Planning

A family vacation away during the holidays is a major bucket-list item for a lot of people, and a cruise could be exactly what you wanted.

The holiday season is traditionally when families get together, but that doesn't mean they have to spend time at home.

Going on a cruise means time together, but it also means less cooking, warmer temperatures, and a vacation that coincides with time off of school and work.

If you're going on a cruise in 2024, whether it's in March or December, there are some things that you can start doing NOW to get into the cruise spirit! 

While there are certain tasks that you have to save until closer to your sail date — like actually packing your suitcase — it's advisable to begin thinking ahead for others. If you wait until the last minute, you might have to rush to renew your passport or be disappointed with the remaining shore excursion options. 

If you're sailing on a cruise to The Bahamas, you are likely stopping at Nassau. Situated on the island of New Providence, Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas and offers cruise ship passengers numerous different activities and tours that cater to different interests.  

Southampton Cruise Port is located in Hampshire, England, and serves more than two million passengers annually. It is the largest passenger port in the UK and is home to five passenger terminals: QEII, Mayflower, Horizon, City Cruise, and Ocean. All terminals are located near the city center.

The Port of Southampton is also the busiest cruise port in the UK and serves as a major hub for Northern Europe. Ferries and cargo ships also depart from here, making it a busy port city for England.

When it comes to preparing for a cruise, we often think about things such as picking an itinerary, choosing shore excursions, deciding on whether or not to purchase various drink or spa packages, and packing! However, another thing to add to the cruise planning checklist might be your nails.

What are some options when it comes to having pretty nails for a cruise vacation? Here are some tips and tricks for having the best nails for your upcoming cruise sailing. 

Stuck between a cruise to The Bahamas and one that sails further south to the Caribbean?

While cruises sail all over the world, from Alaska to Northern Europe, Asia, the Mediterranean, and even the South Pacific, if you are looking for a tropical getaway, you are probably debating between The Bahamas and Caribbean. 

It can be hard to decide, especially since both promise white-sand beaches and fun shore excursions. Plus, you will find cruises to both year-round. 

Are you curious as to how many people will be onboard your cruise ship? 

Maybe you are hoping to score a last-minute upgrade or just want to relax on the lido deck with fewer people around. 

It is pretty common for cruise ships to sail at full capacity, even if you are sailing during the shoulder season. In fact, you should not be surprised if your ship is actually sailing over capacity, as some cabins are able to accommodate more than two guests. 

Balcony cabins are some of the most popular cruise ship accommodations. Who doesn't dream of opening a door and stepping out onto a private verandah where you can peacefully watch the ocean pass you by while you sip on a cup of coffee or catch up on your reading list. 

When booking a cruise, many people dream about waking up and having breakfast on their personal balcony watching the ship glide through the ocean. There are, however, different cabin categories that are available to appeal to cruisers of all budgets and preferences.