When you book your cruise, it is easy to think that everything will be included, but this is rarely the case – particularly when it comes to drinks. You might have been reading about drinks packages, and be wondering whether you need to buy one. You could be thinking you might have no access to … Read more
If you haven’t done your cruise research, you might be shocked at the end of your cruise to find the additional costs on your onboard account can cost as much as the cruise fare itself! In this article, we look at things unsuspecting cruisers might assume are included in the cruise fare, but actually come … Read more
Some people constantly worry that they have forgotten to pack something when they go on a cruise – others have packing down to a fine art and never worry about it at all. Whichever category you fall into, these are the top packing mistakes you may want to avoid. #1 Overpacking I try to make … Read more
Norway is one of my favourite places to cruise to – I have returned again and again. The weather can be unpredictable, to say the least, so you need to be prepared for all eventualities. If you are planning a summer cruise to Norway, you may be wondering what you need to pack. In this … Read more
The Great Debate: Port Versus Starboard When it comes to cruising, one of the most common questions people ask me is “Which side of the ship is best?” The Port side or the Starboard side? But the truth is, the best side of the ship is just a matter of personal preference – and in … Read more
One of my favourite things about cruising is the availability of food around the clock. From a midnight snack to a full meal in the main dining room, there is always plenty of tempting food on offer. The buffet is also a popular spot for many passengers. But what if you want to enjoy that … Read more
If you’ve booked a cruise to Alaska you may be looking for the best things to do in Ketchikan, Alaska. I’ve just got back from a fantastic cruise there. Ketchikan is positioned amongst the breathtaking landscapes of the Inside Passage. The Inside Passage stretches hundreds of miles from Puget Sound, Washington, through the British Columbia … Read more
Most Alaska cruises will include the port of Skagway. Here are 7 Essential Tips for things to do in and around Skagway when you visit based on my most recent trip there. Skagway, Alaska, offers wonderful natural beauty and plenty of history too. It’s one of Alaska’s most interesting destinations. The sail in via the … Read more
If you’re embarking on a cruise journey to Alaska’s wonderful landscapes, you will likely visit Juneau. I was there a couple of weeks ago, and it was FABULOUS. This post was created in collaboration with Melissa from CruiseShopSave. She worked in Alaska for many years while working for cruise lines, and she’s taught me a … Read more
If you’ve ever booked a cruise, you might have wondered what the cruise line is actually spending your money on. Of course, costs and profits may vary from year to year, but these figures are based on cruise line financial statements. If you paid a typical cruise fare of £1,000 – this is roughly how … Read more
It may be hard to believe, but cruiselines sometimes cut their ships in half, and add a new section into the middle. This makes the ships longer, allows for more passengers onboard, and takes a fraction of the time of building a new ship. Many major cruise lines l- Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, MSC – have … Read more
I have sailed on many older cruise ships that started their lives as cruise ships for different Cruise Lines The largest cruise companies, like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line, regularly introduce newer, larger ships to their fleets. They can then sell off any older ones. They want to have the biggest ships with the … Read more
Imagine the excitement of getting to the port and seeing the ship docked in front of you – then being denied boarding. It’s hard to think of anything more disappointing… In this article, we look at the top five reasons people are turned away at the cruise port – so that you won’t find yourself … Read more
I have been on many cruises – and I have often seen oceanview cabins advertised for a price that is not much more than an inside cabin. You may be wondering whether it is worth paying a little more and having that ocean view. In this article, we look at the advantages of having an … Read more
You might think getting yourself banned from a cruise line was hard, but it does happen. The majority of guests are happy to follow the cruise line’s rules and regulations – they are made to ensure everyone has an enjoyable, safe holiday. Guests who are reckless, dishonest or put others safety at risk by their … Read more
When you are on your cruise, there are lots of small things you can easily do that will make the crew’s life easier. We have all seen guests onboard having a good time, but giving little consideration to anyone else around them. They seem to have no concept of how their behaviour can impact on … Read more
When you book a cruise, you automatically agree to the terms and conditions of the cruise line – but most people say they have never read about or even knew of many of these conditions. You certainly can’t blame passengers for not sifting through the dozens of pages of legal jargon – I certainly never … Read more
There are various things you aren’t allowed to take on cruise ships – but unless you have spent hours reading pages of the cruise line’s terms and conditions, you might get caught out. Some of the things that you shouldn’t bring onboard a cruise ship seem perfectly obvious – others – not so much. In … Read more
There is so much to see and do on a European cruise – and so much variety in the different counties and ports you can visit. If you are planning a cruise to Europe, these are the top five itineraries you might want to consider. Mediterranean There are two popular Mediterranean cruise routes that you … Read more
There are certain things you should always do on disembarkation day to make sure everything runs smoothly. Cruise Lines have to be amazingly organised on disembarkation day. They need to get all the passenger’s luggage off the ship, clean all of the cabins, and restock their supplies before welcoming thousands more new guests onboard. #1 … Read more