costs, all options available and their costs and import. Before you buy any cruise or package, he/she should provide a full invoice reflecting all costs and the basic cruise contract, and will explain non-cruise arrangements needed (e.g., see "Getting to port" below) for your careful examination. This allows you to question details and request changes.

If you still wish to book on your own (e.g., on line or by phone with the cruise line), as you approach the "buy point", you should be offered a quoted full price (including all taxes and fees) based on all the parameters you've chosen, and the cruise contract . If buying on-line, examine (and print) the invoice and contract to examine them. Once you concur with the terms, use the same parameters to return to the offer and complete your booking. (More than a few days "examination" may result in some changes to costs, so be prompt.) Once you book a cruise on your own, you become wholly-responsible for the many details surrounding it (many explained later). You'll have to wisely arrange them on your own. All must complement each other, e.g., per "Flying to/from port" discussed below.

Travel insurance [ edit ]

For a more in-depth discussion, see Travel insurance

If your trip starts to gain complexity or substantial cost as you plan it, or you are a first-time cruiser, you should consider travel insurance. Other reasons include if you intend to go on "adventure" or high-risk tours or activities (e.g., para-gliding), have any medical condition that could flare up and require treatment or evacuation, will be a great distance from home, there's possibility that a provider of essential trip services might go bankrupt, or if you've been forced to accept tight airline connections.

To be eligible for all available coverage, you usually must buy it shortly after you have booked your trip, specifically right after you make a deposit if well before the trip, otherwise as you pay all in-full at once. Its cost will basically be determined by your total trip cost (except costs and obligations which can be cancelled at no cost or with partial or full refund), the age of travelers to be covered, levels of coverage, and options for coverage requested for certain problems, e.g., treatment for sickness or injury (on and off the ship), or medical evacuation. Good insurance will cover pre-existing medical conditions if purchased promptly after booking your trip, and often not if bought later.

You may obtain better insurance rates and/or coverage by buying coverage through or from an association you belong to, e.g., AAA, AA, AARP.

Travel experts recommend against "insurance" from airlines or cruise lines .

• Coverage offered often focuses only or primarily on the responsibilities of the line, while a quality policy will cover all elements and risks of your end-to-end trip, with options for many risks that apply uniquely to you.
• Cruise line protection (for a fee) covers selected cruise risks, and is not actually insurance. No law or government agency has jurisdiction over their terms, and specific assurances about promises of protection may be lacking. The fee for promised protections may amount to a large fraction of regular, well-purchased, overall trip insurance.

Other resources [ edit ]

Several websites provide objective information about various cruise lines, ships, cruising regions and ports, and how to choose, prepare for and go on a cruise. Many offer professional reviews, some offer passenger reviews. But because they often sell cruises through third parties, they cannot be listed here. To find them, use a good search engine, with "cruise" and "advice" or "review" as keywords among your search parameters.

Those sites and travel magazines discuss other valuable topics, e.g., "wave season" (when to book, not when to go) versus other times, understanding what's included (and not) in prices shown, industry trends that may cause prices to go down. A good travel/cruise agent will have those and other insights. Knowing exactly when and how to best book a cruise receives nearly constant attention in travel articles, and approaches being an art .

Cabins [ edit ]

Your accommodations can range widely: they are usually determined by cost. Most cruise lines promote their ships as luxurious, and cabin (aka stateroom) furnishings can range from quite "nice" to "utterly elegant". The less expensive tend to be quite a bit smaller than ordinary hotel rooms—space you may only use for a few hours each day to sleep anyway. But every square inch is usable, e.g., luggage fits under the bed to allow you to unpack many/all items and hang them in closets or store on shelves/in drawers for easy access.

Cabin grades and categories [ edit ]

On large ships, you'll find a number of cabin grades or categories within each cabin type. They involve location, size, quality of view, features, etc. Good travel/cruise agents have access to the nuances of features and shortfalls for each. Cabin costs will vary not only by type but by those gradations/categories. For any cabin type, costs reflected in brochures and on web sites usually apply to the lowest grade. One useful site (among many) for information on ship layouts and features is CruiseDeckPlans .

Cabin types [ edit ]

The basic types include:

• Inside cabins are the least expensive and located in the interior of the ship, hence the name. They lack any window, and ship's air is "piped-in". On some new ships, they may have live video displays "fed" by exterior cameras.
• Ocean view have windows that don't open (the ship's air is "piped-in") and are slightly more expensive. The least expensive may have partially or substantially obstructed views.
• Balcony/veranda at even higher prices, with outside chairs, perhaps a table, to watch sunsets, have a room-service meal or treat, and watch passing ships and land. On older ships, the least expensive may have partially or substantially obstructed views.
• Mini-suites and full suites (the latter often multi-room) with private verandas, shower/bathtubs, sitting areas, perhaps hot tubs and other amenities, and at the highest prices.

Perhaps oddly, suites and the least expensive cabins tend to sell out first.

Cabins designed for the disabled will have many handrails, flat thresholds and wider doors to aid accessibility and safety. Some cruise lines cater to such clientele by offering greater numbers of prepared cabins. Many may have an ADA (American Disabilities Act) certification.

A few other cabins and all hallways have handrails for safety during occasional rough weather. On ships built in the late 1990s or later, few passengers will be:

• Bothered by pitching and rolling of the ship; they're built with highly-effective stabilizers.
• Disturbed by the ship's engines or screws (propellers); they're very quiet.
• Disturbed by public announcements; these are heard in hallways and public areas. For key announcements, they are piped into cabins; all can be heard in cabin on a designated TV channel.

Features [ edit ]

• Cabins configured for families may also have a pull-down or wall-mounted bunk-bed, sleeper sofa or settee, or another twin/queen bed.
• All come with a small safe . While on board, you should lock all valuables in it (e.g., fine jewelry, passports, charge cards, cash), and leave them there unless needed, e.g., for a port visit, shopping ashore or dressing for dinner.
• Expect to find a large wall-mounted mirror or two. Handy for checking your appearance, they also make the cabin seem bigger.
• Small private bathrooms with showers are the minimum, with better cabins offering more space, shower/baths or larger showers. Each type will offer at least minimal toiletries typical for a motel (if you need specific ones, bring them or buy them near the port), small cabinets and shelves for all toiletries, at least one counter and lavatory, a toilet that operates by power suction, and a portable or installed hairdryer. Operate the toilet exactly as instructed.
• All will have a phone with wake-up call capability (synchronized to the ship's time).
• Virtually all will have a TV , some even an attached DVD player.
• All will have at least a reach-in closet with a hanging rod, some hangars and a shelf often holding your life-vests. You'll also find storage drawers or shelves elsewhere. Suites may have walk-ins, with numerous shelves.
• Better cabins resemble hotel rooms and may have a settee , desk with chair or more.
• Better ships/cabins often offer a small refrigerator , holding chilled cans and bottles for sale. If you bring your own drinks, ask the cabin steward to empty it of items for sale, which can be very pricey. Then put your own it it.
• If the dryer is not installed in the bathroom, a 220 V outlet may be near the bed or desk, likely with a portable hair-dryer stored nearby.
• Near the bed or desk, you may find one or two low-wattage, usually 120 V 60 Hz outlets, adequate only for such as a laptop or to charge electronics.
• Net result : Don't bring your own iron, or use your own hairdryer or anything that heats food or liquid. If found during embarkation, they may be seized. If used, they may trip a circuit breaker serving other uses and cabins.
• A short, well-made 120 V extension cord to use low-wattage items at convenient locations.
• One or two nite-lites in case needed.
• A small, plug-in surge arrester, to prevent electrical damage to personal electronics.
• For warm climes, a small fan. Cabin air conditioners effectively but slowly change cabin temperature, but airflow is often modest. A fan can help cabin comfort substantially.
• A power converter and adapter plugs if your electronics aren't compatible with available cabin power, or if you'll travel before or after your cruise where power is incompatible.
• Some form of air deodorizer; balcony fresh air (if you have one) quickly helps but can also quickly compromise cabin air temperature and humidity.

Cabin location [ edit ]

Location can affect price somewhat because parts of a ship are more desirable for some passengers, e.g.,

• To avoid the effects of ship's rolling or pitching, some opt for a cabin on a lower deck or closer to amidships.
• To sunbathe on their balcony, many choose a deck well below any over-hanging upper deck.
• Those who need quiet to sleep should choose locations away from lobbies and elevators, and with at least one deck between their cabin and any place with late-night revelers, e.g., nightclubs, showrooms.
• Those with mobility challenges may prefer to be near elevators.

Other [ edit ]

Cabin water is fully potable, usually obtained by reverse-osmosis, so efficient that some large ships visiting ports with water shortages may offload potable water. (It does not substantially soften the water.) Older ships may use distillation supplemented by fresh water on-loads. All ships carefully treat the water to ensure its safety. Taste in cabins may be somewhat bland or have a hint of chemicals. Elsewhere, water often receives additional filtration to assure excellent taste for use in bars, dining rooms, kitchens, and buffet self-serve drink dispensers.

As you get interested in any cruise, ship or cabin type, go to the cruise line's web site and others for more details. Again, a good travel/cruise agent can help you find the features you need or want.

Key ships officers [ edit ]

The ship and your cruise depend on them. Just a few of them include:

• The Captain : He or she is called the ship's master for a reason, with total operational command and responsibility of the vessel and when and where it goes. Depending on the ship's nation of registry, some may be able to officiate at weddings, as can accredited, "resident", or pre-certified clergy.
• The Hotel Manager : In charge of all staff that deliver on-board services, e.g., Purser/Customer Services, food and bar service, cabin staff, tour office, shops and nearly countless behind-the-scenes support staff.
• The Cruise Director : Responsible for all entertainment, special activities, key briefings and announcements, and any port or shopping advisers.
• The Maitre d' for your dining room, the headwaiter , and (perhaps) most-especially your waiter for the area where your table is located if you have opted for traditional evening dining (see "Eat" below). They stand ready to make special arrangements for you on-request such as birthday or anniversary celebrations, table changes, and special or required dining needs, e.g., food allergies, special diets.

Get in [ edit ]

The best-known destinations for cruise ships are tropical ports in the Caribbean or the Mexican Riviera , the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, but cruises can be found almost anywhere there's enough water to float a ship and cities or sites to visit. Cruise ships of various sizes visit the coasts of Alaska , the Nordic countries , South-East Asia , East Asia , southern Europe , Australia and New Zealand , Oceania and New England ; and various islands of the Pacific Ocean . Even the North Pole and Antarctica are now destinations, though the latter has emerging ecological questions.

In addition, specially designed river boats and barges ply navigable rivers and lakes of Europe , China , Brazil , Egypt , North America and numerous other places. However, as noted above, this article focuses on ocean cruising and ships.

What to pack [ edit ]

For more discussion, see Packing for a cruise and Recommended dinner dress under "Eat" below.

This can vary substantially according to the region you'll cruise, e.g., clothing for cool/cold areas versus warm, conservative colors for Europe, items to cover arms and legs as you enter many religious buildings worldwide.

If you'll fly to/from a cruise port, see Flying for other advice and suggestions. Many experienced cruisers find certain items necessities, e.g.,:

• Polarized sunglasses with strong light filtration, including full UV protection .
• Sanitizing wipes or solution . If you purchase any, look for active sanitizing ingredients beyond just alcohol. Most intended for hands have a glycerin base to prevent drying skin. Avoid using them on hard surfaces as they leave an undesirable residue.
• Skin protection . Essential for all cruises, the sun not only strikes you from above, but is reflected off the water on boat excursions and at beaches. See the article on Sunburn and sun protection . Pack and use protection, e.g., adequate clothing, brimmed hats, "fresh" sunblock with high UV A/B protection ratings (yes, it has a finite shelf-life). Ship's stores have some such items but charge dearly for them. You'll also find them ashore, but usually at a premium over offerings at home.
• Binoculars . Most passing views from ship are at a considerable distance.
• Duct tape . Useful to make temporary repairs to luggage and other items.

Essential papers [ edit ]

Any authority looking at airline tickets, boarding passes and passports will examine names carefully. TSA and other security authorities often require that key papers (e.g., airline tickets, passports, visas, ship boarding passes) precisely reflect your full name . This applies to all persons in your travel group, e.g., spouse, children (toddlers perhaps excepted). It starts by making sure that whoever books your cruise (and any associated airline tickets) accurately enters each full name on reservations and later-generated tickets.

Passports and visas [ edit ]

Unless your ship's itinerary is confined to your home country (not often), you must prepare for a cruise as you would for any other international trip, to include passports, perhaps visas. Many countries to be visited may levy few or no visa requirements on day-visitors via cruise ship. But, check with the cruise line (through your agent if used) well ahead of time. Some lines will arrange needed visas for scheduled port visits, but also check specifically for visa requirements if you have an international flight itinerary.

• The cruise-line will often insist that your passport have more than six months before it expires as of the date your international travel ends. They are echoing requirements of countries the ship will visit and/or where you'll fly, e.g., many that require visas will not issue them for passports with less time.
• Lacking a passport, or any required visa, you risk being denied boarding on your departing flight or ship at embarkation without refund or other compensation. Your resulting expenses may also not be covered by travel insurance (you have a duty to fully prepare for your entire trip).
• If your passport is stolen during a visit ashore during an international cruise, you will be left stranded; the cruise line will not let you return to the ship.
• Traveling with a criminal history may invalid your visa. Even a person driving the short distance from Seattle , Washington to catch a cruise in Vancouver, Canada could be refused at the border.

Very occasionally, port officials in certain countries will require review of all passenger passports before clearing the ship for passengers to go ashore. If so, they may join the ship a few days in-advance, and the ship will announce a day or so before the port visit that the staff must gather all passports for inspection or passengers will be processed in-person.

Before you leave home, make machine or photo color copies of at least the primary, facing pages of each passport per details in the above linked article. Use the passports when instructed by authorities, e.g., going through airport, airline or customs and immigration processing, or processing for initial ship's embarkation. Take the originals with you ashore on the rare occasion needed per ship's daily news or announcements. Otherwise, once on board, leave them in your cabin's safe and take the copies ashore (with government-issued photo identification) instead.

On your request, the United States can issue special passport cards for possible use at land borders and on cruise ships. However, in the event something comes up and you need to fly home from an international port of call, they are not accepted for international air travel.

Boarding passes and tickets [ edit ]

Once booked and paid, you must promptly go to your cruise line's web site to register . Immigration authorities require that any ship leaving their jurisdiction have personal data of all passengers well in-advance of cruise embarkation. And your agent or the line may need to mail documents to you reflecting that registration data. On the cruise line's web site, using your booking number, complete all details about all people in your travel group for whom you are responsible. If to informally travel with others, ensure they understand this. Data needed will include full names, addresses, phone numbers, social security numbers (or the equivalent for other countries), passport details, emergency contact names and phone numbers, how you want your shipboard account established/paid (an indicator, not a final commitment.) (see "Embarkation" and "Buy" below).

Once registered, within 60 days or so of cruise start, the line's web site will often allow you to print your boarding passes (see "Embarkation"). Others may mail them (and other information) to you as noted above. You may get one set of papers listing all persons in your group, or a set for each person. Web site or mail, you should also have the cruise contract and boarding instructions and times. If you've paid the line for flights or airport-to-port transfers, you should also find vouchers or flight tickets (or Internet links to them for printing at home). If you don't have these key papers in-hand in usable form at least three weeks before your cruise, notify your agent/cruise line immediately.

Per "Embarkation", each person will need his/her boarding pass and passport to be processed on board.

Cruise-line luggage tags [ edit ]

Tags showing your name, cruise ship, cruise date/identity/number and cabin number are essential to ensure your large luggage reaches your cabin .

• Some lines will send you durable tags in-advance, to attach at least to your large luggage. If so, they'll often come with your boarding passes and vouchers if you have prepaid transfers.
• Others will offer tags for you on-line. If so, print them (in color if possible). Yes, they'll be on printer paper . Then fold each as indicated into a narrow strip, and reinforce it with transparent package sealing tape. When you're ready to attach one, wrap it around a fixed luggage handle, information showing, and then staple multiple times or apply strong tape at the overlapping ends. The results can be surprisingly durable.
• If you make your own flight arrangements, you'll have to get yourself and all bags to the port/cruise terminal. You can wait to attach the cruise-line tags as you claim them at the end of your flight, but do so before your bags reach the port if possible. If you have no tags, porters at the terminal can create them using your boarding pass data.
• If you have arranged services through the cruise-line to transfer your checked luggage from the end of your flight to the ship, you need to attach the cruise tags as you check the luggage to begin flying. Before you leave the terminal at the port city's airport, get confirmation from any welcoming cruise-line staff about transfers and any responsibilities you have, e.g., if flying internationally, you may have to first claim your bags to go through customs and immigration processing before re-checking them into the cruise line luggage system at the airport.

