Advice & Tips

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Whether you're counting down the days until your first-ever voyage or are still debating if cruising is for you, learning from past sailors is a great way to help make the most out of your limited time onboard, though experienced cruisers aren't immune from making mistakes, either! 

It took me quite a few sailings before I learned the importance of booking shore excursions in advance. Last year, I overpaid for admission to Royal Caribbean's Thrill Waterpark, paying $149 for a single-day ticket, while others had scored tickets for $50 during the Black Friday sale. 

Choosing a cruise ship for your next vacation can be overwhelming. There are literally so many choices! Each cruise line has its own distinct experience when it comes to dining, entertainment, onboard ambiance, and itineraries.

If you’re new to cruising, a little bit of research can go a long way to make the best choice for you and your travel party. It’s important to understand how the cruise lines differ to align with your needs. In fact, even within a single cruise line, there can be great variation across the fleet.