Travel

Disembarkation day is perhaps the most dreaded day for cruisers. Not only does it mark the end of your vacation, but it also entails a rush of activities, such as waking up early, having breakfast, and disembarking the ship. Given the hectic morning rush, many things could go wrong, leading to a stressful day. Here […]

In just 2 days, I’m heading off on a Caribbean cruise. But the timing couldn’t be worse as the first tropical storm of the hurricane season, Tropical Storm Alberto, has recently been named. This news has naturally caused me a lot of worry, considering I easily get seasick. Initially, I was seriously contemplating canceling the

Are you going on an Alaska cruise? For many, Alaska is a once-in-a-lifetime bucket list cruise destination. You want to make sure you get everything right to fully enjoy and experience the beauty of Alaska. Here are the 7 most important things cruisers must know before going on an Alaska cruise.  Important Alaska Cruise Tips

Thinking about going on a cruise for the first time? Cruises are a great value because it comes with a wide range of activities. The best part is that these cruise activities are included in the price of your ticket! Here are some activities that are completely free on a cruise. Free Cruise Activities Rides

Planning to go on a cruise? One of the best things about cruising is the wide range of dining options, from the cruise buffet to afternoon tea to the multi course sit down dinner. With so much tempting food, it’s easy to overeat! You want to try it all! Here are some tactics for navigating

Are you planning to go on a cruise now? Since it’s hurricane season, there’s a high chance of bad weather. Instead of enjoying a sunny Caribbean cruise, you might end up experiencing cold and rainy weather, which isn’t ideal for pool and beach activities. But does this mean your cruise is ruined? Absolutely not! There

Are you going on a cruise? There are some lesser-known tips that can greatly improve your cruise experience. Here are not-so-obvious cruise tips you need to know about! 1. Wine Follows You A not-so-obvious cruise tip is that your wine bottle follows you. If you buy a bottle of wine in one location, let’s say

Are you going on a cruise with kids? Traveling with kids is always challenging, whether you are going on a land vacation or going on a cruise with kids, it is no different. It will not be your easiest and most relaxing vacation. Here are the worst cruise mistakes you can make when going on

Do you have an upcoming cruise vacation? You need to be aware of the reasons why people get turned away at the cruise port. The last thing you want is to go through the check-in process only to be told that you can’t board the cruise ship! It will ruin your vacation!  Reasons People are

Did you get free onboard credit for your upcoming cruise and not sure how to use it? Onboard credit is like getting free money credited to your account on the ship, usually ranging from $50 to $250. It’s essentially free money to spend during your cruise! Below are the best ways to spend your onboard

A Kentucky family’s cruise vacation was canceled just two days before they were set to depart. Shockingly, their cruise cancellation was not made by them but by someone who had impersonated them. They had fallen victim to identity theft! Unfortunately, this story is more common than you think. How Did Their Cruise Get Canceled A

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line has just announced an upgrade to its Loyalty Status Program. They will match loyalty status across all three Royal Caribbean Group brands. This means that if you hold status with Royal Caribbean, you will also be granted status with Celebrity Cruises and Silversea! Here are all the details about Royal Caribbean’s

Wondering where to go on a cruise? Cruising is a popular way to vacation. It’s so popular that many people become addicted to cruising. According to data from the cruise industry, 82% of previous cruisers plan to cruise again, with 10% setting sail 3-5 times a year! But where are they cruising to? Below, you’ll

Are you on the fence about going on a cruise vacation? Don’t be! Here are reasons why you absolutely shouldn’t miss out on a cruise vacation! Reasons to Go on a Cruise 1. Visit Multiple Countries  Cruising is a fantastic way to explore different places and countries without the hassle of frequent flying, packing, and

Most people will jump at the chance for a cruise cabin upgrade right? I recently received an email offering me the opportunity to bid for a cabin upgrade, but I declined. Wondering why? Here’s why I turned down the chance for a cruise cabin upgrade. Reasons to Say No to a Cruise Cabin Upgrade 1.

