Planning a cruise can feel overwhelming. What's the best cruise line? What's the difference between an interior and an ocean-view stateroom? Should I book early or wait for last-minute deals? 

Today's cruise ships are like floating cities with non-stop entertainment, restaurants, and activities all available under one roof. 

Many first-time cruisers wonder when the best time to fly in for a cruise is. After all, cruising is different from land trips when you book your flight for the same day as your hotel reservation. 

With cruises, it’s smart to fly in at least one day before embarkation. Flights can be delayed or canceled due to inclement weather, mechanical issues, or crew issues, and cruise ships won’t wait for stragglers.

Taking your first cruise is an exciting milestone. Although it's easy to make a few rookie mistakes, nobody's first voyage is ever perfect. 

Believe it or not, it's easier to spot a novice cruiser than you think. Certain behaviors tend to give them away instantly. These small, telltale signs separate first-timers from experienced sailors who know the ins and outs of a cruise vacation. 

Thinking of setting sail but are wondering what exactly is included in the cost of your cruise?

Cruises are typically advertised as “all-inclusive,” but what does that mean while at sea? Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sailor, it is important to understand what is included in your cruise fare.

Lodging, food, transportation, and entertainment are all included. However, there are hidden extra fees that may be unexpected.

Sometimes, I envy first-time cruisers because they experience all the excitement of a cruise from a unique perspective, whereas veteran sailors get accustomed to the quirks of a cruise vacation. 

There are a lot of intricacies when planning a cruise compared to a land vacation. For instance, unlike traditional restaurants, dining on a ship usually means set times for meals. Without knowing the difference, you could select a time you're unhappy with. 

I took my first Carnival cruise and not everything went to plan. Although some things went right during my trip, I definitely made a few mistakes along the way.

As a seasoned cruiser, I felt overconfident while boarding my first sailing with Carnival Cruise Line. I expected my 4-night cruise aboard Carnival Firenze to go off without a hitch, but that’s not exactly what happened.

I've been cruising since I was five years old. While I don't remember every aspect of my weeklong Disney cruise, I remember the excitement of boarding the ship. 

Over the years, my love for cruising has grown into a full-fledged obsession. On any given day, I can be caught browsing at least one cruise line's website, trying to fit another vacation into my busy schedule. 

As a travel writer, I've honed my cruise planning skills, learning the ins and outs of different cruise lines, ships, itineraries, and cabins. 

Welcome guest writer Georgia Burgess! Georgia is an engineer in Dallas, Texas. While she does have a long-standing love of travel, she will be the first to tell you that her favorite place to go is home because that’s where her dog is. In her free time, she can typically be found knitting with her friends, on a walk with her dog, or watching Dallas Stars hockey.

There's nothing quite like a European cruise. However, they differ from tropical getaways to the Caribbean or the Bahamas. 

Although I had previously taken a 7-night Mediterranean voyage with MSC, my fiancée, Sarah, cruised to Europe for the first time last summer. We embarked on a weeklong cruise aboard Celebrity Ascent to Greece, Italy, and Turkey in July. 

During our time onboard, she noted a few mistakes that made our trip less enjoyable, including underestimating the heat and staying up too late.