Skip to main content

Feature

Are Cruise Ship-Sponsored Shore Excursions Really Safer?

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.

10 Weird and Wonderful Cruise Ship Cabin Types

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.

Cruise ship crew quarters: what are the areas onboard a cruise ship like for crew only?

Crew members live on cruise ships while they are working onboard, and they have an entire area of the ship just for them.

How much different are crew areas from guest areas, and what do these facilities look like?

In some cases, crew areas are a lot like guest areas because some crew have guest privileges. But not all crew have these privileges, so cruise lines dedicate certain parts of the ship just for crew.

What happens after you flush the toilet on a cruise ship?

Cruise ships range in size from a capacity of dozens of passengers, all the way up to well over six thousands people.  That is the population of a small city.

All of those people have to live on a cruise ship for a few days, or even a week or longer. They expect nice conditions in well-kept staterooms where they take a shower and use a private toilet. These facilities use water, which may not seem like much individually, but it soon adds up.

So where does all that water go once it goes down the drain or toilet?

How do cruise ships work?

Ever wonder how a cruise ship works?

A new cruise ship costs well over one billion dollars and will only last a cruise line around 20 years, with most being refurbished well before this mark. There are then costs for maintenance, food, fuel and crew members.

If you think the cruise fare covers all of those costs, think again. It is not uncommon for cruise fares to dip as low as $60 or $70 dollars a day, so how can these ships ever be profitable?

Why Do Cruise Ships Have to Call on Foreign Ports?

Canada has dominated cruise-related headlines in recent weeks, due to the yearlong extension of its cruise ship ban, which is now set to expire February 28, 2022.

The move prohibits passenger vessels carrying more than 100 people from entering Canadian waters. It also jeopardizes 2021's North America-based voyages to Alaska and New England.

8 Tips for Getting Married on a Cruise Ship

Can you get married on a cruise? The answer is a resounding "Yes!" Cruise lines make it easy by offering a number of packages at varying price points, but there are still some things you should know.

Check out our tips for how to plan a wedding on a cruise.

Royal Caribbean weddings

10 Ways to Make Your Cruise More Romantic

Although some brands are known specifically for romantic cruises for couples, there are plenty of romantic things to do on a cruise with any line.

Here, we'll help you craft the perfect "I've got butterflies" voyage for you and your partner.

1. Splurge on a suite.

Penthouse suite on Celebrity

How to Plan a Cruise: 10 Things to Consider When Planning the Perfect Sailing

Cruise planning and research are head-spinning if you haven't done them before. From narrowing down a cruise line and ship to choosing a destination and booking shore excursions, it is important to know how to get started.

How to Book a Cruise Online or With a Travel Agent

You've decided on a cruise for your next vacation, and you've narrowed down the destination, sailing date, ship and cabin type. What now? We'll lead you through the best way to book a cruise.

Subscribe to Feature