Other essential papers [ edit ]

If travel is international, take no more prescription medications than you'll need on your trip—with convincing documentation that they belong to you and are necessary, e.g., properly labeled bottles with your name, perhaps a copy of the doctor's prescription. Leave the medications in and pack their prescribed bottles; otherwise, the meds lose their link to the prescriptions, and may be summarily confiscated as you enter or transit some countries.

• If any contain a controlled or narcotic ingredient , make absolutely sure you will not violate any law of any country you'll enter — even as a through cruise or flight passenger, e.g., as needed, have the country's written permission to carry the meds within its borders. Most countries with restrictions will have ways to apply in advance for permission. If so, apply well in-advance, especially if hard copy postings are involved, e.g., such can require 1-2 months, while e-mail perhaps 1-2 weeks, even if your initial efforts prove incomplete.
• Some countries may have unexpected restrictions on entering/transiting with some basic medications, e.g., for Japan anything containing pseudoephedrine (‎Afrinol, Sudafed, Sinutab) or codeine (some cough and anti-diarrhea medicines). Always read the ingredients. Without prior permission to have them, they will be confiscated, and you may be arrested. You'll have to consult (and likely be examined by) a physician in the country to obtain replacement/substitute medication if it's available.
• Without action in-advance to comply with their laws, in a few countries for some medications the consequences can be severe , e.g., fine, arrest, possible prison.

Avoid paying duty on valuable items you take with you. You'll be exasperated as you return home if customs officials charge you duty for jewelry, a late model camera or electronics you took with you. See Proof of what you already own

If you have purchased travel insurance , take at least a summary of the policy coverage and how to contact the insurer for help from wherever you will go on the trip. And leave a copy of that with someone at home who can help with any actions needed or may benefit from its terms.

Flying to/from port [ edit ]

Cruise ships sail from an increasing number of port cities. Most people must fly to get to them. If that applies to you, you have options. They include arranging your own flights (discussed later), choosing a cruise line fly/cruise package , choosing a cruise extension , or making a flight deviation request to suit your needs/desires to/from the cruise.

For all those options, if you miss your ship's departure (actually from any port), you are responsible for joining it at its next port of call or getting home on your own. (That can be very expensive unless covered by travel insurance and you acted diligently to not miss the ship.) Some sources imply that ships will delay departure for flights their line has arranged that arrive late. More accurately, they may delay, but only if it doesn't compromise the ship's ability to reach the next port on-schedule. Accordingly:

• Fly to a departure port under the simplest possible flight arrangements (e.g., to avoid missed connections/lost luggage), scheduled to arrive in plenty of time for you to reach the ship's terminal at least two hours before sailing . Otherwise, fly to reach the port area the day before, even if it means you must pay there for an overnight stay, meals and transfers. (For return flights, see also "Disembarkation" discussion below.)
• If flying to a distant overseas departure port , plan to get to the port city/area at least a day before cruise departure, again despite the overnight costs and transfers. Such "day early" arrivals at distant ports are good industry practice and so should be offered by your cruise line in any fly/cruise package. Your insistence about decent flight routes and timing should not be treated by any agent or cruise line as a flight deviation request (discussed below). If you'll have a long flight, you'll appreciate the chance to rest after arrival anyway.

A fly/cruise package means the line makes all arrangements for you to fly to, go on and return from the cruise. This offers convenience and confidence for first-time cruisers or those going to/from unfamiliar ports. Those packages include air travel (economy, from/to select gateway airports), land transfers to/from ship, and may include lodging. Lines reserve seats well in-advance, anticipating demand by those liking the option (and for other uses). Those packages have trade-offs:

• They usually cost more than arranging your own flights and transfers; "usually" because some offers may be a good deal — an effort to help cruise line business. The line may want to develop new, expanded or unusual passenger or destination "markets", or it may be trying to fill empty cabins. Others may regularly offer "free airfare" or reduced air rates. Take care with "free". If you see anything in the trip description or the total invoiced/quoted cruise cost that in-effect refunds/rebates for air support not used, the offer really isn't free, but it still may be desirable.
• The line's choices of flights/routes are often made semi-automatically, emphasizing cruise-line cost-avoidance (e.g., using airline seats they've already blocked), then your cruise departure time.
• You have little control over their initial choices. Results occasionally have inconvenient flight times, use busy air hubs, have short connections, require considerable walking between gates/terminals, choose seats for group/family members apart from each other, and/or have quite long total times en route.
• If you have special needs that would affect transfers or seating need/preference, let your agent or the line know, preferably before the line makes initial flight choices. This may give you/your agent some leverage in later negotiations over cruise line choices. And some high-end cruise lines may offer premium flight seating at relatively modest cost, which is perhaps crucial for tall or "mature" passengers.
• The line will notify you of proposed flight details 45-60 days ahead of the cruise. Promptly examine them. If any detail appears problematic, promptly question its wisdom (through your agent if used), and decline to accept until corrected or explained to your full satisfaction.

Most lines also offer cruise extensions . You can opt to spend 2-3 (perhaps more) nights at/near a port area/city immediately before and/or after your cruise. Extensions can be somewhat to decidedly pricey, are integrated into your overall trip, with flight arrangements, quality lodging and transfers usually included. Meals may not be included; some may be. They may include one or more tours. The line should not demand any flight deviation fee (see below). Cruise brochures, your travel agent and the cruise-line's website will variously describe the extensions available. If travel involves flying overseas, and if you can, choose the number of days of the extension with intent to use at least some of the first day at the port destination to rest, with the remainder for exploring.

Flight deviation requests . A "deviation" is used to arrange flight dates for early arrival at the cruise port city/area, en route stay-overs, specific flight dates/times, aircraft cabin class, airlines or specific flight numbers that suit your preferences. The request must be based on what's actually possible, so your prior research is essential, or your request may be fruitless. For a fee (e.g., US$75–150 per person), the cruise line will process (not book) your request for special flight arrangements. This request should preferably be placed through any agent that booked your cruise. You should formulate and submit it long before cruise start, and ensure it's understood by any agent used.

If your agent already knows of your needs/preferences, he/she may be able to negotiate minor changes to flight choices by the line with no deviation request needed or fee involved. If that fails, you may need/want a deviation. The line usually begins work to satisfy your deviation request after it has chosen/proposed initial flight arrangements, e.g., in a fly/cruise package. This may be a short time after you make full payment for the package.

• The later your request, the more difficult it will be to arrange, and likely more costly. (Cruise lines block seats in-advance, and they may be quickly spoken for. A late deviation request can force the line to quote you added costs to "cold purchase" necessary air tickets, at substantial extra cost to you even using their mass/wholesale contacts.)
• Your request may be one of hundreds being processed for that cruise, so make it simple, e.g., clear objectives with few alternatives/options; each requires some research by whomever works to help you.
• If the cruise cost includes airfare, the line's web site or your invoice for the total cruise cost will usually include a sum reflecting a flight "refund". If negotiations for the flight deviation fail, you will (usually) have that sum to use as you look for flights on your own or with travel agent help if you wish.
• If you've booked a cruise with prices that say "airfare included", and then you make a deviation request, watch out for unusually high air charges for minor changes to time, seating, route or airline. They may be an effort by the cruise line to recoup under-calculated air costs in the original price.
• If your initial request might be difficult to fill, you should first ask about the line's policy on deviation charges. If negotiations fail, many cruise lines won't charge the deviation fee.

Booking your own : If you're a seasoned traveler or have a good travel agent, you/your agent may do better by booking your own flights and lodging. This can mean better economy, flight dates and times, routes, seating and hotels you prefer. However, if your cruise starts at one distant port and ends at a different one, look at both self/agent-arranged flights and cruise-line fly/cruise packages.

• On your own, you may face buying one-way air tickets for all in your party. On many airlines, one-way domestic tickets can cost more than round trips on the same dates. For international flights, one-way tickets can cost more than twice as much as round-trips on the same dates.
• You/your agent may also be able to find "open jaw" tickets for less than one-way full-fare prices.
• As a last resort, you/your agent may know of budget web sites, flight packagers or brokers, or unscheduled airline charters. They may offer quality arrangements or "econo" bookings. The latter may require that all in your party be "flexible" about dates, routes, times en route, and on-board niceties. It occasionally involves need to claim luggage from one carrier while en route, take it to another carrier or terminal (even airport) and recheck it. Unless you are clearly "booked through" (as reflected on your detailed itinerary, later on boarding passes), the two or more airlines involved have no responsibility for making your arranged flight connections, for you or your luggage.

If you arrange anything on your own, keep any affected agent informed of your intent, efforts and results. Regardless of how you've gotten airline tickets, once you're booked, check frequent-flier miles you may have and if they apply. If you have enough, and "your airline" or "alliance" gets chosen to transport you, you may be able to use your "miles"/points for seating upgrades. Contact the airline directly.

Regardless of how arranged, ensure you have completely adequate scheduled connection times to make flight check-ins and flight connections (including possibly going through customs/immigration at some airports) en route to reach the start of your cruise, and for return flights. Include extra time for unpredictable delays. Consider everything that might make you late, e.g., flight schedules, "tricky" connections, seasonal weather anywhere on your route, distance/time between the cruise ports and airports, ground transport dependability/availability, how far in advance you need to check-in for flights. If you don't have fully-adequate time, choose other arrangements.

Such complexity, risk and cost point to the usefulness of a travel or cruise agent and the importance of quality trip insurance.

Home to/from port by land [ edit ]

In contrast to flying, you might drive to your port city if practical without great effort and if the costs are right. With an adequate vehicle, you can take and bring home much more than allowed by air, which is quite useful for serious shoppers with family souvenirs, etc. It may allow you to visit the port area one or more days before or after the cruise. If it looks tempting, examine and compare:

• Using a hotel/motel park-stay-cruise package near the port. Some let you park for 7–14 days at no or small charge (but without assurance of vehicle security) and offer shuttles to/from the port. Certain web sites specialize in finding such offers.
• Driving and parking at a commercial parking lot near or at the port. They nearly always offer shuttles to and from the port. They can be pricey for multi-week cruises, but do offer some security for your vehicle. Lots in/on the port are often much more expensive than off-port.
• Renting a car or van one-way each way. If your group is 3 or more adults or a family, you'll need a sizable vehicle for all, to assure comfort and room for luggage. Renting lets you "up-size" as needed and avoid parking costs for long cruises. However, watch out for large drop-off fees, especially if the drive crosses state lines. Major rental brands should have an office for vehicle drop-off and pick-up near the port, often offering shuttles to/from.

If you can obtain quality, convenient bus or train service (as in Europe), you might obtain similar benefits, with simplicity and savings possible over a car. Examine the carrier's costs, reputation for punctuality, schedules, locations of terminals, transfers needed and any parking costs near home, and plan your departures accordingly.

Embarkation [ edit ]

This all starts as you reach your ship's terminal. The walking distance from ground transport to on-board ship can vary from 100–300 meters or more depending on terminal design and ship size. If anyone in your party has mobility challenges, request help in-advance.

If you'll board a large ship, examine the cruise line's instructions on when to arrive. Consider that:

• A large group will eagerly reach the terminal as early as they can—perhaps forgetting that the same staff (ship's, terminal and customs) that processes them will first have to help nearly all on-board passengers disembark. If you are also that early, you'll likely spend considerable time idle in line waiting to be processed, with no guarantee of seating, refreshments or shelter from the weather.
• Many other embarking passengers will precisely follow the cruise line advice and arrive at the designated time. That can create another line.
• Once all staff are ready to embark passengers, only very frequent customers of that line, or those who've booked suites, will receive any preferential processing.

So if you have a choice, consider reaching the terminal 30 minutes or so after the time mentioned by the cruise line. In any event, reach the cruise terminal at least two hours before the ship is scheduled to sail. As above, if your agent or cruise line has arranged a flight that could cause you to reach the port later, seriously question its wisdom well in-advance. If you're traveling in a group (e.g., family), don't begin embarkation processing without all members present.

At the cruise terminal, give your large baggage (virtually no limit on numbers, but don't pack that much), with cruise tags attached, to porters for mandatory, separate security screening, then loading on the ship. They deserve a modest tip. As above, if you have no tags to attach, the porters will help you to fill-in blank tags using details on your boarding pass.

You won't see those large bags until they arrive at your cabin door. Delivery may take 2–3 hours, perhaps more. If you've paid the cruise line for airport-to-terminal transfers, and you have no intermediate customs processing at the airport, you may not see your checked luggage after initial airport check-in until it reaches the terminal, perhaps even at your cabin. But learn the full process and understand your responsibilities.

As you start in-processing at the ship's terminal, officials will examine your boarding passes and passports. Then:

• You and your hand-carried items will be scanned, much as at an airport — but without limits on numbers or non-alcoholic liquids . If you hope to bring beer, wine or liquor aboard (in checked or carried bags), understand and pack for the cruise line's policy about what you are allowed to bring aboard. Policy can range from no restrictions to confiscation of any "no no" found during embarkation.
• You'll be instructed to fill-out and sign a simple current health statement , one for at least each person in your group. If anyone reports or exhibits symptoms of something that might be communicable, he/she may be interviewed. At worst, he/she may be denied boarding , at no liability to the cruise line. (Law requires ship's officers to minimize health risks to all the (perhaps) thousands of passengers and crew on board.) This event should be covered by good trip insurance.
• You'll be shown to a processing counter to provide identification, set up a shipboard charge account and be issued a cabin key card for each person in your group. (See also "Ashore" and "Buy" below)
• On the way aboard, you'll often encounter a ship's commercial photographer. All pictures they take throughout the cruise have no cost unless you choose to buy one as you find it later in the ship's photo gallery. They tend to be rather pricey.

Once on board, a lounge or the buffet and casual food counters await, usually on upper decks. You'll often be instructed not to go to your cabin until their readiness is announced (your cabin steward is completely cleaning and sanitizing it, and changing all linens and towels in your cabin and many others). So, after food if any, it's a good time to walk about the ship to get oriented.

• Top-side you'll probably see a swimming pool or more, other sports and exercise facilities, bars, perhaps the spa and a forward lounge.
• Likely on lower, public decks, you'll find the Purser's Desk (aka Customer Service), often a concierge desk and shore tour ticket office, future cruise sales desk, perhaps shops (not open), and an Internet café somewhere.

Before sailing, there will be a safety at sea briefing that everyone must attend. Cruise lines and captains take this maritime law requirement seriously. You'll find instructions in your cabin, and papers and announcements will tell where and when to go. It includes learning the location of your emergency "muster station", ways to get there, emergency signals and procedures, and how to wear your life vest. You may or may not need to take or don your life-vest—stored in your cabin. All ship's services will be closed during this time. If anyone in your group has mobility problems, this is a good time to tell the staff for your muster station so they can prearrange special help for emergencies. Truants will be called to a separate, later briefing at staff's convenience. Continuing truancy can result in being ordered to disembark at the next port.

If time permits after the briefing and before sailing, go top-side for departure. It's always interesting, often scenic (take your camera if light will be adequate), with a bon voyage party likely.

Get around [ edit ]

The key advantage of a cruise ship is that it does most of the "getting around" for you. See "Understand" (above) and the following sections for details about ships and port visits. Basically, you unpack once, then visit the ports on your ship's itinerary and only repack at the end of the cruise. Careful consideration of the cruise itinerary and daily bulletins will eliminate confusion about where you are, what's happening, and where you'll go next.

