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57 Must-Have Tips, Advice, and Info For First-Time Cruisers

Taking your first cruise? The only thing that can match the excitement of an upcoming vacation is the overwhelmed feeling that comes with trying to navigate and plan for your first trip. We’ve been there. Our first cruise, we had no idea what to expect.

From embarkation on cruise day to dining to shore excursions, everything you do on a cruise is just a little different than any other vacation you’ve ever been on. That’s why we’ve taken the time to round up a boatload of tips — 57 to be exact — that will help you know better about what to expect come cruise day. These are all tips we’ve learned over more than a decade — and dozens — of cruises.

From the basic details of cruising to how to save some cash — and much more — we’ve got everything you need to be confident and enjoy your trip the second you reach the port.

Note:  This article contains links to Amazon that are affiliate links. Should you make a purchase, we receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you.

1. Don’t Worry About Cash on Board; Everything Is Paid Through Your Room Key

When you go through check-in, you’ll receive the key to your room. (Check-in online ahead of time? It may be in a sealed envelope at your cabin door.) This “key” is actually like a credit card that you’ll slide into your cabin door to unlock it. But it does a lot more. It’s also linked to your shipboard account, and you’ll use your room key just like a credit card to charge items to your account.

No matter if you’re buying a drink or a souvenir on one of the ships, you’ll use this card to pay. The only time you’ll use cash is when you are off the ship in port ( here’s how much cash to bring ). This is much more convenient than having to carry around dollars. Just be sure to keep a close hold on your card!

2. Interior Cabins Are Fine For First-Time Cruisers

Wondering if you should get an interior cabin or a balcony room? Don’t sweat it. Balconies are great, but there are some big advantages for interior cabins . As a first-time cruiser, it’s doubtful you’ll be spending much time in your room anyway as you’ll want to be out and about exploring. Having an interior cabin is a cheaper way to get on your first sailing without breaking the bank.

3. Balcony Rooms Are Worth It

As we just said, interior cabins are great for first-time cruisers who are usually out around the ship the entire trip. But if you do decide to spring for a balcony room, it’s well worth it.

This is especially the case if you’re the sort of person who likes to take your time getting ready in the morning while sipping on a cup of coffee or just having your own private space to take in the view. Having the fresh air — and the million-dollar views — from your balcony is worth the extra cost if you want to pay a little more for your trip.

4. What to Expect With Security at Check-In

Who isn’t turned off by the intrusive security at airports these days? From having to empty water bottles, to taking off shoes, to raising your hands and being scanned by a machine, it’s awful. Thankfully, cruise security is much more like flying used to be.

Enter the terminal and then you’ll have to pass through a security checkpoint. You’ll step through a metal detector and your bags will go on an x-ray machine. The security process takes just a few seconds. There aren’t highly intrusive screening measures in place such as pat-downs, you don’t have to remove your belt or shoes, and you don’t have limits on liquids.

5. Book Packages Ahead of Time for a Discount

Any veteran cruise passenger knows the best way to save some cash is to book packages ahead of your cruise. Things like drink packages and wi-fi are discounted through your online account before your cruise. Cruise lines offer this incentive to get you to book early and spend more money. Still, if you’re going to buy the packages anyway, it’s worth it.

The savings can be substantial versus the onboard prices, such as drink packages offered for buy one, get one 50% off. 

6. Passports Are Better Than Birth Certificates

One nice thing about cruises is that many trips allow you to sail with only a birth certificate and photo ID (if the cruise begins and ends in the same port). If you don’t have a passport, you can still leave the country and don’t have to go through the hassle and expense of obtaining one.

Even so, it’s much smarter to sail with a passport. Not only does it come in handy should you need to leave the ship early due to an emergency, but it can also save you time. These days many ports use facial recognition matched with your passport for entering the country. Snap a photo and you’re on your way home. Those with birth certificates sometimes still wait in line to be checked by an officer.

7. Don’t Worry About Changing Money in Port

Headed to the Caribbean? It’s likely you’ll visit several countries — with several different currencies — within just a few days. The good news is you don’t have to think about converting currencies at each port. The ports you visit thrive on tourism and make things easy for tourists. They will all gladly accept U.S. dollars, and often take credit cards. Just bring some smaller bills for your port days and you’ll be all set.

8. Take Advantage of Drink Policies to Bring Things On

When you get on a ship there is no shortage of places to spend money. That’s why we suggest passengers take advantage of any chance they have to save.

Case in point: Carnival and Royal Caribbean — two of the biggest players in cruising — allow you to bring on 12 cans of non-alcoholic drinks . 

Considering that soft drinks are about $3 each on a cruise, that can save you a nice chunk of change. As well, it allows you to bring your favorite non-alcoholic drink with you in case it isn’t served on the ship.

9. Order Multiples in the Main Dining Room

Most people don’t realize it, but the cruise lines will often bend over backwards to make you happy. Case in point: You can order multiple items from the dining room menu.

So say you want an appetizer, but can’t choose between two of them. Don’t choose. Instead, just order them both.

This makes it a great way to try dishes that are out of your comfort zone. If you don’t end up liking it, then there’s no big loss since the dining room food is included. (Some lines may charge a small fee for multiple entrees.)

10. Yes, You Can Bring (Some) Alcohol on Board

Cruise lines know that people want to let loose and have a drink (or ten!) on the cruise. That’s why they charge high prices for their booze. Still, most cruise lines allow you to bring aboard some alcohol when you embark at the start of your trip. It’s very restrictive in that it’s typically only a bottle or two of champagne. Still, we recommend taking advantage as it’s much cheaper than buying drinks once on the ship.

11. Do the Math Before Booking the “All You Can Drink” Packages

If you’ve been tempted by the drink packages, do the math before you buy it. Drink packages seem like good deals, but the rules can make them quite pricey. For instance, many cruise lines force each person in a cabin to buy the package if any passenger buys it. As well, you have to buy the package for the entire cruise.

That means even on days when you are in port (and not on the ship for most of the day), you’re still paying for the package. Finally, with high daily prices, you usually have to drink 7-10 drinks each and every day you are on the cruise to come out ahead.

For many passengers, they are actually better off buying drinks individually . (Use our Drink Package Calculator to see if you’re better off with a package.)

12. Take Your Time, Reduce the Lines

Want to board first? Want to be first off the ship? Great, hope you like standing in line. Today’s ships carry more than 5,000 passengers at a time. That means there are usually lines for everything, especially right when they open like when it’s time to board the ship. We’d suggest simply taking your time and don’t worry about being anywhere right when it opens. It will mean you spend less of your vacation waiting around and more time enjoying your trip.

13. Parking at the Port Is Convenient, But There Are Cheaper Options

If you’re driving to the cruise port, then you should know that it doesn’t get any more convenient than with the official port parking lots. They are typically right at the cruise terminal, so you unload and head right to check-in. Of course, they charge for that convenience.

If you search for parking lots near the port , you can usually find independent lots that are nearly as convenient, but at a sharp discount to parking at the port. These lots almost always offer a free shuttle to drop you off right at the ship as well.

14. Many Hotels Offer Free Cruise Parking

Plan to stay in town the night before your cruise? If you’re driving in, look for a hotel that offers a cruise parking special . As an incentive to attract guests, many hotels (especially in smaller port cities like Galveston) offer free parking if you stay a night with them. It’s an easy way to save a bundle, but only if you planned to stay the night anyway. It’s typically not worth it to stay just to get free parking.

15. There’s No Bill to Sign (or Tip to Leave) in the Dining Room

Tipping is a fact of life on a cruise. And cruise lines have included gratuities with your cruise fare or charged daily to your account, so they are taken care of automatically. That means when you eat in the free restaurants on the ship like the buffet and the main dining room, there’s no bill to pay or tip to leave.

It can feel a little wrong the first time, but when you are done with dinner, you simply get up and walk out.

Now, this doesn’t go for specialty restaurants that are a fee. If you eat there you’re expected to sign the bill to confirm the charge, and the gratuity is tacked onto the price.

16. Turn Your Phone On Airplane Mode Once on the Ship

There are horror stories of people coming back from their cruise with unexpected cell phone charges. The reason is either they use their phone willingly without realizing they are connected to a “roaming” tower or their phone used data without their knowledge for things like updating apps or downloading messages. No matter the reason, you don’t want to accidentally get dinged with a sky-high phone bill. Put your phone on airplane mode before your cruise leaves the shore.

You should also turn on the wi-fi, which will allow you to connect for free to the cruise line’s app. You can also pay to connect to the ship’s wi-fi and use your phone as normal.

17. Yes, You Can Hear Through the Walls (So Keep it Down)

If you’re worried about sounds traveling through the walls, you should be. To be clear, the walls are not paper thin, so you won’t hear the cabin next to you watching a TV at a normal volume. But if you are the type that makes a lot of noise (ahem… enjoying your vacation with your partner, perhaps?), then you should try to keep it down. You’ll also be able to hear people in the halls through the door.

18. The Main Dining Room Serves Breakfast and Lunch

Most passengers will eat their dinner in the main dining room, but they actually serve breakfast and lunch there too. The buffet is quick and easy for these meals, but the quality and freshness is usually lower than what you’ll get in the dining rooms. Head over if you want something a little better.

19. It’s a Ship… Not a Boat

It’s not a big deal, but just so you don’t sound like a rookie cruiser, it’s good to understand the terminology. It is a cruise ship that you are sailing on. Calling it a boat during the trip may get you funny looks. 

There’s no real cut-off on what is a considered a boat, versus a ship — other than ships are known as large ocean-going vessels. There’s no doubt that the size and scale of any cruise ship you sail will definitely put them firmly in the “ship” category.

20. Ports of Call Aren’t Always Disneyland

With everything seemingly so perfect on the ship, it can be easy to think that ports of call are perfect as well. To be fair, ports you visit will be pretty safe, especially in the tourist areas. Venture outside of these spots, however, and it’s just like any other place. There are good parts of town and places where you don’t want to venture.

Odds are you won’t find these spots without looking for them, but be aware of your surroundings at all times and don’t do anything like flash lots of cash or wear tons of fancy jewelry. It’s also a good idea not to drink too much in port to keep your wits about you.

21. Cruise Insurance? Always a Good Idea to Have

The fact is that most people will never use the travel insurance that they buy. Still, if something goes wrong at sea, it’s a great thing to have. Travel insurance can help cover costs of getting sick or injured in a foreign country, as well as compensate you for travel delays, lost baggage and more. If you’re on the fence about buying insurance, we’d suggest doing so. You can read more about travel insurance and what it covers here .

22. Be Ready for Itinerary Changes

Have your heart set on Cozumel? Can’t wait for that private island? Just know that cruise itineraries can change for any number of reasons. Whether it be an issue with the ship, weather, or even riots in port (yes, this has happened). Often the cruise lines will try to sub one port for another, but it isn’t unheard of for them just to scrap a stop in port altogether. Keep in mind that this is a fairly rare occurrence, but it does happen.

23. Don’t Use Cruise Line Transfers to the Port; They’re a Lousy Deal

If you’re flying in for your cruise, then you’re going to need a ride to the cruise port. Cruise lines are happy to offer this service, for a price. All the cruise lines will offer a shuttle that runs from the airport to the cruise port, but the catch is they are expensive.

For example, Carnival offers a ride from Miami International to the port for about $23 per person, one way. The trip is only about 15 minutes and an Uber costs about $25 for the trip. In other words, a roundtrip on the cruise shuttle would cost $184 for a family of four, but only around $50 with Uber or Lyft.

24. Don’t Waste Time Searching For a Deal; Fares Are the Same on Every Website

If you think you’re going to find some hidden deal, stop stressing. Every cruise website offers the same fares these days . Here’s the results of a recent search we did for an upcoming cruise, pricing it out across several sites:

Our advice? Book directly with the cruise line to cut out the middleman in case there is an issue with your reservation. If you don’t know what cruise line you want to sail, then an aggregator like Expedia can search multiple lines at once.

25. Yes, There’s a Hair Dryer in Your Cabin

Save the space and leave the hair dryer at home. Each cabin comes with a hair dryer for your use. They usually aren’t fancy, but get the job done. Even better, let the breeze on the top deck dry your hair for you (that’s a joke… sea hair is a real thing!)

You’ll normally find it in the built-in console in the main part of the cabin, not in the bathroom.

26. Outlet Adapters Are a Must-Have

From portable fans to laptop and tablet chargers to nightlights to curling irons, the need for outlets in a cruise cabin is always increasing. That’s why we suggest bringing aboard an outlet adapter like this one to plug in and give you more free plugs.

One thing to know — adapters with surge protectors are forbidden. A simple multi-plug adapter is all you really need, and it’s worth its weight in gold.

27. Cabins Get Very Dark; Bring a Night Light

There’s nothing worse than being in an unfamiliar, dark cabin and having to get up in the middle of the night to use the restroom. Save yourself from walking into furniture and stubbing your toe by packing a simple plug-in nightlight . It’s especially helpful if you’re in an interior cabin where there are no windows to provide outside illumination.

28. Every Cabin Comes With a Safe; Use it

When you leave your cabin, be sure to put any valuables in the cabin safe. No, it’s not perfect, but it acts as a good deterrent from crimes of convenience and provides you with a little peace of mind. The safes aren’t that big, but will hold cash, jewelry, phones and passports with plenty of room to spare.

29. Your Balcony Isn’t as Private as You Think

The cruise line might sell it as a private balcony, but there isn’t a whole lot of privacy. Your balcony on your cabin will have walls that shield you from the adjoining cabins, but the walls often don’t go from the floor to ceiling. They can easily be looked under or above, and someone could look around the side of them if they really wanted to. Keep this in mind if you’re out on the balcony when the mood for romance strikes .

30. Drink in Port to Save Cash Versus on the Ship

We all know drinking is part of cruise culture, but the cost can soar quickly. Beers cost about $8 on the ship. Cocktails usually run $12-$14.That’s why it’s a good idea to head to port if you want to get your money’s worth.

Most of the party bars near the cruise terminals in the Caribbean will have drink specials designed to get you in the door. It’s often much cheaper than drinking at a ship’s bar.

31. Taking the Stairs Is Faster If Traveling Only a Few Decks

With upwards of 20 decks on some cruise ships, going up and down via stairs is time-consuming… and tiring. But with so many people using the elevators, it’s common to have to wait awhile before you get one. That’s why if you are only going up or down three decks or fewer, it’s usually faster to take the stairs. Plus, it will help you work off some of those buffet calories.

32. Don’t Stress: Formal Night Isn’t a Big Deal

No, you don’t have to buy a tux or an evening gown for your cruise. You won’t be out of place if you do, but formal night actually isn’t that big of a deal. On these nights, plenty of people dress up, while others just put on a pair of nice pants and a button-down shirt. Our advice? Just keep it a step above poolside casual  (so no shorts or t-shirts) and you’ll be just fine.

33. Don’t Tip Twice! Gratuity Is Usually Automatic

Grab a drink from the bar? Your bill will typically include a gratuity automatically (normally 18%). Keep this in mind and double-check the itemized receipt before you sign as there is often another line for write-in tips. Unless the service was simply above and beyond, there is no reason to give a second tip on your drink.

34. You’ll Get Sunburned Much More Quickly in the Tropics

Everyone tells you to be sure to wear plenty of sunscreen on your cruise, but they don’t tell you why. At lower latitudes the sun’s rays are more direct. The result is that you can get burned being exposed to the sun for as little as 10 minutes if you aren’t used to it. So yes, wear the sunscreen, as well as a broad-brimmed hat to keep the UV rays off you as much as possible. The last thing you want is to look like a lobster on the second day of a week-long cruise.

