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Royal Caribbean has announced the suspension of all cruise visits to its private island in Haiti, Labadee, through April 2026. This decision comes amid escalating safety concerns in the country, including increased gang violence, crime, and civil unrest. U.S. Travel Advisory and Safety Risks The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4 “Do

Are you planning your first family cruise? Cruising with kids and relatives is very different from traveling solo or as a couple. There are important things to consider that might not be obvious or relevant when you’re cruising without family. Here, I’m sharing the advice I wish I had before my first family cruise—tips I

Are you getting ready to go on your cruise? Embarkation day is the first step in your vacation, but simple mistakes can lead to unnecessary stress, frustration, and delays. From forgotten documents to last-minute packing mistakes, here are common embarkation day mistakes that can easily ruin the start of your cruise. Suburbs 101 participates in

Cruising is a relaxing and easy way to see the world. However, even the most seasoned cruisers can make mistakes that could lead to unnecessary stress or, worse, missing the ship! Whether it’s cutting it too close with time, making assumptions about transportation, or forgetting about a time change, small mistakes at the port can

Are you guilty of overpacking? You’re not alone! Packing for a cruise can be tricky, but the key is to bring only what you truly need. In this guide, I’ll share the best tips and tricks to help you pack efficiently and travel light—without sacrificing comfort or style. Pack in Outfits, Not Individual Pieces One

When booking a cruise, it’s easy to assume that the base fare covers everything—after all, isn’t it supposed to be an all-inclusive vacation? Well, not quite. Once you’ve booked your cruise, the cruise line will tempt you with a variety of add-ons, from WiFi and drink packages to shore excursions, specialty dining, and spa treatments.

Are you getting ready for your first cruise? Wondering what to pack? Packing for a cruise is different from packing for a typical land vacation. Packing the right items will help you make the most of your cruise while saving you from overpriced purchases at the cruise gift shop. Travel Documents Before you go on

Cruises are meant to be smooth sailing, but sometimes things don’t go as planned. From missed ports due to itinerary changes to cabin issues, unexpected problems can arise. Unfortunately, many cruisers don’t realize they have the right to ask for compensation—and as a result, they leave money on the table. I learned this the hard

Are you going on a cruise for the first time? Don’t make these cruise planning mistakes. From failing to research airfare to skipping travel insurance, there are many common mistakes—made by both first time and seasoned cruisers—that can end up costing you money or, even worse, cause you to miss the ship altogether. Find out

Why wait until Monday to start saving big? The Cyber Monday Amazon deals you’ve been waiting for are here, and they’re packed with incredible discounts on all your cruise essentials. Whether you’re preparing for an upcoming cruise getaway or just stocking up on travel must-haves, from magnetic hooks to binoculars for your Alaskan cruise, this

There are a lot of great Black Friday deals right now! You can get bargain-priced cruise essentials, and book future cruises with Black Friday deals. Don’t miss out!  Cruise Travel Deals Orbitz Black Friday Deals Save on future vacations! Take advantage of Orbitz’s Black Friday sale. It’s their biggest sale of the year! Lots of

Are you thinking of going on a Holiday cruise but want to stick to a budget, you’re not alone. Holiday cruises are typically more expensive but there are plenty of ways to save money. Here are valuable tips to help you save money on holiday cruises. Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sales One way to

Are you going on a cruise for the first time? It’s important to familiarize yourself with essential safety tips for when you’re out exploring at the cruise port. You want to avoid becoming a target for theft or pickpockets, and you certainly don’t want to do anything foolish that will cause you to run late

If you have been on a cruise before, you know how important it is to pack a carry-on bag. Checking in all your luggage can be a mistake since there are essential items you’ll need on the first day of your cruise that should stay with you. This is particularly true if you’re traveling with

Did you know that the automatic gratuities on cruises are optional? You can ask for it to be removed. But should you do it? Here, we will discuss how to remove automatic gratuities and the pros and cons of doing so.  Automatic Cruise Gratuities Gratuities are an important part of the cruise staff’s compensation. Gone

Planning to go on a cruise and wondering which cabins to book? If you’re a first-time cruiser, it can be overwhelming to pick the right cabin. However, choosing the correct cabin can significantly impact your cruise experience. Certain cabins may be more suitable for you, depending on your needs. Best Cabins for Minimizing Seasickness Mid-ship