As you explore the ship, you'll note that instead of numbers, decks may have fanciful names. You may find yourself referring frequently to the small pocket-map in your cabin and diagrams in elevators and stairwells to figure out where you are and whether the Lido Deck is above or below the Promenade Deck. The biggest ships can have 15 or more decks (counting bars and whatnot perched above the pools), making even the most conscientious stair-climbers resort to elevators from time to time. Thankfully, elevators will have an outside and inside list of facilities for each deck. But they often do not tell you if any is aft or forward, so again you'll need to look at the pocket-map. Beware some elevator banks may not serve all decks, For example, the forward elevators may only go down to deck 7, whereas the midship and aft elevators go down to deck 5, so you would need to take the forward elevators to deck 7 then walk aft to the midship elevators or stairs to access decks 5 and 6.

Only rarely does a ship fail to visit a scheduled port. This most often stems from adverse weather, rarely by equipment failure or accident. If weather threatens, the captain will avoid the effects of the weather as much as possible, and will make announcements explaining what is happening and if alternate ports will be visited.

See [ edit ]

Some ships have been outfitted with millions of dollars worth of art and elaborate interior decor, but generally after a few days there isn't that much to see on most cruise ships. The real sights are ashore. Some ships travel to geographically interesting areas such as Alaska or Scandinavia where they make efforts to view shorelines up-close, e.g., Fjords and glaciers. Generally speaking, the smaller the ship, the better proximity to scenery you can expect, because they won't need to stick to deep and open water. On large ships, other scenery may be too far off to really enjoy its details, though binoculars help. Depending on the region and season, you may spot whales, dolphins, or flying fish swimming nearby or even following alongside.

Lacking those benefits, the real sightseeing opportunities come as you approach and reach port, and as you take shore outings discussed below.

Taking photos [ edit ]

• Coasts are seldom straight lines, but if you are taking photos of the ocean, keep the horizon horizontal.
• If you plan on taking photos involving the ocean or distant objects, learn what situations recommend a UV or circular polarization filter, and prepare accordingly.
• Binoculars are essential when just looking at ships and coastlines, typically at considerable distances. If you plan to take photos of them, make sure you have a lens with focal length to magnify considerably.

Do [ edit ]

As you plan each day's activities, everything on-board will be based on ship's time . Depending on its itinerary, the ship will usually change its time to agree with any time zone it has entered. This assures that you can take advantage of all activities and tours, on-board and ashore, with confidence about time. Your cabin phone will be synchronized to that time, so feel free to use its wake-up call capability to ensure you miss no event.

Aboard [ edit ]

Large ships will have most or all of the features discussed below—mega-ships even more. Smaller ships (e.g., 600-1200 passenger capacity) will have many of them, but in fewer numbers or smaller scale.

You'll be surrounded by water you can't swim in (it's passing by at 15-20 knots or so), but all but the smallest ships will have at least one "swimming pool" (perhaps covered, otherwise usable only in warm climes) and deck chairs. The pools won't be great for swimming laps, but some new ships are being equipped with small, swim-against-the-current pools. Most are filled with processed seawater. Parents of infants and small children (or staff on some ships. e.g., Disney) must ensure that their little ones create no safety or sanitary problem for anyone.

Without the legal restrictions imposed on land-based facilities, most cruise ships have a casino (not Disney). Expect more emphasis on gaming on ships catering to Americans than for Europeans. Don't expect table games or machines with payoff rates even close to those found in better land-based casinos; concessionaires pay dearly for the space. It will be open for gaming only while at sea. If you do win a substantial amount of money, ask to have your earnings given to you in the form of a check. Otherwise, you may have to carry and protect cash. (You could have the prize converted to shipboard credits, but on many ships unused credits are not refundable at cruise end: you will lose them. Wisely using a very large number of credits by cruise end may be no small feat.)

On larger ships, Las Vegas and Broadway are the models for entertainment . They'll variously feature singing-and-dancing shows, feature singers, comedians, magicians, jugglers and other live entertainment. On large ships, they'll be presented in a large theater; on small ships, they'll use a lounge with stage. Shows typically follow dinner, but may precede it for those who opt for "late" dinner seating. During and after shows, other venues offer small bands, piano bars, and dancing to live music or a disc jockey. Special cruises focused on certain types of music or performers/bands will use many of the same venues.

For culturally- or geographically-important destinations or special events, ships will often offer knowledgeable lecturers . Some ships provide on-board chaplains to conduct religious observances, although this is becoming less common outside peak times, e.g., Christmas, Easter. To bolster this at other times, they may welcome credentialed passengers (with necessary accouterments) as volunteers to conduct services.

A movie theater is found on most ships, playing movies similar to those found on airlines. There is usually a library on board for your reading pleasure but don't expect the latest novels unless left behind from an earlier cruise. If cabins have DVD players, the library may have a modest collection of titles. It may also offer electronic or board games to check out. Quite commonly, you'll find an Internet café (discussed later) offering several computers with a networked printer. Topside you should find someone issuing equipment for basketball, table tennis, shuffle-board and other uses.

The ship will often offer space and seating to support impromptu or organized bridge , even tournaments. And staff very often have trivia and other contests . And on most sea days, you'll see at least one large Bingo session offered.

Shopping is readily available, with shops on board. (See "Buy" below.) They'll be duty free but don't expect big bargains. They too will be open only while at sea.

Weddings at sea are possible on some ships, such as the Bermuda -registered Princess line, but require advanced requests and planning to be feasible.

You'll receive a daily newsletter with a schedule of activities , apt to mention art auctions (reportedly the "most dangerous place on a ship"), bingo , kitchen tours , port and shopping lectures , cruise enhancement lectures (by naturalists, historians, political scientists, et al), arts and crafts lessons , poolside contests , dancing classes , etc. Family-oriented cruises (especially Disney) will have many age-specific activities and staff, geared for kids and teens.

Most ships have a gym or health center with exercise machines. They often offer instruction programs in exercise regimes or Tai Chi, etc., at modest cost, which may need to be booked beforehand. Many people use the "promenade" deck or topside track for walking/jogging. The former usually loops around the ship on a mid-deck &ndash, but may have stairs that interrupt you. If so, a topside track might be better if available (often the sun deck is available for joggers at a certain time, usually in the morning). Some ships find room for putting greens, golf simulator, a basketball or tennis court (enclosed by ball-catching nets) topside. Some very-large ships have ice rinks, rock climbing walls, "surf parks" and other activities.

Spa facilities are a staple of cruise ships. Everything from massages to hairdressing to exotic health and beauty treatments are available at substantial extra cost.

Some European based ships may have a deck for naturist sunbathing , this is the uppermost deck in order to prevent other people from looking. However, as the uppermost deck usually has the best views, it happens that people get up on this deck with their camera. This is of course prohibited.

Ashore [ edit ]

You must use your cabin key card every time you leave and re-board the ship. It's how they determine if you're aboard and how ship's security staff recognize you. Otherwise, they might leave you behind.

• You'll regularly be instructed to return to the ship at least 30 minutes before its scheduled departure.
• Near departure time, based on tracking of who's not aboard, you may hear announcements for certain passengers to contact the Purser's desk—they're "missing".

Research in-advance each place you'll visit. That can greatly enhance your cruise experience at little or no cost. Many ports and nearby sights are covered by Wikivoyage destination pages, travel web sites, and books.

The ship will usually dock at a pier. If none is available, it will anchor or moor off-shore, and ship's lifeboats or commercial boats will tender you to a convenient place on-shore. Your detailed itinerary will indicate how your ship will visit each port.

• If you're on a very large ship, tendering can take considerable time. Ship's tour takers usually go first, then "early-birds" who've obtained first-come-first-served tender tickets/numbers. Unless you've purchased a ship's tour, plan your time ashore accordingly.
• If weather generates rough seas at any port where your ship anchors/moors, tenders to shore may be unusable and so cancelled. If the ship cannot get you on shore at a port, the line may offer reimbursement for the disappointment, but will refund the cost of ship's tours purchased but cancelled.

Port visit times usually allow passengers to go ashore by 7-8AM, with ship departure often at 5-6PM. Earlier or later departure times can be affected by tides, distance to next port or special tour needs ashore; disembarkation may be delayed slightly by port customs clearance of the ship or passengers. At special stops, some ships may stay later, perhaps overnight or multiple nights.

The shore excursions office will offer a variety of sightseeing tours, cultural visits and organized activities (e.g., scuba, snorkeling, kayaking, bicycling)— offerings dictated by the nature of each port, its climate, time of year and time in port.

• At major ports, tours often use large air-conditioned buses for 30-50 people. Popular ports will also have large numbers of air-conditioned taxis, sedans or vans with drivers/guides for-hire: cars able to carry 3-4 adults, vans for 6 or more.
• All-day tours often fill virtually all your time in port. You'll usually find half-day tours offered as well, morning and afternoon—worth considering if a walk-about or shopping before or after lunch also appeals.
• If you are a confident traveler or you've visited the port before and want to tour special locales, you may do well hiring a car with driver/guide to take a tour of your choice and design. It can involve just your family/group or 2-4 fellow passengers or so. Again, advanced arrangements may be advisable.

Ship's tours often cost more than equivalent tours negotiated independently with locals, e.g., you may hire a taxi or van with driver/guide at $40–50 per hour for 4-6 people. In contrast, a half-day ship's tour can range from $50–100 per person , with whole-days $125–300. But for that extra cost, ship's tours provide:

• Great convenience in booking a tour, though advance research can greatly help your own arrangements.
• Some confidence about the itinerary if you will venture far from port.
• Some assurance in especially "entrepreneurial" locations that you won't be scammed by a driver or a pier-side tour "broker".
• Greater assurance that the ship will wait if your tour is not back on time. Again, it will wait as long as possible for ship's tours, and may wait for those on their own, but only if it can reach the next port on-schedule without high added (fuel) cost.

Very popular ship's shore excursions may fill-up many days before you set sail (they're purchasable on-line). You may be wise to research them and commit to some or make advanced, self-arranged alternatives, as justified, e.g., if:

• You have your heart set on swimming with dolphins or stingrays, or climbing a glacier.
• You're focused on a full-day tour at a truly special locale some distance from the port, e.g. the Normandy beaches from Le Havre.

Availability of tours heavily depends on location/tour popularity. For instance there are several operators and dozens of buses taking travelers from Cancún to Chichén Itzá . You won't see this on small, and less-visited Caribbean islands. With several cruise ships in port, tours anywhere may be sold out.

At some ports, ships must dock among commercial freight operations. Walking from/to the ship may be through unpredictably dangerous activity, even forbidden by the port authority. Look at the ship's newsletter for port conditions and listen for Cruise Director or port adviser announcements. At such docks, most ships will arrange a shuttle from the ship to a terminal with taxis/buses, even to a shopping area or downtown. If so, look for details about a return shuttle as well. Lacking a shuttle, you should request transport that avoids the danger, and perhaps question the Cruise Director in-advance about safety issues.

As discussed in-depth below, the UV content of the sun can be very high on any tour, especially on or near water at any latitude during summer. Protect yourself. See "Stay healthy" below.

Buy [ edit ]

Money [ edit ].

Inform yourself about any possible additional expenses onboard before your trip – what's included in the price and what's not. Try on-line queries for "cruise" and "advice".

Cabin key . For both convenience and to foster a casual-spending atmosphere , most cruise ships run a "cashless" system in which you use your cabin key (card) to charge all on-ship expenses, sometimes except for gambling. Two or more cabin keys/cards can reference one credit card or cash account (cash deposit given in-advance), e.g., for couples and families. At the end of each cruise segment, the ship will use your credit card or cash deposit to settle the final balance of your account.

• You can obtain the current balance of your account , with a list of all charges, at any time, sometimes even on your cabin TV. You should review those details at least near the end of the cruise to allow you time to question any charge.
• If linked to your credit card, your account balance will be automatically charged to it; many lines charge your credit card with other expenses (explained before the cruise, e.g., staff gratuities) during the cruise. At cruise end, the balance is settled automatically—allowing use of your cabin key through the last evening.
• You must personally settle any cash account . This risks long lines at the Purser's Desk on the last full day of the cruise as many others also pay their accounts. Once paid, you may not be able to make any more charges before disembarking.
• At debarkation, anyone who has not fully settled their account will not be allowed to leave.

Better-equipped ships may offer one or more ATMs . They are usually to make gambling more convenient. Consequently, they usually offer only the currency used by the casino. And their fees tend to be quite high compared to banks ashore. If you require "foreign" currency for a shore excursion, the "Excursion" staff may have advice about where to get it ashore. Opportunity may also include using the ship's purser to exchange your currency for small amounts of local.

Account balance management [ edit ]

You'll be instructed to commit cash or a credit/debit card account to pay your ship's account balance. Charges to your account can include costs of drinks, tours, dining in specialty restaurants, merchandise purchases, spa services, etc. For many reasons, your account may receive credits, e.g., if paid tours must be canceled, or perhaps granted in-advance to frequent cruisers. Take care that you use all credits granted. None will be refunded, as cash or charge account credit at cruise end, with the possible exception of tour cancellations by action of the ship's staff.

Tipping [ edit ]

Tips on-board take two forms—the surcharges for special drinks, specialty restaurants and some services (discussed below), and (ultimately optional) tips for the ship's staff (not officers) usually levied at the end of the cruise.

Learn the cruise line's recommendations for tipping the ship's staff. They suggest "appropriate" optional amounts—a crucial part of staff income. Amounts recommended may vary somewhat by your class of cabin.

• No automatic gratuities go to ship's officers.
• You can opt to decline or adjust this automatic tipping as desired before cruise end. Royal Caribbean and others offer that option in advance, but may not make the option or how to exercise it obvious.
• As inducement to regular customers, some cruise lines and travel/cruise agencies may pay for gratuities.
• Whether automatically or in-person, any crew member who has especially enhanced your cruise experience deserves something — perhaps in-addition to automatic amounts.
• Many experienced cruisers find that a partial tip, to key crew members (e.g., cabin steward), at cruise start often has good results.

Some cruise lines or cruises have a "no-tipping" policy, often aimed at the European or other markets where tipping is culturally alien and may frighten customers away if charged. In reality, gratuities are built into the higher price of those cruises, on which passengers also pay taxes.

Shopping on-board [ edit ]

Cruise ships take advantage of their international/at-sea status to offer duty free shopping (e.g., for liquor, jewelry (costume and precious), cosmetics, perfumes) at decent if not outstanding prices. Large ships usually have boutiques selling logo clothing/souvenirs, perhaps offering casual and evening wear (a few even include tux/formal rentals). Other shops offer basic sundries, candy and over-the-counter drugs. All will be open only while at sea.

• You may see "sidewalk sales", specials on jewelry and watches, and toward the end perhaps a clearance sale on outdated logo clothing and other items.
• All bottled liquor purchased on-board will be held until the last full day of your cruise, and then delivered to your cabin, likely boxed, but needing more padding in the box to be ready for carrying or (with further preparation) to go in checked luggage to fly home.
• If you contemplate purchasing an expensive item (e.g., jewelry, one-of-a-kind items), check if it is "customs exempt", e.g., was made in your home country, was already imported there and then sent to the ship, or really is one-up such as a unique artwork. If so, with a proper certificate from the ship's store manager, you may not have to count the item against your duty allowance.
• If U.S. citizens exceed their duty allowance with on board purchases and return to the U.S. on the ship, the ship must (by law) provide notice of those purchases to the port's U.S. Customs office. Those passengers can expect "special" Customs attention. A few ships may arrange customs processing on board.

Caveat emptor (let the buyer beware) is good advice anywhere, and applies on-board. Cruise passengers are a "captive market".

• Few items in on-board shops will be great bargains. Also, cruise ships in international waters follow laws of their flag country and buyers may be treated unlike businesses on land; requesting consumer protections you normally enjoy at home may fail. However, cruise lines usually have overarching policies protecting buyers from all but buyer's remorse or careless damage to merchandise.
• Staff working in the spa or gym may tout very-expensive lotions/potions, services, tests or treatments with claimed health or other benefits. Before saying "yes", you should learn their certified qualifications and understand the realities about what they offer.
• There have been past cases where on-board auctions (usually by concessionaires offering rugs/carpets, paintings, etc.) have made unjustified claims of item value, offered counterfeits of famous works, or have influenced bidding in ways that would be illegal ashore in most countries. Fortunately, many of these practices have been greatly reduced as a result of major, successful class-action lawsuits. Basic advice: Buy what you like with discipline (to include costs for getting the item home), not as an investment.