35. Cruise on Older Ships to Save Money

News stories always hype up the biggest, newest cruise ships, and the cruise lines charge a pretty penny for sailings on these ships. If you’re looking to save money, look for trips that sail on older vessels.

These ships are still in great shape (and are often refurbished), but offer fares that are hundreds of dollars less than a similar sailing on a new member of the fleet.

36. Pack as Much as You Want, But Be Smart

Most of us are used to air travel, where you are charged sky-high fees for checking in baggage. Cruise ships are completely different.

There are no fees for luggage and no hard rules for how much you can bring. It’s a nice change of pace from flying, but don’t go crazy. Remember that even though you can bring more on board, you still have to lug all that luggage around. Lighter is better. If you’re bringing more than one large bag for a week-long cruise, then you’re packing too much.

37. Don’t Cruise If You Have a Warrant For Your Arrest

Traffic ticket that you never cleared up? Some other run-in with the law? If you have a warrant, don’t think about taking your first cruise. It’s a well-known tactic by law enforcement to check the passenger manifest against those with outstanding warrants. They often let the passengers sail on the cruise, and bust them when they come back . Get it cleared up before and you won’t have anything to worry about.

38. Worried About Seasickness? Here’s What to Know

If you fear being seasick, the good news is that most times you don’t even feel the ocean. That’s not to say you won’t feel occasional bumps or rocking, but if you’re expecting to move with the ocean, it doesn’t happen much. In fact, ships are so stable they often have pool tables onboard.

But if you are worried about it, then just pack some motion sickness medication or patches. You can also look for a cabin that is as low and close to the middle of the ship as possible.

The action of the waves causes the ship to pitch up and down the most at the end of the ship, with the middle acting as the fulcrum on a see-saw. There’s no guarantee you won’t feel the motion, but it should be better than getting a room toward the front or back of the ship.

39. Avoid Lines By Visiting Guest Services Late at Night or Early in the Morning

Chances are decent you’ll need to visit Guest Services as least once during your trip. If you do have to go to ask something about a reservation or your account, try to time your visit to off-hours (the desk is open 24 hours a day). Times like just before dinner can see long lines, when you’d rather be out enjoying yourself. Early in the morning (before 8 a.m.) and late at night (after 9 p.m.) are the best times to see the shortest lines. You also see shorter lines in the middle of the cruise.

40. Wait For People to Exit the Elevators Before Trying to Get In

Elevators are the heartbeat of the ship. With 5,000 cruise passengers trying to go up and down on more than a dozen decks, elevators are constantly busy, no matter the time of day. That’s why you should always wait to enter only after people have gotten out. It’s polite, but it also makes getting on and off much easier. Just stand far enough back to give people plenty of space to exit and then enter only after your sure everyone is off. 

41. Pack a Small Fan For Your Cabin

While every cabin has air conditioning, they don’t have fans of any kind. That’s not an issue if you have a balcony and open your door, but any interior room is going to get a little stuffy — especially if you’re the sort of person that’s used to airflow. Luckily, you can bring aboard a portable fan like this one . As a bonus, a fan makes a great white-noise machine to help drown out any sounds from neighboring cabins.

42. Wear Sandals With Thick Tread Around the Ship

If you have a pair of cheap flip-flops that you like wearing around the pool, then it’s time to upgrade. Those sandals usually have slick bottoms that get worn down easy. When you hit a puddle, it’s easy to lose your grip and slip. On a ship, there are way too many places where you can slip and fall — especially around the pool. Upgrade to a pair that has a nice rubberized sole with plenty of tread.

43. What to Take Into Port With You

When you’re headed into port, the only two things you have to take with you are your ship keycard (it’s used to check you on/off the ship) and a photo ID if you’re 16 or older. Some people bring passports, but they aren’t required. 

Apart from that, you just want to bring whatever you might want or need for the day. If headed to the beach, we suggest a towel (beach towels are provided on the ship and can be taken into port), some cash, sunscreen, a hat, and walking shoes. 

44. Your Casino Payouts Can Be Worse Than on Land

If you want to gamble, a cruise ship offers plenty of opportunity. Nearly every cruise ship offers a casino . Just don’t expect great payouts. For example, on most ships blackjack pays 6-to-5 instead of the usual 3-to-2. Craps games heavily limit the amount of odds bets you can make. Video poker offers lower paybacks than the optimum pay table.

Head to the casino, enjoy yourself, but don’t think you’re getting a great deal.

45. Always Pack Some Cool-Weather Gear

Even if you are headed to the sunny Caribbean, it’s still a good idea to bring some warm clothes. When the ship is sailing and the sun has gone down, the combination of cooler temps and a strong breeze make it downright chilly on the deck. In addition, many spots around the ship are well air-conditioned, meaning you can be cool indoors as well.

46. Sail During the Summer/Spring Break for Younger Crowds

If you want to hang out with a younger crowd, then the time of year you sail is the biggest factor as to who you will sail with. Ships see younger crowds when school is out — Spring Break, Christmas, and Summer Break.

And if you’re looking to avoid younger folks and have a quieter cruise, then try to sail when school is in session and people are heading back to work. Months of January and February, as well as September and October will see older crowds compared to summer.

47. Save Hundreds By Sailing Off-Season

The rule of thumb is that cruises are most expensive when school is out. That’s because more people are able to take trips, driving up demand. So if you’re flexible with your dates, you can sail during off-season months like January or October and save some considerable money . The same trip sailing in late January can be 50% the cost of the same sailing that departs at the peak of summer.

48. Shorter Cruises = More Party-Like Atmosphere

If you want to have a calmer, quieter cruise, then look for trips that are seven days or more. Shorter cruises, which are less-expensive overall, tend to attract younger and more energetic crowds. That’s not to say it’s going to be like Mardi Gras, but shorter cruises — especially those traveling during the summer months — will definitely be a bit rowdier than what you’ll see from a week-long trip.

49. Invest in a Good Dry-Bag For Shore Days 

If you’re sailing to the Caribbean, the first image that comes to mind is white, sandy beaches and clear water. But what do you do with your cash, wallet, phone, and anything else you don’t want to get wet?

You can either leave it on shore as you swim or risk it getting soaked in the water. That’s why a dry-bag like this one is a great investment. It’s cheap, compact, and keeps all your stuff safe and sound.

50. Go Ahead, Splurge on Shore Excursions (Worth It)

Your first thought when you see the prices of shore excursions is that they are expensive. It’s not unusual for a shore excursion that is just 3-4 hours run more than $100 per person. But we think this is one spot to splurge on your trip.

Excursions give you a chance to do things you won’t have the opportunity to do anywhere else in the world — from exploring ancient ruins to taking a submarine under the Caribbean . After your trip you won’t remember the money you spent, but you won’t forget the experience you had.

51. Be Prepared for Hundreds in Port Fees and Gratuities

Cruise lines advertise ridiculously low fares. Well, just know that they are just the start of what you’ll pay. In addition, you’ll have to pay taxes and port fees, which can run into the hundreds depending on your specific trip. Add to that gratuities, which run about $18 per person, per day. Combined, these fees can add considerably to the cost of your cruise. Be prepared.

Note: Following a new law in California, cruise lines now advertise port fee and taxes in the price of the cruise, making pricing much more transparent from the start.

52. Keeping in Touch is Expensive (Internet Access)

Want to check email, surf the web, or call/text back home? Prepare to pay. Out at sea, the only communication is via satellite. Every cruise ship will have packages that allow you to call or get web access , but they charge a high price (often around $15-25 per day). There are several work-arounds (such as international plans that will give you cell phone service in port cities or using free wi-fi in ports), but for many people, it might be best just to turn off your device and enjoy being disconnected for a few days.

If you do book wi-fi, we’d suggest getting the top-tier package. Lower plans tend to have frustratingly slow connections.

53. Don’t Even Think About Being Late For the Ship

Check out the video below. As a first-time cruiser, don’t let this happen to you. The departure times for port days aren’t suggestions. You should be back on board by that time and not a moment later. The last thing you want to do is be a “pier runner” or worse, miss the ship altogether.

54. No Habla Espanol? No Problemo.

Many of the ports in the Caribbean and Mexico are Spanish-speaking countries, whereas others may speak Dutch or French. Don’t worry. You don’t have to be multi-lingual to get by. The cruise ports thrive on tourism and they make it as easy as possible for foreign tourists to get around. Practically everyone you encounter will speak English, so you can leave the Spanish dictionary at home.

55. Be Prepared to Have Your Picture Taken

Not the sort of person that likes having your picture taken by strangers? Get ready, because it will start before you even step foot on the ship. It’s big business on a cruise for roving photographers to take pictures of guests having fun. The pictures are then sold in the photo store on the ship. As a first-timer, it can be unnerving when you’re trying to relax (which others love it).

To be fair, the photographers are great and it’s a nice way to get a professional photo done to remember your trip. If you don’t want a picture taken, you can just politely decline. And there’s no charge unless you decide to buy the picture.

56. Don’t Expect to Drink the Alcohol Bought in Port

If you think that bottle of tequila you just bought in Cozumel will make for a fun evening, think again. Just like on embarkation day, you can’t bring on bottles of booze from ports. Anything bought in port will be held on the ship and delivered back to your stateroom the night before you leave.

57. Be Careful, Cruises Are Addicting

You sure you want to take that first cruise? One thing they don’t tell you in all the brochures is how addicting it can be. A week of being catered to, eating great food, and visiting multiple exotic ports is hard to forget when you head back to work after your trip. In fact, many people book their next cruise while on the ship. But let’s be honest… there are worse habits to have than a cruising habit!

Related Articles:

• The Must-Read First-Time Cruise Guide for New Passengers
• 22 Basic Things Every First-Time Cruiser Should Know
• The 8 Things First-Timers Forget to Pack for a Cruise

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My first cruise next week will tender at Phuket with overnight stay. I’m wondering whether tender boat is usually available round-the-clock and will I be able to get back to the ship at midnight on Day 1? Or should I consider booking a hotel onshore? Thank you.

Not sure on that. Only stayed overnight in a port once and there was an “all-aboard” at midnight so they didn’t want you staying out past that time. It will be a cruise line policy, however, so yours may be different.

Where or who do I find out about Port Fees and taxes how much I should budget.

This will all be disclosed prior to buying. You can price the specific cruise online, but normally just factoring in $100-$200 per person is a quick way to figure it.

Ok I’m confused about the alcohol. Because most I have seen allow two bottles of wine per cabin (Either per port or per cruise). But this says you won’t get it until after the cruise?

No, you can bring on bottles of wine/champagne. Anything bought in port will be held until the last day of the cruise and then delivered to your room the last night.

Thank you for explaining that your room key acts more like a credit card on a cruise. My wife and I are planning on taking a cruise at the end of the year as a way to celebrate the coming of the new year. This will be our first time, so these tips you shared will help us make sure we have a great experience during the cruise.

I’m planning my trip first cruise. When choosing a balcony cabin on a large cruise, is it better on the upper decks, middle or lower? There seem to be price differences for different decks. Rom is there no difference? Thank you for infor.

To us it doesn’t really matter. It’s more about where you want to be in proximity to other parts of the ship. For example, most of the indoor amenities (casino, shopping, etc) are in the middle of the ship. Outdoor amenities are on the higher decks. So it’s really about if you mind taking the stairs or elevators to get back and forth.

My favorite part of this article is when you said that booking the balcony room is the best choice. As you mentioned, it is perfect for those who take their time in the morning while drinking a cup of coffee with a view. This is perfect for my husband and me because my husband is way too slow in the morning since he is a night owl. Actually, ever since we were dating, he would never choose to go out in the morning. Thanks!

Wow, it’s interesting that you said that there are no luggage fees in cruises, and we can bring as much as items as we want to. My family and I are going to look for a cruise trip for summer because it has been of our dreams ever since my husband and I got married. Our kids were also very excited when we told our plans with them. We will keep these tips in mind. Thanks a lot!

is there smoking cigarettes on a carnival cruise

Yes there is, but only in designated areas. It’s not allowed in your cabin or on your balcony.

Just returned from our first cruise and I am so glad I read your ‘tips and advice’! They really helped! And yes, they are ‘addicting’! Already booked for this summer out of NYC on a 4 night with new Carnival ship to Bermuda!!! YAY!!

Love to hear you had a great time!

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18 Best Cruise Lines for First-Time Cruisers

If you are a first-time cruiser, then check out this list of cruise lines for first-timers.

Book A Cruise Now

Cruising is considered to be one of the eccentric ways to travel in the industry. Cruise travel is associated with high-ceiling, lavish interiors, on-deck pools, open-air cinema, water rides, and other extravaganzas. Sailing is more of a lifestyle than a travel experience. First-timers ought to get befuddled, given the extensive options of cruise lines and destinations in the industry. The all-inclusive reputation of cruises is all the more reason to set out for a majestic destination on the high seas. Avid First time Cruisers who want to try out waterways as a mode of transport are guaranteed to be impressed by the unmatched oomph on the ship along the way.

List of 18 Recommended Cruise Lines for first-time cruisers

• Disney Cruise Line
• Royal Caribbean International
• Silversea Cruises
• Oceania Cruises
• Carnival Cruise Line
• Holland America Line
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Princess Cruises
• Cunard Line
• Viking River Cruises
• Celebrity Cruises
• MSC Cruises
• Virgin Voyages
• Azamara Cruises
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises
• Celestyal Cruises
• Seabourn Cruises
• Viking Ocean Cruises

1. Disney Cruise Line for Kids and Families

Imagine cruising on a mini version of Disneyland! Disney cruise line has a patent for family cruises in the industry. The family-oriented cruise creates a bubble of joy with Disney-themed designs and amenities to keep the cruisers amused. Snuggle up with your favorite Disney characters on the vessel, like Goofy, Pooh, Cinderella, and many more. Decorated nurseries equipped with toys and other baby products are also available onboard. Savour delicacies at top restaurants with fairy tale décor, and draw yourself a luxurious bath in the bathtub in your stateroom.

Also, Read: How to save money on the Disney cruise line ?

2. Royal Caribbean International for Driving Innovation At Sea

Royal Caribbean International is not just a brand but a way of living. The guests are enthralled by the premium services onboard. The ships boast adventure sports equipment onboard, pools, bars, pubs, and several other amenities for adults. The entire vibe of Royal Caribbean is more adult-centric than family-oriented, with the party lifestyle and on-deck sports. Drink a mocktail, try out your luck at the casino, and dance the night away on Royal Caribbean!

3. Silversea Cruises for Luxury on the Mainstream Line

Hop aboard with Silversea Cruises if luxury is your priority. The upscale cruise ships attract a mature crowd with their all-inclusive pricing that allows you to evade unexpected pricing. Go fine dining by the sea with the view of the horizon. The pace of activities is more relaxing and relatively slow as compared to mainstream entertainment cruises.

Also, Read:   what is the average cost of a Silversea cruise ?

4. Oceania Cruises for World Tours

Persons intrigued by the making of exotic dishes and gourmet cuisines must get on board with Oceania Cruises . The food served at the restaurants onboard speaks volumes for its culinary arts. Revered chefs such as the French chef Jacques Pepin are in charge of the culinary endeavors onboard. The line is famous for its lobsters and Asian-style food.

