Planning

Though there are year-round sailings to Europe, the peak of the European cruise season falls in the late spring, summer, and early fall.

While on your cruise ship, the only acceptable form of payment for drinks, souvenirs in the shops, specialty restaurants, etc., is your cruise card. At the end of the sailing, your onboard account will be settled using the payment method you provided at check-in. 

Plus, with cruisers having the option to pre-pay their gratuities before sailing or automatically charge them to their onboard account, new sailors often wonder how much cash they should bring. 

With the popularity of solo cruising on the rise, there's no better time than the present to plan your first-ever solo adventure at sea. 

From flexibility to making new connections, traveling by yourself offers an unparalleled opportunity for personal growth and exploration. You can relax on white sand beaches in The Bahamas or learn about ancient European history in cities like Rome without coordinating with others. 

Traveling to and from your vacation destination is rarely the highlight of your trip. Between flight delays, traffic jams, and the overall hassle of travel, it is easy to feel drained before stepping onboard a cruise ship. 

Similarly, after non-stop fun onboard, from long days spent ashore to indulging in delicious three-course meals each evening and staying awake for lively entertainment, returning home can sometimes feel even more exhausting! 

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. 

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. 

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.