Embarking on a cruise is a fun adventure that promises unforgettable memories and experiences. From the pristine beaches of the Caribbean and Bahamas to the rugged wilderness of Alaska, there are seemingly endless destinations to choose from, making cruising an easily accessible way to explore the world. 

Before you set sail, however, there are some things that you should be aware of in order to make the most of your cruise vacation. Planning ahead will help ensure that you have a smooth journey with no unexpected surprises. 

If Carnival’s newest ship could talk, she would likely say, “Welcome aboard!

How does MSC Seaside compare to other cruise ships I have been on? I recently flew to an exotic French island in the Caribbean to take an unforgettable tour of the southern Caribbean on this classic MSC cruise ship. 

After sailing on some of MSC’s newer ships, like MSC Seascape, I was a little apprehensive about cruising on the oldest ship in the Seaside Class, but with its fantastic price and itinerary, I decided to give it a try.  

Although part of the same cruise line, my experience on a Carnival ship launched in 1998 differed significantly from the week I spent onboard the almost brand-new Carnival Celebration, which debuted in 2022. 

After sailing on some of Carnival's oldest and newest vessels at sea, I've gained some unique insights into the varied experiences offered by the ships within their fleet. 

Celebrity Cruises captured widespread attention over their innovative Edge Class of ships, which formally debuted in 2018.

Those preparing for an upcoming cruise shouldn't forget to buy one pre-cruise essential: luggage tag holders. 

Secure holders for your paper luggage tags ensure they don't accidentally get torn off when transported onboard. Plus, it'll streamline your embarkation process, as you won't have to spend time providing your cabin number to a porter for a handwritten tag. 

We share lots of cruise updates and advice here, and this is a weekly roundup of everything you may have missed from this week.

If you are busy but want to keep up with all the helpful cruise advice we share, this is an easy-to-digest look at the recent articles and updates we've shared

While most mainstream cruise lines include a wide range of amenities in their base fare, they're deliberately structured to cover essentials, allowing guests the flexibility to choose additional add-ons at their discretion.

When planning a cruise, many first-timers are curious as to what's included and what costs extra. Some experiences can help enhance the vacation; however, many rely on what's free (or included). 

There is so much to love about cruising, from the delicious food to fabulous entertainment, thrilling attractions, and exciting itineraries. Cruise vacations are meant to be all about relaxing, letting loose, and enjoying the ocean views.