Planning

Cruises are a popular vacation choice due to their convenience and affordability. The base fare includes many amenities, from accommodations to unlimited food, entertainment, transportation between ports of call, and more. Rarely, however, are cruises all-inclusive. 

Add-ons like shore excursions, alcoholic beverages, and Wi-Fi can substantially increase the price of your vacation before stepping foot onboard, so you'll want to understand what is and isn't included before booking your cruise. 

Millions of travelers embark on cruises from Port Miami annually. In 2024, over 8.3 million passengers watched Miami's skyline disappear as they sailed toward the Bahamas or Caribbean. 

As one of the most popular cruise ports in the world, Miami welcomes guests from all over the world. As such, many cruisers rely on pre-cruise hotels to ensure they don't miss their ship's departure due to delayed or canceled flights. 

Cruises remain a popular vacation choice due to their convenience and affordability. For one price, you'll be transported to different ports of call, and while onboard, you can take advantage of complimentary dining, entertainment, activities, childcare, and more. 

Whether you're trying to plan a cruise on a budget or stretch your vacation fund as far as possible, some money-saving tips can help make cruising more affordable. 

After 20 cruises to The Bahamas, Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Mexican Riveria, I decided it was finally time to explore a cooler and more rugged region: Alaska. 

I knew it would be far different than sailing to the tropical Caribbean. I'd be trading in my flip-flops and sundresses for sweatshirts and jeans. In return, however, I'd be in the midst of jaw-dropping landscapes, sailing through dramatic fjords with snow-capped mountains, icebergs, stunning greenery, and more. 

When you book a cruise, you're often able to choose the specific cabin that you'll be staying in. From selecting the right category, deck, and location, there's a lot that needs to be taken into consideration before making any decisions. 

You don't have to convince a cruise enthusiast to book another cruise. In fact, there's a good chance they have multiple countdowns in their calendar! Because of their love of cruising, they've likely tried to persuade hesitant friends and family to take the leap. 

When planning a cruise to Alaska, many opt to sail during the warmer months of June and July. June, for instance, is when the summer rains are minimal, and it's light nearly all day long. It's also when many national park roads open, allowing you to venture to places like Denali. 

Many cruisers wonder when they should buy a drink package to get the best deal. Nobody wants to spend extra money on add-ons they could potentially score for less. 

Embarking on a cruise is a fun adventure that promises unforgettable memories and experiences. From the pristine beaches of the Caribbean and Bahamas to the rugged wilderness of Alaska, there are seemingly endless destinations to choose from, making cruising an easily accessible way to explore the world. 

Before you set sail, however, there are some things that you should be aware of in order to make the most of your cruise vacation. Planning ahead will help ensure that you have a smooth journey with no unexpected surprises.