For years, I avoided Carnival Cruise Line like the plague. 

The popular cruise line has been subject to negative stereotypes, especially compared to competitors like Royal Caribbean. Some even refer to it as the "Walmart of the Seas." 

Carnival is often associated with lower-quality food, rowdier crowds, and dirty ships (remember the infamous "poop cruise" incident of 2012?). 

Taking your first cruise can be as exciting as it is nerve-wracking. Every aspect of the cruise experience is unchartered territory for first-time cruisers. However, it can unlock a new preferred way to travel.

Can you smoke on cruise ships? Absolutely. Smoking is permitted onboard cruise ships. However, you cannot light a cigarette just anywhere. There are restrictions as to where you're allowed to smoke. 

You can't, for example, smoke in your cruise ship cabin. However, many mainstream lines permit smoking in their casinos. If not, there's usually a smoking area on the pool deck on either the port or starboard side of the ship. 

Thankfully, you don't have to survive on nicotine patches while onboard. Here's everything to know about smoking on a cruise ship. 

Welcome guest writer Sarah Cinq-Mars! Sarah's a 5th-grade teacher based in North Carolina. When she isn't teaching or being taught the latest slang by her students, she's catching up on the latest true crime podcast, playing with her 12-year-old dog, or checking out the area's newest restaurants.

I finally decided it was time to sail on my first Disney Cruise. My partner and I booked a 3-night cruise on Disney Magic, where we sailed to their new private destination in the Bahamas.

Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay is a slice of paradise in the Bahamas known for its beautiful beaches and array of activities. Recently, I took my 60-year-old dad to Royal Caribbean’s private island for the first time since its multi-million dollar renovation. 

We were excited to spend a day together at the island, and I was especially looking forward to introducing him to some of my favorite spots, including South Beach's floating bar and the Snack Shack. 

With so many different options to choose for your next vacation, you might be considering whether a cruise is the right option for you. After all, no one wants to spend their hard-earned money on a vacation that isn’t the right fit for their budget or travel style.

Like on land, you can't walk up to a cruise ship bar at 17 and expect to be served a cocktail. There are other age restrictions when it comes to cruises to help keep all passengers safe. 

For example, most cruise lines don't let 18-year-olds sail by themselves. Some cruise lines, such as Carnival, have stricter policies that say if there's anyone under the age of 21 in the cabin, there must be an adult 25 or older staying in the same room. 

Wondering about the casino cruise age limit and other key age-related policies? Keep on reading!

From daydreaming about sipping tropical cocktails by the pool and eating endless ice cream cones to researching once-in-a-lifetime excursions, planning a cruise vacation is exhilarating! However, before you get too excited, you must set a budget and figure out how much you’re willing to spend. 

First-time cruisers have a unique perspective, often noticing certain aspects of the onboard experience that seasoned cruisers have grown accustomed to. Moreover, experiencing everything for the first time is also exciting, opening a new world of possibilities for those keen on cruising.