Advice & Tips

When in the initial stages of the cruise planning process, you may feel overwhelmed with all the options available. You can find itineraries ranging from short weekend getaways to two-week-long transatlantic voyages! Of course, not everyone is in the market for those longer cruises, whether because of budget restraints, schedules, or available time off. 

When you book your cruise vacation, you will notice that you have two options for dinner. You can either select a set time, meaning that you will dine at the same time each evening, or a flexible option that allows you to either make reservations in advance or show up to the main dining room whenever hunger strikes. 

While onboard a cruise, it is easy to get into a relatively set routine, such as heading straight to the buffet on embarkation day or for lunch each day. Likewise, you may love spending the days sitting by the pool without looking into the ship's activities. 

While everyone hopes their cruise vacation will go as planned, unforeseeable circumstances may arise that could threaten you from even getting to the cruise port.

If you live close to the cruise port, like in southern Florida, you will likely have fewer issues getting to the port via car or train. However, if you live far away and need to take an airplane to the port city, you may run into more complications, such as a flight delay or cancellation.

When booking a cruise vacation, you will need to decide which type of stateroom to stay in. Most of the time, this is driven by your cruise budget and travel-style.

If you want to stay in a higher-end stateroom, like a suite, then your budget will obviously need to align with a higher price point. Luxurious staterooms can come with lucrative benefits like concierge service, deluxe drink packages and massive accommodations. This can surely be worth it if you’re looking to have an upscale, more exclusive cruising experience.

If you are used to cruising from North America, you should not expect the same experience when taking a cruise to Europe.

For starters, your itinerary is most likely going to be port intensive, meaning that you will be spending less time onboard the ship and more time exploring culturally rich destinations. 

Up until this cruise, I had only taken Caribbean and Bahamas cruises-- 10 of them to be exact! I was excited to board my first-ever Mediterranean cruise onboard MSC Seashore from Genoa.

The worst part about any vacation is when is it over and realizing that reality is right around the corner. It is hard not to get a little upset when you think about returning to work or school, cooking your own meals, and having to clean your home. 

Unfortunately, your cruise will come to an end, but you will return home with precious memories to share with others. You may even be planning another cruise before your current one ends! Before you can get home, though, you have to disembark the ship one final time. 

Alaska makes for an exciting cruise destination. However, be prepared to trade in your flip-flops and sundresses for winter gloves and jackets. 

During your voyage to The Last Frontier, you will encounter snow-capped mountains, abundant wildlife, beautiful glaciers, and once-in-a-lifetime shore excursions! 

Prior to your cruise vacation, it is important to read about different tips and tricks that will help you have a better experience. Some, however, sound better in theory than when you actually implement them. 

I have taken ten cruises and have four more planned between now and November, so while I am no pro, I have learned some things that help me maximize my time onboard, as well as save time and money!