Planning

Regardless of where you want to sail, the sunny Caribbean or majestic Alaska, there are ways to save money on a cruise vacation.  

Sailing during shoulder season, that is, the period near the beginning or end of the peak cruising times, is one of the best ways to save money.

Savvy cruisers who book during this period can benefit from major discounts, often 30- 40%. Money to keep for the next cruise, a once in a lifetime excursion, or other fun onboard activities like specialty dining or a massage.

One of the reasons I love cruising so much is because it’s incredibly affordable! A cruise vacation is so convenient because everything you need is in one spot, including all of your dining options, entertainment, accommodations, and transportation. You can kick back and truly relax when you decide to cruise for your vacation. 

With your cruise fare including so much, you’ll feel like you’re at an all-inclusive resort without blowing your vacation budget. 

Most of us aren’t lucky enough to live within driving distance of a cruise port. Plenty of people onboard a cruise ship have to fly from their home into a port city before boarding their cruise.

Even if you live close to a cruise port, you might want to cruise to other destinations, which often requires airline travel.

Unlike on a Caribbean cruise where most days are spent lounging on a beach or a Mediterranean cruise where most days are spent exploring cities and visiting certain must-see historical attractions, shore excursions on an Alaska cruise are all about outdoor adventures. 

There’s no question that cruising can offer an affordable, convenient, and fun vacation. Unlimited food, tons of entertainment and plenty activities will certainly keep you and your travel group busy each day. You’ll also be waking up to a new port of call most mornings - what more can you ask for?

Everything in life has pros and cons, whether you're debating moving to a new city, starting a job, or even taking a vacation! 

If you're new to cruising, you are probably wondering if they are worth it or not. Would you enjoy everything that a cruise has to offer, or are you better off booking a land-based vacation?

Packing for a cruise can be a bit daunting if you’re unfamiliar with cruising or a first-time cruiser. Deciding what to pack for a cruise will ultimately depend on the length of your cruise, the ports on your itinerary, and the time of year you’re traveling.

In the excitement of an upcoming cruise, packing all that you need, those key must-haves can get lost in the shuffle. And while some things are nice to have, others are essential.  

Ever changing health protocols have added another layer of complexity to travel, making it easy to overlook some of the basics.  The last thing you want to do on a port day is run around looking for a forgotten item or pay 3 times the price for sunscreen. Time and money can be better spent elsewhere, especially on a cruise vacation.

Ladies - this one's for you!

Are you cruising soon and need to start packing? While some might get overwhelmed packing for a cruise, I find that the attire needed is actually very predictable!

What you will be heavily based on your itinerary. From the Caribbean, to Europe, Alaska, and even Asia, each destination requires a slightly different wardrobe. Your planned excursions and day-to-day style will also need to be considered when deciding what to pack.