Planning

A few years ago, I moved from New York City to Charlotte, North Carolina. As a travel writer, I knew I needed access to a major airport, and I thought Charlotte Douglas would be a good fit. Although it has solid regional connections, it doesn't compare to the nonstop flights available from New York City's two international airports. 

The Caribbean is one of the most popular year-round cruising destinations, but that doesn't mean the weather is consistent. Additionally, certain months are more expensive than others. 

Whether you're looking to avoid the risky hurricane season or want the best bang for your buck, it's important to know the pros and cons of cruising to the Caribbean during each time of year.

Some months fall within the region's wet season, while others are more crowded. However, there are times known for milder temperatures and better deals as well. 

Cruises are often considered affordable vacations. However, solo travelers might be shocked to learn that the price to cruise alone is typically more expensive than when traveling with another passenger. 

Cruise lines base their projected revenue on the assumption that at least two guests will be staying in each cabin. As such, they charge solo passengers single supplement fees to offset the perceived loss from the missing second passenger. 

When booking a cruise, you must decide whether you want to prepay gratuities or wait until you are onboard. 

Gratuities, or tips, are service charges that go toward the crew members, including your cabin steward, dining room team, and more — and how you pay them can make a big difference in your cruise experience. 

Having taken over 30 cruises, there have been times when I've felt ripped off while onboard. Sometimes, it's my fault. For example, forgetting to purchase shore excursions in advance means I'll inevitably pay more for the same product on the ship. 

This happened a few years ago when I waited until the last minute to plan my day ashore at Royal Caribbean's private island. Although cruisers have reported scoring epic deals to Thrill Waterpark, I shelled out $149 for a full-day pass. 

Solo cruises aren't as scary as you might think. They're a great way to explore at your own pace and meet new people, making them surprisingly peaceful and social. 

I've sailed alone to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mediterranean, and — most recently — Alaska. However, my solo trip to The Last Frontier was unexpected, as my partner woke up feeling ill the day before our flight to Seattle. 

The U.S. REAL ID deadline has officially arrived, but what does it mean for your summer cruise plans?

Effective May 7, 2025, travelers with a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or other acceptable form of identification, like a valid passport, will have shorter screening times when flying within the United States. However, the rules for boarding a cruise are unchanged.

PortMiami is the busiest cruise port in the world, surpassing Port Canaveral and Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. As such, the Miami International Airport is the first point of entry for millions of passengers each year. 

Getting from the Miami airport to the cruise port is easy enough, with the airport located less than 10 miles away. However, not all transportation options are created equally. While some cruisers may want the cheapest options, others might want to splurge on private transfers to kickstart their vacation in luxury. 

Cruising is a great way to see the world. During a single trip, you can cross multiple destinations off your bucket list without worrying about the hassle of lugging your suitcases through busy airports or train stations. 

While cruise ships will get you to each port of call, guests are typically responsible for planning their days ashore. This gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, but it also means you’ll need to do some research to make the most of your time.