Royal Caribbean is best known for building some of the most innovative cruise ships at sea. For decades, the cruise line has pushed the boundaries, introducing ships bigger and better than anything seen before. These floating cities are packed with restaurants, entertainment, and high-tech thrills.

Even though Royal Caribbean is known for its mega-ships, the cruise line’s fleet includes a wide range of vessels, from the newest and biggest Icon class to older Vision Class ships that feel like a blast from the past.

While Carnival isn't known for its Michelin-star food, the cruise line offers a surprisingly delicious variety of cuisine, from tacos at BlueIguana Cantina to juicy burgers at Guy's Burger Joint and crispy chicken tenders at Big Chicken. 

One standout dish that consistently earns praise is the warm chocolate melting cake. Served in the Main Dining Room every evening, the decadent dessert features a rich, ooey-gooey chocolate center that's perfectly complemented by a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

As your cruise nears, it's time to pack all of your stylish vacation outfits, so you can relax on the pool deck or even stroll through the casino in style! However, packing for a cruise can be easier said than done!

Outside of outfits, other items are vital in remembering to pack because you may end up needing them onboard—maybe a portable charger, a waterproof case, a lanyard for when you are in the water, or even a digital camera to capture all of your memories.

Within a month, I cruised to Alaska on both Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises. I booked an interior cabin for both sailings, but I liked one cabin more than the other.

Alaska cruises are some of my favorite itineraries in the world. I love waking up to inspiring scenery each day while sailing through the state’s fjords, and the active shore excursions are right up my alley.

March is the unofficial beginning of spring break season. College students and young partygoers flock to the warmer weather in Florida, Mexico, and the Caribbean during this time of the year. Starting in late February and finishing in early April, spring break is a popular time for travel — especially for cruisers. 

Less than one month after revealing that she was leaving Celebrity Cruises, Captain Kate McCue announced that she'll be joining a new cruise line. 

Her departure from Celebrity after making history as the first American woman to captain a mega cruise ship left many wondering what her next move would be. However, she promised she wasn't retiring because she has "too much salt in [her] veins to leave the sea behind."

Instead, the Instagram-famous Captain is joining Four Seasons Yachts. 

I took my first cruise to Greece last year and was mesmerized by the blue waters, white-washed buildings, and local cuisine. However, I made one massive mistake: cruising at the wrong time of the year. 

Because my partner is a teacher, our travel schedule typically revolves around the school calendar. As such, we booked our 7-night Greek Isles cruise for the end of July. Before our cruise ended, we agreed the heat ruined our trip and wouldn't consider another Greece cruise during the warmer summer months.

I've been cruising since I was five years old and have been on many of the major lines including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, Disney, Princess, and Celebrity. However, one relatively new cruise line that often gets overlooked but is worth considering is Margaritaville at Sea. 

One of the biggest reasons I prefer cruising over a land-based vacation is the unmatched convenience. Cruising makes it easy to see multiple countries, cities, and regions with ease. You can see so much in a shorter amount of time without needing to repack your suitcase or figure out logistics. 

In this way, I am always looking for unique itineraries to visit new destinations. For years, the idea of staying on the ship while in port never even crossed my mind. Why wouldn’t I want to make the most of my time exploring new places?