5. Carnival Cruise Line for Budget-Friendly Cruising

Carnival Cruise Line appeals to a wide spectrum of guests who want to sail on a budget. Their ships sail to the Caribbean , Bahamas , and Mexico for a fun-filled vacation. You will find itineraries as short and cheap as you want. Although reasonable, the uncompromising service is what attracts the customers. With maximum ports in the US, carnival travels to 11 different states.

6. Holland America Line for Shorter Getaways To World Tours

Go solo with Holland America Line , which hosts glamorous parties for singles and couples. Cruisers will always have things to do on their vacation. Mingle with your fellow cruises and make unforgettable memories in the seas. On the brighter side, the line is also queer-friendly and sets you up with a partner of your preference. The services onboard are undoubtedly spick and span, considering their long-term existence in the industry.

7. Norwegian Cruise Line for Freestyle Cruising

Norwegian Cruise Line is packed with entertainment shows. Be it music, comedy, theatre, or dance, each performance has its own charm on its vessels. Musicals like Rock of Ages, Footloose, and Kinky Boots are among the most popular ones on their cruises. Tap your feet and sway to the Latin beats during Burn The Floor. There are plenty of diners, bars, discos, and even a bowling area for entertainment.

8. Princess Cruises for Luxury Travel and Exceptional Customer Service

This slow-paced cruise line allows you to enjoy your journey at your own pace. Sailing on Princess Cruises is truly a rejuvenating experience as it lives up to its tagline, “Come Back New.” The onboard amenities of the ships are designed to pamper the guests in all manners. You can book a spa and relax in the ambient parlors or even sign up for a yoga class.

9. Cunard Line To Experience Victorian Cruising

Cunard Line is the closest you will come to Victorian cruising if you have passionately been fantasizing about sailing on the Titanic. The aesthetic oozes British features with sophisticated interiors. This is a line for ladies and foppish dandies who wish to immerse themselves in Shakespeare's works. The cruise line’s Transatlantic itineraries are sure to leave the guests mesmerized with beauty as they sail with elegance.

10. Viking River Cruises To Explore Medieval Towns on Riverbanks

River cruising is the most leisurely way to sail through the narrow waters and explore the intricacies of a destination. Viking River Cruises is known for its destination-centric itineraries that enable you to explore the place in and out. A total of 60 vessels of the line sail through the waterways of Europe , Egypt, Russia , and Asia. Scandinavian interiors and the specialized treatment by the crew are known to impress travelers.

11. Celebrity Cruises for the LGBTQ Community

We can say that Celebrity Cruises  is perhaps the most LGBTQ-friendly cruise line. On cruise ships, you can always find out that they go above and beyond to make their guests happy and comfortable and let them enjoy their cruise vacation. Not only that, but this cruise line has also announced that people in this community can perform same-sex marriages onboard their cruise ships by the Caption in the year 2017. Thus, whether you want to hop on celebrity cruise ships for your vacation, honeymoon, or your wedding, you’ll never be disappointed.

Moreover, this cruise line is also famous for its luxury and is known as a premium cruise line. Here, you can get everything from live entertainment to multi-cuisine food, bars, drinks, parties, and much more. One of the main reasons people love to travel with a celebrity cruise line is its crew, which is very friendly and accommodating. So, if you’re a first-timer and looking for a cruise vacation and a cruise line that offers premium luxury, consider a celebrity cruise line.

12. MSC Cruises for Experiencing Innovative Italian Culture

If you want to experience the Italian culture and atmosphere, consider the MSC cruises . It is often one of the most affordable cruise lines that attracts a lot of families from across the world, including young individuals. Their ships are more sustainable and innovative, with incredibly beautiful designs and a resort feeling. It offers several entertaining options, including water slides, zip lines, ropes courses, and gorgeous pools on the top decks.

Even if you’re on a tight budget, MSC is for you. Currently, it has 20 ships in its fleet and sails across the world, covering destinations like Europe, Egypt, the Caribbean, Bahamas, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and many more. In short words, you can explore all small and unique ports no matter where you want to go!

13. Virgin Voyages for Some Adult-Only Experience

For every couple, spending quality time together is not easy with kids, but on Virgin Voyages , it is possible. This is the only cruise line that offers an adult-only experience to its guests, making their cruise vacation a perfect couple’s getaway. Don’t get them wrong – they also love kids. Still, their concept is to give adults some space and privacy from their daily lives, which involves their errands and parental duties.

There are many adult-friendly activities that you can enjoy onboard, including romantic dinner dates, relaxing and rejuvenating in the spa, and adding a splash of romance to your vacation. Moreover, the cruise line believes that sometimes the absence of your kids makes your heart grow loving. In fact, you can say that these ships are your playgrounds for your inner child.

14. Azamara Cruises Is an Upscale but Not Quite Luxury

An upscale cruise line that focuses on big destinations and a lot of charms. Just like its tagline, “Stay Longer, Experience More,” Azamara Cruises offers itineraries that stay overnight in smaller, less-traveled ports in more than 70 countries. Not only that but there are also many reasons why Azamara might be the cruise line for you. The reasons are longer cruise itineraries, warm and friendly ambiance, notable dining experience, best deck parties at sea, more inclusive fares, and fully geared with adult activities.

Moreover, every year, it features maiden ports, including numerous other unusual and exotic destinations.

15. Regent Seven Seas Cruises - the Premier All-Inclusive Luxury Line

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has six ships in its fleet, and all vessels receive high marks for their all-inclusive approach and luxury service commitment. It gives ample personal space, with many lounges, social spaces, and incredible restaurants providing multiple cuisines. Not only that, but the ship also has some excellent spa and wellness facilities, a blissful atmosphere, quality services, and professional fitness experts for quality training and guidance.

Experience the award-winning and intuitive service that comes with impressive food, complimentary amenities, all-balcony suites, and much more for your journeys around the world.

16. Celestyal Cruises for Destination Focus Itinerary

Celestyal Cruises offers itineraries for up to 14 nights . It is a Greek-owned and operated cruise line offering a Greek atmosphere. Not only that, it is also offering Greek menu items, bands, wines, and many such things that are inspired by Greek culture. Apart from the Greek atmosphere, it will take you to exotic destinations like the Greek Isles, Cyprus, Turkey, Egypt, Israel, and the Mediterranean.

This mid-size cruise ship has everything you need in amenities, such as a pool, jacuzzi, promenade deck, spa, fitness center, casino, and several gifting shops on board, which are tax-free. However, remember that this cruise line is not for you if you want ultra-luxury; it’s a normal cruise line with extravagant service and a perfect atmosphere.

Also, Read:  How much does a cruise cost ?

17. Seabourn Cruises for Upscale Cruise Vacations with Smaller Ships

Seabourn Cruise Line tops in upscale cruise vacations with its small ships. It has an almost one-to-1 guest-to-crew ratio. It incorporates luxurious pampering from décor to entertainment to health and fitness. It also offers a private club atmosphere to its guests. For example, guests can make dinner reservations in advance to order popcorn and drinks for the afternoon movie.

So whether you want to sail to the Caribbean or the Mediterranean, this cruise line can take you anywhere and to hidden ports of the world on their small ships. However, you can try their fixed itinerary of the Mediterranean in summer and the Caribbean in winter. Also, remember that the all-inclusive package doesn’t include the excursions, and your dress code should also be notched up. You can wear your resort-style casual clothes during the daytime or on outings and dress up in the evenings in some formal or casual wear.

18. Viking Ocean Cruises – the Thinking Person Cruise

Yes, you read it right. Viking Ocean Cruises is recognized as the Thinking Person Cruise because of its ocean itineraries, which are specially designed to let their guests not only explore the destinations but also allow them to go through its traditions, history, culture, cuisines, and customs.

Embark upon the vacation of your lifetime and trust these cruise lines to liven up your journey with top-notch amenities and fun activities.

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Nautical Miles Ahead of Any Other Vacation

Celebrity is different.

As in "you'll never want to vacation any other way" kind of different.

Every detail is elevated beyond what you ever thought a vacation could be.

 You'll enjoy the intimate feel and thoughtful service of a smaller ship, the variety and excitement of a bigger one, and experiences you won't find anywhere else.

So, if you want to explore the world or get away from it for a little while, Nothing Comes Close to Celebrity Cruises.

What's Included in Your Cruise

Vacations should be easy, right? We couldn’t agree more. That’s why so much is already included in your fare, from live entertainment all around the ship to delicious meals sure to satisfy every craving.

From reinvented verandas that put more room in your room to the luxurious suites of The Retreat®, we offer a variety of accommodations to fit your vacation style.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner—and even a bite or two in between—are included in our main restaurants, Oceanview Café, and other complimentary dining spots.

From jaw-dropping stage productions to interactive gameshows to friendly pickleball competition, there’s never a dull moment on board.

Get your reps and miles in at our state-of-the-art fitness center with floor-to-ceiling views—or hit the outdoor walking/running track and enjoy fresh sea breezes.

Traveling with kids? We’ll keep young explorers entertained and inspired at our complimentary Camp at Sea (ages 3–12), while older kids can chill at our Teen Club.

Kick back at a pool that rivals any high-end beach club—minus the admission fee. Soak in the hot tub and soak up the view. Or unwind at our serene, adults-only Solarium pool. 

Plan like a Pro

Planning your cruise should be as relaxing as going on one. Below is everything you’ll need to find the perfect Celebrity vacation for you. Discover our destinations, explore our ships and accommodations, and get tips on flight, hotels, excursions, and ways to make your vacation, well, more you.

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Cruises vs Resorts

The Best Family Vacation

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Our ships are just as full of must-do experiences as the places they take you. Here’s a look at what you won’t want to miss while you’re on board.

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Know before you go.

You’re all booked. Your time off is approved. The countdown is officially on. Now what? Here’s how to put all the finishing touches on your vacation, like excursions, drink packages, and more—and how to get ready so you can breeze aboard.

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Everything to Know Before Booking Your First Cruise

Approaching how to book a cruise for the first time has always been somewhat daunting, with a dizzying assortment of itineraries, companies, destinations, and ships to choose from. How can first-timers  book a cruise without going wrong? We asked three  Traveler -approved experts for their seasoned advice: Gene Sloan is cruise editor for  The Points Guy ; Jason Leppert is cruise editor for  TravelAge West ; Carolyn Spencer Brown is  Cruise Media’s chief content officer. All three are industry experts that have decades of experience across various types of cruises.

What’s the ideal cruise length for a first-timer?

A week or so is the  sweet spot for most first-time cruisers , which will offer three to six ports. Three-day sampler itineraries won’t allow you to explore more than one or two destinations, and you can’t decompress as thoroughly, either. Still, Leppert suggests a weekend trip could be enough for those that just want to try out cruising for the first time to see if you like it. 

While that’s  a good idea for some, Sloan also points out that cruise lines don’t always put their best ships on shorter runs. The ships on these itineraries can sometimes be older and have fewer of the bells and whistles that draw people to cruising in the first place. He says it is not exactly representative of the latest cruising has to offer, and the destinations on super-short cruises are not always the most unique offerings.

What’s the best way to book a cruise?

Many may wonder: Is it cheaper to book a cruise direct? Sure, you can  book a cruise online—but it’s a rookie mistake. Smart cruisers know the best place to book a cruise is with a  travel agent . Though agents’ roles have diminished in the mass-market travel biz, they remain crucial for cruising. Not only can specialists offer seasoned advice, but they can also wrangle deals and promos: Ask them about shipboard credit, which is the ocean equivalent of a gift card to spend onboard—$100 or so is a standard bonus. They may also have access to group rates, according to Sloan. Even if their prices are similar to those when booking direct, the volume of business agents do with cruise lines means you are more likely to score perks like a cabin upgrade or welcome bottle of Champagne when using one.

As the industry reinvents itself in the wake of the pandemic, it’s never been more important to have expert counsel, adds Spencer Brown. “At the end of the day, you’re going on this trip to relax, have fun, learn something, and get away from your everyday world. I want that support system.”

If something goes wrong, an agent can help rectify the situation faster than you may be able to if you go it alone. You won’t be paying more for their service, either. Most make their money via commissions from the cruise lines. Leppert calls it “the best of the best” advice to go with a travel advisor. 

What’s the best time to book a cruise?

If you're looking to leverage new cruise deals, the best way to  book a cruise is by starting early since prices continue to be robust. “There’s so much pent-up demand. People haven’t traveled for a year or more, so they’re spending more money on the trips they’re going on—upgrading to a nicer suite, perhaps,” says Spencer Brown. This could make it harder to secure the cabin you want on the sailing you want.

Leppert highlights  Wave Season (January through March) for booking a future cruise since this is when cruise lines typically announce their best deals although last-minute bargains always pop up. Like Spencer Brown, he says that demand is outpacing inventory so it is best to book as soon as possible.

Sloan agrees and says people  book cruises much further in advance than a hotel or flight, which means that inventory can get gobbled up quickly. Many cruise lines open up their reservation window as far as two years in advance, which means certain cabins can get snatched up. Don’t forget that many travelers are looking to use leftover credits they have from the pandemic, which further compounds the demand.

Most major cruise lines offer the equivalent of a price adjustment—if the cost of your cruise drops after you pay a deposit, but before the final payment, you’ll be protected, and refunded the difference. This means there is little penalty to reserving as early as possible.

What are the best types of cruises for first-timers?

Opt for a winter sun trip in the  Caribbean . It’s easy and affordable to reach the boarding port, and shuttling between the clusters of islands offers a compact, convenient way to experience a multitude of cultures. “Think of a cruise as a tapas menu,” says Spencer Brown—it allows you to sample destinations to which you might later return for a longer visit. Even handier, when on a Caribbean cruise almost every island accepts payment in dollars, so there’s no need to juggle currencies. The waters also are largely calm, keeping seasickness to a minimum.

River cruising is another smart first-time choice, adds Spencer Brown. “You can literally walk off the ship into town, go to a park or ride a bike, or just sit on the top deck breathing the air—it’s marvelous,” she says. 

Sloan offers another take saying that your travel budget should lead the way. If you are prepared to drop $1,000 a night on a cruise, start out on an upscale line with smaller ships like Silversea Cruises or Seabourn. These will give you a taste of cruising with fewer passengers, and often to smaller, less-frequented ports. 

If the budget leans more toward the $100 per-day price point, try one of the newer mega-ships from Norwegian Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean. These newer ships can have a bustling resort vibe that will keep you busy no matter what your cabin type.

Seasoned cruisers know that ship amenities are often less buys while at port.

Understanding cabin categories

There’s a dizzying array of options (and pricing) for staterooms, especially on larger ships. First-timers who simply want a place to crash often book the cheapest category, an interior cabin with no window or balcony. 

If you fall for the trappings of a bargain-basement deal, that cheapie stateroom might be right across from the service area, with a door slamming shut 24/7 or underneath the kitchen, with heavy carts rolling at 6 a.m. Avoid cabins below frequently used passageways on the top decks where footsteps and the sound of deck chairs moving frequently can be annoying. Even higher category cabins can be one deck below the main deck so it is wise to ask about this when reserving.

There are several websites with exhaustive cruise deck plan maps that offer advice and user-generated feedback, almost like a sea-going counterpart to SeatGuru’s airline seat maps. These can be a lifesaver when choosing a cabin type.

The scoop on shore excursions

For a first-timer, these can be confusing. Details aren’t often added to an itinerary until six months or so before sail date; check back regularly, snap up a place on any excursions that are of interest, and book early—popular options can reach capacity long before sailing. 

Still, some travelers choose to go off-menu and arrange private excursions, using independent companies, which can often be cheaper than the line's options. Just keep in mind that when taking an independent excursion, the ship won’t wait for you if you’re late. Staying with the cruise line’s jaunts may be more expensive, but is a safer bet if you are not sure of a new destination.