For cruises in Europe : The European Union (EU) has begun levying its VAT on all shipboard sales and services (including service fees) on any cruise segment that departs and ends in the EU without visiting a port outside the EU (or the EU VAT area). Because this can materially degrade on-board sales, lines are (re)designing many cruise segments to visit "outside" ports, e.g., Gibraltar, Casablanca.

Shopping ashore [ edit ]

Shopping remains a highly popular activity, with nearly all ports offering at least handicrafts and souvenirs reflecting the destination, but often not made there. (A crude rule of thumb for "local" souvenirs: the farther you venture from the dock area, the lower the prices may be for given types of items.) Others offer wide ranges of merchandise, to include cameras/lenses, clothing, electronics, jewelry and "gourmet" consumables. If there is a chance that you'll use your credit, debit or ATM card to buy them:

• Let the issuing bank know in-advance where and when you'll be traveling — always a good practice anyway.
• Follow good practices for ensuring it won't be lost or misused by others. See Money for a full discussion.

Certain destinations may offer "serious shopping" : duty-free and/or highly competitive, e.g., Saint Martin and Saint Thomas in the Caribbean, (perhaps except for "designer stores") Hong Kong and Singapore if you bargain successfully. For example discussion of duty-free shopping and customs obligations, see Saint Thomas#Buy . If inclined to seriously shop somewhere not familiar to you, on-line research should help you understand what to expect, e.g., stores, tax/duty, and what to watch out for.

The ship may have a port shopping adviser who can provide useful information and may recommend (even tout) certain merchants and brands/items. Those advisers are often employed by merchandising firms that receive large fees (even commissions) from merchants and brands they recommend. This does not guarantee (or impugn) the reputation of any merchant or brand, nor should it question the worthiness of competitors — though the "adviser" may mention a special guaranty for touted merchants. Their fees may well increase the final prices that "recommended merchants" demand. In desirable shopping locales, most merchants are quite responsible.

At other locations, take care with merchants, product claims, warranties, fixed, labeled and negotiable prices, and final costs beyond agreed prices, e.g., hidden duty or tax. Though eligible for tax/duty refunds, you may be able to obtain them only at certain places as you leave the jurisdiction, e.g., airports, and only for each purchase that exceeds a substantial amount. At the last port for a taxing jurisdiction, the port may have no "standing", nor an office offering to provide or process refunds. Getting refunds by mail after you are home can be problematic.

Such challenges cause serious shoppers to seek out cruises to truly duty/tax-free and highly-competitive locales. Wherever you plan to shop, some research should help you understand each port and its merchants, what you may see, and what it costs elsewhere.

See also Shopping and Bargaining .

Eat [ edit ]

Most lines heavily invest in food quality and quantity, and they brag about it. Rarely are meals not included in the price of a typical cruise, with the occasional exception of specialty restaurants and room service.

Included offerings include snack bars - often, but not always, around pools - where you can order a burger, "dog", shake, pizza or something, and walk off without paying. It's not "free", of course; you paid for it when you bought your ticket. On virtually all cruise ships, you'll also find a buffet , usually on one of the upper decks, available during all meal times and usually offering something from early morning to late evening. On better ships, buffets can seem almost like pure extravagance. Room service is usually available at all times, except after a certain late time the night prior to disembarkation on most cruise lines. Sometimes, you may have to pay a gratuity or late-night surcharge for it.

At normal meal times, you'll find seated dining with full waiter service, usually with a multi-course menu featuring variably fancy dishes. ( Damp swimwear can damage dining room chairs; don't wear it there, even under a wrap or cover; even if quite dry, you might alarm the dining room staff. ) At least one dining room will offer seated breakfast and lunch (you'll rarely have a regularly-assigned table). It will be open for 2–3 hours around the usual time for any meal. For breakfast, the menu may not change much each day. For lunch and dinner, the menu will change every day. For dinner, it will usually have a section for items always available, and one for the evening's "specials".

Traditional evening dining service is at set times, usually early/main and late sittings. If you choose or prefer a time and table size (best when you book your cruise), you'll be seated at the same table at that time every evening.

• If your table preferences haven't been met (at least indicated on your cabin key card), contact the maitre de for help as soon as possible after embarkation.
• Exceptions to your usual time and table may may occur when the ship is in port and many passengers are eating ashore. The daily newsletter will mention this. If so, you may share a different table with "strangers", even in a different dining room.

Table size can vary from 2 to 8-10 people, occasionally more. Round tables for 6-8 seem conducive to easy conversation among all. Unless you/your group fully occupies a table, you'll meet other guests as table mates. This is usually an interesting time, with repartee beyond what's possible with a new set of strangers at "open sitting" (see below). It also helps your waiters learn and anticipate important needs and preferences , e.g., kosher, vegetarian, food allergies , drink preferences and timing.

To assure well-timed service, reach your table within 30 minutes of when the dining room opens for your sitting . Large kitchens must serve several hundred (perhaps thousands of) passengers at each sitting, one course at a time, with expectations of freshness and proper temperatures.

Many cruise lines offer freestyle , choice or open seating dining , which allow dining at any time during dinner hours. This may be offered in separate dining rooms, but menus will be the same as for scheduled sittings. As you enter, you may have to wait for a table, just as you would without reservations for restaurants at home. If it's especially busy, you have just a few in your party, and are willing, tell the Maitre de that you "will share". It greatly helps him/her efficiently use tables/seating, so may speed getting you seated.

Most ships also offer specialty restaurants , often with international themes, usually by reservation only. (If you have no reservation, you can try "will share", but don't rely on it; most diners who've made reservations there don't expect to share.) Many such restaurants have surcharges (e.g., $20 per person or more) for exceptional service and dishes , most well-deserved. If you normally dine at a fixed sitting but plan to use a specialty restaurant any evening, tell your regular waiter the evening before.

Some lines (e.g. P&O) will also allow you to put yourself in a virtual queue for a main dining room or specialty restaurant using their app, and you will be notified to head to the one you're in queue for as and when you can be seated. This can be helpful if you are not fussy about where specifically you want to eat, with the obvious risk that you essentially have to take what you're given.

Virgin Voyages are an oddity in that they only have specialty restaurants and snack bars, and no main dining rooms or traditional buffet - but they're all included in your fare, bar a few specialty dishes or upgrades, and work exactly as they do on other lines.

Dress code [ edit ]

Recommended dinner dress in dining rooms varies somewhat across cruise lines. For details, each cruise-line explains its expected dress code on its website, and you should find details on web sites for cruising.

• Many "main line" ships declare dining for most evenings as requiring just "country club" or "resort" casual wear: collared shirt and slacks for men, nearly anything but pool wear for women (we jest). They'll also often have one or two "formal" nights per week: tux or dark suit and tie for men, evening wear for women.
• Some cruise lines operate a more casual dress code where e.g. jeans and T-shirts are acceptable on all but the designated "formal" dining nights, with a very small number of stipulations and prohibitions e.g. men's tank tops and swimwear (e.g. MSC, Disney, P&O).
• A very small minority of luxury cruise lines (e.g. Cunard) may declare every evening as semi-formal—coat and tie for men, evening wear for women - and may have a more stringent dress code at other times, too.
• An equally small minority of lines (e.g. Virgin Voyages) have no formal nights or dress code whatsoever, and you can wear whatever you like at any time within reason.
• That said, essentially no cruise line anywhere - even the super-casual lines like Virgin - will let you into a main dining room/restaurant while wearing swimwear (especially wet swimwear, which can damage furnishings), while barefoot or in flip-flops or similar, or while wearing anything truly obviously offensive or inappropriate.
• For any evening, the same dress standards apply in most specialty restaurants, although some may have a more formal dress code every night (e.g. the adults-only restaurants on Disney, the Epicurean on P&O.)

You'll embarrass yourself , your table mates, your waiter and others if you go to your dining room for dinner wearing jeans, shorts, a tank-top, or similar casual/pool-wear on a cruise where this is frowned upon, and inadequate dress on formal nights on any cruise. You may also be denied seating. You categorically should not book on one of the super-formal/ultra-luxury lines if you are not prepared to do formal dress consistently, as this is partially the experience their passengers book for and you will upset people.

If you have no interest in "seated dining" on formal nights (or any evening), you can use the buffet for dinner instead. Food offerings will be somewhat similar to that in the dining rooms that night, but often lacking items that require complex service. Dress here includes covered pool wear. The buffet indirectly offers another benefit: if you must fly to/from port, and may too-easily exceed your luggage limits (e.g., must pack for small children or seniors and yourself), consider leaving semi- and formal-wear (and related shoes/accessories) at home. You can reduce packing space and weight otherwise needed by perhaps 20-25 percent.

Drink [ edit ]

Typical staples such as coffee, tea/iced tea, lemonade, and juices (at breakfast) are available at no charge. Other drinks are usually not included in the cruise price, even if the cruise's promotional brochure says or implies "all-inclusive".

• Those "others" (e.g., soft drinks, bottled waters, fresh-squeezed juices, specialty coffees, beers, wine, mixed drinks ) can be pricey. Prices listed will not include a 15-18 percent service fee/surcharge.
• Expect to find one or more well-stocked bars on all public decks, catering expertly to your preferences, many opening mid- to late-morning and some staying open very late.
• All dining rooms will have a very good wine list, with a few offerings by the glass, as well as bottled waters, mixed drinks and specialty coffees. If you don't finish a bottle of wine that evening, they'll gladly re-cork it and put your cabin number on it for recall at another time no charge. If you've brought your own wine (bottle) to dinner, they'll serve it but charge a "corkage fee"; if not consumed at that meal, they'll re-cork for later use in the same manner as a purchased bottle.
• The small refrigerator in your cabin may be filled with soft drinks, chips or candies. Carefully note if they are charged for, especially if you have children. The convenience may overwhelm resistance despite the costs.

Many cruise lines offer drink packages for unlimited soft drink refills, some for specialty coffees, wine, even a few for mixed drinks. Many include the service fee. But, understand the terms clearly before committing to any. Examples:

• A "pop/soda pass" often runs US$30–45 for a week (per person, not to be shared), which can equal 5-8 separately purchased drinks every day . (A considerable average daily consumption rate.)
• A mixed-drink package starts at US$50 per person per day, while you can get a "beer and wine with your meal" package on some lines for US$25 (Jan 2020). Most separately-priced drinks run US$7–11 or so each. Again, this means a considerable daily consumption rate to make the package worthwhile, especially if you contemplate staggering, uh, going ashore.
• If you delay purchase of a package a day or more, the price often remains the same.
• You have no obligation to purchase any package type for everyone in your group. But the package terms forbid sharing your drinks with anyone.
• Some lines are fairly aggressive about hawking drinks packages (and other similar things like specialty dining packages) at you while onboard, particularly on embarkation days and in "main" areas (e.g. MSC). You can politely say no and they will usually give up without hassle.

Not counting the service fee, some mixed drinks may be cheaper than you might find at better watering holes ashore, but don't count on it. However, you'll usually find drink specials mentioned in the ship's daily newsletter.

These costs prompt some people to try to bring their own. But most lines forbid bringing liquor on board, and any found (at embarkation or as you board from later port visits) will be "held for you", and returned on the last full day of the cruise in the same packaging as received. A few lines confiscate contraband liquor. A few others will allow you to initially bring 1-2 bottles of wine per cabin; if opened/decanted outside your cabin, you'll be charged the "corkage fee" as above. Most lines will allow you to bring your own soft drinks. For details, consult the cruise line web site.

Some ships are primarily party vessels , full of young adults taking advantage of bargain duty-free drinks and (perhaps) lower drinking ages in international waters. You may identify them by their extremely uneventful itineraries : straight out to sea, stay there for much of the trip, then back to port. Their advertising is usually also not particularly subtle. If you want one, you'll recognize the signs; if you want to avoid one, likewise.

Responsible cruise lines avoid unbridled drinking by:

• Requiring at least one occupant of each cabin to be a minimum age (with some exceptions for legitimate families) and by not serving alcohol to anyone under 21.
• Training and directing wait staffs to control service to those who've had too much.

Sleep [ edit ]

Let your travel agent or cruise line know your cabin needs in advance to ensure your cabin assignment and preparation meets them.

Shortly after arriving at your cabin, introduce yourself to your cabin steward as he/she stops by, and discuss any preferences or needs for service not already met, e.g., ice at certain times, softer or firmer pillows, emptying the refrigerator of unwanted items. He/she will often have an assistant, and will both work as a team. If you brought sanitizing wipes or solution, you might sanitize key surfaces like the lavatory counters, telephone handset, TV remote and desktop — the latter is often missed in their cabin preparation.

For families, in addition to the bedding noted earlier, some cabins will have a pull-down bunk-bed (not appropriate for small children due to safety, or for full-sized adults due to height and weight) and/or a pull-out sleeper-settee or sleeper-sofa. If you've booked as a family, your steward will "unlock" any "pull-down" or pull-out, for your use whenever desired. It will be made-up each morning and prepared for use each evening.

If there are more than 2 adults, your cabin steward will prepare the second bed or sleeper-sofa each morning and evening. For 3-4 adults, ensure your agent or the cruise line chooses a cabin with at least some visual privacy for sleepers. Suites usually have such privacy, and often more options. The cabin steward (or butler) will be ready to explain use of all and prepare them as needed.

If your cabin is not as described, desired or needed on arrival, resolve the issues through your cabin steward before you retire the first night.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Because of the numerous advancements in modern shipbuilding and other technology, cruise travel is generally very safe . The crew of your ship are trained to calmly and efficiently handle emergencies that may arise. Occasionally, non-trivial problems may be discovered and addressed while going completely unnoticed by passengers.

Unlike the ocean liners of yore, cruise ships are not built for great speed or unusual maneuvers. Whenever feasible, they avoid bad weather even if this means delays, in deference to security and passenger comfort.

The press often recounts public incidents/accidents — a few deservedly, that may induce unnecessary cruise-customer concern.

• Cruise accidents resulting in serious passenger injuries or deaths are rare when one remembers that hundreds of ships are at sea at any moment nearly every day of the year. Cruise lines and every ship's captain and his/her crew regularly train for problems and inspect ship condition and sanitation to thoroughly minimize troubles.
• Stories about the frequency of sickness outbreaks often get overblown. The same maladies affect all travel and group occasions. Only on a cruise does enough time lapse for symptoms to surface 2-4 days after infection.

Follow what you learned at the Safety at Sea briefing. In the event of a life-threatening emergency , instructions will be given on where to report (not necessarily your lifeboat or muster station designated in the briefing) and what to bring with you (e.g., adequate clothing, crucial medications, your life vest and cruise ID card). You'll know what to do if you're distant from your cabin. Remain as orderly as you can and do not panic as you muster or are evacuated; acting out of place will only make matters more complicated and increase chances of injury to yourself or others.

Be aware of your surroundings at all times, especially at night. Don't worry about going about on your own, just be vigilant around bars where late-night, intoxicated passengers are a possibility. Keep an eye on your belongings and don't flaunt nor take them with you everywhere; leaving your iPod on a pool chair unattended while you quickly order a drink is just asking for someone to snatch it. Lock expensive items and jewelry in your cabin safe, then use or wear it only when appropriate.

Families traveling with children should be cautious as well. While family-friendly lines like Disney are "age-proofed" for their safety, other lines and older ships may not be and there are many hazards that could put them in a dangerous situation; e.g. being left unsupervised on a balcony, falling down the stairs, swimming in a pool without a lifeguard, etc. Older teenagers should be given some freedom about what they'd like to do and where they want to relax during the cruise, but you should always know the whereabouts of younger children. Some ships even offer two-way, on-board "walkie talkies" for rent for your group to stay in-touch.

Very minor fires are not rare, especially in the many restaurant kitchens on board, e.g., in fryers. The crew is trained and equipped to deal with them. There is no reason to panic just because you see a crew member with extinguishing equipment.

Piracy incidents are virtually nonexistent in the regions of the world where most cruise lines sail ( North and South America , Europe , etc.). It can be a legitimate concern to cruisers sailing some waters, e.g., near a few African countries and a few locations in Asia. However, no ship has ever been boarded by pirates if going more than 17 knots, a speed easily attained by cruise ships. Many ships plying those waters also have non-lethal means to "discourage" pirates.

Always report anything suspicious or concerning to a crew member; they will investigate or get someone who can to investigate the matter. Trust your instincts as well. If a situation or activity doesn't feel "right" to you, it may not be, e.g., substantial smell of smoke may be cause to activate the fire alarm.

