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With 3- and 4-night sailings during the off-season costing less than $100 per person, per night, they make for a great vacation choice due to their convenience and affordability. 

Traveling with friends, however, can be awkward, especially if you aren't super close to each other. Even if you are, sharing a 200-square-foot cabin (or smaller) can test the strongest bonds. 

Though cruise fares encompass a range of expenses including accommodations, entertainment, onboard activities, dining, and more, they're rarely all-inclusive. What appeared as a cheap fare can easily double or even triple by the time you finish calculating the additional costs, including flights, alcoholic beverages, shore excursions, and more. 

While it's unlikely that you'll ever be given a personal tour of the Captain's living quarters onboard a cruise ship, TikTok user Kookie (@cruisingwithkay) had the opportunity last year while onboard Radiance of the Seas!

Stepping on your cruise ship is an exciting feeling. Though you might be hours from sailing away, your vacation has officially begun! Amidst all the excitement, however, there are a few important things that you'll want to cross off your embarkation day to-do list. 

From catching up on your rest to exploring new ports of call and enjoying all of the ship's amenities, it can be difficult to squeeze in a workout on a cruise.

Just because you're on vacation doesn't mean you have to completely abandon your fitness goals. When it comes to navigating the ship, you can incorporate physical activity into your daily routine. Rather than taking the elevator, opt for the stairs to get your heart pumping and burn a few extra calories. 

For most, cruise ship mattresses are simply a place to rest each evening after a fun day onboard or ashore. Others, however, see it as a multi-purpose piece of furniture, as revealed by a recent social media post. 

The picture, which was originally shared to a Facebook group called Royal Caribbean Cruises, depicts two Royal Caribbean passengers lounging on a mattress that they brought out to their balcony. Notably absent is the standard balcony furniture, which consists of two chairs and a small table.  

Cruising is the perfect vacation choice for travelers of any age. This is one of the many reasons that cruising is becoming so popular, along with affordable cruise fares, exciting destinations, and bigger ships than ever.

Cruise ship bathrooms, like cabins, aren't known for their size. Instead, they're designed to maximize comfort and functionality with what little space they're allotted. To make the most out of your cabin experience, you'll have to be creative and utilize some hacks to fully optimize your stateroom, especially when it comes to the tiny bathroom. 

Though frequent cruisers are aware of the benefits of surge-free power strips and magnetic hooks, you shouldn't bypass hacks to improve your cabin's bathroom. 

When your cabin steward introduces themselves on the embarkation day, they may ask if you want your cabin serviced in the morning or evening. It will be up to you which timeframe aligns with your plans and preferences.