Gratuities have always been a hot topic in the cruise industry.  Royal Caribbean is increasing its automatic gratuities. Here is everything you need to know.  Starting November 1, 2024, the cruise line will increase its automatic gratuity rate by $0.50 per person per day. Previously, the gratuity amount was $20.50 per person per day for

Hurricane Milton’s destruction continues as it moves further inland in Florida. The hurricane made landfall Wednesday night as a category 3 hurricane with sustained winds of 120mph near Siesta Key, just south of Sarasota. It caused catastrophic damage and flooding and led to the closure of several Florida cruise ports, leaving numerous cruise ships stranded

Just weeks after Hurricane Helene, Floridians are bracing for another powerful storm. This time, Hurricane Milton has intensified to a Category 4 after being downgraded from a Category 5. It is expected to hit the Tampa Bay area the hardest, but its effects will be felt even in non-coastal parts of Florida. As a result

Who can say no to freebies, whether this is your first time on a cruise or you are a seasoned cruiser? Many cruise lines give out free things. You just need to know where to look. Here are free things on a cruise you need to know about. Text for Free Many cruisers don’t realize

Norwegian Cruise Line recently announced its plan to introduce a new program to replace its popular Free at Sea package. The company will be phasing out the Free at Sea package and rolling out a fresh program called “More at Sea”. What is NCL More at Sea? NCL’s More at Sea package includes unlimited open

Haines, a popular Alaska cruise port, is experiencing a significant increase in tourism. Approximately 100,000 cruise ship passengers visit the small town annually.  As a response to this surge, officials in Haines have made the decision to implement a cruise passenger tariff for the first time, beginning in 2025. This decision comes as the town,

Are you going on a cruise and wondering if you should let the cruise line choose your cabin? While you may save some money if you let the cruise line choose your cabin for you, it is often not the best option. It comes with many downsides, and you might regret not having more control

Are you booking a balcony cabin on a cruise and trying to decide which side of the cruise ship is better? Should you book a stateroom on the starboard side or the port side? It depends. Below, we will discuss the pros and cons of each side of the cruise ship. Which Side is Starboard

Hurricane Helene has made landfall in Florida as a category 4 hurricane, bringing deadly storm surges, flooding, and 140 mph winds. It is causing major havoc on cruises. Due to numerous port closures in Florida, multiple cruise ships are left stranded at sea because they have nowhere to dock. They are sailing aimlessly, waiting for

As Hurricane Helene grows stronger, it’s causing significant disruptions in the cruise industry. This has led to last-minute changes in itineraries, port closures, and numerous cancellations. Major cruise lines like Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, MSC Cruise Line, and Disney Cruise Line are all being impacted. Hurricane Helene Intensifies Hurricane Helene is rapidly

Are you staying in an inside stateroom, but you’re worried you’ll not be comfortable? While it’s true that inside cabins are a lot cheaper, some people find them a bit cramped and lacking natural light. Don’t worry! There are simple hacks to make your inside cabin more pleasant during your cruise vacation. How to Make

Are you going on a cruise during hurricane season and wondering what to pack? The Atlantic Hurricane season is from June 1 to November 30. If you are going on a Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda or Mexico Cruise during that time, you will find this cruise packing list useful. Below are the things to pack on

Are you planning to go on a Caribbean cruise? Before booking your cruise, you need to be aware of a few things about Caribbean cruises. This will help you plan your vacation. It’s Cheaper than Other Cruise Destinations One good thing about going on a Caribbean cruise is that it is usually more affordable than

Are you planning a cruise and trying to decide what size cruise ship to sail on? Should you cruise on a big ship or a small ship? Below, we will discuss the pros and cons of cruising on a big ship versus a small ship. More Stable One of the main advantages of sailing on

Is Celebrity Cruise really more upscale, or is it just a clever marketing ploy to make it seem that way? The cruise line is promoted as a more luxurious option compared to its sister cruise line, Royal Caribbean, and it’s usually more expensive than mainstream options like Carnival and Norwegian Cruise lines.  I recently went

