Cruising is a great way to see the world. During a single trip, you can cross multiple destinations off your bucket list without worrying about the hassle of lugging your suitcases through busy airports or train stations. 

While cruise ships will get you to each port of call, guests are typically responsible for planning their days ashore. This gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, but it also means you’ll need to do some research to make the most of your time. 

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.

Carnival Cruise Line is a great choice for families. Their diverse fleet of ships offers something for everyone, from short Bahamian getaways to nature-focused voyages through The Last Frontier. 

From pools to outdoor movie screens, mini-golf courses, waterslides, and youth clubs, there are tons of activities for children to enjoy. Still, not all ships were designed equally. Plus, new innovations have redefined the offerings on family-friendly cruises. 

Here are 6 of the best Carnival ships for kids, from brand-new mega-ships to affordable classics. 

There are a lot of cruise hacks on the internet; however, not all of them are worth your time or luggage space. For example, even after over 25 cruises, I've never bothered to bring an over-the-door shoe organizer.

Still, there's plenty of worthwhile advice that can make your cruise better. One curious cruiser took to Reddit to ask for "unexpected" advice. 

I've eaten countless cruise ship meals during my two-decade cruising career. Some have exceeded expectations while others left a lot to be desired. 

Rarely do I expect cruise food to be Michelin-caliber; however, some dishes really are that good! 

I've found that certain lines, namely Celebrity and Princess, tend to offer more consistent dining experiences, but that doesn't mean other lines haven't surprised me. 

Here are the 9 best things I've tasted on cruise ships that stood out from the rest. 

Packing for your first cruise can seem intimidating. You don't want to forget any essentials, but you also don't want to overpack since cabins are smaller than standard hotel rooms. Not only that, but there are certain nuances to cruise vacations that first-timers might not know about. 

For example, many cruise lines host fun theme nights aboard their ships. From fun 80s-inspired discos to formal nights and Southern tailgates, you may want to pack a few fun accessories or outfits.  

Would you spend a week in a tiny room with no windows? At first, I thought I'd hate interior cruise cabins. The idea of being in a small space with no natural light sounded claustrophobic and depressing, especially when on a moving hotel with great ocean views. 

However, after over 10 sailings in inside staterooms, I've realized they have some surprising perks. While they certainly aren't for everyone, they're perfect for the right traveler. 

Balconies are popular cabin options for cruisers because you have private, front-row access to the passing scenery and deep blue ocean hues. 

Not all balconies were designed equally, though. One unique option on Carnival ships is the cove balcony. This semi-enclosed stateroom has a balcony built into the ship's superstructure and is located on the lower decks, sometimes as low as Deck 2. 

There is nothing better than reflecting on your memorable cruise experience! We often look back at photos, our key chains, or other small gifts you’ve purchased from the gift shop or on the island where you docked.

But what if you could cherish something you didn’t have to pay for at all? 

Take a look at our list of 10 cruise souvenirs you can find onboard most ships for the extremely low price of absolutely nothing at all.