Luckily, as a U.S. citizen, you can cruise without a passport! However, there are restrictions—you can only cruise without a passport on closed-loop cruises. So, should you cruise without a passport?  What is a Closed Loop Cruise? A closed-loop cruise is a cruise that begins and ends at the same U.S. port and only travels

Lounging by the pool while on a cruise is supposed to be relaxing, but every so often, you will meet people who don’t follow basic pool etiquette, which can be quite annoying.  You know who they are, those annoying people at the cruise pool- from chair hogs to hot tub hogs to the rowdy kids-

Are you going on a cruise where you will be getting off at a tender port? What this means is instead of simply walking off the ship, you’ll be taking a small tender boat to get to the cruise port. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when taking cruise tender boats. Tender Port vs

Do you want to feel like a VIP on your next cruise? Picture yourself surrounded by luxury and being pampered at every turn. Below are tips on how to get VIP treatment on your next cruise. 1. Upgrade to the Cruise Ship’s Exclusive VIP Category For the ultimate VIP experience, upgrade to the cruise line’s

This summer, why not shake things up and combine a cruise vacation with working remotely? With the Virgin Voyages summer season pass, you can do just that. Following the success of their European Summer Season Pass launch, Virgin Voyages has extended their “work from cruise” option to sailings departing from Miami. Imagine working from the

Cruising has become convenient with the shift to cashless transactions, you technically don’t need to bring cash since everything can be charged to your cruise card, including gratuities. No more tipping the cruise staff with envelopes! However, it’s still smart to bring some cash on board. Here’s why and what I always pay for in

Are you planning to go on a cruise? If so, you need to read this to avoid making costly mistakes that could result in missing your cruise ship and getting stranded at the cruise port or worse, denied boarding by the cruise line! 1. Miscalculating the Time It takes to Get Back on the Cruise Ship

Planning a cruise with kids? Packing for a cruise is challenging when you’re also packing for kids. It’s easy to forget things and make packing mistakes that can ruin your family vacation. Below are some of the worst packing mistakes to avoid when cruising with kids. Worst Cruise Packing Mistakes for Families with Kids 1.

Are you going on a cruise? Make sure you don’t forget to pack these essential items that you need on your cruise. These are the last things you’d want to forget to bring on a cruise because you’ll have a hard time finding a replacement. It can really ruin your vacation! Worst Things to Forget

Are you planning a multigenerational cruise? If so, you need to read this so you don’t make these common mistakes that can ruin your cruise vacation. Cruises are a very popular multigenerational vacation. According to a cruise industry report, a third of cruise travelers sail with at least 2 generations, and 28% of cruise travelers

Are you planning to go on a cruise for the first time? Then make sure to read this because newbies make many foolish and embarrassing mistakes that can easily ruin their cruise vacation. Below are common mistakes only first time cruisers make on a cruise. 1. Leaving Their Passports in Checked-In Luggage One common mistake

Alaska has a new cruise port! Located on the Pacific side of Prince of Wales Island, Port Klawock is the latest addition to Alaska’s cruise port circuit. This new port is approximately a 4-hour ferry ride from Ketchikan’s well-known cruise port, a popular destination for Alaskan cruises. The village of Klawock is one of Alaska’s

Are you going on a Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexico, or Bermuda cruise this year? If so, you need to read this. Unfortunately, the news doesn’t look good. Experts are already predicting 11 hurricanes over a span of only 6 months! What’s even more alarming is that five of them are expected to be major hurricanes, falling

Have you ever heard of people winning a cruise cabin upgrade but wondered how exactly it works? The process can seem like a mystery, with some getting an email invite to participate in bidding for a cabin upgrade while others don’t. If you’re one of the lucky ones with an invitation, the question then becomes,

I love going on cruises, but one thing that I hate about cruising is the final bill that I receive at the end of the cruise. It seems that no matter how careful I am with my spending, there are always extra expenses that crop up along the way. Having been on over 25 cruises,

Want to know how to get a free or cheap cabin upgrade on your next cruise? While upgrades are not very common, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances. Here are some tips on how to get a cruise cabin upgrade. Why not give it a try on your next

Is your cruise stopping at the cruise line’s private island? If so, it’s a good idea to plan what to bring. The last thing you want to do is haphazardly throw things into your beach bag and then realize you forgot essential items. You’ll end up wasting money at the island’s shops to buy things

I must confess going to the cruise line’s private island is hands down my favorite part of a Caribbean cruise. I am one of those people who enjoy the private island cruise more than the other ports. However, there are some mistakes that can ruin your day on the private island. To avoid this, let’s