Sloan says that it really depends where the ship is going. In some ports like Barcelona or Venice, it is easy to venture off on your own without an excursion. Others, however, may require longer drives or special access passes making excursions a safer bet.

Another consideration is to use port days to spend more time on the ship. Leppert notes that onboard amenities like pools, buffets and waterslides are less crowded when most people are ashore. If a particular destination doesn’t appeal to you (or perhaps you have been many times before), it’s ok to enjoy the ship instead.

What is a sea day?

Transits, when the ship is en route between ports, are known as sea days (like the term shore excursions, it's more  cruise lingo ); passengers, obviously, remain on board. Many newbies fret about wasting time at sea rather than exploring, but they’re often a fun chance to explore the ship itself, as well as decompress between ports. Some travelers actually  book cruises that have at least one or two sea days, especially if it’s a larger ship with loads of amenities like water parks, race car tracks, zip lining, and multiple shows. 

What's the best first cruise for a family?

The mega ships are always primed to be the best first choice for families, whether Norwegian’s 4,200-passenger  Escape or the newest Oasis class of ships beginning with the  new  Wonder of the Seas . Their emphasis is on activities like adrenaline-rushing water slides, surf simulators, and three-tiered race tracks.

Disney Cruise Line is an obvious place to start for families, but it has a surprising number of activities and experiences for adults, too, including adults-only areas on board. Still, this isn’t the line for an adult-only vacation unless you’re a hard-core Disney fan.

How much does it cost to book a cruise?

You may be wondering how much does a 7-day cruise usually cost? The answer is that it depends. The time of year you travel (avoid school holidays, for example), the destination, and the ports of call can affect the overall cost. 

Many travelers enjoy, for example, taking repositioning cruises. These happen typically as the seasons change and cruise lines move their ships from one region to another (between the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, for example). Sometimes, these cruises visit islands that are rarely frequented making them more expensive. Many experts say that they are not ideal for first-time cruisers, however, as there may be many sea days. 

Shorter cruises that rely on drive-market travelers typically come with a lower price point than those in far-flung destinations. Special deals and repeat traveler discounts can also affect the overall cost.

What is the cheapest cruise ship to go on?

These are generally the shorter sailings from Miami or Port Canaveral, for instance, using the larger brands like Carnival, Princess Cruises, or Royal Caribbean, according to Sloan. The best deals are generally in the fall (the low season for Florida departures). Cruises to the Bahamas or the Caribbean tend to be more affordable than those to places like Europe or Alaska.

West Coast travelers can find great bargain deals on cruises to Mexico, too, adds Leppert.

What to know about cruise insurance

Don’t skimp on  cruise insurance . Cruise vacations can easily fall prey to flight disruptions or storms that can snarl plans. Check online for insurance policies from places like VisitorsCoverage and Seven Corners, which have reasonable prices for comprehensive coverage.

If you’re flying to the embarkation point, plan to arrive the day before—even the most perfect cruise won’t wait if you’re stuck in air traffic congestion all morning. Yet another reason to ensure you’re insured.

A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

So you think you want to take a cruise?

First, let me say that you'll likely love it. I've been cruising for nearly 30 years on just about every line out there, and I can tell you it's a wonderful way to travel.

It's not for everyone, of course. Plenty of people have tried it once or twice and aren't fans. The world is also filled with "never cruisers" — people who, for various reasons, wouldn't even think of getting on a ship for a vacation.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

But as survey after survey has shown, most people who try a cruise for the first time give it high marks — and many end up cruising again. The odds are high you'll give it high marks, too.

Still, before you can get to the point where you're raving about your life exploring the world by sea , you have a big decision ahead of you: Which line should you book?

It's not an easy decision. There are dozens of cruise lines, and no two are alike. Some only operate big ships . Some operate small ships. Some sail only in North America. Others sail all over the world. Some offer ships designed for family fun . Others don't even allow children on board .

Related: Is cruising right for you? Start by asking yourself these 7 questions

In addition, you'll find cruise lines all over the map regarding price points. As with land-based resorts and hotels, there are cruise lines for people on the tightest of budgets and cruise lines that cater to people for whom money is no object .

In short, a cruise line exists for everyone. But depending on your preferences, not every line will do. The trick is to find the perfect cruise line for you.

In this story, I'll help you break down the options.

An overview of cruise lines

As noted above, dozens of cruise lines operate ships around the world. At last count, I had sailed with 41 different cruise companies, and I still hadn't hit every major brand — despite it being my full-time job for years to test cruise ships.

One thing to understand is that the lists of cruise lines you'll find here at TPG and at other travel sites include companies offering an incredible range of experiences.

When you think of a "cruise ship," you may think of the giant floating megaresorts operated by the likes of Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line that you see in television advertisements — the kind of ships that carry thousands of passengers and have all sorts of gee-whiz amusements on their top decks.

But the world of cruising also includes companies that operate far smaller, more intimate vessels that carry a few dozen to a few hundred people. These ships have a completely different vibe. They're more like small boutique hotels that happen to float from place to place.

Related: How to plan a cruise with points and miles

In addition, you'll find adventure-focused "expedition" cruise companies that offer yet another completely different kind of cruising — one that involves heading to off-the-beaten-path places like Antarctica on small, hardy vessels designed for exploring. Some cruise companies specialize in ships that travel on rivers, while others operate sailing ships.

If you hear somebody say they'd never take a cruise because the ships are "too big" or "too crowded," you've met someone who has no idea what's out there.

You can cruise on a big, boisterous ship that carries 6,000 people or a tiny, yacht-like vessel that carries 60 people, and everything in between.

Related: A line-by-line guide to 20 top cruise brands

The cruise industry likes to break down its offerings into a bunch of oddly named categories, such as "contemporary" and "premium" lines. But to me, that's all marketing speak. Just ignore it when you see it. After three decades covering the industry, I like to break things down into the six categories you'll find below and (in a few cases) several subset categories — each of which appeals to a different type of vacationer.

The biggies

Seven big lines account for the majority of cruises taken by North Americans. They are, in order of size (when measured by passenger capacity):

• Royal Caribbean : 27 ships; 99,651 berths
• Carnival Cruise Line : 26 ships; 84,884 berths
• MSC Cruises : 22 ships; 77,832 berths
• Norwegian Cruise Line : 19 ships; 56,780 berths
• Princess Cruises : 15 ships; 45,816 berths
• Celebrity Cruises : 16 ships; 29,993 berths
• Holland America : 11 ships; 22,810 berths

If you are cruising for the first time, you will likely travel with one of the above brands — if only because they dominate the market for cruises among North Americans and, indeed, the world. As you can read in our ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean , this single brand alone accounts for nearly 20% of all cruises taken worldwide. Add in the next three biggest players — Carnival, MSC Cruises and Norwegian — and you're up to over 50% of the cruise business.

Read more: Ultimate guide to Norwegian Cruise Line | Ultimate guide to Carnival Cruise Line | Ultimate guide to MSC Cruises

The cruise industry likes to label these seven lines as either "contemporary" (the first four on the list) or "premium" (the next three on the list). The idea is that the latter three brands offer a "premium" product to the first four. Such nomenclature is a throwback to the early days of cruising that I believe doesn't have much relevance anymore.

All these brands have changed over the years, and the old distinctions no longer apply. You can get a "premium" experience in the exclusive The Haven area on Norwegian ships, for instance, that will top anything you'll experience on many so-called premium ships. The experience on a Royal Caribbean ship can be just as elegant — or more so — as the experience on a Princess ship.

What all these brands have in common is that they operate relatively large, mass-market vessels with starting prices that are relatively affordable. Just keep in mind that the term "large" is relative. There is a wide variation among these brands in the size of their ships. The biggest Holland America ships, for instance, are less than half the size of the biggest Royal Caribbean ships and hold far fewer passengers.

Indeed, while Holland America vessels are "large" compared with many of the luxury, expedition and river ships that I will talk about later in this story, the brand often is labeled a "midsize" ship operator in the industry to differentiate it from the lines operating the biggest ships.

You'll also find that the size of the ships within the fleets of each of these brands can vary significantly. For instance, Royal Caribbean's biggest ships are three times the size of its smallest ships.

The key thing to know about the seven "biggies," as I call them, is that the type of experience they offer varies greatly. If you're booking a cruise for the first time, know that the seven lines are not necessarily interchangeable — even in cases where they offer similar pricing on similar itineraries. You may love one of these brands but not like another, depending on your tastes and preferences.

I break them down into three broad categories, each appealing to a different type of vacationer:

The floating megaresort lines

Are you a fan of big, bustling megaresorts with every amusement known to humans? You'll probably want to gravitate toward Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and MSC Cruises. These three brands are what I call the "floating megaresort lines" — lines that offer unusually giant ships that are the seagoing equivalent of land-based megaresorts such as Atlantis in the Bahamas.

We're talking ships with a seemingly endless array of deck-top fun zones, from water parks and surfing pools to go-kart tracks and laser tag courses, as well as oodles of restaurants , bars, entertainment venues, spas, casinos and more. These ships can hold as many as 5,000 or even 6,000 people, not including the crew.

Related: The 10 craziest attractions you'll find on a cruise ship

These are brands designed to appeal to a wide demographic, including families with children of all ages. They offer cabins for $100 per night, cabins for $1,000 a night and everything in between. The best way to describe them is that they are like the big Las Vegas resorts, except they float.

As noted above, the size of each ship these brands operate varies. In general, the newer vessels in their fleets are the biggest, most megaresort-like vessels.

The anti-floating megaresort lines

If a ship topped with the cruising equivalent of an amusement park doesn't sound like your idea of fun, your best bets among the biggies are Princess, Holland America and Celebrity. These are what I call the "anti-floating megaresort lines."

Each of these brands operates medium-size to big ships that are not loaded up with water parks, rock climbing walls, surfing simulators and all the other things that are hallmarks of the floating megaresort lines. These are more traditional cruise ships for people who don't want a floating theme park or Las Vegas resort experience.

Instead of bustling attractions, the top decks of the ships these lines operate offer lots of quiet and relaxing pool and lounge areas where you can enjoy the experience of being at sea without a lot of hustle and bustle. Inside, the experience often revolves around dining, classic entertainment and a classy bar and music scene.

Read more: Ultimate guide to Celebrity Cruises | Ultimate guide to Princess Cruises

Compared with the floating megaresort lines, these brands draw more couples and fewer families. They skew older. At Princess, for instance, the average age of passengers is 57, and you see a lot of couples in their 50s, 60s and 70s on board.

At Holland America, the average age of passengers is closer to 70.

The budget option

And then there's Carnival. The "fun ship" line is also the budget line among the biggies — a brand all about great value.

If you price the cost of a cruise for a family of four, you'll often find that a sailing on a Carnival ship costs as little as half the amount of a cruise on a Royal Caribbean ship, assuming similar cabins and itineraries. The differential is even greater when you compare the cost of a family vacation on a Carnival ship with the cost of a trip on a Disney Cruise Line ship, assuming similar cabins and itineraries.

In addition to being incredibly inexpensive, Carnival ships are casual, unpretentious, fun-focused and, yes, a bit loud and wild. This is, after all, the brand that long held a Hairy Chest Contest around the pool deck on every voyage to a standing-room-only, hooting and hollering crowd.

Related: The best cruise ships for childlike fun

Like the "floating megaresort lines" above, Carnival is also known for amusements atop its ships, including water park areas, pedal-powered "sky rides," and — on its new ships Mardi Gras , Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee — the first roller coasters at sea .

But, in general, Carnival doesn't operate vessels quite as big and venue-packed as the big ships of Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and MSC Cruises. In recent years, until the arrival of Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee, it didn't have a single vessel among the top 30 biggest cruise ships in the world.

Carnival also doesn't target as wide a demographic as the floating megaresort lines — at least when it comes to income levels. Its ships lack the range of higher-priced suites aimed at upscale travelers that you'll find on, say, a Royal Caribbean vessel. Among the biggies, it's really in a class of its own.

Other biggies

There are a few more relatively large, mass-market lines in the world that I didn't include in the list of biggies as they primarily cater to non-American vacationers.

These lines include Germany's Aida Cruises and TUI Cruises, both aimed at German-speaking travelers with onboard programs conducted in German. Aida, in particular, is a significantly large line — larger than Celebrity or Holland America when measured by passenger capacity. But unless you live in Germany, Austria or Switzerland, you've probably never heard of it and would be unlikely to ever sail on it.

There's also Italy-based Costa Cruises, which draws about 80% of its customers from Europe but does market to Americans, and United Kingdom-based P&O Cruises. The latter draws about 98% of its customers from the U.K.

When talking about berths in this story, I am referring to the number of beds on a ship based on double occupancy per cabin — or what used to be known as "lower berths" in the industry. The totals do not include extra sleeping spots created with pull-down bunks and pullout sofas that can inflate the "total berths" number some cruise lines list for their ships.

Luxury cruise lines

If your idea of a vacation is being pampered at every turn, and you have lots of money to burn, you'll want to start your search for a cruise line among the luxury cruise operators.

More than half a dozen major luxury players market to North Americans, including:

• Regent Seven Seas Cruises
• Silversea Cruises
• Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
• Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
• Explora Journeys

Compared with mass-market cruise ships, luxury cruise ships typically offer bigger cabins (often every cabin is a suite), more elegant dining and high levels of service. It's not uncommon for luxury ships to have nearly as many crew members as passengers.

Related: Inside Seven Seas Splendor, the most expensive luxury ship ever

Luxury ships also typically offer more onboard space per passenger than mass-market ships. The "space ratio" of interior space to passengers can be twice as high. This means you'll have a lot of room to spread out and never experience crowds. At the same time, luxury ships generally are smaller than mass-market ships — often by a lot. That brings a much more intimate experience.

Within the luxury space, you'll find significant differences in the size and style of the ships. Five of Regent's six ships, for instance, are relatively large and famously elegant (think soaring spaces, lots of marble, crystal chandeliers). They carry 700 to 750 passengers. (The line also has one significantly smaller vessel that carries 490 passengers.)

Five of Seabourn's seven vessels, with room for 450 to 600 passengers, are noticeably smaller than Regent's larger vessels. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection — a new line that debuted in 2022 — launched with a vessel that carried just 298 passengers.

With each step down in size, you can expect fewer onboard venues, such as restaurants and lounges. But you also may find the experience more intimate. Smaller ships can sometimes access off-the-beaten-path ports that bigger ships can't.

What all the luxury lines have in common is that they are pricey. You can easily pay several times as much for a luxury cruise as a mass-market cruise. Indeed, it's not uncommon to see cabins on luxury cruises listed for $1,000 or more per person, per day .

Related: This supersuite on a cruise ship costs $11,000 a night

However, comparing such high pricing to the pricing of mass-market cruises can be misleading. That's because luxury lines typically include almost every extra charge you could imagine — drinks of all types, gratuities, Wi-Fi and even flights to the ship — in their base fares.

Note that one of the luxury lines mentioned above, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, is a German line that operates many of its cruises in German only. But in recent years, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has occasionally marketed to English speakers with specific sailings operated on a bilingual basis. While relatively unknown in North America, it operates several of the most elegant, spacious and service-focused cruise vessels anywhere in the world.

Also of note: Several new small luxury cruise lines are on the way. Luxury hotel company Four Seasons is building a fleet of small luxury cruise vessels that will begin debuting in 2025. Luxury purveyor Aman Resorts also plans to enter the cruise business in the coming years.

