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. 

Planning a cruise vacation is a long and thorough process, and it's easy to make mistakes that make you look like a rookie. 

I've been cruising since I was five years old. Two decades later, they remain my preferred way to travel. However, I've made a few silly mistakes that have impacted my cruise experience. 

Fortunately, we’ve compiled a list of tips you need to know about to plan the best cruise. If you are trying to avoid looking like a first-time cruiser, don't make these 5 mistakes. 

Being in my mid-20s and sailing primarily with Royal Caribbean, I was scared to take the plunge and book my first Celebrity cruise. However, the experience was far better than I could have imagined, and it's now my top choice for a cruise vacation. 

Royal Caribbean is known for its mega-ships packed with unbelievable amenities. The fleet of over 25 ships includes everything from ice skating rinks to AquaTheaters hosting high-diving shows to bumper cars and more.

Carnival Cruise Line is one of the leading cruise lines in the world. 

With a fleet of more than 20 ships, Carnival caters to a diverse set of travelers, from families looking to spend quality time together to couples seeking a romantic getaway.  However, before stepping foot on a Carnival cruise, there are a few things to keep in mind, especially if you are used to sailing with other brands.