Advice & Tips

Flying to your cruise’s embarkation port is not an uncommon practice. Unless you live within driving distance of the cruise port, you’ll most likely be heading to the airport at the start of your vacation.

From exploring new ports of call to soaking up the Caribbean sun on the pool deck during a day at sea, there's no shortage of activities to enjoy on a cruise. While onboard, however, it's easy to get swept up in the excitement of shopping. 

Plus, if you don't pack appropriately, you may have to pay inflated prices for everyday items that are a fraction of the cost at your local drugstore. There's nothing wrong with visiting the duty-free shops onboard, but it's important to think twice about your purchases. 

Earlier this month, Hurricane Milton became the second-most intense Atlantic hurricane recorded over the Gulf of Mexico. The massive storm impacted many cruise ships, ranging from revised itineraries to delayed departures and canceled sailings. 

At peak intensity, Milton was the fifth-most intense Atlantic hurricane on record. The hurricane made landfall on Florida's west coast, with preliminary damage estimates placing the total cost of destruction at over $30 billion. 

One of my favorite aspects of preparing for my cruise is having a pre-vacation shopping spree. Before every trip I take, I usually head over to Target for some last-minute essentials. I love finding new outfits, accessories, or products to bring on my cruises.

Do I actually need anything during this shopping spree? That’s up for debate! However, it’s one of the joys that I find when preparing for any upcoming trips.

After months of planning your cruise, it’s finally time to start packing your suitcases before you set sail! Packing can be equally stressful as it is exciting, especially if you are limited on packing space. First-time cruisers might struggle particularly if they aren’t sure what to expect for their cruise vacation.

Embarking on a cruise is an exciting adventure. However, amidst the preparation, new cruisers may forget to research one often-overlooked aspect: tipping. 

Understanding cruise ship gratuities is as important as pre-purchasing your shore excursions and mastering packing. If you don't budget for cruise tips, you'll likely find yourself caught off guard with a higher-than-anticipated final statement, so it's essential to familiarize yourself with your line's gratuity policy.  

Here are 15 common cruise ship tipping mistakes to avoid on your next sailing. 

As your cruise draws to an end, you will have to begin thinking about disembarkation. Though self-disembarkation is appealing, as you won't have to worry about placing your luggage outside your cabin or waiting in long queues the morning of, it comes with its own set of challenges. 

Hauling your bags off the ship means you're responsible for navigating them through the terminal, making the experience less convenient and more physically demanding than having the cruise line transport your luggage for you. 

If you're flying to London for a cruise, there are many things you can see besides the stereotypical and crowded places.

The first time I went to London, I got caught in crowds trying to see Parliament, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace. I took my photos and then came back home tired and with photos of strangers in my shot.

On my next trip to London before I took a cruise, I was determined not to make the same mistake.  I asked friends that moved to England what they think is worth seeing that is special and not as well known.

Cruising doesn't have to cost thousands of dollars or consume your annual PTO. If you're smart, you can find great deals and help stretch your vacation budget as far as possible. Similarly, weekend cruises are a great option for those with limited time off who want a quick getaway.