Upscale-but-not-quite-luxury lines

Several additional cruise lines offer an upscale, elegant experience that isn't quite as white-glove as what you'll find on the luxury lines above but is still wonderful. These include:

• Oceania Cruises
• Windstar Cruises
• SeaDream Yacht Club

For the most part, these lines operate ships nearly as small and intimate as the luxury lines' ships. Oceania vessels carry around 700 to 1,250 passengers, for instance, while Viking ships carry 930 passengers. (We're talking about the line's ocean ships; Viking also operates river ships, which we'll discuss below.) Windstar vessels are even smaller, with room for 148 to 342 passengers. SeaDream's two yacht-like vessels hold just 112 passengers apiece.

Like luxury lines, these lines have a high staff-to-passenger ratio — though often not quite as high as the luxury lines. They also generally offer more space per passenger than mass-market lines and bigger cabins — but, again, not quite as big as what the luxury lines offer.

They're also generally less expensive than the luxury lines. But they don't always include as much in their base fares. You'll likely pay extra for gratuities and some drinks on ships in this cohort, for instance.

Compared with the mass-market biggies, the entry-level pricing of this group still is significantly more expensive. Often, an entry-level cabin on a ship operated by these lines is on par with a suite on one of the mass-market lines.

Note that quantifying which lines are "luxury" and which are "upscale but not quite luxury" is a tough business. Fast-growing Viking, notably, is careful to not call itself a luxury line. However, it offers an experience on its ocean ships that some would call luxury, with spectacular onboard service, high-end eateries and many inclusions in its base fares, such as a shore excursion in every port. To me, it straddles the line between the two categories.

Viking also boasts an ocean ship fleet that is all new. Every one of its ocean ships was built in the last eight years. That's relatively unusual among this group of lines.

Three of the lines listed in this segment — Azamara, Windstar and SeaDream — have fleets entirely made up of vessels that are at least a couple of decades old. Often, they are ships that were originally built as luxury vessels and were state-of-the-art in their time but no longer have as wide an array of amenities as newer luxury ships.

Notably, many cabins on Windstar and SeaDream vessels lack balconies — a feature that was rare on cruise ships a few decades ago but now is standard. All four Azamara ships and the four oldest Oceania ships have relatively small cabins compared with cabins on today's luxury ships.

Upscale line trivia: The four Azamara ships and the four oldest Oceania ships are sister vessels. They all once belonged to long-defunct Renaissance Cruises. You'll sometimes hear cruising aficionados refer to them by their Renaissance-related class name, the R class.

Expedition lines

One of the fastest-growing segments of cruising in recent years has been "expedition cruising," a type of cruising that involves traveling to remote, hard-to-reach places such as Antarctica on small, hardy vessels that carry their own landing craft to get you ashore.

This type of cruising is so different from what the big mass-market lines offer that it might as well be considered an entirely different form of travel.

Expedition cruising is all about getting you to off-the-beaten-path places that often have little or no land-based infrastructure. You are traveling to these places by seagoing vessel because that's the only way to reach them.

Related: The ultimate guide to expedition cruises

On an expedition cruise, the focus is often on remote wilderness areas and the wildlife that inhabits them. Expedition leaders with deep knowledge of the destination will accompany you on your journey. Scientific experts such as biologists, geologists, ornithologists and a historian may also be on board to lead landings and give informative talks.

Big expedition cruise destinations include Antarctica and remote parts of the Arctic , including the icy islands of Svalbard, Franz Josef Land and Canada's Northwest Passage. The wildlife-filled Galapagos, where many islands are uninhabited, is another classic expedition cruise market (with a vessel ecosystem all its own, thanks to unusual local regulations).

You'll also find expedition cruise vessels operating in remote parts of South America, Asia and the South Pacific but also in some more mainstream destinations such as Alaska.

Notable players in the expedition cruising space include:

• Aurora Expeditions
• Atlas Ocean Voyages
• Lindblad Expeditions
• Hurtigruten
• Quark Expeditions
• Scenic Luxury Cruises
• Oceanwide Expeditions
• Poseidon Expeditions

Eagle-eyed readers will notice that four lines listed above — Silversea Cruises, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, Seabourn and Viking — also appeared in this story's listing of luxury or almost-luxury lines. The four brands are major players in both the traditional luxury ship market and the expedition cruise ship market.

There is a growing trend of traditional cruise lines getting into the expedition cruise space. Two of the brands mentioned above — Seabourn and Viking — only added their first expedition ships in 2022 .

In addition, luxury river cruise specialist Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours recently unveiled its first two expedition ships. The past two years have also brought an all-new luxury expedition cruise company, Atlas Ocean Voyages .

I also include UnCruise Adventures in this category of lines. It's a hard-to-categorize little line specializing in adventurous, outdoorsy, ship-based trips in remote parts of Alaska. It operates the tiniest of vessels, with the biggest among them holding just 86 passengers. Its trips revolve around hiking, kayaking, whale watching, birding and exploring by skiff.

Historically, expedition ships have carried under 200 passengers — a manageable number for an exploration-focused vessel operating in a remote location such as Antarctica. But a growing number of expedition ships carry more. Viking designed its new expedition ships to carry 378 passengers. Some new Hurtigruten expedition vessels are designed for around 500 people.

Note that expedition cruises are expensive, with pricing on par with traditional luxury cruises. Expedition ships are expensive to build on a per-berth basis and require a relatively high ratio of staff to passengers to operate compared with mass-market cruise ships.

River cruise lines

All the lines I have discussed so far have one thing in common: They operate oceangoing ships. Another entire segment of cruising revolves around travel on rivers.

Like expedition cruising, this has been a fast-growing segment of the cruise world in recent years, with capacity among the major river cruise lines growing at a rapid pace.

Much of the growth in river cruising has been driven by the marketing efforts and aggressive shipbuilding program of a single line, Viking. Founded in 1997 with four river vessels, Viking has exploded into a cruising colossus over the past 15 years with the rollout of more than 60 new river ships. (Starting in 2015, it also began adding ocean ships, which we discuss in the "upscale" segment above.)

Viking now accounts for about half of all river cruises taken by North Americans. But it's not the only significant river cruise player. Other major brands that market river cruises to North Americans include:

• AmaWaterways
• Avalon Waterways
• Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
• Emerald Waterways
• Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
• American Cruise Lines
• American Queen Voyages
• Grand Circle Cruise Line

As you can see, there is no shortage of companies in the river cruise business. The list above doesn't even include river lines that primarily cater to Europeans, of which there are many, including France-based CroisiEurope and Germany's Nicko Cruises.

Related: Booking your first river cruise? Here's what you need to know

On many rivers, the vessels these lines operate are all roughly the same size due to specific size limitations caused by lock sizes and bridge heights. As a result, there is less variation among river ships than there is among ocean ships. That said, the brands above offer a range of experiences and price points.

While the outsides of river ships often look similar, their interiors can vary greatly, with some being more luxurious and pampering than others.

One way to judge the relative luxury level of river lines operating in Europe, in particular, is to look at how many passengers each puts in one of its 135-meter vessels. That's the most common standard river ship size on European waterways due to the lock sizes in Europe.

Related: Why a Portugal river cruise may be the perfect friends group getaway

River cruise giant Viking, for instance, designs its 135-meter vessels to carry 190 passengers. Avalon Waterways and AmaWaterways put 166 and 156 passengers, respectively, on the same-length ships. At Tauck, the number is 130 passengers.

As a rule of thumb, the ships with fewer passengers offer a more premium experience — and are priced accordingly. You'll pay a lot more to sail with Tauck than Viking.

Niche lines

Finally, there are lots of little (and in some cases tiny) cruise lines that I call "niche" lines. These lines offer a specialized product, often with just a handful of ships.

In some cases, these lines only operate in a certain part of the world, such as Alaska or the South Pacific. In other cases, they only cater to a narrow range of people, such as sailing aficionados.

You may end up loving these lines, but you probably won't sail with them all the time — if only because they don't offer all the types of cruises you will want to experience.

Among these lines, I include the following (with its specialty in parentheses):

• Disney Cruise Line (cruises for Disney fans, families)
• Virgin Voyages (cruises for adults without kids looking to let loose)
• Paul Gauguin Cruises (South Pacific cruises)
• Star Clippers (cruises for sailing fans)
• Sea Cloud Cruises (cruises for sailing fans)
• Cunard Line (cruises for ocean liner enthusiasts, Anglophiles, globetrotters)
• American Cruise Lines (U.S. waterway cruises)
• American Queen Voyages (U.S. waterway cruises)
• Alaskan Dream Cruises (Alaska cruises)
• Celestyal Cruises (Greece and Turkey cruises)
• Grand Circle Cruise Line (niche small-ship sailings)

Even the biggest of these lines — Disney — is just one-tenth the size of industry leader Royal Caribbean when measured by passenger capacity. Some of these brands, such as Paul Gauguin Cruises and Alaskan Dream Cruises, are barely 1% the size of the biggest brands.

Paul Gauguin only has a single, 332-passenger ship, Paul Gauguin. It operates a very specialized set of French Polynesian itineraries out of Tahiti to destinations such as Bora Bora and Moorea that draw a lot of honeymooners and couples celebrating anniversaries.

Related: Why it's easier to meet new people on a small ship

A few of these lines, such as American Cruise Lines and Grand Circle, you will have noticed, were already included in the listings above for river lines. They fit in both categories, as they operate river ships but also some very small oceangoing vessels that offer niche itineraries.

All of these lines are niche players in the industry. But, in many cases, they are well known in the travel world for what they do. Disney may have just five cruise ships — compared with 27 for Royal Caribbean — but if someone says the words "family cruise," Disney will likely be the first line to come to mind.

Related: Everything you need to know about Disney Wish

Star Clippers and Sea Cloud Cruises, which both operate sailing ships, are popular with people who want to experience what it was like traveling in the days before steam power. American Cruise Lines has developed a significant niche offering small-ship trips along U.S. coastal waterways and rivers, including voyages along the coast of Maine, up the Hudson River and in the Chesapeake Bay.

Dating to the 1800s, U.K.-based Cunard is particularly known for its transatlantic sailings between New York and Southampton, England. Operated by the iconic Queen Mary 2, the sailings are a throwback to the days of grand ocean liner travel. Cunard also is known for its annual around-the-world sailings that include stops in dozens of countries.

Bottom line

The cruise industry includes many lines offering a wide range of experiences. No two are exactly alike. If you want to find the right cruise line and ship for you, do your homework in advance. Think hard about the type of vacation experience you want, and read up on the lines and ships that seem the closest fit for your travel style.

Here at TPG, we offer a growing array of guides to individual cruise lines, as well as ship-specific reviews.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 best cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• What to pack for your first cruise
• How to get a deal on a cruise

28 Essential First-Time Cruise Tips

Erica Silverstein

• March 28, 2021

Embarking on your first sailing can be overwhelming, but with our 28 helpful first-time cruise tips, you can prepare properly and enjoy your vacation like a seasoned pro.

1. Pack Swimsuits in your Carry-On

When you arrive at the cruise port, porters will whisk away your suitcases so you don’t have to lug them through the terminal and up the gangway. It’s a great convenience, but you’ll need to wait a few hours to see your belongings again.

To handle that, pack swimsuits and anything else you’ll want for your first few hours onboard in your carry-on.

That way, you can hop in the pool, sunbathe, or hit the waterslides as soon as you board — and not waste any time having fun on your first cruise.

 2. Your Cruise Card Doesn’t have to be a Credit Card

Cruises are cashless societies. Most passengers pair their cruise card with a credit card and get billed for all purchases made onboard.

But you don’t have to go this route. You can fund your cruise card with cash to ensure no one can go overboard at the casino without heading down to the front desk to put down more cash.

And if you’re worried about kids running up huge bills in the video arcade and mocktail bar, you can turn off spending privileges on their cards completely — or set a limit even if you did pair theirs with your credit card.

3. Book a Reservation at a Specialty Restaurant on the First Night

Everyone is eager to try out the main dining room on the first night of a cruise. Expect a crush of people waiting to be seated and slower-than-average service.

Instead, follow the pros and book a specialty restaurant for night one. Not only will you start your vacation with an intimate dinner, but you’ll also find it easier to get a reservation at the time you prefer to eat.

Plus, some lines, such as Carnival, offer discounts or freebies to encourage first-night reservations at their extra-fee dining venues.

4. Make Use of Magnetic Cabin Walls

Do you want to hear a secret? On most cruise ships, cabin walls are magnetic (since they’re metal).

Pack some strong magnets or a magnetic whiteboard, and you can use the walls to leave messages or pin up important documents like cocktail party invites or shore excursion tickets. 

5. Sign up for dining slots, spa treatments, and activities as early as possible.

It’s hard to lock in your first-pick reservations when you and your 4,000 shipmates have only one week to see, do, and eat everything onboard.

Plus, suite guests and loyal past passengers will get priority over first-timers in regular cabins. The early bird gets the worm, so reserve shore excursions and dinner reservations online before your cruise if you can. 

As soon as you board, run up to the spa to lock in your massage or to the kids club to book nursery hours or late-night group babysitting.

Also, head to the activities desk ASAP to book times for special activities (go-karts, laser tag) or limited-seating shows.

READ MORE:  Five Tips to Save Money on a Cruise Vacation

6. Turn off your phone’s cell service.

We’re so used to depending on our phones we forget that once you’re out to sea (literally), you’re not in communication with land-based cell towers.

Satellite roaming charges are astronomical, and you don’t want to come home to a huge phone bill. Once your cruise ship sets sail, set your phone to airplane mode. You can always turn on just the Wi-Fi if you wish to access the ship’s internet.

7. Find alternative first-day lunch arrangements.

It’s a cruise tradition to head to the buffet immediately upon boarding to get your first taste of all-you-can-eat gluttony.

Since cabins aren’t open immediately, the buffet becomes a mob scene of people and luggage jockeying for tables and chairs.

Pro tip: Look for an alternative lunch option. No one will think you’re a first-timer if you hop into a shorter line at a different casual eatery onboard — check around the pool or promenade area — and enjoy your first meal onboard in (relative) peace.

8. Book spa treatments on port days to save money.

A relaxing massage or facial is a decadent addition to your vacation. But cruise ship spa prices are not cheap. If you want to treat yourself and still have money left over for tours and souvenirs, book your treatment for a port day when prices are typically reduced.

First-day treatments and packages of multiple treatments also yield discounts. You can also look for mini-treatment bundles promoted in your ship’s daily newsletter.

9. Price out drinks and dining packages before you buy.

First-time cruisers might be surprised to learn that soda isn’t included in most lines’ cruise fares, and alcohol prices can run high.

Cruise lines offer tempting all-you-can-drink packages, so you don’t have to worry about how much you spend each time you belly up to the bar. But do the math before you sign up.

For some, these packages will save you money; for others, you simply won’t drink enough for it to be worth it. The same goes for dining packages, which often have more limitations than you’d like.

Don’t be lured in by encouraging crew members on embarkation day — and don’t make any purchase decisions after that first rum punch!

10. Store luggage under the bed.

Cruise cabins have little floor space, and the closets aren’t deep. Where will you put your suitcase? Don’t be a newbie and ask your room steward. Confidently slide your luggage under the bed where it belongs.

READ MORE:  12 Things to Know Before Sailing Norwegian Cruise Line

11. You don’t have to take the ship’s tours.

Some first-time cruisers think their only options are to purchase tours through the cruise ship or just wander in port. Not so! You can save money or tailor a tour to your preferences if you book through an independent operator or hire your own tour guide.