Doing laundry on a cruise is sometimes unavoidable, especially if you are going on a long cruise or if you’re cruising with kids. Whenever I go on a cruise lasting more than 10 days, I inevitably find myself needing to do laundry at least once. Given that I typically cruise with my kids, there are

Are you planning to book a cruise vacation but worried about being unable to relax? Are you concerned that instead of enjoying the pool, you’ll be frustrated by the booze cruise party atmosphere? Or do you want a cruise vacation without being surrounded by boisterous kids? Here are some helpful tips for a relaxing cruise

Are you thinking of going on a cruise? If so, you need to read this. It’s important to know about the kinds of unacceptable behaviors that could get you in real trouble. Some actions are so serious that they might even lead to you being banned from the cruise line! Below, we will discuss what

One of the best things about going on a cruise is the unlimited food. However, it’s all too easy to overindulge, from the breakfast buffet to the fancy sit-down dinner and even the late-night snacks! With such an abundance of food, it’s tempting to sample everything. But the last thing you want is to overeat

Should you book an inside cruise cabin? While inside cabins typically have a lower price tag, they do have drawbacks. Below, we will weigh the pros and cons of inside staterooms.  Inside Cabin: Pros Cheaper Staying in an inside cruise cabin has one main advantage: it’s cheaper. Compared to balcony cabins, inside cabins are much

Are you going on a cruise and wondering what is the best way to book shore excursions?  Is it better to book shore excursions directly from the cruise line or through independent tour operators? Should you book online in advance or wait until you’re on the cruise ship?  Below, we will discuss the best way

According to cruise industry reports, the Caribbean consistently ranks as the most sought-after cruise destination. It’s easy to see why. There are countless reasons why Caribbean cruises are so popular, and cruisers keep coming back for more. Here’s why. What’s So Great About Caribbean Cruises Cruise Private Island One of the best things about going

I love to go on cruises. In fact, almost all my vacations are cruise vacations. I find myself consistently choosing to go on a cruise over other types of vacations. Here’s why.   Good Value I like a good deal, so I keep choosing to go on a cruise over other types of vacation. I haven’t

Are you thinking of going on a cruise with your kids but not sure if it’s a good idea? Here are the pros and cons of bringing your kids on a cruise with you. Pros of Bringing Your Kids with You on Cruises Joy of Being with Your Kids One of the best things about

One of the best parts about cruising is the unlimited food. But with that comes the risk of overeating—you just can’t sample everything! As a result, it’s important to be selective about what you eat on a cruise. Stick to the best cruise foods and stay away from the not-so-great cruise food. Below, you’ll find

Are you prone to seasickness? Wondering if it’s a good idea to go on a cruise? As someone who is prone to seasickness, I’ve been on over 25 cruises and have figured out how to manage it over the years. Surprisingly, cruising has become my preferred way of vacationing, even with my seasickness. Below we

Going on a cruise isn’t what it used to be these days. Many cruise lines have made cost-cutting changes and got rid of some aspects of traditional cruises. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit the things I miss most about old-school cruises. What I Miss About Old School Cruises Towel Animals I

Are you going on a cruise on MSC cruise? Here are some essential cruise tips and important things to know about MSC cruises that will help you maximize your cruise vacation. Free Text Texting is free at MSC Cruise! You can text for free via the MSC Cruise app chat feature. The best part is

Are you planning to go on a cruise but can’t decide between an inside cabin and a balcony cabin? Are you wondering if the extra cost for a balcony cabin is truly worth it? Let’s discuss the pros and cons of staying in an inside cabin versus a balcony cabin. Pros and Cons: Cruise Inside

Are you going on an Alaska cruise and making a stop at Juneau? Are you on a budget and looking for affordable shore excursions? Compared to other cruise destinations, Alaska cruise shore excursions are notoriously expensive- dog sledding and whale watching are over $200 per person, and experiences like glacier seaplane and helicopter rides are

Celebrity MoveUp is Celebrity Cruise’s invite-only cabin upgrade. If you get the email inviting you to upgrade, don’t delete it because you might just luck out and get a great deal on a cabin upgrade! So how does it work? Who gets invited? And more importantly, how do you get a cabin upgrade?  How It

