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9 Things You Don't Know About Your Cruise Ship Cabin

Whether you've never been on a cruise ship or have been on 50, we bet there's something surprising you don't know about your cruise ship cabin. Staterooms are a little more complicated than hotel rooms, and you can learn a few tricks of the trade to make them more user-friendly. Most people stumble

5 Ways to Get a Cruise Ship Cabin Upgrade

We wish there were a magic elixir you could whip up to get a free or low-cost cabin upgrade on a cruise ship. We'd be chugging it all the time. But sorry -- no can do. Before you sit by the phone, waiting for the upgrade fairy to call, there are a few basic things to know about cruise ship cabin

12 Best Cruises for First Timers

Read through this handy shortlist of the very best cruise lines for first-timers. It will help you feel less overwhelmed by your options and determine which brand will meet your needs, from cabin types and entertainment offerings to kids clubs and dining options.

22 Do's and Don'ts for Your First Day Onboard a Cruise Ship

Learn these important do's and don'ts -- where to eat, what to wear and whether that drink package is worth it -- if you're a first-time cruiser or haven't yet settled into a familiar cruise routine. These pointers can make all the difference on your first-ever sailing.

8 Best Cruise Ships for Sea Days

When Royal Caribbean's gargantuan and game-changing Oasis of the Seas debuted as the then-world's largest ship in 2009, people wondered if anyone would bother to get off the ship in port, as it could take a week to try out all the onboard activities. With 24 dining options, 21 pools and hot tubs, multiple live performance venues (including an ice rink and AquaTheater for high-diving shows) and seven "neighborhoods," the ship practically guarantees that no one will have trouble finding something to do. But you don't need to sail on a 5,400-passenger ship to get the most from your days at sea. Any ship will do if you're content to spend your onboard time passed out on a sun lounger. But if you want the right mix of activity and relaxation options, it's key to pick the right ship with enough onboard attractions and programming to keep you entertained from sun-up to sun-down. Here's our selection of the best ships for days at sea, chosen based on their variety of indoor and outdoor pursuits, plus plenty of daytime dining options. And if you need more inspiration, check out our companion piece: Top 10 Things to Do on Sea Days.

Cruising 101

Featured Destinations

The 49th State, the largest in the U.S., is perfect for cruisers, with numerous opportunities to appreciate its vast natural beauty. Sail along the Inside Passage to visit the immense ice formations of Glacier Bay and Icy Strait, as well popular ports such as Ketchikan, Skagway and Juneau, the only U.S. state capital that's not accessible by car. Or travel further north to the Kenai Peninsula and nearby Anchorage, a perfect jumping-off point for cruise tours to Denali, Fairbanks and Canada's Yukon. Maybe you'll see a bear! *A message from Cruise Critic: During this unprecedented time throughout the world and across the cruise industry, it is important to note that article information might be impacted by cruise line hiatuses and port closures due to COVID-19. For the latest information, please visit our regularly updated [article on cruise port closures](/news/5097).*

With an island for every taste, the Caribbean is the ultimate place for relaxation. You'll find white sands and turquoise water throughout the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. Some islands are lush, with rainforests and mountain trails, while others have desert climates and coral beaches. Wherever you visit, taste regional specialties such as conch fritters and get out on the water with snorkeling and sailing excursions. *A message from Cruise Critic: During this unprecedented time throughout the world and across the cruise industry, it is important to note that article information might be impacted by cruise line hiatuses and port closures due to COVID-19. For the latest information, please visit our regularly updated [article on cruise port closures](/news/5097).*

From the pristine beaches and ancient ruins of the Eastern Mediterranean to the artsy and flavorful countries of the Western Mediterranean, this region is easily one of the most diverse in the world. Revel at Spanish and Italian architecture, soak up some sun in Greece, explore antiquities in Istanbul and Malta or get a taste of the French countryside on the outskirts of Nice, Monte Carlo or Cannes. Some Med itineraries dip down into northern Africa; the Canary Islands are also a popular stop for repositioning cruises. *A message from Cruise Critic: During this unprecedented time throughout the world and across the cruise industry, it is important to note that article information might be impacted by cruise line hiatuses and port closures due to COVID-19. For the latest information, please visit our regularly updated [article on cruise port closures](/news/5097).*

