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Sipping a fruity cocktail on the top deck of a cruise ship is a quintessential vacation experience for many. In fact, cruising and drinking often go hand-in-hand.

Because of this, cruise lines offer drink packages for guests to purchase both before and during their cruises. For a fixed amount, cruisers can purchase drink packages to enjoy unlimited (or nearly unlimited) alcoholic beverages throughout their vacation. Everything from piña coladas to mojitos, old fashioned, martinis, and more are typically included.

With the holidays right around the corner, you might be wondering what to get your cruise-obsessed family member or friend. Even if they don't have an upcoming vacation, your gift might inspire them to reach out to their travel agent and start planning their next adventure! 

We asked well-known cruise experts for their recommendations for the perfect gifts for cruise lovers to make shopping easier. From basics like packing cubes to innovative sleeping masks with Bluetooth connectivity, these are the best holiday gifts for travelers. 

Black Friday is traditionally associated with savings on everything from clothing to electronics. The travel industry is no different! If you want to save money on a future cruise vacation, look no further. We've been scouring the internet for the best cruise deals from all the major cruise lines.

Just like retailers, cruise lines offer up Black Friday sales, and many start well before Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. You can expect discounts on cruise fares, extra onboard credit, and free add-ons! 

Bad things can happen at sea, even though cruise vacations are a time to relax and recharge from your everyday life. While we'd like to think everything will go smoothly, it's important to be aware of the hiccups that can disrupt your time onboard. 

Welcome guest writer Sarah Cinq-Mars! Sarah's a 5th-grade teacher based in North Carolina. When she isn't teaching or being taught the latest slang by her students, she's catching up on the latest true crime podcast, playing with her 11-year-old dog, or checking out the area's newest restaurants. 

Teachers have a multitude of responsibilities on their plate at all times. As a teacher myself, sometimes all I can think about is when my next vacation is and what I'm going to do.

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season isn't over yet, but one Meteorologist shares why cruisers can finally take a sigh of relief. Historically, by late October, the season's peak begins to taper off, leading to fewer storms. 

From Hurricane Beryl to Oscar, the storms have wreaked havoc on the cruise industry, with dozens of ships having to alter their itineraries. In some cases, sailings have been canceled because of port closures and delayed returns. 

I'm no stranger to remote work, having worked as an Accounts Payable Clerk from my studio apartment in New York City while pursuing my Master's degree. Now, as a full-time writer, I enjoy the flexibility to work from anywhere that has Wi-Fi. My favorite place, though, is a cruise ship. 

I'm not alone, either. While most guests onboard are there to relax and enjoy their vacation, other remote workers choose to make cruise ships their floating office, and some vessels are even being outfitted with dedicated work-from-home spaces. 

Packing for a cruise doesn't have to be overwhelming. However, you don't want to underpack and realize you left something essential at home halfway through the trip. 

Unlike land-based vacations, it's impossible to run to the nearest drug or department store to pick up forgotten items. While the ship's store may have some basic items, prices are inflated and the selection is limited. 

It’s the last thing you ever want to happen on a cruise vacation: missing the ship’s departure. Quickly your relaxing cruise turns into a nightmare, as you’re stranded in an unfamiliar port, possibly without money, clothes, medication, or your passport.