Are you thinking of going on a Bahamas Cruise? Before you start packing for your cruise, you need to check out my Bahamas Cruise packing list. Having been on more than 25 cruises, several of which were to the Bahamas, I have many important tips on what to pack so you can make the most

Even though cruises are all-inclusive, there are many extra expenses that are not included in your cruise fare. As a result, people often find themselves surprised when they receive their final bill. Here are the expenses that routinely catch people off guard when they receive their cruise’s final bill. Extra Cruise Expenses That Always Surprises

Are you going on a Bahamas cruise? If so, you need to read this. Having been on over 25 cruises, I’ve been on quite a few Bahamas cruises. I’m sharing my personal experience, from safety concerns to almost missing the ship in Nassau due to rush hour traffic. Here are mistakes to avoid in the

It’s hurricane season, and you’re going on a Caribbean cruise! You need to be prepared, both physically and mentally. Here are the worst possible things you can do while on your cruise! Booking Non-Refundable Shore Excursions If you’re going on a cruise during hurricane season, don’t book non-refundable shore excursions. The reason why is that

Many people are guilty of committing these bad behaviors on cruises. Maybe you are one of those cruisers who routinely commit these bad cruise behaviors? These things can waste time, cause unnecessary stress, or even get you into trouble. Here are some common cruise behaviors that you need to stop doing on cruises. Sharing Cruise

Is it time for another cruise? I conducted a poll on our Cruise 101 Facebook page, and these are the top reasons why people miss cruising. Maybe it’s time for you to go on another cruise? Find out below!  Reasons Why It’s Time To Go on Another Cruise You Miss Being Pampered Many people choose

Are you torn between a Caribbean cruise and a Bermuda cruise? Both cruises are similar in many ways but also very different. Let’s weigh the pros and cons of a Caribbean cruise versus a Bermuda cruise. Pros and Cons of a Caribbean Cruise versus Bermuda Cruise Cruise Ports The main difference between a Caribbean cruise

Don’t get me wrong, I love going on cruises. I’ve been on more than 25 cruises, and it’s definitely my favorite way to vacation. There are so many great things about cruising that make it an amazing way to vacation, but there are also some aspects of cruising that I’m not too crazy about. Here

Are you getting ready for your upcoming Baltic cruise? Packing for a Baltic cruise is different from packing for a Mediterranean cruise because of the cooler weather in Northern Europe. Below are some tips for what to pack for your Baltic cruise, and I also have a Baltic cruise packing list that you can download

Are you getting ready for your next cruise? Need some ideas on what to pack besides the essentials? Here are some fun things to pack on your next cruise to make your vacation even better! Fun Things to Bring on a Cruise Wine One way to make your cruise more fun is to bring wine

What is Skip Gen Cruise? Skip Gen Cruise is an increasingly popular travel trend that many families are embracing these days. Below, we will discuss everything you need to know about Skip Gen cruises and whether it’s something you should consider trying as well. What is Skip Gen Cruises? Skip Gen Cruises is a travel

No doubt, the food is one of the best things about going on a cruise. I’ve been on over 25 cruises, and I always look forward to the food. After all, what’s not to love about the buffet, room service breakfast, poolside lunch, and the 3 course dinners? Here are the best foods that I

Are you going on an MSC cruise and stopping at their private island, Ocean Cay? Then you need to read this. I recently visited the MSC cruise’s private island and have some tips to help you make the most of your day at Ocean Cay. MSC Cruise Ocean Cay Tips Best View of the Island

Are you planning to go on a Princess Cruise? I’ve been on over 25 cruises, and I must say, Princess Cruise is one of my favorites. Let me share the best things about Princess cruise and some cruise tips to help you get the most out of your next vacation on a Princess Cruise. Best

Getting seasick on a cruise is the worst feeling. The problem with being seasick is that once it sets in, it’s hard to recover. However, despite all the best planning to prevent seasickness from happening, sometimes you get caught off guard and that dreadful seasickness feeling creeps in! So, what should you do if you

If you haven’t been on a cruise in a while, you might not be familiar with cruise duck hunting. This activity has gained so much popularity that people bring hundreds of rubber ducks on cruises and share photos of them in dedicated Facebook groups. In fact, the largest Facebook group has over 270,000 members! So

