Planning

The best first-time cruisers have questions about everything, ranging from the cabins to onboard activities, port of call, and dining. 

Dining is especially important because nobody wants to end up on a ship with food they don't like. Not only that but the cruise ship dining experience differs from land-based restaurants. 

For one, most meals are included in your cruise fare, but some specialty restaurants are an extra charge. Plus, you will have to decide whether you want to eat at the same time each evening or opt for the flexible dining option. 

Which rough seas should you avoid on your next cruise? 

Cruise ships travel all over the world, from the tropical Bahamas to the icy waters of Alaska. As a result, ships navigate through various climates, meaning your packing list will look different depending on your destination. 

There's an unlimited amount of food included in your cruise fare. Most cruise ships have a dining room that dishes up three-course dinners and an all-you-can-eat buffet open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

Between the two, the buffet is the more casual of the two eateries. Even on formal night, you'll find people showing up in basic t-shirts and shorts, rather than in cocktail dresses or sports jackets. However, cruise ship dining, even in the grand dining rooms, is far more casual than it was decades ago. 

Nassau is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, receiving over 5 million cruise passengers per year. In fact, over 60% of people who visit the Bahamas sail into Nassau on a cruise ship! 

It's a popular port on 3- and 4-night Bahamas itineraries, as well as select Caribbean voyages. To make the most of your time in Nassau, you will want to make sure that you research and plan ahead; there's so much to see and do! 

When people think of booking a cruise, they typically have their mind set on the sandy beaches of the Caribbean or the vibrant culture of Mexico. However, have you thought about switching things up and sailing somewhere a little cold?

Alaska might just be the perfect cruise destination for your next vacation. Rather than swimming with dolphins, you can visit cute sled dogs and observe the cracks and crevasses in massive glaciers.

Whether you’re buying a drink at the bar or thanking your cabin steward for excellent service, gratuities are now a standard part of cruising.

When planning a cruise, you have several booking options: directly with the cruise line, through a travel agent, or with a third-party travel website like Expedia.

Most of us are accustomed to booking travel online. While it’s easy to book most of your travel online these days, many cruisers still prefer to make reservations through a travel agent.

How old do you have to be to go on a cruise by yourself?

Growing up, a rite of passage was partaking in Senior Beach Week. After graduating high school, it is customary for graduates to rent a house or condo to celebrate their accomplishments with their friends before going off to college in the fall.

Growing up, my family and I would cruise occasionally, sometimes taking two trips a year, but as my love for cruising has grown, I've started to sail much more often. Last year, my travels reached an all-time high, as I embarked on 11 cruises to places like the Bahamas, Alaska, and Europe. 

I've found that cruising doesn't have to break the bank. In fact, I think it's one of the most affordable ways to travel, especially when you consider how much is included in the price.