Cruise Tips

Expert cruise advice on everything from choosing the right cruise line and itinerary to packing and planning your shore excursions.

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Illustration of a passenger standing on a dock facing a large cruise ship with two directional signs above them. Each sign reads "PAY TIPS" and "OPT OUT," hinting at the debate over cruise gratuity charges. Palm trees and lamp posts line the dock under a colorful sky.

Cruise Gratuity Charges: Fair or Unfair to Passengers?

Doug Parker October 5, 2024

A large cruise ship is docked at the Port of Galveston, visible in the background. Several parked cars and palm trees line the foreground, while a clear blue sky provides a picturesque backdrop for those navigating this vibrant area.

How to Get to the Port of Galveston for Your Next Cruise

Heather Baxter October 5, 2024

A large cruise ship docked near a beach under a clear sky evokes the image of a Disney Fantasy. The vessel boasts a dark blue hull, white upper decks, and two red and black smokestacks. The water shimmers in bright turquoise, while the sandy beach is clearly visible in the foreground.

7 Expert Tips for Making the Most of Your Disney Fantasy Cruise

Nancy Schretter October 1, 2024

Best and Worst Cruise Staterooms: How to Choose the Right Cabin for You

Heather Baxter October 1, 2024

carnival cruise line mardi gras cozumel

Understanding Cruise Price Drops After Your Final Payment

Doug Parker September 23, 2024

Pigs lounging on blue deck chairs by a pool on a cruise ship, with stacks of books nearby and another cruise ship visible in the background, making one wonder if they've encountered the notorious chair hogs problem.

Cruise Ship Chair Hogs: When Is It Too Early to Reserve a Lounger?

Orlando Martinez September 22, 2024

A coastal town with colorful buildings on a hill, topped by a fortress. The town is surrounded by greenery and overlooks a blue sea under a partly cloudy sky, making it one of the picturesque islands to visit in the Mediterranean.

Island hopping in the Mediterranean: Which islands to visit and what to do on the islands

Orlando Martinez September 18, 2024

Carnival Horizon Return Trip Report

How to Pick the Best Cruise Cabin and Mistakes to Avoid

Richard Simms August 25, 2024

A large cruise ship docked beside a white building with a stunning sunset sky in the background at Port Canaveral.

A Newbie’s Guide to Cruise Ship Disembarkation

Doug Parker August 25, 2024

Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Package refreshments

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Drink Package Pros & Cons: Is It Worth The Price?

Heather Baxter August 3, 2024

P&O Cruises’ Iona Undergoes Rescheduled Drydock

Carnival Mardi Gras Returns to Service Following Dry Dock

Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth Arrives at PortMiami for Caribbean Season

Norwegian Cruise Line Removes Daily Newsletter from Staterooms

Carnival Explains Traditional Muster Drill Ahead of Weekend Cruise

Princess Cruises Updates Deposit Policy and Final Payment Deadlines

Holland America Details 2027-2028 Asia Season Featuring New Asian Ports

European Port Imposes New Cruise Ship Restrictions for 2026