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(1:05 p.m. EDT) -- Air and ventilation changes, as well as routine COVID-19 testing, regular temperature checks and embarkation procedures that deny boarding to those who have flu-like symptoms are the changes that Cruise Critic readers would most like the cruise lines to implement. Conversely, Cruise Critic readers, most of whom have taken more than 10 cruises -- are not willing to cut their vacations short and accept cruises that are less than a week long, with fewer port calls. They also dislike the idea of fewer amenities and reduced turndown service in the cabins, as well as dividing p

(Updated 11:30 a.m EDT) -- As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to progress around the world, cruise lines are rolling out detailed health and safety protocols that will allow them to safely resume service. For experienced cruisers, these measures represent a significant departure from the way cruising has been over the past few years, with some lines electing to require masks, eliminate buffet service and self-serve table snacks, and introduce social distancing measures that will alter -- but not destroy -- many of the onboard features that passengers know and love. Cruise Critic has comp

(10:45 a.m. EDT) -- Faced with uncertainty over what safety requirements will be in place next year, one charter company is taking a gamble and offering a version of its live music program in Las Vegas instead. Entertainment Cruise Productions (ECP) had already rescheduled several jazz cruises from early 2021 to 2022 because of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. The two Las Vegas shows -- Jazz: Live in Las Vegas and The Smooth Jazz Cruise: Live in Las Vegas -- will take place at the Encore Resort on the Strip. "Our people love music. Nothing can take the place of a cruise, of course, but

(1:30 p.m. EDT) -- The restart of domestic cruising in Australia continues to face setbacks well into what was initially seen as a glimmer of optimism for the tourism industry in the South Pacific. Initial hopes that a trans-Tasman travel corridor could reopen between Australia and New Zealand as early as July 1 were dashed in late-June, as New Zealand reported additional new cases of COVID-19 unwittingly brought into the country from two travellers from the United Kingdom vi

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 upon them over time -- through self-discovery or getting tips from Cruise Critic readers on our message boards -- but we thought we'd speed up the process for you. Here are nine (sometimes unexpected) things the Cruise Critic team has learned about cruise cabins after hundreds of sailings

Future cruise credit (FCC) is a bit like store credit from a cruise line. Many times, in lieu of a direct cash refund, a cruise line will take the price of a refunded cruise and issue it as a kind of gift certificate to be used toward booking a new sailing. When cruises are greatly affected or canceled, or if passengers are given compensation for any reason, a nonrefundable future cruise credit is a common form of payment. The amount of FCC that a cruise passenger qualifies for is calculated on the base fare that they paid, less any taxes, fees, upgrades or additional purchases lik

Mainstream cruise lines like to tout their vacations as "all-inclusive," but with so many added fees for optional items -- massages, fruity cocktails, souvenir photos -- it's tough to determine just what's included in your fare. Check out our chart to further explain your cruise fare!

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

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 throughou

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 Cr

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

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

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.

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.