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Universally, one of the most annoying and stressful parts of planning for a cruise is packing. Sure, we all obsess over what to toss in our suitcases, but how often do we think about things not to pack on a cruise?

If you're new to cruising, be warned: with this type of travel, there are nuances too numerous to count. But that doesn't mean we won't try.

We'll help you prepare for your first sailing with these 10 common questions most cruisers don't have until they're already onboard.

This article was last updated on April 5, 2021.

With everything the cruise industry endured in 2020, you might be surprised to learn that wave season is still a go for 2021.

As cruise lines release their deals, we're here to give you a primer on everything you need to know.

This article was last updated on December 18, 2021.

The cruise industry is slowly inching toward a restart, and as ships race to implement required protocols, both onboard and ashore, prospective passengers are wondering just how different some of the precautions could cause future voyages to be.

One of the biggest questions is whether cruisers will be required to wear masks on cruise ships. With the Omicron variant of Covid-19, cruise lines are adding stricter mask rules for passengers.

The CDC made it clear with its late-April update: Vaccination requirements are the way for cruise lines to fast track a return to sailing from U.S. homeports. But not all 2021 cruises are departing from U.S. shores. With cruise ships set to sail in Europe, the Caribbean, Bermuda, and Alaska this summer, travelers are left wondering which cruise lines will require Covid vaccines for passengers and if the requirements change based on itinerary, homeport, or even sail date.

This article was last updated on February 28, 2021.

There are two types of canceled cruises: those canceled by your cruise line and those you cancel yourself, either of which might happen for a number of reasons.

If you're wondering about your refund in either circumstance -- what your options are and how much you can expect to get back and when -- we've done the research for you for the eight largest oceangoing cruise lines.

Today, many cruise lines have developed their own applications to streamline the check-in process, as well as enhance the onboard experience. Rather than have to carry around a paper copy of the ship's schedule, many cruise lines allow you to access it on the go at the tips of your fingers. 

Depending on which cruise line you're sailing with, you might be able to do even more with the app, like open your stateroom door, make dining reservations, order food to your exact location on the ship, and even browse menus. 

In the wake of a months-long cruise industry hiatus and thousands of canceled voyages, you might be hesitant to book your next sailing. However, we think there's no better time. Here are 10 reasons why.

The process for cruises to resume is slow going, but the outlook is bright for 2021, with cruise lines staffing ships and familiarizing themselves with new requirements that have been established by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.