While you are safest while on-board the ship, this may not be the case ashore. It's useful to learn a bit about each destination you plan to visit beforehand and to act responsibly wherever you are.

When ashore, hold on to your boarding card as though it's your passport - without it you may not be allowed back on board without substantial delay. Actually, at many destinations, passengers won't need to present or carry their passport - the boarding card is enough. However, you should always carry at least a passport photocopy and government-issued photo identification as well as your ship's card.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

Sunburn [ edit ]

At sea, on beaches or small boats, bare skin can sunburn very rapidly between mid-morning and mid-afternoon. That ruins cruises for more people than any other cause. Sunburns (and their pain) can last until well after you return home. For a few, they may later induce permanent skin damage, and even cancer. So before you'll be exposed to sun for more than a short time, take effective precautions with clothing, a hat and highly-rated sunblock so that you can fully enjoy whatever recreation you choose.

Queasiness [ edit ]

Some people experience queasiness on cruise ships. This is very unlikely on large or recently-built vessels, which consistently have highly effective stabilizers. Even so, some sensitive inner ears may react to even imperceptibly slow and gentle rocking of a calm sea. Localized intense storms may make the ocean rough for a day or so. And very-occasionally, major storms can't be avoided, but full-fledged tropical storms always are.

• If you know or worry that it may be a problem, pick a cabin location that minimizes movement when the ship rolls and pitches; e.g., amidship and/or on a lower deck.
• Over-the-counter motion sickness medications (e.g., Dramamine, Bonine) usually help. (Reportedly, Draminine has a tendency to cause drowsiness that can make it impractical to use for the duration of a cruise.)
• Prescription trans-dermal Scopalomine patches can be very effective. But a few people have troubling side-effects. So, (with the permission/help of a doctor) test a patch before the cruise if you like the multi-day convenience they promise.
• Some people find relief with special wristbands that claim to stimulate pressure points that are believed to counteract the nausea of motion sickness. Their effectiveness has not yet been clinically verified.

Staying well can be as simple as eating (and drinking) responsibly. Generous helpings of that beautiful, fresh pineapple for breakfast every morning can cause problems, as can the portions of wonderful and rich delights at dinner . Marine biologists know that the calf of a blue whale can gain up to 30 pounds per day. The next fastest weight-gaining mammal may be the cruise passenger - actually known to gain 6-7 pounds per week if he or she "over celebrates".

Care about exercise and choices of tours [ edit ]

If you exercise only occasionally or seldom, you may find the ship's gym tempting. "Exercise" some moderation in the same way you would with sunbathing to ensure it doesn't compromise enjoying your cruise. Similarly, available tours will demand different levels of physical effort. Whether privately arranged or offered by the ship, understand what each demands and choose wisely.

Outbreaks [ edit ]

Passengers and crew are susceptible to communicable diseases (e.g., the flu, colds, Norovirus), but thankfully this happens only very occasionally due to great effort and care by the ship's staff, and by passengers who cooperate with health protections. It occurs because large numbers of people from countless places have close proximity, share facilities, forget to be responsible, and stay aboard long enough for symptoms to appear.

Prevention [ edit ]

Most maladies spread much in the same ways as the common cold. Stifling coughs and sneezes into your sleeve may help. And ships regularly provide hand disinfectant dispensers at entrances to dining areas; use them, but don't rely completely on them. You can help yourself if you:

• Wear a high quality face mask
• Wash hands frequently and thoroughly.
• Substitute "elbow bumps" for handshakes with staff and fellow passengers; at the very least, wash up well after shaking someone's hand.
• Use sanitizing wipes or solution on key parts of your cabin occasionally. This is no criticism of your cabin steward, whose efforts will also be thorough, but an added protection nonetheless.
• Use your cabin bathroom rather than public restrooms whenever you can.

If you become ill [ edit ]

• Report it as soon as possible, very preferably by cabin phone.
• The medical staff can help considerably, may attend to you in your cabin, and may direct you to remain there and cancel any port visits until you recover (usually within a couple days) to avoid spreading the malady. Such direction is often reinforced by law in ports.
• If the illness is deemed the ship's responsibility (e.g., several other passengers have or have had it), you may not be charged for medical services and may receive reimbursement for pre-paid but missed ship's tours.
• Specially-equipped teams of ship's staff will thoroughly clean and sanitize any "accidents" in your cabin. So report them, and report public accidents as well.

Ships that see "possible signs" of an outbreak (even several passengers with sea-sickness) will set up extensive precautions and health/sanitation protocols to limit spread of any infectious agent. This can include hand sanitizer dispensers at entry to all public areas , barriers to self-help in buffets, nearly constant sanitizing of railings, door handles and public restrooms everywhere. Use and respect those measures.

Food and drink ashore [ edit ]

Although shipboard food and water will be sanitary, the usual precautions for overseas travel should be taken when eating and drinking ashore.

• Advance research about your port visits should include looking for possible health risks.
• In well-developed countries and touristy areas, food and water may be safe. In addition to research, consult the ship's port descriptions and the port adviser. Even with assurances, take care with sidewalk food stands and road-side cafés. Crowds of locals only indicate popularity and low cost, not necessarily safety.
• In less developed countries, ports and areas, take care to avoid local water and food-borne bacteria or parasites, including drinks made with ice a bar/restaurant may make using local tap water.
• If in doubt about getting water ashore, buy it in sealed, labeled bottles.
• Restrooms in "rustic" places in any country may have no tissues or napkins, so bring your own.
• As with safety, there might also be health risks ashore that are not present on-board — especially in tropical countries. Before your cruise, check the situation in each of the destinations you'll visit.

Carrying bottled water [ edit ]

Few ports prohibit bringing bottles of water ashore. You'll see pricey offerings each time you leave the ship. Ask a ship's officer in-advance if sealed bottles are necessary; if not, you could refill your own, with buffet beverage/water dispensers perhaps offering better tasting water than that in your cabin.

Medical staff [ edit ]

Nearly all cruise ships have one, with an accredited doctor. Larger ships may also have two or more nurses or even a dentist. Most will offer open hours ("sick call") in the morning and late afternoon for routine ailments, with on-demand response (even in-cabin) for injuries or major illnesses. Most can effectively render first- and second-aid, perhaps more depending on the doctor's experience and on-board facilities, e.g., X-ray. They carry basic medications and supplies typically needed for cruises. Don't depend on them to replace special medications you use, even with near-equivalents.

• If the ship's itinerary is quite repetitive during a season, the doctor may have standing with pharmacies in some ports. He/she may be able to issue usable scripts for your needs, but the ship's staff must pick up the medications at a fee to you. Again, don't expect the pharmacy on an island to be stocked with the medications you require - in some cases "pharmacy" might only be a shelf in the harbor's convenience store.
• Unless your problem appears to have been caused by some condition or event that's the ship's responsibility, expect to be charged a fee for their services. Your regular health insurance may not cover such fees, but good trip insurance usually does.
• Some ships have modest dialysis capability. If you need it, learn in advance if it's the type you need and you can reserve time slots. If available and as needed, reserve the service/times through your agent if you used one. Check with your health insurance agent to see if your regular health insurance covers any or all of what will be a substantial cost. Also check (before you commit to initial coverage) if your trip insurance covers this need.
• Though the doctor and staff often wear ship's uniforms, many are concessionaires, not ship or cruise line officers. Nevertheless, for serious conditions, the doctor's decision about continuing your cruise under illness or injury will usually prevail. Medical evacuation can be unbelievably expensive, and so you should ensure it will be covered by your trip insurance.

Physical limitations [ edit ]

If you have physical limitations , have your agent arrange needed services in advance, e.g., wheelchair to embark/disembark, for port visits/during the cruise, perhaps even to rent a "power chair" motorized wheelchair (usually only available for round-trip cruises).

Connect [ edit ]

Calling [ edit ].

Many cruise ships are now equipped with cell phone-to-satellite transponders , which take over automatically at sea to provide wireless phone service throughout the ship. Your cell phone works just like at home and bills its usage back to your regular cell phone bill.

• As your phone switches over to that "Cellular at Sea", you are roaming at their pricey per minute rates — the allotment of minutes on your plan doesn't apply here. Data should work as well, but cost can add up fast if your phone automatically checks e-mail.
• Once the ship docks at a port with available cell service compatible with your phone, and you then turn it on or disable flight mode, your phone will likely use shore signals instead, providing that your cell phone company has a roaming contract with a local cell-service provider. Keep in mind that international calling from island nations' networks can be rather expensive too.
• Experienced cruisers (wanting to avoid ship's costs) simply ensure that their cell phones are turned off or in flight mode while on-board.

Most ships offer ship-to-shore phone service from your cabin, but again at rather expensive rates. They may also levy heavy tolls on people at home who call you by phone on the ship.

Internet on-board [ edit ]

On-board Internet cafés and Wi-Fi hotspots are increasingly common, but the rates also tend to be fairly steep and the speeds (usually relying on high-latency satellite links shared with ship's business) can be unimpressive, though that is improving on some lines.

• All usage will involve a fee, unless it's been paid-for in-advance as a kind of perk. If not, you may well want to buy a block of minutes (also linked to megabytes of usage), at a lower per-minute rate, early in your cruise. You'll have two basic ways of using Internet: at the "Internet Café" on desktop PCs (that can print essential papers, e.g., flight boarding passes at a small fee per page), or through your laptop/tablet.
• If offered in your cabin, WiFi signal strength should be decent and dependable, but check it first on your device. Coverage elsewhere may vary wildly: most of the ship is constructed of steel — an unfriendly material for dependable wireless connections.
• As with "calling" above, you may be able to use the local, on-shore cell phone/WiFi network for logging-in when the ship is docked or anchored very near a populated coast. This will be cheaper and likely faster than what the ship provides, but probably much slower and definitely more expensive than at home.
• 'Avoid depending on a ship's Internet service to download major files of any kind, e.g., video clips, security/software updates. Networked, real time gaming will be frustrating and expensive. On-board, consider limiting yourself to e-mail, unless cost is no object. If using faster services ashore (and promptly back home), you might turn your automatic updates back on.
• If you can, avoid depending on the day before disembarkation to conduct essential business. It's usually the busiest day for on-board internet use, with unusually slow response because so many passengers are checking flight details/getting boarding passes, using up surplus pre-purchased time, and doing other tasks, all while ship's business is especially intense. PCs in the Internet Café will be equally busy.

Internet ashore [ edit ]

If you find these cautions worrisome, you can usually find Internet cafés and WiFi nets at or near many ports, often offering much better rates and speed. You'll often find nets in modern cruise terminals: look for ship's staff. Also look for them for objective advice — they use other port cafés as well.

Anytime you use any computer while traveling, ensure that all private or sensitive portions of your sessions and data are secure, e.g., avoid doing financial or highly-personal business, use your own laptop if possible, have pro-active security capabilities installed and running, use wired Ethernet instead of WiFi if possible, set up a unique and complex password just for the trip, look for the http s in networked sessions any time privacy or security is needed. See more discussion at Internet access .

Cope [ edit ]

Look for laundry rooms in ship descriptions— not all ships have them . If laundry rooms are available, each will have two or more pairs of washers/dryers, detergent and softener dispensers (all usually taking coins/tokens, obtained at the Purser's desk, or perhaps from a coin machine in the laundry room), and irons and ironing boards. A large ship may have a laundry room on each deck where cabins are located.

If you'll be cruising for more than a week or so, on a ship without self-serve laundry facilities, you may have to pack substantially more clothes. All ships offer laundry services, but they're quite pricey. Some folks bring detergent (e.g., Woolite) to hand-wash select items in their cabin, though humidity creates extended drying times.

Go next [ edit ]

This is a recap of a typical disembarkation process. Near the end of each cruise segment (not necessarily when you'll finally disembark), the Cruise Director will give a briefing that covers specific details for that ship/cruise and debarkation port, to include likely local customs and immigration (C&I) processing. His/her comments will also cover those staying aboard for the next segment.

Final processing to leave the ship is called "debarkation" or "disembarkation". This involves getting perhaps a few thousand passengers off the ship as efficiently as possible. You can't all leave at once. So you'll likely receive a questionnaire several days before the cruise segment end, asking what travel arrangements (if any) you have made to return home. Your answers (e.g., staying aboard, end-of-cruise tour, scheduled flight departure date/time) will determine in what group you will disembark. ("Staying aboard" may still require some form of immigration processing on or off the ship. If so, that will also be arranged and announced.)

• If your group's scheduled debarkation provides too little time to comfortably reach a necessary place ashore in plenty of time (e.g., your airline's check-in counter), notify the Pursor's Office/customer service immediately.
• On most ships, those tags will be colored and/or numbered. You can obtain more from the pursor/customer service desk if needed.
• Unlike airlines, you can put out two or more pieces per person. If you're flying home, you'll need a way to deal with all pieces somewhere ashore before check-in for your flight.
• Don't pack in them what you'll need in the morning, e.g., keep necessary toiletries/other liquids, something to wear to leave the ship. If you'll be flying home, you'll need to later transfer some items (e.g., liquids you've kept for morning use) into your to-be-checked luggage before you approach the airline counter for a flight.
• Always keep with you any bags that have medications, valuables and valuable papers inside.
• Do not re-lock the room safe after you take out belongings for the last time. If you do, the next occupants of your cabin will have to ask a very-busy technician to open it, often with a considerable wait.

Some ships offer a "walk off" or "express" disembarkation option. On the questionnaire, you can choose to leave the ship early as part of such a group receiving special, expedited C&I processing if you carry off all your possessions. If you opt for it, do not miss the call for your group to disembark, or you will be directed to leave in the very last group instead. Everyone in your party should opt for it; otherwise, you'll be processed and outside the terminal perhaps 2-3 hours before the rest reach you.

At some major ports, some ships offer special luggage handling services for flying home on certain airlines. For a fee, late the last night, they will take specially-tagged luggage to (perhaps through) your airline check-in at the airport. Before you opt for this, understand the process and your responsibilities, e.g., all belongings you have in-hand to go through pier-side customs, the others as designated elsewhere.

Typically, people opting for express walk-off, those having early flights or cruise-line shore excursions are given the earliest group debarkation times.

Your last morning, you may be instructed to leave your cabin somewhat early (yes, at least one dining room and the buffet will open quite early for breakfast), and proceed to a specific public area on the ship to wait to be called to disembark.

• Consider having a hearty breakfast. You may face several hours before the next opportunity for decent food.
• If anyone in your personal group has a physical limitation affecting debarkation, request help in-advance. He/she may be given permission (and baggage tags) to depart at any time to include members of the family. If he/she needs to be seated while waiting (perhaps 1–2 hours) to disembark, they should go to your assigned public area promptly after breakfast.
• Your waiting area won't necessarily be on the same deck as for exiting the ship. If not, you may have to negotiate stairs with your belongings because elevators will be very busy; those with mobility challenges will have priority.
• Many ships do not call groups using the public address system. You may be notified only by staff in your assigned public area.
• If you're not part of the "express" group that leaves early, and you miss your "regular" group's call, you can usually leave any time later without complications.

As you walk off the ship into the terminal, you'll be ushered to a large area with masses of luggage, considerably less if you disembark in one of the last groups. Your luggage will be arranged according to your disembarkation group. You'll need to pick-out your pieces and proceed to C&I or other processing if any. Porters will likely be available to help. After any processing, many options begin, e.g.,

• If you have an end-of-cruise tour, cruise extension or prepaid airport transfer arranged, you'll be ushered to a bus or other vehicle to transport you, often with your luggage placed on board.
• Other transport can take many forms, e.g., self-arranged taxis, surries to paid parking lots or local hotels.

Once you leave the terminal to travel independently, or after any ship's tour or cruise extension, you basically have full responsibility to reach whatever destination or follow-on transport awaits.

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The Best Cruise Ships in the World: The Gold List 2024

By CNT Editors

Consider Gold List the answer to the question our editors get asked more than any other: What are your favorite places to stay? Our 30th annual iteration of the world’s greatest hotels and cruises captures nearly a year’s worth of work: This collection represents hundreds of hours of researching, scouting, and impassioned debating by our team of editors in seven cities across the globe. But more than that, it reflects our ongoing love affair with the places where we stay, which often become our gateways to entire destinations. Read on to inspire your next cruise.

