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How to pick a cruise line

Congrautions on deciding to take a cruise! Regardless of whether your journey takes you to The Bahamas, Europe, Alaska, or beyond, you're sure to enjoy life at sea.

Before getting onboard (literally), you must select which cruise line best suits your needs and preferences. There are over 50 ocean and river cruise lines to choose from, each offering their own unique experiences. No two are like, either.

Cruise ship cabin stewards: who are they and what do they do?

During your cruise, you'll have a dedicated cabin steward, or stateroom attendant, who will maintain your "home away from home" throughout your cruise. Like other crew members, they work to make sure that you have a memorable trip! 

Can you bring food on a cruise and how much?

From unlimited buffets to multi-course meals in the Main Dining Room, there's no shortage of food on a cruise ship. However, when you are finalizing your packing, you might wonder if you can bring your favorite snack onboard, especially if you're a picky eater or have certain dietary restrictions. 

Whatever the reason, while cruise lines have specific rules regarding bringing food onboard, most allow small quantities of non-perishable snacks. Some may even allow alcohol to be brought onboard on embarkation day!

6 best cruise line bars worth trying every time

Tired of visiting the same generic pool and atrium bars on your cruises? Step up your cocktail game by exploring some of the most unique bars at sea. 

From floating bars with panoramic views to futuristic bars with robotic bartenders, each cruise line offers a distinctive drinking experience. While there's nothing wrong with visiting the classic martini bar or your go-to poolside spot, venturing beyond the standard offerings can elevate your cruise. 

I've booked guarantee cruise ship cabins 16 times. It saved me money, but it's not worth it

Cutting corners to save money on a cruise vacation can be worthwhile, especially if you’re trying to stretch your budget. There are many ways to cut costs when planning a cruise, such as booking a cheaper cabin or forgoing a drink package.

Moreover, cruising continues to be one of the most affordable and convenient ways to travel. Although costs have certainly increased over the last few years, there is great value in cruising with meals, entertainment, transportation, and accommodations included in the base cruise fare.

Here's What Happens If There's A Hurricane During Your Cruise

What happens if your cruise crosses paths with a hurricane? Thankfully, the chances of you coming face-to-face with a monster storm are minimal. In the days leading up to a sailing, cruise lines will monitor the weather and make any necessary changes to the itinerary, keeping passengers and crew out of harm's way. 

8 best cruises for foodies on a budget

While luxury cruise lines have menus crafted by Michelin-star chefs, they're not the most affordable vacation option on the market. Sailing on a mainstream line doesn't mean you have to sacrifice a high-quality dining experience, though. From nightly meals in the Main Dining Room to fast-casual bites by the pool, the food is one of the most highly-anticipated aspects of any cruise. 

I visited 16 Caribbean islands on a cruise ship — these are the 3 I'd return to and the 2 I'd skip

I've been cruising to the Caribbean since I was five years old, starting with my first voyage: a 7-night sailing to the Eastern Caribbean onboard the Disney Magic, calling at St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and Disney's Castaway Cay.

Five years later, my family embarked on our second cruise. Once again, we sailed to the Eastern Caribbean; however, we ventured from Disney, sailing on Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas. Since then I've been on 19 other cruises, most of which have been to the Caribbean. 

What Happens When a Cruise Is Overbooked

Just like within the airline industry, it's not uncommon to hear about cruise lines overselling voyages as a buffer for last-minute cancelations. Unlike flights, however, moving passengers to another sailing isn't easy. 

Though being booted off a flight can derail plans, your entire vacation, whether a 3-night getaway to The Bahamas or weeklong sailing around the Mediterranean, will likely be ruined if you're denied boarding at the terminal. 

Can Cruise Ship Captains Marry People?

Destination weddings are becoming more and more popular. According to Travel Bash, they represent 25% of the wedding market, compared to 5% just a few years ago. 

If you're in the beginning stages of wedding planning, first, congratulations! While planning your special day is exciting, considering a destination wedding adds another layer of anticipation. 

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