
Learn what to expect on a cruise by debunking cruise myths, then decide if cruising is the right vacation for you.
12
Articles
- Top 10 Common Cruise Questions
- First Timer's Guide to Onboard Activities
- Top 10 Reasons to Cruise
- Best Cruises for Non-Cruisers
- Yes, You Can Cruise With a Disability
- What to Expect on a Cruise: Cruise Ship Safety
- Family Cruising Basics
- 10 Things Every Solo Cruiser Should Know
- What to Expect on a Cruise: Cruise Food
- 7 Reasons Why Cruises Are Romantic
- Expedition Cruising Basics
- Is There a Theme Cruise That's Right for Me?

We've got tons of tips on how to choose the best ship or itinerary, pick a cruise that fits your budget and when to upgrade to luxury.
11
Articles
- Guide: How to Pick a Cruise Line
- Best Cruises for First Timers
- What's Your Ship Size?
- Choosing an Itinerary
- Best Time to Cruise
- Compare: 10 Most Popular Cruise Ships
- How To Choose a Cruise Ship Cabin
- Best Ships for Sea Days
- Best Budget Cruises
- Top Tips for Finding Cruise Deals
- 15 Best Small Cruise Ship Lines

Confused by how to book a cruise? Don't worry! We'll take you through the process step by step.
10
Articles
- What to Expect on a Cruise: Booking a Cruise
- Will That Cruise Sale Really Save You Money?
- Searching for Cruise Bargains
- Choosing Air/Sea Packages
- What is a Guarantee Cabin?
- Tips for Saving Money on Your Next Cruise Booking
- Booking with a Travel Agent? Read this.
- Group Cruises
- Want a Deal? Book in January.
- Last Minute Cruise Booking Tips

Congratulations, you've booked a cruise! Now for the fun stuff: planning shore excursions, making dinner and spa reservations, and packing.
8
Articles
- Pre-Cruise Planning Checklist
- What to Pack for a Cruise: A Beginner's Guide
- First Timers' Guide to Shore Excursions
- Ship-Sponsored or Independent Shore Excursions?
- Why You Need to Purchase Travel Insurance
- How to Pre-Book Cruise Ship Activities Online
- Anatomy of a Cruise Carry-On
- First-Time Cruise Tips

Get the scoop on cruise line alcohol, smoking, tipping and dress code policies, as well as uncovering the hidden costs.
13
Articles
- Fee Vs. Free: What's Included in Your Cruise Fare?
- 10 Hidden Costs of Cruising
- Cruise Line Alcohol Policies
- A Guide to Cruise Line All-You-Can-Drink Packages
- Cruise Line Tipping Policies
- The Cost of Using Your Phone or the Internet on a Cruise
- Cruise Line Dress Codes
- Cruise Line Smoking Policies
- How to Talk Like a Sailor: A Glossary of Cruise Terms
- First Timers' Guide to Onboard Activities
- 9 Things You Don't Know About Your Cruise Ship Cabin
- Travel Rules and Regulations
- Cruise Line Laundry Services

Discover what to avoid in port, how to avoid seasickness, and the pros and cons of cruising during hurricane season.
10
Articles
- Avoiding Seasickness
- How to Avoid Illness on a Cruise: 10 Tips
- Norovirus - What You Need to Know
- 13 Things Not to Do on Your First Cruise
- 9 Tips for Staying Safe on a Cruise Ship
- Staying Safe in Port
- Eight Steps to Stress-Free Travel
- Hurricane Season Cruising: What You Need to Know
- Solving Cruise Problems
- Why You Should Never Sneak Alcohol on a Cruise

You'll find yet more information on how to prepare for and have the best time on your cruise in our Tips and Advice section.
11
Articles
- 6 Cruise Tips for First Timers
- Do's and Don't's for Your First Day Onboard a Cruise Ship
- Secrets the Cruise Lines Don't Tell You
- Tips for Stretching Your Cruise Dollars Onboard
- Onboard Credit: How to Get It, Where to Spend It
- Best 'Free' Things to Do on a Cruise
- Top Cruising Tips from Cruise Critic's Editors
- 8 Tips for the Best Main Dining Room Experience
- 7 Challenging Cruise Ports We Can Help You Navigate
- 10 Etiquette Tips for Sharing a Cruise Ship Cabin
- Making the Most of Your Overnight Port Call