Get recommendations to ensure your outfitter is reputable, and arrange times so you run no risk of getting back to port late…and missing the ship!

12. Kids can eat for less at specialty restaurants.

You’re dying to try your ship’s upscale restaurant but don’t want to pay upwards of $30 for your kids to declare their high-end meal “yucky.”

Never fear. Many onboard restaurants charge discounted prices for kids 12 and under or will serve meals from the main dining room’s kids’ menu for free in the specialty venue.

You might want to pick an off-peak time (with kids, think early dinner) to avoid the crowds and disapproving looks of childless couples.

13. Wash your hands and use sanitizer.

Here’s a great cruise tip for first-timers—and anyone, really. Wash your hands frequently and use the publicly available hand sanitizer while onboard.

If you’re nervous about catching norovirus or other illnesses, practicing good hygiene will help you protect yourself.

14. Dry wet things in your shower, not the balcony.

You’re not winning the cruise vacation experience if you’re not going through multiple bathing suits a day.

Newbies are tempted to dry their bikinis and trunks on the balcony, but this can lead to your swimwear diving into the ocean or getting blasted with salty sea spray. Instead, look for a little protrusion on your shower wall.

Pull, and it becomes a clothesline, perfect for drying bathing suits and hand-washing.

( Another pro cruise tip: Bring multiple swimsuits per person on a warm-weather cruise. No one likes to wear a wet bathing suit.)

15. Use the app.

You don’t have to completely give up your cell phone on a cruise — not when all the major lines have developed proprietary apps.

Some have extra-fee onboard texting services, and nearly all offer free access to the daily schedule or port information.

Some will even allow you to order food and drinks wherever you are onboard.

16. Take the stairs.

If you’re physically able, take the stairs as much as possible on your cruise.

You avoid long waits at the elevators and work off all that dessert you’re eating throughout the day.

17. It sounds odd, but pack to-go snacks.

Here’s a helpful first-time cruise tip: Bring your own snacks. But cruise lines are 24/7 food fests, I hear you saying.

They are… but they don’t offer much, if anything, in the way of packaged snack food, and many ports frown upon bringing food off the ship.

Especially if you’ve got kids or plan on longshore tours that don’t include lunch, having your own stash of power bars or goldfish crackers will stave off the munchies when hunger strikes on a tour bus ride.

18. Stay onboard during a port day to enjoy onboard attractions without crowds.

First-timers are eager to experience all the ports, but no one says you have to.

If you’re more excited about no wait times at the water slide or enjoying the spa’s thermal suite, skip the sightseeing and stay onboard during a port day.

Crowds are drastically reduced onboard when everyone is out on tour. If you can’t bear to miss a destination, consider a morning onboard and an afternoon off the ship.

READ MORE:  9 Cruise Line Private Islands and Where They Are Located

19. You’re not required to dress up.

Most cruise lines have dedicated formal nights and dress codes in the dining room.

If you’re not the tuxedo type, no worries. Most ships offer casual dining options every night, either at the buffet or in a shorts-friendly eatery.

And there’s always room service if you can’t bear formal wear after a day at the beach.

20. Get a workout while your shipmates dine.

Keeping up your gym routine onboard is a great idea, given the food you’ll likely enjoy.

However, cruise ship fitness centers are small, and mornings can be crowded with people trying to squeeze in a workout before an excursion.

For your pick of the cardio machines, schedule a later dinner and hit the gym in the late afternoon or early evening when most other passengers are getting ready for dinner.

21. Hit the pool early for the best loungers, but don’t be a chair hog.

First-time cruisers will quickly learn that cruise ship pool decks never have enough lounge chairs in the ideal locations near the pool, whether you’re seeking sun or shade.

The best way to ensure VIP seating is to set up shop on the Lido or pool deck early. But don’t think you can stick a towel and a book on a chair to claim it, then leave for a few hours.

That, my newbie friend, is called being a chair hog, and it’s the ultimate in rude cruise ship behavior. If you want the primo spot, you best plan on staying there.

22. Read the daily newsletter.

No one wants homework on vacation, but all the cruise pros know that the information you need can be found in the cruise ship’s daily newsletter.

Whether you peruse the printed version before you go to bed or call up the deets on your app, you’ll find the lowdown on onboard activities, drink specials, weather, time changes, spa discounts, and any other important information you need to know.

23. Ask your room steward.

Is your bed set up as two twins when you requested a queen?

Ask your room steward, and he can rearrange the furniture. Need ice? Your room steward can keep your ice bucket filled.

Run out of hangers for your formal wear? Your room steward can get you more. Hate your pillow? Your room steward can find an alternative.

While cabin attendants can’t do everything, start with your steward if you have a question about your cabin or a request. They will try their best to make your cabin a comfortable home away from home.

24. You can order more than one entree at dinner.

Eyeing both the prime rib and the lobster on the dinner menu? You don’t have to choose! You can order more than one entree, appetizer, or dessert.

While it might seem gluttonous, don’t feel self-conscious. Cruise ship waiters are used to this and will happily oblige.

You can usually request seconds of any food you enjoyed, and if an appetizer strikes your fancy, order an entree-size portion.

25. Drinks aren’t free in the casino.

If you’re a regular visitor to Las Vegas or most other casino destinations, you’re probably used to enjoying a free cocktail — or three — while you play.

That’s typically not the case on a cruise ship. Unless you’re a high roller or a frequent guest invited by the casino, you’ll pay for your drinks, even at a slot machine or table.

Consider this when determining whether the drink package is good for you.

26. Buy Travel Insurance

Traveling, especially cruising, can come with unexpected challenges. There might be situations where you need to cancel your cruise in advance due to sudden illness. You might need emergency medical attention if you fall ill during the cruise.

Additionally, if your flight to the ship gets canceled, you could miss the vessel’s departure. These scenarios are potential risks for cruisers, making travel insurance a practical consideration.

To help you make an informed choice, we have compiled a comparison of top travel insurance providers and information about the ‘Cancel for Any Reason’ add-ons.

27. Set your Watch to Ship Time

Depending on your cruise, time zones can change depending on where you are headed. By manually setting your watch to ship time, you can ensure that you are always on time for the ship’s activities, entertainment, and meals.

Setting your watch as soon as you board the ship will prevent confusion on the schedules, especially on shore excursions. It will also prevent you from missing the boarding times and being left behind in the port.

Once you’re on board, the current time zone will be announced. Many locations, such as public areas, information desks, and even staterooms, will display the current ship time.

Bonus Tip: Some ports of call might have the same time zone as your ship, but others might not, so make sure that you check the potential time differences, especially when planning onshore activities.

28. Watch for Added Gratuities

Many cruise ships now include a gratuity of 18% to 20% on bar bills, and this practice is also extended to ship spas.

However, some first-time cruisers may not be aware of this and may add an extra tip on the “additional tip” line on their bills at cruise ship bars and spas. To avoid tipping twice, it’s advisable to inquire if a gratuity has already been included before adding an extra 15% or 20% to the total.

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Home » Cruises » 32 Cruise Tips for a Better Voyage

32 Cruise Tips for a Better Voyage

By Author Lance Longwell

Posted on Last updated: January 29, 2021

Cruises are different from other kinds of travel. While there is a focus on exploring and relaxation, you’re seeing different places nearly every day. To get the most out of your cruise trip, we recommend doing your homework. Here are our first time cruise tips and tricks. At first, cruising can seem complicated, but these first cruise tips will have you make the most of the experience.

Even if you are not a first timer, you’ll probably learn something here, too. These cruise ship tips work for both beginners and veterans alike.

Cruise Tips for Before Your Voyage

Select the right cruise, money-saving advice on cruises: there is a season, go old school to save money, research activities in ports, check logistics for the ports, focus on the paperwork, have a plan b, what to pack for a cruise, adapters and power strips, snorkel gear, water bottle, beach towel clips, embarkation (getting on the ship), learn the cruise ship, coast guard lifeboat drill, hit the alcohol, best cruise tips for during the voyage, do what you want, cruise ship specialty restaurants, main dining room reservation strategies, eat exactly what you want, alcohol from port, make friends with the crew, hitting the cruise casino, onboard shopping, cruise ship crew gratuities, disembarkation (getting off the ship), leaving the cruise ship, be prepared for lines.

Not all vacations are alike, so do your homework. We focus first on selecting ports and the overall itinerary. There are usually a couple of cruise companies that will visit those ports (a cruise comparison site makes this easy). Each cruise line has a different atmosphere, so pick one that matches your travel style.

We don’t spend a lot of time in our room, so we’re perfectly happy with an inside cabin. If you are prone to motion sickness (like Laura), you should consider a stateroom on a lower deck in the middle of the ship. [Our motion sickness guide has a few other suggestions to help with this common problem.]

There are two cruise seasons in the Caribbean and one in Europe. The summer is peak cruising season in both the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and Alaska. In the Caribbean, there is a second season running from mid-November to early-January that covers the holidays. Prices are significantly higher and there are fewer available options at those times.

If you want to save money, wait for when kids head back to school and book your cruise for the shoulder season. You can get trips for as much as 80% less than at high season.

One of the big cruise secrets is that not all boats are equal. Older cruise ships will be significantly cheaper (like as much as 50% cheaper) than the latest and greatest ship. You’ll have fewer features (like the lack of an ice-skating rink), but you’ll save significant money.

Sure you can rely on ship-organized shore excursions, but it is much more rewarding and more cost-efficient to explore independently. The ship’s official shore excursion offerings can give you ideas to research. You should research each port and what there is to do there.

One of our top first time cruise tips and tricks is to independently arrange your own shore activities. You’ll get more time doing the activity and at a significantly cheaper price. Viator is a great site to check for independent tours and options.

Each port is different, so spend some time researching the logistical information. Some ports are walkable, while others require transportation (a rental car, taxi, etc.) to get into the city center. In nearly every port, you can find a taxi (or more likely a shared service) for a price.

Cruising generally involves foreign ports, so make sure your passports and visas (if necessary) are up to date. But don’t overlook cruise paperwork. Those pesky self-printed luggage tags will save you hassle once you get to the cruise ship terminal.

Also, many cruises now require you to check-in online and print out documentation. Review the information from your cruise company carefully. A key first time cruise tip is to have all your paperwork in order before you get to the cruise ship terminal.

Nobody plans to get sick on a cruise, but sometimes things happen. It’s a really good plan to have travel insurance . Your health insurance back home isn’t valid in other countries or an a cruise ship. My parents learned this the hard way when they were on a trip a few years ago and got sick. They didn’t have travel insurance and needed to pay out-of-pocket for medical coverage. Their ailments were minor, but if anything serious happens, you’ll be glad you have it.

This is exactly what happened to us on our Bermuda cruise. We rented a scooter, crashed, and needed significant medical care. Lance ended up with broken toes and spent the rest of the trip alternating between crutches and a wheelchair. Laura had severe “road rash,” which became infected and required IV antibiotics. Our bill was in the thousands, but we had travel insurance! [We provide specific recommendations in our travel insurance guide .]

Electrical outlets in public places (if you can find any) are likely to be the European two-pin kind. This is because most cruise ships are built in Europe. In your room, you’ll likely have a North American plug along with a European plug (many boats spend at least part of the year in Europe). On many boats, electrical outlets are going to be at a premium. You’ll probably only have one or maybe two outlets in your room, so if you’re running lots of devices, that can be a little bit of a challenge.

Consider bringing a European two-pin adapter and also a small power strip or extension device (such as this one ) to extend your number of outlets. Now, the companies don’t like electrical devices, so you need to be discrete.

Many cruise lines will allow you to bring your own alcohol on board—usually two bottles of wine per stateroom—but may charge a corkage fee in the dining room. The fee is typically about $25, depending on the company. Bringing your own wine makes sense if you want to bring a really nice bottle of wine, or if you want to save money.

For instance, a cheap bottle of wine – (less than $10) plus the corkage fee will be cheaper than the cheapest bottle of wine on the dining room menu. Some companies don’t charge a corkage at all. If so, you’re in luck and can save a ton of money on your wine bill. Note that we’ve never encountered a cruise line that allows you to bring on spirits or fortified wine, like port.

We are strong believers in bringing our own snorkel gear with us, particularly Caribbean cruises or Mediterranean cruises. It makes every port with a beach a chance for snorkeling. The idea of renting snorkel gear (and putting your mouth on an unsanitized piece of rubber used by thousands of other people) makes us a little nervous. When you get to a beach, just put on your gear and go! If you are interested in snorkeling, be sure to check our special snorkel equipment guide for more information.

At $4 for a bottle of water, the cost adds up fast. One of our best tips for cruises is to bring your own water bottle . All cruise lines have large dispensers for ice and water (and also free lemonade and iced tea). Just bring your own water bottle and you can fill up for free. The water tastes great and using your own bottle saves on the environment. Plus, it works great for ports too!

One of the stores on the ship will sell basic supplies (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.) if you forget anything. They will also have sunscreen and aloe available – at a significant mark-up. On our most recent cruise, we noticed that sunscreen was going for $22 a bottle. The exact same brand at home costs less than $8. Stock up on sunscreen at home and then you won’t have to hit the cruise ship store.

We have a love/hate relationship with beach towel clips. We hate the idea that some passengers lay out beach towels, try to mark their territory, and then leave for the whole day – essentially depriving other guests the chance to use the chair for the time they are gone. Don’t be those people. A ship isn’t the Jersey Shore.

With that said, beach towel clips can be very helpful. The pool and upper decks on a cruise ship can be very windy on sea days. Having clips will keep the towels from blowing all over the place, or into the ocean (which is something we’ve actually seen).

Most first time cruise travelers tend to significantly over pack for their cruise. If possible, try to pack with a carry-on only. It will let you focus on exactly what you need. For Caribbean cruises, you’re going to spend most of your time in swimsuits and flip flops, which don’t take up a lot of space. Take less than you think you’ll need.

Most cruises will require you wear nicer clothes in the main dining room. Some voyages have formal nights, which require even more formal dress attire. Research your cruise documentation and, it will tell you how many formal nights you’ll have on your trip.

You have two options: if you’re traveling with a carry-on , you can take your own luggage on-board. You can roll right on, drop the bag in your room and have access to everything you might need. If you have bigger bags, you’ll need to leave your bags with the porters at the port.

Note that the porters are employees of the port, NOT the cruise line and they tend to operate on their own schedule. This means you may not have access to your checked luggage for several hours. Put anything of value and anything you might need right away (a swimsuit, sunscreen, etc.) in your hand luggage or a small bag to take with you.

The good news is that all vessels are generally the same. Across the cruise companies, there’s a common layout: A pool on the top deck in the center next to the buffet style restaurant (usually called the Lido) with a pool bar; the multi-level theater is in the front of the ship on the main decks; the main decks (usually decks 4-6) have an open lobby/atrium with several bars around the atrium; the guest services desk is on the lower floor of the open atrium; the primary dining room will be at the very rear of the ship on the main decks; the infirmary or medical facility will be on the lowest level of the boat; etc.

Some ships will have a rock climbing wall, a cooking class, etc., but generally they are all the same floorplan/layout. One of our top cruise tips is to spend about 30 minutes walking around to familiarize yourself with the overall layout once you get onboard.

You’ll probably be hungry. We recommend avoiding the buffet or Lido on the first day. This is a good strategy for avoiding stomach viruses at the beginning of a trip and has the benefit of helping you avoiding the crowds because the buffet is always mobbed with people on the first day.

