TipsHow to Find the Best Cruise Vacation Package Deals (2026)
How to find the best cruise vacation package deals in 2026. Flight plus hotel bundles, when to book, how to save, and which packages are actually worth it.
Read moreThe Cruise Journal
Expert-written cruise guides, reviews, and travel tips. Fact-checked and regularly updated.
Latest Articles
Tips
TipsCruising with a Baby or Toddler: Everything You Need to Know
A complete guide to taking a baby or toddler on a cruise. Minimum age requirements by cruise line, packing essentials, nursery programs, babysitting options, cabin baby-proofing, stroller tips, feeding logistics, and the best cruise lines for babies and toddlers.
Read more
Tips21 Cruise Travel Hacks That Will Save You Hundreds
21 proven cruise travel hacks that save real money — from how to find the best cabin at the cheapest price to beating the onboard WiFi cost and booking excursions smarter.
Read more
GuideThanksgiving Cruise Guide 2026: Best Ships and Menus
Everything you need to know about spending Thanksgiving on a cruise ship in 2026. Covers special menus, onboard celebrations, the best cruise lines and ships for Turkey Day, pricing comparison, top itineraries, how to maintain family traditions at sea, and booking strategies.
Read more
TipsCruise Ship Spa Guide: Treatments and How to Save
A complete guide to cruise ship spas covering treatment types and pricing, port day deals, thermal suite value, spa packages vs individual treatments, the best cruise line spas ranked, sales tactics to avoid, and when to book for the best deals.
Read more
ship-reviewsCruise Ship Pools and Water Parks: Best for 2026
The definitive guide to cruise ship pools, water parks, and aquatic features in 2026. From the tallest waterslides at sea to adult-only infinity pools, splash zones for toddlers, retractable roof pools, and the unwritten rules of pool deck chair saving.
Read more
TipsCruise Ship Safety: Muster Drills and Lifeboats
A thorough guide to cruise ship safety covering muster drills (digital and traditional), lifeboat capacity, man overboard procedures, fire safety, medical emergencies, Coast Guard inspections, and how safe cruising actually is by the numbers.
Read more
GuideCruise Dining Reservations: How to Book Specialty
Everything you need to know about cruise ship dining — from traditional vs. flexible dining and specialty restaurant reservations to the best times to eat, dietary accommodations, room service tips, and dining hacks organized by cruise line.
Read more
DestinationsCruise Private Islands Ranked: CocoCay vs Ocean Cay
A detailed ranking of every major cruise line private island, from Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay to Disney's Castaway Cay. Includes free vs paid activities, honest reviews, and a final ranking with scores.
Read more
TipsCruising While Pregnant: Policies and Safety Tips
Everything you need to know about cruising while pregnant, including week limits by cruise line, medical clearance requirements, cabin considerations, food safety, shore excursion restrictions, and what to pack for a comfortable voyage.
Read more
TipsCruise Port Parking Guide: Costs and Best Options
Complete guide to parking at major cruise ports. Port-by-port costs for Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Galveston, Seattle, New York, and Barcelona. Official vs off-site parking, ride-share comparison, pre-booking deals, hotel-and-parking packages, and security tips for long-term cruise parking.
Read more
TipsHow to Plan a Perfect Cruise Port Day: Tips and Timing
Everything you need to know about planning cruise port days — from timing your departure to transport options, tender ports, getting back on time, and free activities in popular cruise destinations.
Read more
TipsCruise Ship Photography: Tips for Stunning Vacation Photos
Practical cruise photography tips for phones and cameras. Best times for photos at sea, top spots on the ship, port photography techniques, wildlife photography on Alaska and Antarctica cruises.
Read more
TipsPet-Friendly Cruise Lines: Can You Bring Pets Aboard?
A comprehensive guide to pet policies on major cruise lines, including Cunard's kennel program, service animal rules, emotional support animal changes, river cruise options, and the best alternatives for pet owners who want to cruise.
Read more
GuidePanama Canal Cruise Guide: Full vs Partial Transit
Everything you need to know about cruising the Panama Canal — full transit vs partial transit, how the locks work, best viewing spots on the ship, top cruise lines and ships, best time of year, port stops, pricing, and what to do on transit day.
Read more
GuideNew Year's Eve Cruise Guide 2026: Best Ships and Costs
A complete guide to celebrating New Year's Eve on a cruise ship in 2026. What NYE looks like onboard, special events and countdown parties, pricing premiums, best cruise lines and itineraries for NYE celebrations, what to wear, booking tips, and family-friendly vs adults-only options.
Read more
GuideMSC vs Royal Caribbean: Which Mega-Ship Is Better?
An in-depth comparison of MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean — the world's two largest cruise lines by fleet size. Covers ship design, dining, entertainment, family amenities, luxury tiers, pricing, and which line is best for families, couples, and solo travelers.
Read moreGuideCruise Ship Food Guide: Everything About Dining
A complete guide to cruise ship dining — from included restaurants and buffet strategy to room service, special dietary needs, midnight snacks, and sustainability. Know exactly what's free, what costs extra, and how to eat well on any budget.
Read more
TipsCruise Ship Medical Care: What If You Get Sick?
Everything you need to know about medical care on cruise ships. Ship medical center facilities, common illnesses, treatment costs, medevac procedures, travel insurance, and which cruise lines have the best medical facilities.
Read more
GuideCruise Loyalty Program Hacks: Status Match and Perks
Master cruise loyalty programs with proven strategies for status matching, fast-tracking elite tiers, and maximizing perks across Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, Celebrity, and more. Includes a full comparison of loyalty tiers and real dollar savings.
Read more
TipsCruise Kids Clubs Compared: Royal vs Disney vs Carnival
Detailed comparison of kids clubs on Royal Caribbean, Disney, Carnival, and Norwegian cruise lines. Age groups, activities, hours, costs, teen programs, and nursery options.
Read more
GuideCruise Inside Cabin Tips: Make the Most of Interior
A practical guide to making the most of a cruise ship inside cabin. Covers why interior staterooms are underrated, how to maximize space, organization hacks, sleep quality advantages, the best inside cabins by ship, virtual balcony options, when to upgrade vs save, and how to make an inside cabin feel luxurious.
Read more
TipsCruise Hidden Costs: What's NOT Included in 2026
A comprehensive breakdown of every extra cost on a cruise ship beyond the base fare, including gratuities, drinks, WiFi, shore excursions, specialty dining, spa treatments, photos, casino spending, and laundry. Includes a realistic budget template for a 7-night cruise.
Read more
TipsHow to Book a Group Cruise: Discounts, Perks & Planning Tips
Complete guide to booking a group cruise. Minimum cabin requirements, group perks by cruise line, coordination tips, family reunion planning, bachelor/bachelorette cruises, dining arrangements, and when to use a travel agent.
Read moreStay in the Loop
New ship launches, port guides, and cruise planning tips delivered to your inbox. No spam, unsubscribe any time.