Planning

From picking the right cruise line and ship to booking shore excursions and other cruise add-ons, there is a lot that goes into planning your first cruise. 

While taking to friends and family that have sailed before can be helpful, the internet is also full of veteran cruises who are eager to share their best tips that they have learned over the years. 

Whenever first-time cruisers disembark the ship, they often express what they wish they had done differently to make their vacation a little bit smoother. 

St. Maarten, an island split between The Netherlands and France, is a popular cruise port on Eastern Caribbean itineraries. At 37 square miles, it is the smallest island in the world that is divided between two nations. The division dates back to March 23, 1648 with the Treaty of Concordia. 

Do you love 70s or 80s music, or maybe you are a huge Star Trek fan? A themed cruise might just be the ticket for you.

There is an incredible selection of themed cruises that let you enjoy your favorite hobby, sport, passion, or music for the ultimate cruise vacation. 

With famous bands, celebrities, and theme-related activities, it can be a wonderful way to combine a cruise vacation with something you love.  

Where to start? We look at some of the best options offered and everything you need to know to plan a fantastic themed cruise. 

While Bahamas and Caribbean cruises are popular year-round, the Alaska cruise season is short-lived. Sailings typically begin in late April and go through early October. The peak season, however, falls between June and August. 

If you are planning an Alaska cruise, you might be wondering if you need a passport. You must understand whether you need one or not before booking your cruise, as no refunds are provided for failure to provide proper documentation. 

At 32 square miles, St. Thomas is one of the three largest U.S. Virgin Islands and is a popular stop on Eastern Caribbean itineraries.

While the island is known as the shopping capital of the Caribbean, St. Thomas is also known for its pristine beaches, snorkeling, and sport fishing opportunities. More than 1.5 million cruise ship guests visit the island each year to enjoy the duty-free shops, historic attractions, and beautiful beaches. 

A short cruise can be the perfect weekend getaway and has the added bonus of being budget-friendly. 

There are tons of short cruise options sailing from popular ports in Florida, the East and West Coasts, and Texas, meaning there are choices no matter where you live. Even in Europe and Australia, there are some great two and three-day itineraries for a fun weekend away. 

With limited vacation time or simply wanting to pack in more travel during the year, short cruises are a fantastic way to have a mini vacation to relax and refresh. 

San Juan is a popular cruise port on Eastern Caribbean itineraries, and as the island's financial, cultural, and tourism hub, San Juan has a lot to offer cruise guests. It is a great place for beach lovers, foodies, and nature enthusiasts alike! 

Have you ever thought of cruising on your own? Some people can't imagine the idea, but for others, it is a fantastic way to travel. I recently took a 10 day solo cruise and loved it. In fact, it turned out to be one the most relaxing vacations I have ever taken. 

More and more people are enjoying solo journeys for a whole host of reasons. Cruising, in particular, is an excellent option for solo travelers, especially for first-timers. 

With a wide range of itineraries, tons of activities, incredible food, and entertainment, it's the vacation that has it all.  

When people think of a summer cruise vacation, they often default to images of crystal clear waters in the Bahamas, Caribbean, and Mediterranean. 

Yet, many families opt to sail to Alaska for the diverse history and culture, breathtaking scenery, exciting shore excursions, abundant wildlife, and delicious seafood.