Planning

It seems as though all eyes have been locked on Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's newest ship and the largest at sea. While Icon is definitely worth all the hype it has been receiving, sailing onboard this record-breaking ship is going to cost you a pretty penny. 

When packing for your upcoming cruise, there are some obvious items that you'll want to bring, such as swimsuits, formal wear, and casual clothes for lounging around the ship on sea days. 

If you are unfamiliar with cruising, however, some things might not cross your mind. Moreover, you might try and bring an item that you could normally take to a hotel or vacation rental on land. 

The Bahamas is one of the most popular year-round vacation destinations. From gorgeous turquoise beaches to delicious authentic cuisine, there's so much to experience, even if you're on a short 3-night cruise from Florida. 

There's no better time to start thinking about your spring break plans than right now! After the holidays, spring break is one of the first opportunities for families to vacation together. 

Since demand is higher than in February or May, it's not uncommon to find some pretty expensive spring break cruises. A 7-night cruise onboard Icon of the Seas, for instance, that departs on March 30, 2024, starts at a jaw-dropping $3,244 per person for two people in an interior cabin. 

Looking for the best cruise deal and aren't sure where to start? You've come to the right place! 

While your first instinct might be to try and book through the cruise line, other options exist. From third parties to travel agents, each has its own pros and cons. Who doesn't want to save money and potentially score free onboard credit to spend on the ship?

It's important to understand the terms and conditions, though, as some may have less flexible cancellation policies. 

Here are the best ways to book your next cruise. 

While one of the major appeals of booking a cruise vacation is the convenience, there's a lot of planning that goes into it before stepping foot onboard. 

From validating your passport to making travel arrangements, booking pre-cruise add-ons, and completing the online check-in, you're likely to have your cruise in the back of your mind for weeks leading up to the actual sail date. 

Rather than saving important tasks until the last minute, we've created the best pre-cruise planning checklist to ensure that you don't miss any steps! 

The Caribbean is one of the most popular year-round cruising destinations and for good reason! You're promised breathtaking beaches, delicious cuisine, and fun excursions no matter what region you sail to. 

Thankfully, Caribbean cruises are a wonderful vacation for the majority of the year. If, however, you're seeking ideal travel conditions, some times of the year should be avoided, as you do not want to be disappointed once your vacation has started. 

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, typically at Myrtle Beach in South Carolina, to celebrate their accomplishments with their friends before going off to college in the fall.

Since most high school graduates are just 18, options are pretty limited. There are only so many hotels that will rent a room to those under 21. 

When you book your cruise, you'll often have the option to select the exact cabin you want to stay in. Before you can choose which deck you want to stay on, however, you need to choose the stateroom category. 

Interior staterooms tend to be the cheapest onboard, as they have no windows. Next are ocean view rooms. While you won't have a personal verandah, you will have natural light and be able to look at the passing scenery.