Instead, heed this top cruise tip and head to the main dining room where you’ll get better food, better service, and less hassle.

Under international maritime law, all cruises are required to conduct a safety drill. In the U.S. and for Caribbean cruises, the U.S. Coast Guard conducts this drill. It’s required. They will do a rollcall. It will take about 40 minutes. It’s boring, but it’s important.

No, we’re not talking about drinking. We’re talking about hand sanitizers. Follow our cruise tips and hit the hand sanitizer stations frequently. You won’t be able to miss them – they are everywhere on the ship.

Each evening, you’ll get a detailed schedule for the following day and a briefing on each port. The port briefing is usually nothing more than a list of stores that have a financial relationship with the company, but it does contain a map, which is very useful. Novice cruisers tend to over-program their trip trying to make the bellyflop competition and bingo and the sailaway cocktail hour and karaoke and the midnight buffet and…the list goes on…

One of our key first time cruise tips is to relax and do just what you want (this applies to solo cruisers too!). You’ll never be able to do everything on the cruise ship, so don’t try. If it is your first time on a cruise, you should do what you want when you want. It’s your vacation!

Your ship will have several specialty restaurants on board. All of them will require you to lay out additional money. These can either be with a specialty restaurant upcharge or via a la carte pricing (just like a restaurant).

Whether these specialty restaurants are good value to you depends on your priorities. We always visit a specialty restaurant at least once per trip. We enjoy the special experience and always love the food. They tend to be our favorite meals each trip.

However, you need to be extremely planful for when you book your specialty restaurant experience. Not every night is the same in the main dining room. Usually twice per voyage, there will be formal nights…and the main dinging room serves better meals (lobster, filet mignon, etc.). If you are a foodie or dining is important to you, consider eating in the main dining room on formal nights and doing your specialty restaurant experience on another evening.

Nothing about cruising is more confusing or generates more frustration than seating for meals in the main dining room. In the past, most cruise lines used set seatings. You had either early seating or late seating, were generally seated at larger tables (four, eight, or ten people) that you didn’t know, and you mingled. It was all kind of stodgy.

The companies got hip to this a number of years ago (and actually listened to customer feedback). These days, nearly every company uses a more flexible system. They now operate the main dining room like a restaurant. Yes, you can still sometimes be paired at a group table (and meeting other people has been a real highlight of our cruising experiences), but you aren’t stuck to rigid times or inflexible options.

One of the things to know for first time cruisers is that you have options! One of our top cruise tips: your very first priority when you get on board is to visit the main dining room and make your reservations for the week. You should have a plan in mind for what night or nights you’ll do specialty dining and then plan around that.

Even better, some cruise lines now let you make your main dining room reservations online in advance or via a specialty app on your smartphone before you even board the ship.

On a cruise ship, you can eat exactly what you want. Don’t like the dining room? Go to the lido. Don’t like any of it? Order room service.

But if you see see several things you like, such as not being able to chose between the lobster or the filet mignon, why not get both? In the dining room (or anywhere else on the ship), you’re not limited to one appetizer and one entree. Also, appetizer and entree sizes may be smaller than you’re accustomed to. So go nuts – order several appetizers or entrees. You’re on vacation.

Cruise ships are essentially floating bars. There’s a tendency to get drinks each time the bartender or pool waiter comes by. Those drink costs add up…a lot. Many first time cruise travelers get caught off-guard by the bill they rack up.

The cruise companies are wise to this and offer beverage packages. You pay a fixed price for sodas or beer or wine or mixed cocktails and you know your costs for the trip. We’ve often found that the alcohol packages aren’t a great value for the simple fact that you’re often not on the boat during the day because you’re in port (and you are paying for the beverage package every single day of the trip). Think carefully about your drinking habits and whether this is a value to you.

If you want to buy alcohol on one of your port stops and take it on board, the security officers will likely confiscate it and hold it until the end of the trip. From experience, this is likely a disorganized system and you can bring the bottle back to your room about 50% of the time. Each company handles this differently, so research carefully and then closely observe how strict that policy is actually enforced.

Crew members are a tremendous resource. They’ve been the ports dozens of times, know all the best spots when you get ashore, know the ship intimately, and have great travel insights. Pick their brains for ideas and cruise tricks.

We have also found that individual crew members have a great deal of latitude in determining whether you will be charged. We’re not suggesting bribing them, however, making friends and being kind can get you free soda, free specialty coffee, and even a miscount in the number of drinks ordered in your favor. The crew members are actually awesome and socializing with them will be one of the highlights of your trip.

The casino is a place of action, particularly on sea days. You’ll find the casino packed with people at almost any hour of the day. However, when you take a cruise for the first time, you’ll learn that the odds are really stacked against you. Cruise ship casino odds are significantly worse than odds at home.

Cruise ship payouts on blackjack are 6-to-5 (3-2 to is standard in most casinos). That increases the houses take by an immediate 1.4%. And imagine playing roulette on a moving boat! On most cruises, you’re best odds of winning are actually at the cruise ship bingo.

If you have an interest in blackjack, poker, or roulette, many of the companies offer free classes on board and you should leave time in your schedule when planning a cruise for the first time.

Most cruise ships have significantly expanded their onboard shopping offerings in recent years. Gone are the days of a single on-board shop selling t-shirts and sundries. These days, most ships offer mini-malls with numerous boutique stores, including ladies and men’s stores, a technology store, a jewelry store, a watch store, and usual an alcohol & tobacco store.

From our our experience, clothing and luxury items (handbags, watches, jewelry, and women’s apparel) are significantly over-priced compared to home. While the ubiquitous “gold-by-the-inch” displays seem like a good value, this is “gold plated” and therefore a poor deal.

However, we’ve found that the duty-free alcohol can be a really great deal. The ship will sell full liter bottles (compared to 750ml at home) for a price 30% less. So, you’re getting 25% more for 30% less. It works out to be a really good deal. You’ll pick up your purchase on the last day of the voyage (or some companies will deliver them to your stateroom).

Tipping the crew for excellent service is both customary and appropriate. Nearly all companies will allow you to pre-pay gratuities (usually at a set rate of $15 o $20 per day). We usually do this because it makes things a lot easier than running all around the ship for the last two days trying to find the crew members to tip them. However, in addition to prepaying gratuities we also usually give certain crew members who go above and beyond a little something extra.

Check your receipts carefully, an extra gratuity is usually included in your bar receipts, room service delivery, or for some on-board services, so you would not give an extra tip in addition to that.

On the final morning, the Lido buffet is likely to be mobbed and chaotic, and room service won’t be available. Our tip for first time cruisers is to go to the main dining room. You’ll get a high-quality breakfast without the madness.

The company will provide you with detailed, fool-proof instructions on how to do this. All cruises employ a group system based on the time of departure/flight information you provided when you checked in. Just go with the flow and follow the instructions, and you’ll be fine. If you notice that the cruise line has not allowed enough time to get off the vessel and make your flight, speak to someone at the guest services desk.

No matter what tips for taking a cruise you might read or hear about, there is just no real solution for the disembarkation process and arrival back in your home port. It is always a chaotic process. And there are usually long immigration lines. The companies have been working with the government to make the process better/faster/simpler, but those changes have been slow in coming. Be prepared to wait in lines when you return from a voyage.

What are your top cruise tips and tricks? What would you tell other first time cruise travelers? Leave a comment below and share your experiences.

Lance Longwell is a travel writer and photographer who has published Travel Addicts since 2008, making it one of the oldest travel blogs. He is a life-long traveler, having visited all 50 of the United States by the time he graduated high school. Lance has continued his adventures by visiting 70 countries on 5 continents – all in search of the world’s perfect sausage. He’s a passionate foodie and enjoys hot springs and cultural oddities. When he’s not traveling (or writing about travel), you’ll find him photographing his hometown of Philadelphia.

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Elaina D'Agostino

Saturday 4th of February 2023

Thanks for emphasizing that we can order several appetizers or entrees so it's okay even if the serving sizes are smaller than what we're familiar with. That's good to hear because I know we'll be seeing a lot of dishes for the first time when we go on a cruise. I'd love it if we can try all of them at least once as part of the experience.

Jackson Bush

Thursday 25th of July 2019

Its good to know that you should try to only pack a carry-on when going on a cruise. My wife and I are planning on going on a cruise this summer and she was wondering how much she should pack for our vacation. I'll be sure to tell her to pack light for our trip.

Lance Longwell

We ALWAYS pack too much. I think on our last cruise I didn't even use half the shirts I took with me. However, if going tropical, consider packing 1 more swimsuit than you'll think you might need.

Tuesday 25th of June 2019

As a 15 year Senior Officer aboard 22 different cruise ships, your points are very valid... but you lost all credibility when you called them "boats." Just sayin'............

Thursday 27th of June 2019

Thanks Joshua. In the article, we used the terms ship, vessel, and boat interchangeably (and largely for variety). Being an industry insider, you're probably more acutely aware of public perceptions. In technical terms and using the taxonomy, any water-going vessel is a boat. So while all cruise ships are boats, not all boats are cruise ships. But yes, we may want to vary the language a bit more. Thanks for the suggestion.

Friday 22nd of February 2019

I really appreciate your tip to print off all of your documentation before you leave for your cruise to avoid any hassle. My wife and I have been thinking of going on a cruise this weekend so we can celebrate our anniversary, and we are concerned that we won't be able to get all of our papers in order. I will be sure to tell my wife that we won't have to worry if we print them off!

Friday 29th of December 2017

Great tips. One thing we have learned is when in port, if you are going on your own, set the timer on your phone. If you are in port for 8 hours plan to be back to the ship an hour before the ship leaves and set your timer for six hours so you will have plenty of time to get back. This way you don't have to worry about the time on the ship being different. Once your timer gets off you can start moving towards the ship but won't be rushed

Laura Longwell

That's a great tip. Few things are more anxiety-inducing than the idea of not making it back on time.

• Celebrity Cruises

what do I expect from "try-out" cruises?

By RMac713 , August 21, 2023 in Celebrity Cruises

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We are doing both of the Ascent "try-out" cruises in November BTB.  I know they are not considered the maiden voyage, but will there be any merchandise involved about being the real first cruise?  I'm excited but I'm hoping there is at least some hoopla.

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Magic 8 Ball says:

"Too soon to tell"

Cruise Gopher

I wouldn’t consider them “try-out” cruises. These are publicly offered cruises for sale and are expected to be operated just like any other cruise.   

A lot of the staff will likely be coming from other Edge class ships and should be some of the best of the best.   

I wouldn’t expect too many hiccups on these.   

You might get some type of souvenir for the “inaugural season”. 

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Cruise Availability: How to Find Sold-Out Cruises Easily

Should I book my cruise early or late in 2020? Is the Carnival Liberty cruise ship still available? When to book a cruise to Mexico? Is it already too late to book a 3-day cruise? These are common cruise questions that often stay unanswered.

To help you find the best cruise opportunities and understand when is the right time to book a cruise, we rely on data. We analyzed over 40 000 US cruises in the past years to help answer your questions and built a real-time cruise availability feature to save your time, money and energy during your cruise search. 

Our real-time cruise availability feature: What is it and how does it work?

When will your cruise be sold-out our key findings, how to profit from cruisewatch cruise vacancy feature.

Our real time cruise availability feature or cruise vacancy prediction feature is the first and only service out there that helps you check if your preferred cruise is and will remain available in the next few weeks. In other words, if you are worried about booking your cruise too late or too early, this is the perfect service for you as it gives you recommendations about the right time to book your cruise. But how does it work, you wonder? 

This added feature is based on the analysis of a massive data pool collected over the years, allowing our Artificial Intelligence to use machine and deep learning to not only process thousands of cruise deals, ships, and cabins daily, but also predict their sell-out probability very accurately and in real time. 

By combining the power of big data, AI and machine learning, we made our model predict which cruise ships, sailings and cabin types are already very likely to sell out within the next 10 weeks! So get a pen and paper, save your notes, your time and your money.

Is your cruise sold out soon?

When it comes to sailing, one thing is to find  the best cruise destination , so you can explore the most beautiful places that the world has to offer. But to find your dream cruise, you also need to take into account what  the best cruise lines and cruise ships out there have to offer. 

Once you have completed that search, it is now time to book. And wouldn't life be so much easier if you knew exactly the best time to book your cruise? To guide you, here is a ranking predicting the current top destinations, cruise lines, cruise ships and cabin types that are soon to be sold-out, based on data from the past 3 months.

Cruise destinations availability prediction

It is no surprise that the most attractive cruise destinations are booked very fast. According to our results, about 50% of all cruises that are likely to be sold out are sailing to... the Caribbean . This region is very popular, and right behind it are cruises to the Orient, to South America, and to the Mediterranean Sea. 

If you are worried about missing out, you can check out the best cruise deals to the Caribbean , the Orient, South America  and the Mediterranean Sea that are still available for booking.

Cruise lines and cruise ships availability prediction

World brands like MSC Cruises, Carnival Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise Lines or Royal Caribbean are among the cruise lines that will sell out in the upcoming weeks. 

Accordingly, MSC Grandiosa, Carnival Imagination or Pride of America are in the top ten of ships with sailings at cabin level that will likely sell out within the next weeks. As a consequence, not only are these cruise lines and ships popular, many of them come out with their best deals when itineraries first go on sale, and then raise their prices as the ships sell out. Make sure to check their terms and conditions before booking too.

But you don't have to endure that when trying to aboard your preferred ship. Check out MSC Cruises , Carnival Cruise Lines , Norwegian Cruise Lines or Princess Cruises and ships that are still available for booking.

Cabin type availability prediction

Contrary to popular opinion, it’s not always the suites that sell out in advance: Interior cabins have the highest probability of being sold out, followed closely by suites and finally with less probability, ocean view, and balcony.

Spot soon to be sold-out cruises easily

We built this feature to help you optimize your cruise search. Combined with our AI-based price prediction service, use it to gain more control in making informed decisions and find the perfect sailing for your next cruise vacation. Here is how to use it in a few simple steps :

Start your cruise search in the “find a cruise” tab 

Set up a price alert to get the best cruise deals on your preferred cruise by touching the alert bell.  

When opening the details of your cruise, scroll down to see the price details. This gives you information about price fluctuation history, allowing you to determine when to book at the best price. Below the price details you can find the vacancy prediction feature which automatically gives you real-time recommendations about your booking. 

You are now prepared to set sail, cruiser! Share this tip with other cruise enthusiasts by clicking the social media buttons at the top of the page. For more tips about planning your next cruise check out the below recommendations.

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Carnival Reveals New Cruises Out of Tampa and Mobile for 2026/2027

Carnival Cruise Line announced new sailings out of Tampa, Florida and Mobile, Alabama today.

The cruise itineraries for 2026 and 2027 sail out of these two smaller ports to destinations like the Bahamas, Caribbean, and the Panama Canal.

Here is the lineup of cruises revealed today:

Cruises Sailing Out of Tampa and Mobile in 2026/27

Tampa, Florida

Carnival Paradise :

• Year-round sailings: This ship will be based in Tampa year-round, offering a variety of itineraries.
• Western Caribbean cruises: These 4-day cruises will visit popular destinations like Cozumel, Mahogany Bay, Belize, and Grand Cayman.
• Bahamas cruises: These cruises range from 4 to 6 days and will include stops at Celebration Key, Princess Cays, and Nassau.