See the full Gold List here .

Oceania Cruises' Marina is one of 12 ships chosen by our editors for 2024.

Celebrity Beyond Arrow

Cruise ships often get compared to floating hotels or resorts, but here’s one that feels like a floating Vegas show. Applause, please, for the glittering peacock made from Swarovski crystals and the Magic Carpet platform that shimmies up and down the ship, cantilevered over the water for some of the best seats in the house, while in the Martini Bar, a troupe of bartenders juggle shakers to the sound of “We Didn’t Start the Fire.” Beyond is one of the largest ships in Celebrity’s Edge class, and all that space is used to maximize the drama. A whole corridor is filled with a glowing installation of bronze sculptures reflected in infinity mirrors; a favorite anchorage was Eden, a beautiful, biophiliac bubble for hiding away in, watching the ship’s wake through triple-height windows and dawdling in swivel chairs that resemble green carnations. As for the cast, there are some stellar performers: Kelly Hoppen designed most of the interiors; Daniel Boulud’s debut signature restaurant at sea, Le Voyage, has an impeccable, globe-trotting menu alighting on Brazilian moqueca and tamarind prawns. But top of the bill is Captain Kate McCue, the first American woman to captain a cruise ship. A captain hasn’t been this synonymous with their ship since the days of Merrill Stubing; follow her social media for a glimpse into the art of ship navigation. During our short, prelaunch cruise, we had an itinerary that involved looping round and round the Isle of Wight—a short trip, but one that was big on sheer spectacle. Three-night sailings from $300 per person. —Rick Jordan

Delfin II — Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Arrow

The Amazon River has the opacity of chocolate milk and is almost deathlike in its stillness—which is wild when you consider how much life thrives there. It was on a nine-day journey through Peru with Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic that I learned this, as we spent five of those days exploring the jungle by boat. Our chariot: the Delfin II , a Relais & Châteaux vessel with 14 thoughtfully appointed staterooms.

Most days began with a crack-of-dawn skiff ride soundtracked by the squall of jewel-winged, dusky-headed parakeets. The photographers pulled out their football lenses and the birders gasped from behind their binoculars as naturalists pointed out an elegant snowy egret picking its way through a mudbank, a neotropic cormorant spreading its gothy black wings like a vampire, and the somber Jabiru stork, the largest flying bird in South America, standing like a dour English butler on a naked tree limb. Also flagged were capuchin monkeys, giant river otters, flamboyant bromeliads, and—after dark—scores of caimans and capybaras.

We spent one muggy morning in a Kukama village, where indigenous women wove raffia bowls and cooked catfish, and another morning paddling the river—an outing which culminated with a pod of pink river dolphins leaping from the water mere feet from our kayaks. (Even our seen-it-all naturalist, Sandro, clapped like a schoolgirl.)

This deep in the Amazon jungle, there were no other tourists. When we did see signs of human life, they were usually fishermen or park rangers. And because there was no Wi-Fi on the Delfin II and a near total blackout on cell reception, downtime was spent attending lectures on Amazonian ecology, sampling native fruits (how the aptly named ice cream bean hasn’t been pitched on Shark Tank yet, I’ll never know), and buddying up to the ship bar, where I made fast friends of fellow guests. (Expedition cruises always draw a fascinating lot; my cohort included a microbiologist, metaphysical transcendentalist, and one of the earliest Apple employees.)

The highlight of the trip, however, was hiking through the jungle with a local tracker who showed us a brown-throated three-toed sloth, Goliath bird-eating tarantula, junior anaconda, and a century-old strangler fig. When we finally emerged from the bush, we were treated to a spectacular tangerine-and-charcoal sunset punctured by bolts of lighting. It was surreal and intense, just like everything else in this untouched corner of the world. Eight-day sailings from $5,730 per person. —Ashlea Halpern

Evrima — The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Arrow

Ritz-Carlton’s first foray into cruising, the Evrima is a hotel-at-sea experience that might just be the antidote to all the big ship itineraries. Think ultra-small ship luxury (at half the capacity of the Seabourns and Regents) with plenty of scenery options to choose from—the European Mediterranean (routes from Turkey to the Canary Islands) from spring through fall, and the Caribbean (San Juan to St. Barts) in winter—and a younger crowd than most of the luxury cruise market; mostly culture lovers with a dearth of cruising experience who can't wait to get ashore to the Côte d’Azur village restaurants. The 624-foot ship is the first in a fleet of three emerging over the next few years, and it still feels spacious with 149 suites, two pools, a cigar humidor, six bars (the interior Living Room and top-floor Observation Lounge, The Bar, and bars located at the Marina Terrace, the Pool House, and Mistral), a beauty salon and spa deck, water-level marina terrace with water toys, and a fitness center. The 246 staff range from deck crew to your cabin’s personal concierge, all of whom are dubbed the ship’s Ladies and Gentlemen—but titles feel almost superfluous aboard Evrima , where everyone from the tender drivers to dining leads will pause to actually get to know you and recall your name and story (and even your drink order) to make the entire experience feel organic and warm. It’s almost like you’re spending the night in someone’s home, which just so happens to be a 624-foot mega-yacht. And the Evrima itinerary has plenty of free time and overnight ports of call in its sailings, so you can head ashore for a day, or even an entire evening late into the night—gallivanting, dining, and imbibing with the new friends you'll no doubt meet onboard. Seven-night sailings from $5,800 per person. —Shannon McMahon

Marina — Oceania Cruises Arrow

Is there any Marina passenger who doesn’t wish—even for a second—to confine himself to his stateroom on debarkation day? Perhaps only the smarty pants who booked their next cruise before this one ends. Otherwise, how can an epicurean cruiser (that’s Marina ’s crowd) not pine for another shot at the new wine list starring 80 highly coveted, hard-to-snag labels, including swoon-worthy Super Tuscans? You’ll long for one more brag-worthy chance to sip The Mascot, a label from Harlan family pedigree (think cult fave Harlan Estate); the Polo Grill’s deft sommelier knows exactly which prime steak pairs best. Despite eight compelling complimentary restaurants (Red Ginger’s signature lobster pad thai is still a must-devour), Marina vibes far more than great meals. Work up a sweat storm playing pickleball on deck 16 or braving core conditioning in the gym. Melt into a marine detox wrap (I love the juniper and lemon scent) at Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center, then sink into the spa terrace’s bubbling hot tub. Get down and dirty in the artist loft by painting a Venetian mask and playing Impressionist. In the hands-on culinary center, learn to cure a fish or preserve a lemon. Come May 2024, Marina debuts a splashy redo. Fall in love again with revamped avocado toast—bravo to the taco-spiced shrimp topping—in the new wellness-driven Aquamar kitchen. Where you lie your head hardly matters. An entry 291-square-foot stateroom starring a four-pillow, soft-sheet bed feels mighty spacious and sports Bulgari shampoo. That said, the top-to-bottom penthouse suites’ glam reno is beyond covetable, from the expanded bath to a boatload of enviable perks. Ten-day sailings from $1,999 per person. —Janice Wald Henderson

Alex Erdekian

Jessica Puckett

MS Trollfjord — Hurtigruten Arrow

Who better to guide you through Norway’s most remote reaches—including the Svalbard archipelago, the northernmost inhabited islands on the planet—than a Norwegian cruise company that knows the area’s every crag and fjord? Hurtigruten is an Oslo-based line whose ships have traversed these waters since 1893, ferrying freight, mail, and passengers to the communities along the rugged coast. In 2023, to celebrate its 130th anniversary, the company’s flagship, the newly refurbished, 500-passenger MS Trollfjord (named for a fjord in the Vesterålen archipelago) began sailing two hybrids of its original 34-port Norwegian Coastal Express, calling at several of the towns and villages on the original route. From September through April, the North Cape Express (a 13-day, 16-port itinerary) sails from Oslo to the North Cape and then south to Bergen. In the summertime, the Svalbard Express’s eight-day journey begins in Bergen and progresses north, with extended port calls and excursions in seven towns before entering the Arctic Circle and pulling into Longyearbyen, a mining town on Spitsbergen, Svalbard’s main island. On both routes Trollfjord offers its (mostly European) passengers an uncommon way to explore the region, with uniquely Nordic cultural touches to connect them to the country. There’s a pre-boarding spread of Norwegian fare in the ship’s departure lounge, and Trollfjord ’s three restaurants prioritize Scandinavian cuisine (salmon, reindeer, and lingonberries, oh my!) and the food culture of the indigenous Sámi people. The ship’s 277 staterooms and 12 suites (with walk-in closets, corner bathtubs and floor-to-ceiling windows) offer a cozy retreat from the sometimes-harsh weather. And typically Nordic diversions such as aquavit tastings, oceanview saunas and polar plunges leave you in no doubt about where you are and who you’re sailing with. 10-day sailings from $3,082 per person. —Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon

Navigator — Regent Seven Seas Arrow

Imagine the most luxurious hotel you’ve ever stayed in. That’s precisely what stepping onboard the Regent Seven Seas Cruises Navigator feels like. And while the opulence and grandeur shine through every square inch of space, it’s worth mentioning that the staff are what make the experience memorable, remembering your name, preferences, likes, and dislikes from the second you step afoot the eight-deck vessel.

The 248 ultraluxe all-suite accommodations feel like your home away from home—despite their capacious interiors—and your personalized steward makes sure of that with thoughtful touches from the moment you check in. Thanks to a revamp in 2019, the ship feels pristine with a new library—complete with a faux fireplace—and sleek state-of-the-art furnishings (including the cruise line’s bespoke mattresses and bed linens) in each of the rooms. However, what makes the Navigator stand out from its counterparts is its intimate size, as it’s the smallest in Regent’s fleet. Everything onboard feels just an arm’s reach away, and you’ll quickly bond with fellow passengers after spending the day together on one of the complimentary shore excursions, such as tours by local guides, cooking classes, and other intimate adventures.

During my Mediterranean voyage, days were spent immersing ourselves in new cities, whereas nights began with a freshly shaken ice-cold martini followed by an exuberant dinner, with a stop in the Seven Seas Lounge for whatever was on tap that night, ranging from cabaret to karaoke. At the end of the journey, I left wanting more and with a suitcase full of clean clothes, thanks to one of the many attentive touches onboard: the included laundry service. 10-night sailings from $3,360 per person. —Rachel Dube

Ovation — Seabourn Arrow

“We are not the Rat Pack,” quips Andrew Pedder, the witty Yorkshire-born captain of Seabourn Ovation. He's referring to himself and the other senior officers, for any guests who may have wandered into their impromptu panel session instead of the musical show taking place later that evening. The Q&A—which covers everything from the prettiest ports to the number of Champagne bottles typically consumed during a seven-day voyage—is part of a last-minute program of activities arranged for an unexpected sea day when it’s too windy to dock in the South of France. This is mid-October, on one of the ship’s jaunts around the Mediterranean for the season, and no one seems to mind the change of plan (although when we do explore, all the islands we visit—Menorca, Corsica, Elba—are blissfully tourist-free). It simply means more time for spa treatments, soaks in the outdoor hot tubs, and afternoon tea in the observation bar. Even then, it only feels like there are 60 passengers onboard, rather than 600. The restaurants are excellent, from Sushi, where you can sit at the counter watching the Japanese chefs at work, to poolside Earth & Ocean for Tandoori-style rotisserie chicken and Madras-style white bean cassoulet. Suites are spacious, each one with a balcony. West End–standard entertainment includes a magician and a chart-topping classical singer. But what makes this ultraluxe ship really memorable is the relaxed, on-point service by staff who remember your name and coffee order, or even a familiar face from a sailing five years ago. Seven-day sailings from $2,649 per person. —Emma Love

Silver Endeavour — Silversea Arrow

Silversea is defined by its far-flung itineraries and exceptional onboard service (think Moët Champagne as you take in an iceberg calving in Antarctica). But the 220-passenger Silver Endeavour, new to the fleet and already a classic, raises every bar. Rooms start at a spacious 356 square feet and have luxury perks like pillow menus and a personalized bar, making them the best in all of Silversea’s array of ships. As far as food goes, premium Ars Italica Osetra caviar is complimentary and around-the-clock, though the Dover sole paired with a label from the rare wine menu at La Dame would have you believing you were in Paris. And the signature Otium spa celebrates pampering as much as it does wellness—don’t skip on the oxygen-boosting Golden Radiance facial. You may find yourself at any given hour glimpsing ice walls through the Drake Passage and remembering that the best part about this ship is the awe-inspiring places it dares to take you. 10-day sailings from $13,150. —Janice Wald Henderson

Scarlet Lady — Virgin Voyages Arrow

Although new to the cruise industry, Virgin Voyages has already begun to set itself apart from its predecessors. When first stepping on the Scarlet Lady, cruisers are met with a rousing, upbeat staff that serve as gurus around the ship and are experts on everything from beauty to juicing. While the Scarlet Lady takes you on a familiar route around the Caribbean, the on-shore excursions available are what make this sail memorable. Take a leap of faith on daring outings such as the Waterfalls of Damajagua in Puerto Plata, where guests make their way down seven of the 27 natural slides and waterfalls. After the exhilarating experience, travelers can sit down with locals and come together over Dominican staples such as pollo guisado, tostones, and mangú. You can always get local delicacies while docked, but while onboard, you must snag a reservation at the Test Kitchen. It’s an experimental dining experience where the menu always evolves. You go in only seeing a small card with ingredients listed for the night’s meal, but everything else is up to the imagination. One might find cucumbers puréed and frozen into ice cream as dessert, or beets formed and prepared like steak. While en route to the next port, the hard reset one does at the Redemption Spa leaves your body feeling anew; it’s impossible to come back from vacation feeling the same as when you departed. On any Virgin Voyages ship, you’ll love the indulgent atmosphere, whether you’re catering to your sweet tooth by narrowing down your favorite gelato of the day, grabbing a drink at one of the five bars that stake claim to having the largest tequila supply on the seven seas, or finally getting that tattoo you’ve been thinking about for ages after visiting the ship’s tattoo parlor, Squid Ink. Seven-day sailings from $2,100 per person. —Paris Wilson

Queen Mary 2 — Cunard Arrow

Six days sailing from England to New York across the vast Atlantic had the potential to bore me to stupefaction, but it turned out I had nothing to fear. “The ship is the destination,” said an entertainment director for Queen Mary 2 , who oversees a program that makes this cruise liner the undisputed hub of creative and intellectual stimulation on the high seas. Where else can you attend the annual Literature Festival At Sea, meeting top fiction and nonfiction authors like the late PJ O’Rourke, Bernadine Evaristo, and Louis de Bernières? And where else can you visit a planetarium, watch a Royal Shakespeare theater production, or hear guest speakers discuss artwork investments and the history of airport drug mules?

In between spa massages and table tennis rallies, I nourished my mind in the mahogany library before nourishing my body at the Princess Grill and Queens Grill restaurants, scarfing dishes like croquette of suckling pig, paired with excellent vintages and followed by mango panna cotta. On the final stretch of the journey, as dolphins leapt over the horizon and the Statue of Liberty loomed into view, my heart sank a little—New York City awaited, yet I didn’t want to disembark. That’s quite an achievement. Seven-day sailings from $1,389 per person. —Noo Saro-Wiwa

World Navigator — Atlas Ocean Voyages Arrow

During my first few hours aboard the Atlas Ocean Voyages World Navigator, I felt a bit like I had inadvertently crashed a family reunion: Seemingly everyone else aboard this Arctic expedition had just sailed to Antarctica on the Navigator six months before, so several crew members and guests spent much of embarkation day hugging and catching up. With a maximum occupancy of 196, it’s already an intimate ship, but the fact that the relatively young brand, which debuted in 2019, could develop such an impressive number of repeat travelers in such a short spell speaks volumes. Many told me they were drawn to Atlas because of its eco-friendly bona fides (the new-build ship makes use of hybrid engines from Rolls-Royce designed to leave minimal impact), but the creature comforts on board certainly help. While the star attraction of such an expedition voyage is what lies beyond the decks—access to remote Antarctic fjords that larger vessels can’t dream of traversing, or spotting polar bears loping along pearly glaciers in the Arctic—I made the most of my time in between Zodiac expeditions. The multi-jet shower in my stateroom was sublime after damp and rigorous treks, the heated massage beds in the only L’Occitane Spa at sea are a dream, and the Arctic summer’s 24 hours of sunshine made the Dome observation deck a prime perch to cozy up with a book at any time of day or night. There was neither internet nor cell phone connectivity during my entire eight-day journey sailing thanks to the remote latitudes (though Atlas guests now have access to full Starlink satellite coverage), which meant this was the longest I’d been offline since the 1990s—and yet somehow, drifting through the surreal landscape in this cosseting bubble, I didn’t miss scrolling or chatting with the outside world one bit. Seven-night sailings from $4,749 per person. —Sarah Khan

Westerdam — Holland America Line Arrow

A passenger who is well below senior age dances the robot to classic rock, to R&B, to country music, and to disco hits as talented singers and a live band perform most nights in the Rolling Stone Lounge, on Holland America Line’s Westerdam . His mechanical movements are a source of amusement and encouragement; if he can take over the dance floor, so can we with our own moves. The 1,916-passenger Westerdam is beloved as a traditional cruise ship, with its smaller-than-mega-ship size, deep blue hull, wraparound outdoor promenade deck, and details such as fresh flowers all around, celebrating the 150-year-old cruise line’s Dutch roots. Tradition does not mean staid. There’s rock and roll. There’s a trendy top-of-ship pickleball court.

