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A first-timer's guide to planning a cruise – 13 things to know

Going on a cruise has become increasingly popular, with modern ships providing a host of amenities and activities, along with great port destinations throughout the world.

For a first time cruiser, all of the choices and options can seem somewhat overwhelming. Cruise lines provide a wealth of information but it doesn’t hurt to get the help of a travel agent (free of cost), especially for the first time.

Whether it's deciding where to go, what cruise line, or which itinerary to pick, there are a few key items to plan to make the most of your first time cruise vacation.

Top 15 reasons to go on a cruise for your honeymoon

There’s no vacation more special than your honeymoon. It’s the first time you and your new spouse will be jetting off as husband and wife! Love is in the air and your honeymoon provides much-needed relaxation to celebrate a new life chapter. 

If your wedding was anything like mine, planning the nuptials turned into a part-time job. I was excited to plan my honeymoon because I love to travel and plan all-things-vacation. However, some couples have no bandwidth to plan their honeymoon after being exhausted from planning the wedding itself.

Guide to cruise line onboard booking bonus

If you’re a loyal cruiser, you’ve probably planned a future cruise before one cruise even comes to an end. With so many itineraries and destinations to choose from, it’s nice to have another cruise already lined. Having a cruise to look forward to can help you avoid post-cruise depression (it’s a real thing, y’all!). 

Most ships have a dedicated area onboard to booking future cruises. A cruise line's future cruise program aims to offer lucrative deals to get you booked on a future reservation before even disembarking the ship.

The best months to cruise to Bermuda

Although often considered a southern destination, Bermuda is an island located in the North Atlantic, famous for its pink beaches and crystal clear water.  Thanks to the Gulf Stream, it has a subtropical climate, and enjoys beautiful weather, with an average temperature in the 70-80s during cruise season.  

Can you go on a cruise while pregnant?

Can you go on a cruise while pregnant? Let's say you booked a vacation a year away, just to find out along the way that you're expecting a little bundle of joy! What if you want to take a "babymoon" for one last vacation before becoming parents?

While taking a pre-baby trip sounds exciting since you'll be swapping cooking and cleaning for a relaxing Caribbean voyage with great food, relaxing ocean views, and quality entertainment, there are a few things that you should be aware of when it comes to taking a cruise while pregnant. 

15 things to do the week before your cruise

The week leading up to your cruise is filled with anticipation and excitement! It won’t be long before you’re stepping on board your cruise ship and ready to sail the sea. However, it's important to make sure you've planned for your vacation accordingly to ensure your cruise goes off without a hitch.

You're spending precious time and money for your vacation, so preparation will be key for a great cruise!

There’s a lot to do before you’re relaxing on the pool deck with a drink in hand, so here are 15 tasks to complete the week before you depart:

What are the different cruise lines known for

For first-time cruisers, choosing the perfect cruise line can be overwhelming. From modern lines to luxury ships, no cruise line is identical to one another. This can make it difficult to know which cruise line is the right for you and your travel group.

Surprising and unusual items you can’t bring on a cruise ship

People often worry about what to pack for a cruise, but of course, some items aren't allowed onboard, such as firearms and illegal drugs.

How to choose your cruise itinerary

Once you’ve made the decision to go cruising for your next vacation, you will quickly find there are thousands of different itineraries available. It can be overwhelming to know where to start! From the Caribbean to Europe to Asia, every continent can be explored by cruise ship. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to narrow your selection and choose your first cruise.

New post-pandemic cruise packing list of healthy cruise essentials

I recently returned from my first cruise since the pandemic began, and I realized mid-trip that my cruise packing list needed to be updated. With mask mandates in place and anxious thoughts about getting sick, I had added several healthy cruise essentials to my suitcase. Once onboard, I realized there were useful items I had not thought to bring that would have enhanced my Covid-era cruise.

Here’s my new post-pandemic cruise packing list for all the healthy cruise essentials you’ll want to bring onboard.

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