To passport or not to passport? Fewer than half of American citizens have them; if you're someone who doesn't, you'll want to consider obtaining one before going on a cruise.

Sure, you can travel on a closed-loop sailing -- one that leaves from and returns to the same U.S. port -- with just your birth certificate and a driver's license, but a passport offers more peace of mind in an emergency.

"Will I get sick on a cruise?" It's a question that many prospective passengers ask, whether they're new to cruising or they've sailed hundreds of times. Fortunately, the answer is "probably not," but, as is the case any time you're in public, there's a risk.

Cruise ships follow stringent cleanliness protocols, but you can further help to prevent both catching and spreading germs by taking the same common-sense precautions you'd employ anywhere else. We've outlined them below, but first, we'll go over some facts and figures to help you feel more confident about your next voyage.

Planning a vacation is stressful enough without having to worry about what you'll need to bring. If you're wondering which things to pack for a cruise, we've compiled a cruise packing checklist that will help to ensure you don't forget any of the essentials, from boarding passes to bathing suits.

Of course, what you pack will depend on several factors, including cruise length, the climate of the destination in which you'll be sailing, whether you're sailing with children in tow and the amount of luggage with which you're willing to travel.

Many first time cruisers wonder how to sneak alcohol onto their cruise ship.  Most major cruise lines prohibit guests from bringing alcohol onboard their ships because they want their passengers to spend money on alcoholic beverages.  These passengers, on the other hand, wish to save money on their cruise vacation.

Over the years, passengers have gotten crafty in their techniques and sneaking alcohol onboard is a controversial topic.  It is flagrantly breaking the cruise line rules, and it can lead to some serious consequences if caught.