Everyone loves the thrill of sailing on a brand new cruise ship. If you’re wondering what new cruise ship options you’ll have in 2024, there are eight ships set to launch. One of them, the Sun Princess from Princess Cruise Line, has already made its debut. Sun Princess Princess Cruise just launched its biggest ship,

Royal Caribbean has canceled stops to its popular private island, Labadee, in Haiti. This decision was made due to the country’s major violence and instability.  Royal Caribbean’s Labadee Labadee is a beautiful resort on the northern coast of Haiti. It has stunning white sand beaches, a 2600-foot zip line over the water, and an aqua

If you’re looking for last minute cruise deals, Holland America’s standby list program is worth checking out. This program allows you to book a spot on Holland America cruises for $49 per person per day. Essentially, you’ll be put on a standby list, and if there are any available cabins close to the departure date,

Are you wondering what to wear to dinner on cruise formal nights? Do men really need to wear tuxedos? Do women really need to wear formal ball gowns? As someone who has been on over 25 cruises and experienced most of the major cruise lines, I can tell you what passengers typically wear on these

Are you going on a cruise? You wouldn’t want to ruin your vacation by losing your luggage, which can be a real nightmare. Here are practical tips on how to keep your luggage safe throughout your cruise.  How to Keep Your Luggage Safe on a Cruise 1. Print Luggage Tags at Home The most important

Hearing the words “Man Overboard!” on a cruise ship is every passenger’s worst nightmare. It’s a distressing scenario where the chances of being rescued can be slim. So, what should you do if you find yourself in this situation? How can you increase your chances of survival if you go overboard? Below we’ll discuss the

Missing your ship is a nightmare cruise vacation scenario! We’ve all seen it on social media or read about it in the news- passengers have been stranded on a remote African island or missed their ship by just 20 minutes. But have you ever wondered what actually happens when you ship leaves you behind? Here’s

Getting left behind by your cruise ship is a nightmare scenario that nobody wants to experience. Recently, some Norwegian cruise passengers, including elderly and a pregnant woman, were left stranded on an African island off Nigeria with no medication or money. They had to chase after the cruise ship by traveling through seven countries, just

Are you going on a cruise? One of the best parts of cruising is the luxurious dining experience in the main dining room—fancy white tablecloths, bread baskets, attentive servers, and amazing food. However, many cruisers make common mistakes that can spoil their dining experience and, in turn, their cruise experience.  Cruise Main Dining Room Mistakes

As your cruise vacation comes to an end, it’s important to plan your last day on the ship. To make sure you don’t forget anything, I’ve compiled a list of important things to do the day before disembarking. I have also made a checklist that you can download and print out to help you stay

When it comes to cruising, gratuities are a big part of the cost of a cruise vacation.  While gratuities are a common practice in the cruise industry, there are certain aspects of tipping that I find frustrating. Here are things that annoy me about tipping on a cruise.   Why Can’t They Just Build In the

Are you planning a cruise vacation? Before making your cruise reservation, it’s important to be aware of some common mistakes people make while choosing their cabins. Avoid these cruise cabin mistakes; otherwise, they could ruin your vacation!  Cruise Cabin Mistakes to Avoid 1. Booking a Cabin that is Too Small A mistake people make when

If you’ve ever been to Juneau, you are probably aware of the crowds at the cruise port. As soon as you disembark from your cruise ship, you’ll see not just your own ship, but also a number of other cruise ships docked there. Each cruise ship brings thousands of passengers to Juneau, causing massive congestion

If you’ve ever been on a cruise, you know how it can quickly become stressful. Yes, cruises can be stressful! Like waiting too long for a table at the main dining room or trying to book shore excursions only to learn it’s already sold out, or being given a 9 pm dinner slot when you

If you’re planning to go on a cruise, you may be wondering if you need to have extra cash on hand to tip the cruise staff. Personally, even with the automatic gratuity that cruise lines add to my bill, I tend to leave extra tips for the crew. In case you’re wondering how much I

Are you going on a cruise? Knowing what to do on your first day is key to making the most of your cruise experience. Right after you board the ship, there are a few essential things you should take care of—things you should do immediately after boarding the ship. Getting these first day tasks out

Are you planning to go on a cruise but not sure when to go? You want to avoid sailing when the weather is bad or when the cruise ship is most crowded.  For a more comfortable and relaxing cruise, it’s best to avoid these months. Here are the worst months to go on a cruise.