Carnival Legend :

• Seasonal sailings: This ship will sail seasonally from November 2026 to March 2027.
• Western Caribbean and Bahamas cruises: These itineraries offer a mix of Western Caribbean and Bahamas destinations, including Grand Cayman, Cozumel , Costa Maya, Belize, Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, Mahogany Bay, Celebration Key , Half Moon Cay , and Nassau.
• Panama Canal cruises: These 8-day cruises will include stops in Limon, Costa Rica; Grand Cayman; and Colon, Panama. Shore excursions to tour the Panama Canal are available.
• Carnival Journeys cruise: This 13-day cruise will visit Aruba, Curacao, Amber Cove, and Colon.

Mobile, Alabama

Carnival Spirit :

• Seasonal sailings: This ship will sail seasonally from October 2026 to March 2027.
• Bahamas cruises: These cruises range from 6 to 8 days and will include stops at Celebration Key, Nassau, Bimini, Princess Cays, Key West, and Half Moon Cay.
• Carnival Journeys cruise: This 16-day one-way cruise will depart Seattle on October 8, 2026, and visit Cabo San Lucas, Puntarenas, Costa Rica, and Cartagena, Colombia.

Carnival has a strong presence at both cruise ports and has been sailing out of Tampa year-round for 30 years. 

In a statement president of Carnival Cruise Line, Christine Duffy, said “ As America’s cruise line, we continue to sail from more U.S. homeports than any other line and our 2026/27 offerings from Tampa and Mobile are great examples of that commitment to provide our guests with the convenience of sailing from homeports that are a short drive away .”

Learn the cruise secrets most people don't know and cruise like a boss. Check out Intelligent Cruiser here for a better cruise vacation. (Sponsored)

Carnival Cruise Ship Receives New Dining Options and Updates

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Here's when you need (& don't need) a passport to cruise.

It's the type of sailing – closed-loop or open-loop – that largely determines whether or not you need a passport to cruise.

Do You Need a Passport for a Cruise?

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A passport isn't always required for cruising.

To determine whether or not you need a passport to cruise, you first need to figure out if the itinerary is closed-loop or open-loop (also known as open-jaw).

Closed-loop cruise: A closed-loop cruise typically doesn't require a passport since it begins and ends in the same U.S. port (though there are some exceptions to this rule).

Example: Royal Caribbean International 's seven-night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day cruise stops in several countries – the Bahamas, Jamaica, Haiti and Grand Cayman – but the itinerary is considered closed-loop because it starts and ends in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Open-loop cruise: An open-loop cruise begins in one U.S. port and ends in a different U.S. port.

Example: Carnival Cruise Line 's 16-day Panama Canal from Seattle itinerary is not considered closed-loop because it departs from Seattle and completes its journey in New Orleans.

All of the above regulations have been determined by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative: a plan by the departments of State and Homeland Security that determines which documents are acceptable for proving identity and citizenship when entering the United States.

Where to cruise without a passport

There are several destinations where you can cruise without a passport on a closed-loop sailing. They include the following:

• The Bahamas

When looking at cruises to these locations, be mindful of the home ports. The Bahamas, Mexico, Bermuda, the Caribbean and Canada are all foreign ports, which means they only qualify for the passport exception if they are a stop along your cruise itinerary . If the cruise originates in any of these countries, it is likely you will need a passport.

Since Alaska, Hawaii and New England are all U.S. destinations, any closed-loop routes departing from these locations will not require a passport. However, keep in mind that it can be hard to find closed-loop cruises originating in Hawaii or Alaska.

To find closed-loop itineraries for a Hawaiian voyage or Alaskan cruise , try searching for sailings departing from major cities on the West Coast, like Seattle or Los Angeles . By contrast, quite a few closed-loop cruises leave from New England ports, but they are often marketed as Canadian cruises.

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When you need a passport for closed-loop cruises

Some cruise itineraries include foreign ports that require a passport for disembarkation. This is most commonly an issue for travelers on a closed-loop Caribbean cruise. Barbados , Guadeloupe , Haiti, Martinique , St. Barts , and Trinidad and Tobago all require U.S. citizens to present a valid passport to disembark and enter the country, despite WHTI regulations not requiring a passport for these destinations. Labadee, Royal Caribbean's private island , is an exception and does not require a passport despite its location in Haiti.

If your itinerary includes a country requiring a U.S. passport, your cruise line will require you to have the passport at check-in. Note that your passport must not expire within six months of your arrival in a foreign country or else it won't be considered valid for international travel.

Read: The Easiest Way to Renew Your Passport

Acceptable forms of ID

All travelers – U.S. citizens and foreign nationals alike – must present documents that show identity and citizenship when entering the United States. A U.S. passport can show both. If you don't have one or don't want to bring one, be aware that you may need to present more than one document.

U.S. citizens 16 and older

If you're a U.S. citizen age 16 or older sailing on a closed-loop cruise without your passport, you will need a government-issued photo ID like a driver's license. In addition, you must present a document that proves your U.S. citizenship. These include:

• Passport card
• State-issued enhanced driver's license (EDL)
• Government-issued birth certificate
• Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST)
• American Indian Card (Form I-872) or Enhanced Tribal ID Card

The Trusted Traveler Programs are risk-based programs to facilitate the entry of travelers who have been vetted and preapproved. Most of these programs will provide you with a machine-readable card that allows you to pass through border checkpoints quickly. Keep in mind, some of these IDs are only available to travelers 16 and older.

Read: TSA Precheck vs. Global Entry

U.S. citizens younger than 16

U.S. citizens younger than 16 are only required to present proof of citizenship, such as one of the following documents:

• Original, notarized or certified copy of their government-issued birth certificate
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by U.S. Department of State
• Certificate of Naturalization issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Read: How to Get a Passport for Kids

Non-U.S. citizens

If you are a lawful permanent resident (or LPR) of the United States, you are required to present a permanent resident card or other valid evidence of permanent residence status.

Non-U.S. citizens, with the exception of Canadians and Mexicans, are not subject to passport exceptions, so a valid passport will need to be provided. Canadian citizens can present a valid passport, Enhanced Driver's License or Trusted Traveler Program card. Mexican citizens must present a passport with a visa or a Border Crossing Card.

Unacceptable forms of ID

While most common forms of identification are accepted, there are a few exceptions. U.S. military identification cards and U.S. Merchant Mariner documents are valid forms of identification, but only when traveling on official orders or in conjunction with official maritime business, so it is unlikely they will be accepted when traveling on a cruise.

Here are some other documents that will not be accepted as proof of citizenship:

• Voter registration cards
• Social Security cards
• Baptismal papers
• Hospital certificates of birth (for anyone older than a newborn)

It is important to note that many of the permitted forms of identification, such as a passport card or EDL, are only accepted at land and sea border crossings. Unforeseen circumstances, such as a medical air evacuation, may cause you to return to the U.S. by air travel. In this case, these documents won't be accepted when you try to reenter at the border crossing.

To avoid extra delays in your return to the U.S. following unforeseen travel complications, the Department of State recommends that everyone taking a cruise from the United States carry a valid passport book in case of emergency.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Erin Vasta has traveled extensively to international destinations, gaining a deep knowledge of travel regulations in the process. Her expertise in this area has saved her family and friends from unnecessary travel delays and ensured stress-free trips through border security in nearly 15 countries. To write this article, Vasta used her international travel experience and research skills.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Passport Holders
• Cruise Packing List: Essentials to Bring
• Safe at Sea: The Best Cruise Insurance

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Breaking news, ny family loses out on $8,500 dream vacation as delayed flight causes them to narrowly miss cruise — leaving them to watch helplessly from dock as ship sailed away.

A Brooklyn family missed out on the eight-day dream vacation that they had been saving up for for a year because their delayed flight out of John F. Kennedy International Airport forced them to miss their $8,500 cruise.

Tisha LaSaine says she had been working hard at her post office job so she could take her mother, twins and oldest son on a weeklong cruise out of Orlando on June 30.

The vacation was meant to serve as a celebration for LaSaine’s 50th birthday and one last summer adventure for her oldest son, Kaseem Miller, who was starting his junior year at Hampton University in Virginia.

“I’m about family. I’m just about family,” LaSaine told ABC7.

The trip began with a hiccup when Delta Airlines Flight 2019 was delayed for nearly two hours due to a “crew issue,” the outlet reported

“We took off at 11:40 a.m. Our flight was scheduled for 9:54,” Miller said.

The JFK-to-Orlando flight was scheduled to land at 12:51 p.m. — well before the cruise was set to depart from Port Canaveral at 3:30 p.m.

“I went to my mom and told her, ‘Mom, I don’t think we’re going to make it,'” the heartbroken woman told the outlet.

The family trekked 45 miles to Cape Canaveral after landing in the Sunshine State — only to stand on the dock and watch their ship sail away.

Passengers have to be onboard the ship when the “All aboard” call is made, usually between 30 minutes and two hours before embarkation, depending on the cruise.

Cruise lines like Carnival urge that guests “arrive promptly within their Arrival Appointment to reduce wait time in line. 

“All guests must be on board by the Final Boarding time printed on the boarding pass or they will not be permitted to sail,” Carnival’s website states.

Cruise enthusiasts suggest that passengers rent a hotel room the night before they’re scheduled to depart.

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“If you’re catching a plane,  when to fly in for your cruise  depends on several factors. I always advise flying in at least one day before you’re scheduled to embark, just in case you encounter any delays or cancellations,” travel blog  The Points Guy wrote.  “That way, you have time to rebook yourself on a different flight if something goes wrong.”

LaSaine and her family turned around and flew back home after they didn’t secure living accommodations for the late arrival.

“We missed the whole trip. That’s a whole week. That’s eight days,” Miller said.

“I think I cried more than the kids and it was for them,” LaSaine added.

Fortunately for the family, the cruise line refunded their money, but they faced an issue when they turned to Delta for similar assistance.

The Brooklyn family was seeking a flight refund because Delta’s delay made them miss their entire vacation, but the airline only offered them e-credit for a one-way trip worth $250 per traveler.

“I was like, that’s a lot of money for me to lose that I put out in a few months,” LaSaine said.

After working with the ABC affiliate, LaSaine received the remaining full ticket refund of $2,600.

“Delta apologized for the delay that led to their circumstance,” the company told the outlet.

Weeks after the “crew issue” delay ruined LaSaine’s family vacation, Delta flights were seriously affected by the CrowdStrike global outage as over 6,000 flights were canceled over a six-day period.

Over 500,000 passengers were left stranded and the company reported losing $500 million.

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You Can Get MARRIED on Disney’s Newest Cruise Ship — The Destiny

If you could get married anywhere, where would you want to get married?

Well, if you answered onboard a Disney Cruise Line ship, you are in luck!

Disney has officially announced that guests will be able to have their wedding or vow renewals aboard the Disney Destiny! 

The Grand Hall on the Disney Destiny will be a ceremony venue for weddings or vow renewals. The venue can accommodate up to 40 guests and pricing begins at $5,000.

The wedding package includes an on-site ceremony coordinator, choice of personal fresh floral for the couple, officiant, solo musician (pianist), cake & champagne celebration, complimentary meal for the couple at Palo, steaming for the couple’s ceremony attire, and more.

Weddings and vow renewals on board the Disney Destiny will begin taking place  January 22nd, 2026 . To have your wedding or vow renewals on board, you will first need to book your cruise and then contact the Disney Weddings team to have the Disney Wedding Package added to your cruise.

From there, you will be in communication with the Disney Weddings team to plan you wedding on board the Disney Destiny!

The Disney Destiny will be setting sail in 2025 with a first-of-its-kind theme. This brand-new cruise ship will be focusing on Disney heroes and villains. Onboard the ship, you’ll encounter heroes and villains alike from stories including  The Lion King ,  Hercules,  and  101 Dalmatians.  The ship will boast a wide variety of restaurants , shopping, and entertainment options.

When the Disney Destiny sets sail in 2025, the ship will stop at one or both of Disney Cruise Line’s private destinations. Those are  Disney Castaway Cay  and  Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point , which recently debuted. Check out Emma and Quincy’s perfect day at Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point:

Stay tuned to AllEars for more Disney Cruise Line news!

Check out everything you need to know about the Disney Destiny!

Join the allears.net newsletter  to stay on top of all the breaking disney news you'll also get access to allears tips, reviews, trivia, and more click here to subscribe.

Would you want to get married on a Disney cruise? Let us know in the comments!

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Russia launches a barrage of drones, cruise and ballistic missiles at Kyiv, Ukraine's military says

Russia has launched a barrage of drones, cruise and ballistic missiles at Kyiv and possibly other cities

KYIV, Ukraine — Russia launched a barrage of drones, cruise and ballistic missiles at Kyiv and possibly other cities, Ukraine’s air force said early Monday.

Several series of explosions rocked the Ukrainian capital in the early hours of Monday, sending residents into bomb shelters.

Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klitschko said emergency services were called to the Holosiivskyi and Solomianskyi districts of Kyiv. One person was reportedly injured by falling debris in Shevchenkivskyi district, Klitschko said.

“There will be an answer for everything. The enemy will feel it,” the head of the Presidential Office, Andrii Yermak, posted on his Telegram page following the attack.

According to the air force, Russia fired several groups of cruise missiles accompanied by ballistic missile launches and a few drones, targeting Kyiv.

An explosion also rang out in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second largest city, according to Ukrainian media.

The barrage comes a day after Russia’s military reported intercepting and destroying 158 Ukrainian drones targeting multiple Russian regions in one of the biggest attacks of the war that has raged for about 2 1/2 years.

Forty-six of the drones were over the Kursk region, where Ukraine has sent its forces in recent weeks in the largest incursion on Russian soil since World War II. A further 34 were shot over the Bryansk region, 28 over the Voronezh region, and 14 over the Belgorod region — all of which border Ukraine.

Drones were also shot down deeper into Russia, including one each in the Tver region, northwest of Moscow, and the Ivanovo region, northeast of the Russian capital. Russia’s Defense Ministry said drones were intercepted over 15 regions, while one other governor said a drone was shot down over his region, too.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said that falling debris from one of the two drones shot down over the city caused a fire at an oil refinery.

Ukrainian drone strikes have brought the fight far from the front line into the heart of Russia. Since the beginning of the year, Ukraine has stepped up aerial assaults on Russian soil, targeting refineries and oil terminals to slow down the Kremlin’s assault.

Also in Russia, regional Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov said 11 people were wounded in Ukrainian aerial missile attacks in the Russian border region of Belgorod on Sunday. These included eight in the regional capital, also called Belgorod.

Meanwhile, Russia’s Defense Ministry said Sunday it had taken control of the towns of Pivnichne and Vyimka, in Ukraine’s Donetsk region. The Associated Press could not independently verify the claim.

Russian forces have been driving deeper into the partly occupied eastern region, the total capture of which is one of the Kremlin’s primary ambitions. Russia’s army is closing in on Pokrovsk , a critical logistics hub for the Ukrainian defense in the area.

At least three people were killed and nine wounded on Sunday in Russian shelling in the town of Kurakhove, some 20 miles (33 kilometers) south of Pokrovsk, Donetsk regional Gov. Vadym Filashkin said.

Also on Sunday, 44 people were wounded when Russia attacked the Kharkiv regional capital, also called Kharkiv, Mayor Ihor Terekhov said. The city was struck by 10 missiles, with a shopping center, a sports facility and residential buildings among those damaged.

Elsewhere in Ukraine overnight, eight drones were shot down out of 11 launched by Russia, according to the Ukrainian air force.

One person was killed and four wounded in shelling overnight in the Sumy region, local officials said, while Kharkiv Gov. Oleh Syniehubov said five other people had been wounded in his region.

Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine