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.

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 11-year-old dog, or checking out the area's newest restaurants. 

Teachers have a multitude of responsibilities on their plate at all times. As a teacher myself, sometimes all I can think about is when my next vacation is and what I'm going to do.

From exploring new ports of call to soaking up the Caribbean sun on the pool deck during a day at sea, there's no shortage of activities to enjoy on a cruise. While onboard, however, it's easy to get swept up in the excitement of shopping. 

Plus, if you don't pack appropriately, you may have to pay inflated prices for everyday items that are a fraction of the cost at your local drugstore. There's nothing wrong with visiting the duty-free shops onboard, but it's important to think twice about your purchases. 

Selecting your cruise ship room is almost as important as choosing the right ship. From budget-friendly interior cabins to lavish suites, each option offers a unique experience that can make or break your cruise vacation. 

Two popular stateroom categories are inside and ocean view. While the latter provides views of the ocean and ports of call through a picture window, interior cabins lack natural light. 

Welcome guest writer Sydney Wall! Sydney graduated from UNC-Charlotte with a degree in English and a concentration in creative writing in 2021. She has always been passionate about traveling and never stops looking for adventure. Currently, she is pursuing a Master's in Accounting from UNC-Chapel Hill and continues to write every opportunity she gets.

I had never been on a cruise before my friend and I decided to journey across the Atlantic from Baltimore to Bermuda. The 5-night stay was rocky, but the fun was never-ending. 

Cruising offers a unique experience that differs from a land-based vacation. As such, it's natural to have tons of questions about life at sea, from the dining experience to the onboard accommodations and entertainment options. 

When it comes to planning a cruise, there are no dumb questions. In fact, the more questions you have, the more likely you are to perfect your cruise vacation. Booking a cruise without doing enough research could lead to grave disappointment and a newfound hate for cruising!