On an Alaska cruise, my husband and I start our days with a jolt of caffeine via the baristas at Explorations Central, the ship’s cushy, contemporary, forward-facing observation lounge, before heading off on adventures such as joining other passengers in synchronized paddling a large canoe to see the ancient yet diminishing ice of Juneau’s Mendenhall Glacier. Back on the ship, we indulge in excellent burgers, topped with Gouda and applewood-smoked bacon and served in fast-food wrapping from a stand at the covered Lido pool. We enjoy sustainable Alaska seafood—grilled salmon, fennel-crusted halibut, fried cod—in between cocktails made with local gin, served on real glacial ice. From the veranda of our classic aft cabin, mesmerizing views of the ship’s wake, seemingly endless forest, and a distant, blue-tinged glacier clear our brain. We’re ready for more of the dancing man. Seven-day sailings from $379 per person. —Fran Golden

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All 16 Princess Cruises Ships, From Newest to Oldest

Here’s everything you need to know about the Princess Cruises fleet.

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Sailors of all ages love Princess Cruises for its quality, service, value, and serene style of cruising.  What’s more, the 2023 T+L World’s Best Award-winning mega-ship line   — which is also a WBA Hall of Fame Honoree — tends to steer clear of splashy entertainment (for example, you won’t find go-karts, water slides, or ziplines on board most ships) in favor of more refined activities. Discovery at SEA programming is a standout offering: In partnership with Discovery and Animal Planet, guests can partake in nature-centric onboard activities and shore excursions. Most Princess ships boast a majestic atrium modeled after an Italian piazza, and it’s here where you’ll find some of the best drinking, dining, and shopping venues on board. 

According to travel advisor and cruise specialist Jennaca Boose of Marvelous Mouse Travels , Princess’ fleet of 15 ships — 16 if you count the upcoming Sun Princess , which will make its long-anticipated debut this year — is family-friendly, and each vessel is “equipped to entertain all ages;” however, some cater towards specific age demographics better than others. For example, she says, travelers sailing with younger children will especially love Royal Princess and Regal Princess , which “have even more to offer” beyond the kids club, such as “outdoor play areas with jungle gyms and a separate teen space with a hot tub.” Meanwhile, says Boose, cruisers craving an intimate onboard experience may consider sailing aboard Coral Princess or Island Princess , which are two of the line’s smaller ships. 

Finally, it’s also worth noting that the line ​​offers dozens, if not hundreds, of itineraries across the globe, including Alaska, Mexico, Japan, the Mediterranean, and many more. “Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or an immersive cultural itinerary,” says Boose, “Princess has a ship for you.” Without further ado, keep scrolling for a breakdown of each ship in the Princess Cruises fleet to help you narrow down which vessels would be best for you. 

Related: 21 Cruise Tips That Will Help Make Your Trip Even Better, According to Experts

Sun Princess

Inaugural Year: 2024

Ship Class: Sphere

Ship Capacity: 4,300 guests

The inaugural ship in Princess' new Sphere class, Sun Princess is the line's largest — and flashiest — vessel to date. Set to sail the Mediterranean and Caribbean, this 20-deck mega-ship is sure to make waves following its early 2024 debut. The Park19 family zone will offer nine fun-filled activities, including the Sea Breeze (the first Rollglider at sea), The Lookout (an open-air observation deck), and Coastal Climb (a climbing structure for adventure enthusiasts of all ages). There’s also a two-deck arena, the multi-level Dome entertainment space, and the brand-new Spellbound, a Victorian-themed bar where guests can watch magicians while sipping theatrical cocktails.

Discovery Princess

Inaugural Year: 2022

Ship Class: Royal

Ship Capacity: 3,660 guests

For an elegant onboard experience complete with world-class specialty dining that’ll entice any gourmand, spectacular live entertainment in the lavish Princess Theater, and the largest balconies at sea (spanning over 1,000 square feet) found in one of the ship’s splurge-worthy Sky Suites, look no further than Princess’ final Royal-class ship. Spend sea days soaking up the sun — and the ocean views — by the infinity Wake View Pool.

Enchanted Princess

Inaugural Year: 2021

The elegant Enchanted Princess is a haven for relaxation-seekers with four sparkling pools (including the infinity-edge Wake View Pool), 10 hot tubs, and a serene spa offering Asian-inspired treatments. For the ultimate splurge, reserve one of the sprawling Sky Suites, best known for their expansive balconies offering 270-degree sea views. Other honorable mentions include the Sanctuary, Discovery at SEA, movie screenings under the stars, and the SeaWalk, a 60-foot-long glass-enclosed hallway with floor-to-ceiling ocean vistas.

Sky Princess

Inaugural Year: 2019

The snazzy Sky Princess made its grand debut in 2019; fast-forward five years later, and the ship has retained its allure. The three-story atrium is the beating heart of the ship, dotted with shops, bars, and restaurants galore. Check out Chef’s Table Lumiere, or try your luck at the casino for the ultimate splurge. Finally, for the best ocean views, book one of the Sky Suites.

Majestic Princess

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Inaugural Year: 2017

Ship Capacity: 3,560 guests

This Royal-class ship was initially designed for cruises from Shanghai, which means passengers can expect Chinese-inspired decor along with the fantastic specialty restaurant, Harmony, which features mouthwatering Asian menu items like wok-fried lobster, spring rolls, and more. Also unique to Majestic Princess is the adults-only Hollywood Pool Club, a perfect spot for grown-ups looking to soak in style. Meanwhile, don’t miss the dazzling casino and incredible SeaWalk, where panoramic ocean views await.

Regal Princess

Inaugural Year: 2014

This 2014 mega-ship definitely delivers in terms of onboard attractions. A few fan favorites include movies under the stars (best enjoyed with popcorn and candy in hand, of course), original productions, an outdoor musical fountain show, and Princess Live!, where passengers will find interactive culinary shows along with late-night comedy and game shows that can be viewed in-person or from the comfort of one’s stateroom. Last but not least, don’t forget to snap a selfie on the SeaWalk.

Royal Princess

Inaugural Year: 2013

Prepare to receive the royal treatment (pun intended) aboard the 3,560-passenger Royal Princess . The ship’s dazzling common spaces, including the grand atrium and the SeaWalk, are sure to impress design lovers, while the drinking and dining options, including the extravagant Chef’s Table Lumiere — available only on Royal-class ships — will delight culinary connoisseurs of all ages. 

Ruby Princess

Inaugural Year: 2008

Ship Class: Crown

Ship Capacity: 3,080 guests

Entertainment options abound on the 19-deck Ruby Princess , from movies under the stars and basketball to golfing and (hopefully) winning big at the casino. While party-going cruisers can dance ‘til the wee hours of the night at Skywalkers, serenity-seeking travelers may choose to hit the sack early before waking up to enjoy the spa or The Sanctuary.

Emerald Princess

Inaugural Year: 2007

Last refurbished in 2019, Emerald Princess features something for families of all ages, including  reimagined Camp Discovery youth and teen centers and the serene Sanctuary, a kid-free slice of paradise in the middle of the sea. Passengers can also perfect their swing at the putting course, enjoy poolside movie screenings, unwind at one of several swanky bars and lounges, including the Speakeasy Cigar Lounge, hit the spa, or dance the night away at the onboard club. In summary, it’s pretty much impossible to be bored on this ship.

Crown Princess

Inaugural Year: 2006

Despite its 3,000-plus passenger capacity , Crown Princess never feels super crowded thanks to abundant onboard amenities and activities. Highlights include three main dining rooms, a three-story atrium, and, of course, ample activities and programming, which run the gamut from basketball courts and pajama movie nights for kids to karaoke and an onboard nightclub.

Diamond Princess

Inaugural Year: 2004

Ship Class: Grand

Ship Capacity: 2,670 guests 

Best known for its Asia itineraries, Diamond Princess is sure to wow cruisers of all ages with its unique onboard features. Wellness-seekers need not miss the Izumi Japanese Bath, where guests can enjoy a traditional Japanese bathing experience coupled with breathtaking ocean views. There’s also the adults-only Sanctuary sun deck, Broadway-caliber entertainment, ample restaurants (including five main dining rooms), a nightclub, and so much more.

Caribbean Princess

Ship Capacity: 3,140 guests

This massive 18-deck ship was last refurbished in 2019 to bring it up to par with the line’s latest vessels. The European-inspired piazza , boasting street performers, eclectic boutiques, restaurants and bars, and a striking spiral staircase, is the beating heart of the ship. Plus, as part of the line’s partnership with Discovery, guests can enjoy nature-filled activities and lectures.

Sapphire Princess

Ship Capacity: 2,670 guests

Those craving a traditional cruising experience need not look further than the 20-year-old Sapphire Princess . With an onboard nightclub, five main dining rooms (plus many other bars and lounges, including a cigar lounge), this 2,670-passenger ship is among the line’s buzziest. After dancing the night away, adults can spend the day relaxing at The Sanctuary, while families will surely appreciate the dedicated spaces for kids, tweens, and teens.

Island Princess

Inaugural Year: 2003

Ship Class: Coral

Ship Capacity: 2,200 guests

Island Princess was purposefully built to sail through the Panama Canal. This 2,200-guest, 20-plus-year-old ship offers a more refined onboard experience compared to the line’s newer, flashier vessels. Sea days are well spent at the spa, in swimming pools, or sipping cocktails in the massive atriums; come nighttime, watch movies under the stars (a Princess staple) or catch live musical performances before hitting the sack — and getting ready to do it all again the following day.

Coral Princess

Ship Capacity: 2,000 guests 

Coral Princess is Princess’ smallest ship; however, there is still plenty to see, do, and experience on board. Guests can make themselves right at home in the piazza-style grand atrium, where prime people-watching awaits. For some R&R, grown-ups can head to the tranquil, adults-only Sanctuary while the kids are at play at the children’s centers.

Grand Princess

Inaugural Year: 1998

Ship Capacity: 2,600 guests

Princess’ oldest ship underwent a major renovation back in 2019, adding fan-favorite restaurants like Alfredo's Pizzeria, Salty Dog Grill, and Coffee & Cones. Catch a Broadway-style show, relax at The Sanctuary, or partake in nature-centric activities as part of the line’s Discovery at SEA programming.

'Access to hidden-gem ports': Why this luxury yacht is the best option for beach lovers

“This is your yacht, to do with as you please,” Captain Rob O’Leary said to guests of the Emerald Sakara , the second luxury superyacht from Emerald Cruises. “We have an international crew from 21 different nations, and we are all here for you.”

I was on the maiden voyage of the 360-foot Sakara, a December 2023 sailing with the added glamor of a Champagne christening in San Juan, Puerto Rico, led by the ship’s godmother Kelly Craighead. She is president of Cruise Lines International Association, the industry’s leading trade organization.

“Sakara” is a Sanskrit word meaning “thoughts become things” – a fitting name, given the thought that went into the ship’s chic design.  And our itinerary for the week couldn’t be more yacht-like – an island-hopping experience in the West Indies, stopping in out-of-the-way ports that larger cruise ships can’t manage. And while some smaller boats can feel rocky, the Sakara’s stabilizers keep the ship on an even keel.

Are luxury cruise ships worth the money? We did the math for Silversea's Silver Nova.

With just 100 guests and 76 crew, the Sakara is part of the larger trend in cruising: smaller ships that cater to vacationers who want the style and feel of a yacht, and the intimate service that accompanies that, with the amenities of a larger ship. Craighead said that small-ship cruises offer “luxury at a great value, access to hidden-gem ports and unique features like marinas for water activities directly off the ship,” she says. “These small ships can even be chartered, for your own amazing, private yacht experience.”

After departing from San Juan, the Sakara reached the Puerto Rican island of Culebra in a few hours, just 20 miles off the coast. We hopped in a taxi van at the port to reach the pristine waters of Flamenco Beach, which consistently makes the world’s top 10 lists. It was a fall-asleep-on-the-sand kind of day, under brightly colored umbrellas, with multiple trips to the canteen for French fries.

“I hope you enjoyed Culebra today because it’s quite hard to get in, through a very narrow channel,” O’Leary said at a supper-hour briefing. 

The next day, we stopped at the nearby island of Vieques, which is filled with wild horses – about 2,000 of them – most of whom are fully accustomed to the photo op. We docked at Esperanza Bay and wandered the waterfront. There were jeeps or ATVs available to rent for those who wanted to beach-hop, but we settled into the sand at Sun Bay. And when we sailed into Cruz Bay on the U.S. Virgin Island of St. John the following day, there were yachts and catamarans everywhere – and the Sakara fit right in.

The crew outdid itself the next day at White Bay Beach on Jost Van Dyke, the smallest of the British Virgin Islands. A barbecue feast awaited us, along with beach loungers, steel-drum entertainment, and all the paddles and water toys from the ship. Later, we wandered down the beach to find a young yacht crowd, groups of friends who have rented their boats, all knee-deep in their mojitos.

“I get a real kick out of driving the Emerald Sakara into St. Barths, muscling in and anchoring next to all the other superyachts,” O’Leary said. “It looks good in the pictures.” A stop there brought a snorkeling excursion, a bit of high-end shopping and a few rosé-soaked hours on Plage de Saline.

Back on board, the creature comforts of the Sakara included plenty of outdoor space to connect with the ocean, a small infinity pool, a full-service spa and a large, elegant dining room and terrace. It’s all part of the cushy yacht lifestyle. 

The ship will spend the summer and fall cruising the Mediterranean Sea – heading for the French and Italian rivieras, Croatia and Greece – with eight-day itineraries from $5,100. The Emerald Sakara will be back in the Caribbean next December, with eight-day cruises starting at $4,100. 

Editor’s note: The contributor of this story received access to this cruise from Emerald Cruises. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of reviews.

I've been on 50 cruises. Here are 5 things I wish I'd known before sailing in the Mediterranean.

• I've been on 50 cruises around the world and took my first Mediterranean route last year.
• Picking the right time of the season to go can make a big difference in your trip.
• Before packing, I always check to see if any of the experiences I've booked have a dress code.

As someone who's taken over 50 cruises all over the world, I know firsthand how popular cruising is this year. But one seabound itinerary people often forget to add to their bucket lists is a Mediterranean cruise .

The dreamy ships take passengers around European destinations like Spain, France, Italy, and Greece.

After taking my first Mediterranean cruise last year, here's what I think everyone should know before booking the route.

Going early or late in the sailing season means fewer crowds and better weather.

Many cruise lines, like Virgin, Celebrity, and Disney, start the Mediterranean season in early spring and sail through early fall.

Going early or late in the season usually means you'll have more tolerable weather and smaller crowds in some of the big destinations like Athens .

I made the mistake of going on my Mediterranean cruise at the end of May (over Memorial Day weekend).

Some ports of call, like Nice, France, were easy to get around, but others like Rome were packed to the gills. I wanted the day to end before we even made it to the Vatican on our tour.

Arriving at your embarkation port early is key to having a smooth sailing.

My biggest tip for any cruise — but especially for Americans traveling to Europe for a Mediterranean cruise — is to arrive at your embarkation city at least a day before your sailing starts.

