Planning

Planning shore excursions is one of the most exciting parts of a cruise. While the ship is certainly a unique destination, the activities are lacking compared to Caribbean, Alaska, and European tours. You can't, for example, swim with stingrays on a cruise ship or take a helicopter to the top of a glacier!

Shore Excursions Group, one of the world’s largest shore excursion providers, revealed that travelers in 2025 are chasing more adventure, culture, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences than ever before. 

PortMiami is the busiest cruise port in the world, surpassing Port Canaveral and Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. As such, the Miami International Airport is the first point of entry for millions of passengers each year. 

Getting from the Miami airport to the cruise port is easy enough, with the airport located less than 10 miles away. However, not all transportation options are created equally. While some cruisers may want the cheapest options, others might want to splurge on private transfers to kickstart their vacation in luxury. 

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. 

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.  

Booking shore excursions at the right time is one of the most important parts of planning a successful cruise vacation. Reserving tours too late can severely limit your options or result in paying more for popular activities. 

From booking directly with the cruise line to planning your own day ashore and finding a reputable third party, there are several ways to secure the perfect excursion experience. While each comes with its own benefits, one key factor remains the same: you don't want to wait until the last minute to research your port of call. 

Let’s face it — cruises aren’t as cheap as they used to be. However, that doesn’t mean finding affordable fares is impossible!

Cruising during the shoulder season, AKA the beginning or end of a region's peak tourist season, is one of the easiest ways to save money on your cruise. 

While it's important to budget for cruise add-ons like alcoholic beverages and shore excursions, one key part of cruise planning is transportation.

Living in North Carolina means I'm not a short drive to Fort Lauderdale or Miami. Instead, I must factor in the cost of airfare. 

Drink packages are divisive among cruisers. Some love their convenience, while others think they're a waste of money and encourage unruly behavior. 

Growing up, drink packages were non-negotiable for my family — I can't tell you how many virgin piña coladas and strawberry daiquiris my sister and I sipped on while sailing through the Caribbean! Because of my childhood experiences, having unlimited access to beverages on vacation quickly became one of my favorite parts about a cruise. 

In 2024, more than 4 million passengers set sail from Port Everglades. While it's not as popular as Miami or Port Canaveral, travelers from all over the world continue to flock to Fort Lauderdale as a gateway to the Bahamas and Caribbean.

Though some cruisers live within driving distance of South Florida, others rely on airfare to reach the bustling port. Thankfully, the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is less than five miles from Port Everglades, making it convenient for travelers.