Are you going on a cruise? Don’t make these common cruise packing mistakes that can ruin your vacation! You’ll regret it! Cruise Packing Mistakes to Avoid 1. Packing Your Passport in Your Check-In Bag One cruise packing mistake people make that that can ruin their cruise is that they pack their passports in their check-in

Flight cancelations and strikes in Europe are more common than you might think. If you’ve ever experienced a delay or cancelation in the EU, you may be curious about what kind of compensation you could receive. Fortunately, the EU has a generous flight compensation policy. When my flight from Paris to New York was delayed

Looking for a good laugh? Do you miss going on cruises? If so, then you need to check out these cruise memes! These memes are sure to make you laugh out loud with their relatable humor that only those who have been on a cruise can appreciate. Here are some of our favorite cruise memes

Are you going on a cruise? But before you set sail, let’s make sure you don’t fall into the trap of common cruise mistakes that can ruin your sea days. These mistakes could range from missing out on cruise activities to spending too much at the art auction. Don’t make these cruise mistakes that can

You won’t believe these dumb cruise mistakes! From rookie mistakes to epic fails, these stories will have you in stitches. Check out these hilarious cruise blunders! It will make you laugh out loud.  Dumbest Cruise Mistakes You’ll Laugh At Forgetting to Set Aside Clothes for the Last Day Another dumb cruise mistake is forgetting to

Planning to go on a cruise? Don’t make these common money mistakes that you’ll regret. Learn helpful cruise tips so you don’t unnecessarily waste your money on your cruise vacation! Common Money Mistakes People Make on a Cruise 1. Double Tipping Many cruisers unknowingly make a common mistake – they often end up double-tipping because

You know how amazing the cruise ship buffets are! But did you know that there are some common mistakes that can ruin your buffet experience? Today, I’m sharing with you some common cruise buffet mistakes that you’ll definitely want to avoid. Trust me, you’ll thank me later! Also, below I’m giving you my travel loyalty

Are you planning to go on a cruise? Make sure you don’t forget these important things before you get off the cruise ship. Many people make these mistakes that lead to last-minute chaos. Don’t be one of those people who forget important things that need to be done before disembarking the cruise ship. Or else

Planning to go on a cruise soon? Well, then you might want to go through these tips to avoid missing out on the best things to do on a cruise! Otherwise, you’ll regret not doing them! Also, I’m sharing my travel website password tracker as a free printable below. Things You’ll Regret Not Doing on

If you’re planning to go on a cruise, you might be wondering what to pack in your port day bag. This is the bag that you’ll take with you when you go ashore to explore the port. I’m sharing my list of essential things that I pack in my cruise port bag. Whether you’re planning

Are you going on a Mexico cruise? As someone who’s been on more than 25 cruises, including two to Mexico, I’m sharing some cruise tips that I have learned along the way. So, keep reading to find out what not to do when you’re on a Mexico cruise. Mexico Cruise Mistakes to Avoid 1. Not

If you’re planning to go on a cruise, you may be wondering where to start. Planning a cruise is quite different from planning a resort vacation. There are several things to consider and coordinate, such as shore excursions and purchasing cruise extras like beverage packages. Also, packing for a cruise is more complicated than packing

If you are new to cruising, then trust me, you don’t want to make the same mistakes that I did when I was a first time cruiser. Even if you are not a newbie cruiser, you’ll still want to read this. I have been on over 25 cruises, and I have cruised many times as

Are you going on a cruise? If you’re thinking about booking shore excursions, you need to read this first. Don’t let common shore excursion mistakes ruin your cruise vacation. I’m also sharing my cruise port day bag packing list as a free printable below. Cruise Shore Excursion Mistakes You’ll Regret Making 1. Not Booking Shore Excursions

Looking to save money on your next cruise while sticking to a budget? There’s an easy way to do so—bring things from home instead of buying them on the cruise. Buying things onboard can get expensive, as prices are often marked up in the cruise’s gift shop. So, what can you bring from home? Here

