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Ah, packing -- one of the most hated parts of preparing for a cruise. It's necessary and inevitable, but it's also a massive headache.

Below, we've compiled some key bits of wisdom from our combined decades at sea to help make the process less painful, whether you're a minimalist or a chronic overpacker. Check out our tips on how to pack for a cruise.

Cruise lines are working diligently to resume voyages within the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's extensive Conditional Sailing Framework, which lays out the process under which ships will be granted permission to restart sailings to and from U.S. ports.

But, under the framework, cruisers could be opening themselves up to risks -- in terms of privacy and financials -- that stem far beyond contracting a virus.

From fruity to smoky, alcoholic beverages are an integral part of cruising for many passengers.

We understand that drink preferences are highly subjective, but below, we've shared some of our favorites, including a couple of nonalcoholic options we love. Bottoms up!

Even if you're an avid traveler, your first cruise can be daunting. Because ships are self-contained on some days and end up in different locations on others, there are many moving parts that make cruising different from other vacations you might have tried.

We've rounded up 20 things first-time cruisers might not know before they go so you can be ahead of the game on your inaugural voyage.

One of the biggest questions cruisers have is whether or not they're required to book shore excursions in port. The answer is, most often, no, but there are caveats.

Read on to learn about the types of excursions you might consider, when you could be forced to book one and whether or not you should book one if the decision is left up to you.

This article was last updated on May 24, 2021.

In March of 2020, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a no-sail order, which kept the industry at a standstill for nearly a year before it expired and was replaced with a conditional sail order. Since then, cruise lines continue to voluntarily cease operations as the world faces ongoing threats from the SARS-CoV-2 virus.