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Whether you're new to cruise and searching for insider advice or a seasoned traveler who's more keen to offer tips than seek them out, there are some that we think have run their course.

Here, we share 10 common cruise tips that we think are sorely overrated.

1. Short cruises are best for first-timers.

There are lots of different cruise voyages out there that you can try, but depending on your experience level or tolerance for hiccups, there are a few that should stay away from booking.

I love cruises, and there is definitely one for everyone, but there are certain kinds of cruises that are simply a bad fit for good reason.

Whether it is high expectations not meeting reality, or highly specialized sailings that do not mesh well with newer cruisers, I have a breakdown of the top cruises to avoid and why.

Although it will likely be a long time before cruising returns to normal, several sailings have resumed for American passengers; now, more than ever, they are left wondering whether it's necessary to purchase cruise travel insurance.

What is travel insurance?

One of the most frequent questions we receive is "What are the best cruises for kids?"

Family cruises can be a great way for you to get away with your children, but if your goal is for them to enjoy the sailing as much as you, it's important to choose a cruise line and ship with plenty to offer younger passengers.

Here are our recommendations for the best cruise lines for families, featuring everything from child-centric activities and kids clubs to family-friendly cruise cabins.

This article was last updated on May 18, 2021.

In some of the biggest news for the cruise industry since lines voluntarily stopped sailing in early 2020, four major lines have opened sailings to American passengers, beginning in June 2021.

Here, we'll outline which ships are sailing, from where, the types of voyages offered and what will be required of travelers in order to cruise.

If you have seen today's mega cruise ships, you might have wondered why don't cruise ships fall over? How are the mega ships (think Symphony of the Seas, Carnival's Mardi Gras, and the much anticipated Icon of the Seas) able to accommodate the weight of 5,200, 6,680, and 7,600 guests?

With all that height above the water and not much below the water line, what's keeping the ships upright?

You have booked your voyage, and you are super excited. You have started making a packing list, and you have given a ton of thought to what you will do onboard and in port. But have you thought about the in-between?

If you are new to cruising, we will tell you all you need to know about the logistics of boarding your ship and heading ashore. Boarding a cruise ship is not like checking into a hotel! There are a few more steps that you should be aware of before you get to the terminal, so you are not hit with any major surprises. 

Although major cruise lines have not yet officially announced the rules that will be in place for American passengers when sailings resume, several brands -- such as MSC, Costa and AIDA -- which have restarted voyages in Europe, are requiring cruisers there to book ship-sponsored shore excursions in order to disembark in port.

MSC pioneered the idea, which it first implemented on MSC Grandiosa when the ship resumed Mediterranean sailings from Italy in August 2020.

Tired of the same old hum-drum, ho-hum cruise cabins? If you're itching for something outside the norm, we can help.

Here, we've rounded up some of the cruise industry's most quirky, lavish, interesting and just plain fun staterooms. Although it isn't an exhaustive list, it's a great place to start if you're trying to find memorable accommodations.