Cruising, Your Way
Practical guidance for choosing, planning, and upgrading ocean and river cruises—wherever the journey takes you.
Cruise Embarkation Day: Start Your Vacation the Smart Way
Embarkation day is the first day of your vacation—not simply the process of getting onto the ship. Learn what to keep in your carry-on, which tasks to complete first, and how to start your cruise relaxed, organized, and ready for sail-away.
Flying in the Day Before Your Cruise: Why the Hotel Night Is Worth It
A pre-cruise hotel night is more than an extra expense—it buys valuable recovery time when flights, luggage or traffic do not cooperate. Learn why arriving early can protect your cruise and how the buffer can become an enjoyable part of the vacation.
Cruise Canceled or Delayed: Refund or Future Cruise Credit?
Your cruise is canceled or departure gets pushed back. Should you take the Future Cruise Credit, or can you get your money back? Here's what the federal three-calendar-day rule actually means and what to check before accepting the cruise line's offer.
Mechanical Problems on a Cruise: What Are Your Rights?
A mechanical problem can cause anything from a minor inconvenience to a canceled or prematurely ended cruise. Learn what the Cruise Industry Passenger Bill of Rights says about refunds, transportation, lodging and keeping passengers informed when the machinery doesn't cooperate.
Your Cruise Was Refunded. What About Your Flights, Hotel and Excursions?
The cruise line refunded your sailing, but you also paid for airfare, a hotel, transportation and private excursions. Those bookings may have their own cancellation rules. Here's how to untangle the rest of your vacation one reservation at a time.
Should You Buy a Cruise Drink Package? Do the Math Before You Sail
Is $79 a day a good deal for a cruise drink package? Maybe. The answer depends on what you actually drink, what the package includes, your port days, cabin rules and the price for your sailing. We show you the simple math so you can decide for yourself.
Cruise Wi-Fi Packages: How Much Internet Do You Actually Need?
Do you really need to buy Wi-Fi on your next cruise? Between free cruise-line apps, included internet, device limits, and cellular coverage, you may already have more connectivity than you realize. Learn what the major cruise lines offer, what to watch for, and how to avoid paying for internet you won't actually use.
Cruise Gratuities: What Are You Already Paying, and When Should You Tip More?
Daily gratuities, prepaid tips, beverage service charges, and that extra tip line on your receipt. What have you already paid for, and when should you tip more? We break down the charges, compare popular cruise lines, and share a practical perspective on recognizing exceptional service without paying twice by accident.
Missed the Cruise Ship in Port? What to Do Next
The ship sailed without you—now what? Learn how to find the port agent, contact the cruise line, protect your insurance claim and determine where you may be able to rejoin your cruise.
How to Choose the Right Cruise Cabin
A balcony can be wonderful—but sometimes the interior cabin is the real upgrade. Learn how to compare cabin types, locations, family arrangements and upgrade offers based on how you will actually use the room.
Missed Your Cruise? What to Do If You Can’t Reach the Ship
A canceled flight, highway closure, medical emergency or missing document can put your cruise at risk before it begins. Learn whom to call first, whether you can still reach the original port, when joining the ship later may be possible and what travel insurance may cover.
Cruise Line Private Islands: What’s Included and What Costs Extra
A private-island stop can be an easy, inexpensive beach day—or a maze of waterparks, beach clubs, cabanas and four-figure villas. Learn which destinations are actually private islands, what your cruise fare generally includes and when an upgrade may—or may not—be worth the price.
Your Cruise Changed or Skipped a Port: Are You Owed Anything?
You booked the itinerary partly because of the ports. Then one disappears. Does the cruise line owe you a refund or compensation? Here's why a skipped port isn't the same as a canceled cruise, and what to check when your itinerary changes.
Sick or Injured on a Cruise: What Happens and Who Pays?
What happens if you need medical care hundreds of miles from home? Learn how onboard medical care works, why your regular insurance may not cover everything, when medical evacuation becomes important and why one sick passenger isn't the same as a shipwide outbreak.
Eastern vs. Western Caribbean Cruises: Which One Should You Choose?
Eastern means beaches and Western means adventure, right? Not quite. The regional label is only the starting point. Compare the ports, excursions, sea days and pace of each itinerary to find the Caribbean cruise that actually fits the way you want to travel.
Cruising During Hurricane Season? Have a Plan Before You Book
A hurricane-season cruise can mean a great fare, but it can also mean changed ports, extra sea days or disrupted travel plans. Here’s how to decide whether the bargain is worth it, why insurance matters, and why Semper Gumby may be the best cruise-planning advice of all.
Tender Ports Explained: What You Need to Know Before Going Ashore
Your cruise ship arrives at 8:00 AM, but that doesn't mean you'll be ashore at 8:05! Tender ports add an extra step between your ship and your adventure, and understanding how they work can save you time, frustration, and missed excursions. From boarding groups and independent tours to weather delays and catching that all-important last tender, here's what you need to know before heading ashore.
Our First Viking River Cruise: Was It Worth $6,200?
Seven nights, four countries, and $6,200 for two, including round-trip airfare. Our first Viking river cruise took us through the heart of Europe at Christmastime, with excellent food, memorable excursions, and a few unexpected moments along the way. Was the experience worth the price, and would we book Viking again? Here's our firsthand verdict.