Are you going on a cruise soon? Whether this is your first cruise, or you’ve been on several cruises, there are many common embarkation day mistakes that could ruin your day. To make sure you have a smooth first day, here are the top embarkation day mistakes to avoid. Trust me, you don’t want to

Planning to go on a Mediterranean cruise this summer? Below, you’ll find some useful tips on what to pack for your Mediterranean cruise. I’m sharing my Mediterranean cruise packing list that you can download for free as a PDF printable packing list. It’s a helpful checklist so you don’t forget any essential items while packing

Are you planning a cruise? Before you book your cruise, read this first to make sure you don’t make cruise booking mistakes. I’m also sharing my cruise budget planner as a free printable below. Cruise Booking Mistakes to Avoid 1. Not Checking Your Passport Expiration Before booking your cruise, make sure you check the expiration

When you go on a cruise, you will encounter many types of people. While most are friendly and courteous, some may not be as pleasant, and you might find their behavior downright rude. Don’t be one of them! Here are the things only rude people do on a cruise. I’m also sharing my Travel Website

Cruising during hurricane season can be risky since the weather can be unpredictable. But that doesn’t mean that you should avoid cruising during this time. In fact, you might even snag some great deals and enjoy perfect weather! That said, be aware of the risks and take extra precautions. Here are some mistakes that people

Are you going on a cruise but you’re not sure if you should buy the cruise drink package? Cruise beverage packages can be quite expensive, ranging from $60 to over $100 per person per day. It can potentially cost as much as your cruise fare! So, should you buy the cruise beverage package? Here are

Are you going on a cruise with kids? Cruising with kids is not the same as cruising as a couple. It’s definitely less relaxing and more challenging to cruise with kids. You need to pack things to keep your kids entertained during downtime. Here’s a list of random but useful things to pack when cruising

Are you going on an Alaska cruise but wondering if you can do it without booking any shore excursions? Perhaps you’re on a tight budget and can’t afford to add them, or maybe you’ve booked a last minute cruise, and all the shore excursions are already booked. So what do you do if you don’t

Are you a parent who wants to take your kids on a cruise but unsure of the best age to start? Personally, I took my daughter on her first cruise when she was two years old and my son when he was three. Below, I will discuss the best age to start cruising for kids.

Do you love cruising? It’s undoubtedly one of the best types of vacations. Not only is cruising very relaxing and hassle-free, but it also offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences that you can only do on cruise ships. Get ready to be blown away by some of the unique experiences you can have on board. Here are things

Are you going on a Mediterranean cruise? Mediterranean cruises are very different from Caribbean, Mexico or even Alaska cruises. It takes a little more planning to go on a Mediterranean cruise. To help you make the most of your cruise, here are some mistakes that you should avoid. Mediterranean Cruise Mistakes to Avoid 1. Fly

Are you planning to go on your first cruise? Which is the right cruise for you? With hundreds of cruises to choose from, which one is right for you? Here is a step by step guide to help you choose your first cruise. I’m also sharing my cruise carry-on bag packing list as a free

Are you getting ready for a cruise but feeling anxious about staying in a small cabin? Or worse, sharing a cabin with your kids? We all know that cruise ship cabins can be quite compact, but there are ways to make the most of the limited space and increase the storage in your cabin. Keep

There are a lot of rumors and questions about cruise lines watering down their alcoholic beverages. Maybe you’ve experienced it yourself. Your pina colada may taste more like pineapple juice than alcohol and lacks its usual punch. The question is, do cruise lines actually dilute their drinks? Let’s discuss why many cruise passengers think so. I’m

Going on a cruise but don’t want to check in your luggage? Carrying your luggage on board will make your embarkation and disembarkation a breeze. Here are some tips for packing light on your cruise. I’m also giving you my free packing list for packing light that you can use to help you stay organized

Are you planning to go on a cruise but worried about making rookie mistakes that can waste your money? As someone who’s been to over 25 cruises, I’m sharing some valuable cruise tips and tricks to help you save money and make the most out of your cruise. I’m also sharing my cruiser budget tracker as

If you’re planning to take an Alaska cruise, it’s important to choose the right time to go to experience all the amazing sights that Alaska has to offer. From bear watching to whale watching, glacier calving, and the Northern lights, there are many things to see during your cruise. Based on what you want to

