Planning

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.

When is the best time to go on a cruise? This may be your question considering that spring is approaching and temperatures are rising. But it is important to keep in mind that just because we are getting closer to warmer months does not mean that it is the best time to book your cruise.

There are many factors that determine the best time to go on a cruise. The price, crowds, weather, excursions, and activities are all things to consider when deciding what time of the year to travel.

3-day cruises are a great way to take an affordable getaway. Rather than spend a fortune on a weeklong cruise or cut corners to make it more affordable, these short cruises offer the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure without breaking the bank. 

Have you ever dreaded disembarkation day, wishing you could stay onboard for another cruise? Many cruisers may find solace in booking a future sailing, but for those who aren't ready for the excitement to end, a back-to-back cruise can be the perfect solution. 

Instead of packing for a weekend or weeklong getaway, you can extend your vacation without the hassle of booking multiple flights or worrying about finding a hotel between voyages.

You aren't forced off the ship on port days. Whether you've been to that specific destination before or want a rest day, you're free to stay on board when your ship is in port. 

In fact, staying on the ship is a great way to enjoy the amenities with fewer crowds. Additionally, some ships offer special activities and deals for those who remain onboard. For example, if you want a relaxing afternoon in the spa, you can often save money by booking a treatment on a port day. Alternatively, you may want to enjoy the pool deck with fewer crowds compared to a busy sea day. 

Cruise ship drinks aren't cheap. A single cocktail can cost upwards of $16 on lines like Royal Caribbean and Celebrity! Drink packages aren't always worth the investment, either. So, how can you save money and get free drinks on your cruise? 

You might have to get savvy, but you can definitely find ways to score free drinks on your upcoming cruise. For example, I won a bottle of champagne after winning the "Yes or No" game show on a Princess cruise. 

Here are 15 ways to get free drinks on your cruise. Cheers to a budget-friendly vacation at sea! 

While alcohol is plentiful on cruise ships, some may wonder whether you can bring weed on your cruise or not. 

Though weed is legal in numerous states across the United States, marijuana remains illegal at the federal level, meaning that it's also prohibited on cruise ships since terminals are considered federal facilities. 

The best first-time cruisers have questions about everything, ranging from the cabins to onboard activities, port of call, and dining. 

Dining is especially important because nobody wants to end up on a ship with food they don't like. Not only that but the cruise ship dining experience differs from land-based restaurants. 

For one, most meals are included in your cruise fare, but some specialty restaurants are an extra charge. Plus, you will have to decide whether you want to eat at the same time each evening or opt for the flexible dining option. 

Which rough seas should you avoid on your next cruise? 

Cruise ships travel all over the world, from the tropical Bahamas to the icy waters of Alaska. As a result, ships navigate through various climates, meaning your packing list will look different depending on your destination.