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Advice & Tips

Why you should think twice before carrying your own luggage off your cruise ship

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. 

6 fun things to do in London before your cruise that aren't Big Ben

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.

Frequent cruiser shares go-to tips for saving time and money while traveling

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. 

How to deal with summer heat on a cruise

As a year-round cruiser, I'm no stranger to summer heat. When prepping for a voyage in June, July, or August, I take precautions to ensure I don't overheat while on my long-awaited vacation, regardless of whether it's to the Bahamas, Caribbean, or Mediterranean. 

4 things tourists should know before visiting Europe on a cruise, from a local

I'm from Romania and I've traveled around Europe extensively, and no matter where you're from, there are important things to do.

I've seen plenty of tourists make mistakes while traveling around Europe, including people visiting by cruise ship. It's not uncommon, especially by Americans, but I think these are mistakes that can be avoided.

It's worth it to do research before your European cruise to understand the basics. When I visit a new country in Europe, I'll always try to understand their culture more because it can be different from my own.

I cruised through two of the world’s most dangerous seas—is it as bad as people say?

Sometimes traveling is all about the journey.

After cruising over twenty times, I have sailed through seas around the world, from Australia’s Coral Sea to Spain’s Bay of Biscay. Some seas, like the Mediterranean, tend to be quite calm, especially in the most protected waterways like the Adriatic. Other seas typically encounter rougher conditions. The Gulf of Alaska, for instance, is often choppy due to strong winds and currents.

I spent 7 days cruising through Europe. Here are the items I couldn't have done without

If you’re like me, packing for a cruise can be stressful. This is especially true when I take a cruise abroad, as I am visiting destinations I am not always familiar with.

I learned about this cruise hack and now it’s my favorite trick

The internet is full of tips and tricks for how to improve your cruise vacation. You can find helpful information online from fellow cruisers on just about every aspect of cruising. With so much advice available, it’s hard to know which tidbits are actually useful or which are overhyped.

How to not overeat on your cruise

While the food is often one of the most anticipated aspects of a cruise, you don't have to eat until you feel ill. I'm for all indulging on vacation; however, balancing enjoyment with moderation is important. 

Some of the newest ships at sea have more dining options onboard than before. Icon of the Seas, for example, has 27 different venues to choose from, ranging from the fast-casual El Loco Fresh to the opulent Empire Supper Club.

Viral TikTok shares three worst shore excursions to avoid on a Caribbean cruise

Booking shore excursions on your cruise can provide lasting memories with unforgettable experiences. On any given sailing, guests have many options to choose from when it comes to shore excursions. Caribbean itineraries provide a variety of experiences that guests can book directly with the cruise line.

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