This gives you plenty of time to ensure you make it to the port, especially with the airline delays that typically spike in the summer. The boat isn't going to wait for you i f you don't land on time

Even though it means paying for lodging and likely a few meals before boarding the boat, getting a good night's sleep before a jam-packed vacation is worth it to me.

As a bonus, arriving early also gives you a chance to explore the city.

Be sure to pack at least one shirt with sleeves and bottoms that cover your knees.

Some of the major European tourist destinations have strict dress codes — typically everyone must at least cover their shoulders and knees out of respect.

If you're planning on checking out Vatican Ci t y in Italy or the Meteora monasteries in Greece, b e sure to pack at least one outfit that fits the bill.

Most cruise ships have laundry services (self-serve or valet), so you can wear the same dress-code-approved outfit for a few excursion days if needed.

Food tours are a great way to see a city, taste local dishes, and learn some history.

If you're looking for a unique excursion that still gives you the highlights of a European city, I recommend booking a food tour . I've done tours in places like Amsterdam, Budapest, and Paris, and I've never been disappointed.

Food tours can be booked through third-party travel operators, like TripAdvisor or Viator, and offer the chance to see some of the major landmarks of a city, try local dishes, and learn some history all in one outing.

The tours are usually led by locals, which means the guides can also give you some good recommendations if you have time before you need to return to the ship.

Consider booking tours through third-party sites.

Mediterranean cruises can last anywhere from seven days to two weeks, depending on the company and itinerary. Booking every excursion through the cruise line can add up, but luckily, there are typically more affordable options through third-party companies.

But I only book with third-party operators if the ship docks right at the city I want to explore because I never want to miss the all-aboard time.

For example, on my Mediterranean cruise last summer, the ship anchored at Cannes, and I was able to keep my eye on it throughout my excursion.

If the ship docks in a secondary location and you have to travel to the big tourist destinations , I always book excursions through the cruise line. For instance, the day my family and I explored Rome, the ship docked in Civitavecchia, Italy, and we had to take a two-hour bus ride into the city.

Booking with the cruise company guarantees your return to the ship, even if your excursion runs late.

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• MSC Cruises unveils Summer 2024 'Stay & Cruise' program for...

MSC Cruises unveils Summer 2024 'Stay & Cruise' program for extended holiday experiences

MSC Cruises has introduced its latest offering, the summer 2024 'Stay & Cruise' program, designed to enhance guests' 7-night cruise experiences with additional holiday extensions. This enriching program includes an enticing add-on package, allowing guests to extend their exploration before or after their 7-night cruise with a 2-night stay at select 4-star hotels in Athens , Venice , Rome , or a 3-star hotel in Miami , along with the option for a 2 or 3-night stay at a 4-star hotel in New York City . Furthermore, the package includes a half-day city excursion to uncover the top attractions of each city.

To ensure a seamless holiday experience, the offer features private ground transfers, including transportation from the airport to the hotel and from the hotel to the ship for guests staying before the cruise. Similarly, for guests staying after the cruise, transfers include transportation from the ship to the hotel and from the hotel to the airport.

The 'Stay & Cruise' offer is available on various MSC Cruises Summer 2024 sailings in the Mediterranean and Caribbean and can be booked through MSC Cruises Contact Center or travel agents.

For travelers embarking on Western or Eastern Mediterranean cruises, looking to explore the capital city of Rome, the offer is linked to select MSC ships departing from Civitavecchia (Rome).

For those sailing in the Eastern Mediterranean, the add-on package offers extended exploration of Venice before or after the cruise with select MSC ships departing from Marghera-Venice or Athens with Opera ship departing from Piraeus-Athens.

The offer can also be booked with Caribbean itineraries departing from Miami for an additional 2-day stay in Miami before the cruise or with Meraviglia ship departing from New York for an extended stay in New York pre-cruise.

Guests can also book air travel through MSC Cruises and add it to the 'Stay & Cruise' packages for convenient flights ahead of their cruise journey.

An add-on package for Istanbul will soon be available for winter 2024-2025 'Stay & Cruise' program, with packages curated in collaboration with MSC's 100% owned Italian tour operator, Going.

Protect Your Trip »

The best time to cruise to alaska in 2024.

Plan your bucket list adventure to explore the extraordinary beauty of the 49th state.

The Best Time to Cruise to Alaska

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Alaska's astounding beauty and vast wilderness are unlike any other destination in the U.S. – and even in the world. While you can plan land-based trips to the state, many of Alaska's majestic snowcapped mountains, pristine forests, glacial waterways and abundant wildlife are in remote locations, only reachable by plane or by boat. That's just one of the many reasons why Alaska is one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world.

If you're ready to stop dreaming and start planning a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to The Great Land, here are tips on the best times to cruise Alaska.

Best Overall Time: Shoulder Seasons

Best time for warmer weather, best time for wildlife viewing, best time for salmon fishing, best time for the northern lights, best time for shore excursions.

If you want to score a deal and have fewer crowds, travel during the shoulder seasons: May and September. In these months, cruise fares are typically lower and ships are not as full, offering more cabin availability. However, with changes in the global climate bringing more moderate temperatures to Alaska, and the cruise season now extending into April and October, cruisers can also expect to find deals in April and October. There will be fewer sailings to choose from, but you may find lower pricing and avoid the peak-season crowds on the ship and in the ports.

In addition, select shore excursions may be available at a discount in the spring and fall. If you're planning on exploring Alaska on your own before or after your cruise, you'll also find cheaper hotel rates at the beginning or end of the cruise season.

Alaska's weather can change dramatically, especially the further north you go, no matter the month or season. While the weather may not be as predictable in April as in the middle of summer, Alaska can be beautiful in springtime with temperatures in the mid-40s, according to Tyler Hickman, senior vice president of Icy Strait Point, an Alaska Native-owned port in Hoonah and a port of call in Southeast Alaska. Hickman says there are long stretches of sunny days and crisp, clear evenings, offering the opportunity for late-season viewing of the northern lights . He also adds that April is one of the favorite times of year for local Alaskans.

If you're interested in cruising to Alaska in April, Norwegian Cruise Line has a few options, including weekly sailings on Norwegian Bliss beginning April 6. The line also offers Alaska itineraries through the end of October. Other lines sailing the extended season in Alaska in late April include Princess Cruises , Holland America Line , Royal Caribbean International , Carnival Cruise Line , UnCruise Adventures and Lindblad Expeditions.

If you prefer to travel in the fall, early October temperatures are usually in the 50s, while the end of the month brings snow in the higher elevations. The days are longer and there are no crowds, so it may be an ideal time to visit if you're not interested in the summer outdoor experiences. Norwegian, Holland America and Seabourn Cruise Line offer sailings in October.

Read: The Best Alaska Cruise Deals

If you'd prefer warmer weather for your cruise, the summer season in Alaska runs from mid-May to mid-September. During that period, daytime temperatures typically range from 60 to 80 degrees, though they can drop into the 40s overnight. You can expect to have between 16 to 24 hours of daylight in the warmer season. May is considered the driest month, with around a 25% chance of precipitation, but the rain becomes more frequent throughout the summer.

Alaska.org, a website run by local Alaskans that provides travel information and recommendations, advises that the best time to visit in summer is from June 15 to July 15. This 30-day period is regarded as the peak season for warm, dry weather – and it's the perfect time for outdoor activities such as wildlife viewing, fishing and hiking. If you want to experience the most "midnight sun," plan to cruise a few weeks before or after the summer solstice – the longest day of the year – which falls on June 20 in 2024.

Come September, the days are generally shorter, rainier and cooler – but not always. You might get lucky with some unseasonably warm days amid the beautiful fall foliage ; as a bonus, September also means no bugs and fewer crowds.

If you have school-age children, you'll probably need to travel midsummer, during peak season. However, if you're flexible on dates, there's really no bad time to visit this magical destination. Mountain peaks shrouded in clouds or misty days cruising Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve in late April are as beautiful as sunny days hiking through Tongass National Forest or whale watching on an excursion out of Icy Strait Point in July.

Read: The Best Places to Visit in Alaska

According to Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, one of the top destinations on the Inside Passage itinerary, wildlife viewing is possible year-round, especially if you have your binoculars at hand. When you're not watching for turquoise ice calving in the bay from the glaciers, you might see humpback whales as long as 65 feet or black and brown bears up to 10 feet tall – as well as orcas, harbor and Dall's porpoises, sea otters, harbor seals, mountain goats, sea lions, seabirds, and bald eagles soaring overhead. And that's just what you can view from the ship.

During cruises through the park, rangers board the ships to offer commentary and information about the marine and terrestrial wildlife. They also help spot whales or other animals along the way. One of the highlights while cruising slowly through the park is to go outside on the bow of the ship – or even out onto your veranda – to listen to the incredible silence of this otherworldly place. You may hear nothing at all, or perhaps you'll be treated to the sounds of birds in the distance or the swoosh from a whale's blowhole before it dives down below the water's surface.

It's possible to view certain animals and marine life throughout the year, according to Hickman. "Whale sightings are consistent from May through September, with fewer occurring in April and October as they migrate from or to Hawaii for the winter," he says, adding: "Even on a foggy day when you can't see the whales, you can still hear them and feel their presence – and that's almost as incredible as seeing them from a ship or along the coastline."

If you're interested in spotting brown bears, here is Hickman's advice: "Bear sightings in the spring will depend on the snowpack and when they are leaving hibernation. This year we had very good bear viewing along the Spasski River starting in May when the coastal brown bears emerged from hibernation."

He adds, "They feed on the grass of the valley and eat skunk cabbage roots in May and early June. As the berries start to emerge in June, it holds many of the same bears, and as we get into mid-July, the salmon start heading upstream. There is a constant food source from May through September at Spasski. Many of the other bear viewing areas do not have the same features we have, and it leads to people thinking that bears are only around when fish are in the rivers."

Chichagof Island – the location of Hoonah and Icy Strait Point – was given the nickname "Bear Island" by National Geographic. The island boasts one to two brown bears per square mile, making it one of the largest brown bear populations in the world. Hickman says you're nearly guaranteed to see bears on one of Icy Strait Point's bear-watching tours. Icy Point Strait also offers whale watching adventures and other treks into the wilderness.

Alaska.org points to May through September as the best time for wildlife viewing, though you can spot some animals year-round, like moose or orcas. The website also advises that fly-in bear viewing starts in May but is at its best in July.

Looking to book a cruise to see Alaska's wildlife? See the top cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

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If you are an avid angler – or just want to watch the bears fish for their supper – then visit Alaska during the peak salmon runs, from May to September. King salmon season begins in May and goes through the end of July. The silver salmon run lasts from July up until the end of November. Red salmon are available between mid-June and mid-August, while you can catch pink and chum salmon in the brief window from mid-July to mid-August.

If you prefer halibut or just want to get out on the ocean, the best time for this wild Pacific species is from May to September. You can also seek out many other river and ocean species, such as rainbow trout, arctic char and northern pike. Cruise lines offer fishing excursions, or you can arrange for a private or group charter in an Alaskan town like Ketchikan.

If you want to see brown bears during the salmon run, book a bear-viewing excursion in one of the ports, such as Icy Strait Point. Or, extend your trip by combining a visit to Katmai National Park and Preserve and the renowned Brooks River with a stay at Brooks Lodge. Brooks Falls is the site for iconic photos of bears catching salmon that are jumping over the falls, and you may be able to view the bears feasting in salmon season when the property is open, from June through mid-September. The lodge is accessible by floatplane from King Salmon. You can also add a flyover tour during your stay to see the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, an area in southern Alaska transformed by ash from the 1912 Novarupta-Katmai volcanic eruption.

Aurora season – the best time to see the northern lights in Alaska – runs from mid-August to mid-April. While some passengers cruising the Inside Passage may catch a glimpse of the phenomenon in late summer and early fall, it's not guaranteed. As southeast Alaska typically has more precipitation and clouds since it's a temperate rainforest, you likely won't find optimal conditions for aurora viewing here.

Your chances to see the lights are better the further north you go, so you may want to look at booking a cruisetour: a land and sea package that's usually offered by some of the major cruise lines from May through September. These combined trips generally include the cruise, overnight accommodations in lodges, railway journeys and motorcoach travel between destinations.

With these tours, you'll be able to visit the vast landscape of Alaska, where you can explore cities like Anchorage and Fairbanks or spend time in Denali National Park and Preserve – and you'll have a better chance to view the northern lights. Lines that offer cruisetours include Norwegian, Celebrity Cruises , Holland America, Princess and Royal Caribbean.

Since 2024 is projected to be one of the best years to view the aurora borealis in Alaska, you might want to extend your trip to venture above the Arctic Circle or into Alaska's interior for a prime viewing opportunity. Fairbanks and the Arctic region are under the auroral oval, which is where the northern lights activity is concentrated. You can watch the forecast for the aurora borealis online at Explore Fairbanks' Aurora Tracker and the Geophysical Institute's Aurora Forecast .

Read: The Top Places to See the Northern Lights

Some of the excursions offered on an Alaskan cruise may be the most expensive tours you've seen on a ship, but they're also probably some of the coolest things you've ever thought about doing while on vacation.

Note that the probability of a tour being canceled for weather is almost the same for all tours offered between April and October, as the weather in Alaska can be unpredictable. Some of the more extreme tours, however, may not be available early or late in the season. If you want the best chance for optimal weather, consider the advice from Alaska.org and book your cruise between mid-June and mid-July.

If you're looking at splurging on a bucket list adventure while in Skagway – like Alaska Shore Tours' flightseeing helicopter adventure, which includes a dog-sledding experience on a glacier – you should check to make sure it's available the month you'll be cruising. This particular tour may not be open for booking before May or after September due to the conditions for the sled dogs.

Another over-the-top excursion dependent on optimal weather conditions is the Heli-Hike and Rail Adventure that begins in Skagway. This tour includes a helicopter ride from town that flies over glaciers and mountains, then drops you off for a roughly 5-mile guided hike to view Laughton Glacier and learn about the natural history of the area. After the hike, you'll board the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad at Glacier Station for the scenic journey through the mountains back to Skagway.

If you're interested in the Misty Fjords Flightseeing tour in Ketchikan, this thrilling ride is also best on a clear day. This Alaskan bush plane tour soars over the Misty Fjords National Monument, which has more than 2 million acres of pristine lakes, waterfalls, ancient forests and snowcapped mountains.

Tours that include activities like mountain climbing or navigating suspension bridges might also be best when done on a sunny day. The prime time for wildlife viewing and fishing, as mentioned above, will depend on what animals you're interested in seeing and which species of fish you want to catch.

The ship's excursion desk, local guides or tour providers can offer the best advice on how to plan your activities. No matter which tours you opt to take, be prepared for the ever-changing weather patterns by wearing layers – and make sure to bring a waterproof rain jacket. Before booking, you should check the individual tour operator's cancellation and refund policy.

Read: The Best Alaska Tours

The Bottom Line

If you're flexible as to when you can travel to Alaska, you may be able to take advantage of lower pricing, travel incentives and added perks in the shoulder seasons – and you'll have fewer crowds than in the busy summer months.

If your goal is to view wildlife, then most of the cruise season, especially from May to September, will offer ample opportunities to see bears, humpbacks whales, bald eagles and other amazing animals – depending on the itinerary and excursions you choose. You'll also be able to catch Alaska's prized salmon throughout much of the cruise season.

And if extreme adventures are going to be the highlight of your vacation, then be sure to check with the tour providers to make sure your top picks are offered when you're planning to travel. Not all tour providers operate the full seven months of the season.

No matter when you decide to visit, a cruise to The Great Land will be one of the most memorable vacations of your lifetime.

Planning a cruise to see Alaska? See the top cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi is a U.S. News contributor and an avid travel adventurer who fell in love with Alaska on her first visit to the state many years ago. She's returned several times on land trips and by ship to seek year-round outdoor adventure, view wildlife and chase the northern lights in one of the best places on the planet to view them. She's even considered moving to The Great Land as a full-time resident. Pratesi used her deep knowledge of Alaska and the cruise industry to write this article.

You might also be interested in:

• Alaska Cruise Packing List
• The Top Alaska Cruise Lines
• The Top Luxury Alaska Cruises
• The Top Things to Do in Alaska
• Do You Need a Passport to Go on a Cruise?

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