Planning

Images of palm trees, white powdery beaches, crystal clear and warm ocean waters are why so many people choose a Caribbean cruise.

No longer just a winter break, sailings to southern destinations run all year long. You will not have a short window like if you were to plan an Alaska cruise, as they only run during the summer months. 

Family cruising has become a popular getaway. Exciting destinations, tons of activities and entertainment, there is something for everyone at every age.

Cruise lines are offering plenty of promotions and family friendly discounts, making it an economical way to travel, especially with kids.

In this guide, we take a look at the best cruise lines for families, with the big names you would expect and a few that you may be surprised to see.

Here’s a look at the top cruise lines for families.

Nothing is quite like that moment when you step on a cruise ship to start a much anticipated vacation.  

While you grab a cocktail and get some lunch, the crew loads and starts delivering luggage to thousands of passengers. This can take some time, a couple of hours most often.

Given this delay, everything you need for that first part of your day, items like flip-flops, shades and valuables, should be in your carry-on. 

As many people return to cruising after a long pandemic pause, they may be asking themselves if an upgrade to a suite is worth it.

Packing for a 7-day cruise with just a carry-on suitcase and a backpack might seem impossible. In fact, that’s exactly how I felt before I tried it myself. 

I travel frequently, both for work and for leisure. Until recently, I had no issue checking luggage with the airline when I would travel. However, with the current chaos ensuing at the airports and people losing their bags left and right, it seemed that traveling with just a carry-on suitcase might be my best bet to having a positive travel experience. 

Doing laundry on a cruise may not be necessary for some, but it can be helpful for longer cruises or for those guests traveling with younger kids who go through a lot of clothes.

Another factor to consider is that cruisers aren’t allowed to bring irons or steamers onboard due to a potential fire hazard, making pressing services helpful at times.

Cell phone plans and internet on a cruise ship are two very separate things and remain a common topic of confusion amongst new cruisers.

The last thing anyone wants is to arrive home after a fabulous vacation to a sky-high cell phone bill due to roaming fees. You may think that you have to turn your cell phone off completely to avoid this; however, that is not true!

Here is an overview of what you need to know about using your cell phone when on a cruise ship. 

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.