Are you thinking of going on a cruise but not sure where to go? Should you go on a Caribbean cruise, or should you go on an Alaska cruise? Let’s weigh the pros and cons of each to help you make the right choice. Pros and Cons of Caribbean Cruise versus Alaska Cruise More Things

Are you going on an MSC Cruise? If so, you need to read this. Here is a rundown of free things on MSC cruises that you should be aware of so you can take advantage of them while you are on the ship. Free Things on MSC Cruises Text for Free One of the things

The key to selling your home quickly is to price it right. As a real estate agent, I’ve seen many home sellers make the mistake of overpricing their homes. They often value their homes based on their renovation costs or the profit they want to make, rather than the actual market value. But the truth

Many cruise lines advertise anytime dining as a great perk. But the truth is, you are worse off going on a cruise with anytime dining. I think it’s better to have assigned seating. Having been on over 25 cruises, whenever I have a choice, I will always choose assigned seating over anytime dining, here is

When I booked my first MSC cruise, I’ll admit that I had serious doubts. I had read so many negative reviews about MSC cruises, criticizing the subpar service, basic food options, overcrowding, and chaotic embarkation process. However, my experience on the MSC Meraviglia, departing from New York to the Bahamas, was surprisingly positive. In this

Are you going on a cruise during hurricane season? Be prepared for the possibility of stormy, rainy weather and rough seas. To make your cruise vacation as comfortable as possible, here are cruise tips to consider when going on a cruise during hurricane season.  Tips for Going on a Cruise During Hurricane Season Mid-Ship When

Are you going on a cruise and sailing out of New York’s Brooklyn Cruise Terminal? I recently went on an MSC cruise from there and have come up with a list of essential cruise tips to make your cruise embarkation day and disembarkation day go more smoothly. Here are my tips for cruising out of

Are you thinking of going on a cruise but hesitant because it’s during hurricane season? Hurricane season is long, spanning five months from June 1 to November 30. Should you avoid cruising altogether during those five months? Is it even safe to go on a cruise during hurricane season? Below, we will discuss the pros

As someone who loves to travel, there’s nothing quite like the experience of going on a cruise. I’ve found that cruising is my favorite way to vacation (I’ve been on over 25 cruises), and there are plenty of reasons why. Here are things I love about cruising. Being Pampered One of the best things about

Are you going on a cruise during hurricane season? If so, you need to read this! I just came back from a Bahamas cruise during hurricane season—here’s my experience of what it was really like.  When Is Hurricane Season? Hurricane season is officially from June 1 to November 30 every year. It primarily affects Caribbean,

Are you going on a cruise with kids? If so, you need to read this. I’ve been on over 25 cruises and sailed with my kids many, many times. Below, I’ll share my experience and insights from various cruise kids clubs that you should know about. Kids’ Clubs Can Get Full One thing that may

Are you going on a cruise without a passport? If so, you need to make sure you don’t make these crucial mistakes that can turn your cruise vacation into a nightmare!  Cruising without a passport is allowed if you are a US citizen going on a closed-loop cruise departing and returning at the same US

I’ve always been a fan of Delta Airlines. Their economy class service has consistently impressed me, surpassing that of other airlines. Even though I rarely fly first class and haven’t for many years, I booked a roundtrip first class ticket on Delta from New York to Las Vegas. I was excited to experience their renowned

Are you going on a cruise? Cruise vacations should be fun and relaxing, but some things can easily ruin your cruise. 1. Who You’re Cruising With When you go on a cruise, the people you are with can make or break your vacation. It’s quite common to cruise with family or friends. If it’s your

Are you going on a cruise? Don’t do any of the things below that can immediately get you kicked off the cruise ship! Bringing Guns and Firearms to the Cruise One way to get yourself kicked off a cruise ship and, worse, arrested at the port is to bring guns and ammunition on a cruise

Every cruise line has its own signature onboard activities, and Princess Cruise is no exception. From its iconic champagne tower to outdoor movie nights, there are experiences that you definitely shouldn’t miss. Here are the top cruise activities on Princess Cruise that you should make sure not to miss out on. The best part is