Planning

Having taken over 30 cruises, there have been times when I've felt ripped off while onboard. Sometimes, it's my fault. For example, forgetting to purchase shore excursions in advance means I'll inevitably pay more for the same product on the ship. 

This happened a few years ago when I waited until the last minute to plan my day ashore at Royal Caribbean's private island. Although cruisers have reported scoring epic deals to Thrill Waterpark, I shelled out $149 for a full-day pass. 

Solo cruises aren't as scary as you might think. They're a great way to explore at your own pace and meet new people, making them surprisingly peaceful and social. 

I've sailed alone to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mediterranean, and — most recently — Alaska. However, my solo trip to The Last Frontier was unexpected, as my partner woke up feeling ill the day before our flight to Seattle. 

The U.S. REAL ID deadline has officially arrived, but what does it mean for your summer cruise plans?

Effective May 7, 2025, travelers with a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or other acceptable form of identification, like a valid passport, will have shorter screening times when flying within the United States. However, the rules for boarding a cruise are unchanged.

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.