Are you guilty of these common cruise mistakes? As an experienced cruiser, you may think you’ve got it all figured out, but even seasoned travelers can make some common mistakes. To ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable cruise, avoid these common mistakes that many cruisers tend to make. Also, I’m sharing my Travel Website

Are you planning to go on a cruise soon? Well, one of the best parts of cruising is the cruise buffet. However, it can quickly turn into a frustrating experience if you encounter rude people at the cruise buffet. Below are the most annoying people you want to avoid when hitting the buffet on a

Are you a fan of cruising? Well, if you are, you might be tired of hearing the same old complaints about cruising from people who have never even been on a cruise. As someone who has been on over 25 cruises, I can tell you that there are certain complaints that I’m just so over

Cruise lines have been launching massive ships lately with extravagant attractions ranging from roller coasters to skydiving and zip lining. What you can experience on a cruise ship these days is truly astounding. With so much to do, you don’t even want to get off the cruise ship. Here are some activities that we never

Going on a cruise is a fun and relaxing vacation, but sometimes things don’t go as planned and you end up on a bad cruise. Here are red flags and warning signs that you booked the wrong cruise. Also, below I’m sharing my travel password tracker as a free printable, I use it to keep

Cruising with family is a whole different ball game than cruising as a couple. It involves bringing together multiple generations with varying interests and food preferences. It can be challenging to cater to everyone’s needs while keeping them engaged and happy. For example, what might please grandma may not necessarily interest your teenager. Below are

Going on a cruise for the first time? There are certain unspoken rules that nobody tells you about. You only get to know about them by experiencing a cruise vacation a few times. If I had known these rules before my first cruise, it would have made my vacation more enjoyable. There are certain things

Looking to go on a cruise without spending too much money? The good news is that cruising on a budget is very doable. I’m sharing my cruise tips to help you get the best cruise deals and save money while cruising. These practical tips are perfect for those of you who want to make the

Did you know there is a really easy way to get free onboard credit on your cruise? It’s a little-known secret but becoming a shareholder can help you get free cruise money. Some cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean, can be quite generous – you could receive up to $1000 per sailing! However, you will have

If you’ve been on cruises before, you’re likely aware that many cruise ports are not very walkable. They may be located far from tourist attractions or in towns with little to offer. However, there are some cruise ports that are fantastic for exploring on foot. In fact, you may not even need to book shore

Are you going on a cruise? But you’re afraid of rough seas. Cruising is not all serene water and open ocean. There are also cruise routes that will sail in waters known to be unpredictably rough. Find out where the roughest seas are so you can avoid cruising there. Also, below I’m sharing my travel password

If you’re a first time cruiser, you might not know how to make the most of your time on board. You’ll probably make a lot of rookie mistakes. To help you out, here are some cruise tips on how to avoid wasting time during your cruise. I’m also sharing my travel websites password tracker as a

If you are planning to go on a cruise, it’s important to remember to pack a cruise carry-on. If you have been on a cruise before, you know how important it is not to check-in things that you will need. The reason for this is because your checked luggage will not be delivered to your

I’ve been fortunate enough to have gone on more than 25 cruises so far. As a seasoned cruiser, I’ve learned quite a few tricks along the way. I’m sharing some of my cruise hacks that will save you money on your next cruise. I’m also sharing my cruise carry-on bag packing list as a free

Whenever I’m traveling, I find it frustrating to pay for things that are overpriced, especially when I know I could get them cheaper elsewhere. Unfortunately, as a tourist, it’s all too common to end up paying exorbitant prices for things on a cruise. To avoid this, I’ve compiled a list of overpriced items that I

I’ve been on over 25 cruises and I normally prefer balcony cabins. But guess what? On my next cruise, I’m switching things up and booking an inside cabin instead, here’s why. I’m also sharing my cruise carry-on packing list as a free printable below. 6 Reasons to Book an Inside Cabin on a Cruise 1.

Are you planning to go on a cruise? Before you book your cruise, read this to learn my tips and tricks on getting free onboard credit (free money). Also, I’m sharing my cruise budget tracker as a free printable below. What is Onboard Credit? If you’re new to cruising, you might not know what onboard credit