Your biggest difficulty planning a European cruise is narrowing down where you want to go. A Western Mediterranean itinerary usually includes stops in Barcelona and Monaco, as well as ports in Italy. Eastern Mediterranean cruises encompass eastern Italy, Croatia and Greece, and sometimes even Turkey and Israel. A Baltic Sea voyage brings you to Scandinavia and Russia; the Norwegian Fjords carry their own beauty. Don't forget about British Isles cruises, which allow you to visit castles in England, Scotland and London. For sun lovers, it's hard to beat the Canary Islands. *A message from Cruise Critic: During this unprecedented time throughout the world and across the cruise industry, it is important to note that article information might be impacted by cruise line hiatuses and port closures due to COVID-19. For the latest information, please visit our regularly updated [article on cruise port closures](/news/5097).*

Canada & New England

New England and Canada cruises offer sophisticated, eye-catching ports of call. Take in the sights of the Atlantic Ocean coast, enjoy whale watching, and see the beautiful fall foliage. Newport, Portland and Bar Harbor are quaint towns with lighthouses and crab shacks. Explore Canada's Maritime provinces, including Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland. Finally, immerse yourself in French Canada with stops in Quebec's cities and countryside. *A message from Cruise Critic: During this unprecedented time throughout the world and across the cruise industry, it is important to note that article information might be impacted by cruise line hiatuses and port closures due to COVID-19. For the latest information, please visit our regularly updated [article on cruise port closures](/news/5097).*

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Featured Ships

Celebrity Edge is Celebrity's edgiest ships featuring the revolutionary Magic Carpet, a tennis-court sized moveable deck, and rooms that convert from inside to outside with the touch of a button.

Celebrity Reflection

Sophisticated vibe; attractions include the country club-style Lawn Club, the Martini Bar, suites only restaurants and multimillion dollar art collection.

Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas

Mega-ship holding upwards of 6,400 passengers; features zip lining, surf simulators, rock climbing and an open-air Central Park with shops and restaurants.

Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas

World's largest cruise ship featuring high-energy attractions including zip lining, water slides, surf simulators, rock climbing and 18 dining venues.

Holds a bit more than 4,000 passengers; offers a waterpark, suspended-in-midair recumbent bike thrill ride, ropes course and the first IMAX cinema at sea.

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Cruise News

When Are Cruise Lines Around the World Expected To Resume Service?

(Updated 11:30 a.m. EDT) -- With ocean and river cruise lines temporarily suspending service around the world as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping track of the seemingly minute-by-minute changes to the cruise industry can be challenging. Most cruise lines have voluntarily paused sailings

What Are Cruise Lines Doing With Their Empty Ships?

(Updated 8:05 a.m. EDT) -- Most cruise lines have voluntarily suspended their operations until the end of April, and in some cases further out. A few weeks ago, when operations were initially suspended in Asia, Royal Caribbean redeployed its China-based ships to Australia offering free cruises to

Cruise Lines Modify Cancellation Policies For Better Flexibility

(Updated 9 a.m. EDT) – Cruise lines are modifying their payment and cancellation policies in an attempt to provide reassurance and flexibility for passengers in the wake of the Covid-19 novel coronavirus outbreaks around the world. While also protecting those with previously-booked voyages, these

Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas to Debut in Pacific Northwest in 2021

(9:10 a.m. EDT) -- Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas will sail from the Pacific Northwest for the first time in 2021 -- a move that will mark the line's biggest ever Alaska season. The 4,180-passenger, 168,666-tonne vessel will homeport in Seattle and join three other Royal Caribbean ships in

What Should You Do If Your Cruise Line Cancels Your Cruise

Thousands of travelers have been affected by new travel restrictions imposed as a result of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, as countries shut borders and place restrictions on leisure and business travel. Most of the world's cruise lines have decided to take an operational pause for at least

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