Planning

Cruise gratuities aren't part of the base fare. You can either add them during the booking process or have them automatically added to your onboard account. However, did you know that there's technically a third option?

Gratuities, or tips, are charged daily, with the total sum of all the passengers' gratuities pooled together and divided among the ship's crew members, including cabin stewards, dining and culinary services staff, the guest services team, and more. 

Have you ever thought about taking an Alaska cruise? Well, if sailing to The Last Frontier is on your bucket list, you won't want to put off booking your reservation much longer. 

The beautiful glaciers, snow-capped mountains, and exciting shore excursions, like dog sledding in Skagway or a helicopter ride above Mendenhall Glacier, offer cruisers a vacation unlike any other — and certainly far from the sun-soaked, drink-in-hand vibe of a Bahamas booze cruise.

Although cruise fares always include your accommodations, meals, select beverages, and onboard entertainment, there are plenty of extras that can quickly turn an otherwise affordable vacation into one that breaks the bank. 

Add-ons like shore excursions, drink packages, spa treatments, private cabanas, and specialty restaurants can add up faster than you think. The good news is that cruises are highly customizable, so you don't need to spend extra on optional upgrades if you don't want to. 

There’s no denying that AI is rapidly advancing and becoming part of everyday life. Over the past two years, it has surged in both popularity and functionality. AI is no longer something that feels futuristic or limited to certain industries. Instead, it’s become an accessible tool that many people use daily, often without even realizing it.

The cruise buffet is one of the most popular restaurants on any ship. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it is the go-to spot for cruisers looking for fast service and variety.

Generally speaking, the buffet offers something for everyone — from health-conscious travelers to picky eaters and indulgent foodies. However, before you start loading up your plate, you must understand the basic etiquette that keeps the buffet from turning into a rowdy free-for-all.

In this article, we'll go over 7 rules that every cruiser should know before entering the buffet.

The cruise line private island boom is transforming The Bahamas into a network of exclusive and carefully curated resort-like destinations. 

In 2025, for example, many cruise lines made headlines announcing new or upgraded destinations in the coming years, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and MSC. As such, it’s no surprise that Bahamian voyages are becoming more and more popular. 

With rising fuel costs, you might be wondering whether to drive or fly to your next cruise. 

Growing up, my family often made the nine-plus-hour drive from North Carolina to Florida for cruises because it was easier than flying due to my mom's chronic health issues. I can't say I loved being trapped in a car with my sister for hours upon hours, but we always seemed to make the most of it. 

Many might scoff at the idea of piling into the car instead of taking a short flight. However, plenty of cruisers opt to drive to the port.

Today, cruise line private islands are all the rage, with companies investing millions into exclusive, resort-style destinations. Although I love visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay or Celebration Key, one of my favorite Caribbean cruise ports is one that often gets overlooked because it isn't a private destination. 

Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos, is an easily accessible beach-front cruise port that's nestled along 18 acres of landscaped grounds, complete with a complimentary beach, massive pool, and more.  

In 2024, more than 1.5 million cruise passengers sailed through the Port of Galveston. Although it isn't the world's busiest cruise port, it continues to see steady growth in passenger traffic and will even welcome a mega Icon Class ship in 2027. 

However, unlike Miami or Fort Lauderdale, the closest airport isn't a few minutes down the road. Consequently, those who are flying to Texas to cruise out of Galveston must plan for a longer transfer.