Cruise and travel tips to help you plan your cruise vacation. You’ll find cruise advice, packing tips, onboard experiences, how to choose a cruise ship shore excursion and much more.
If you are a solo female traveler like me, you’ll find a wide range of solo travel advice. There are articles that cover everything from solo dining on a cruise ship to staying safe in a new cruise port.
I try to review as many cruise ship shore excursions as possible so you can decide what shore excursions to take before you cruise.
For actual cruise reviews, cruise ship profiles and daily cruise reports, head to
Ocean Cruise Reviews.
Cruise with your cat, dog (or ferret!) using Queen Mary 2 kennels. Update May 11, 2019: Information here is from Cunard Customer Service, the department in charge of Queen Mary 2 kennel requirements. What if your employer wants you to relocate to London. Or you’re lucky enough to spend a summer vacation in the pastoral […] Read more…
How to tip, how much, when and to whom? Your cruise is paid in full. All that’s left to do is pack your bags, head to the pier and board your ship. But keep your wallet handy because there are gratuities to pay even before your cruise begins. How much, to whom and when to […] Read more…
The first time booking your own shore excursion can be daunting… Whether it’s your first visit to a new port or maybe your third or fourth, chances are you’ll want to leave the ship to see and explore your destination. There could be a zillion reasons why people choose to not buy a cruise ship […] Read more…
Norwegian Cruise Line announced upcoming itineraries for 12 of their 17 ships for 2020 and 2021. Attention Norwegian Cruise Line fans: Get ready to plan your next cruise vacation. With itineraries for 12 of their 17 ships just announced, and new ships going to new places, read on. New Norwegian Encore cruises to Alaska for […] Read more…
When you decide to book a luxury Mediterranean cruise, it can be both exciting and slightly daunting at first. The Mediterranean is such a diverse and varied region that boasts extreme wealth, Hollywood-style glamour and innate charm. Read more…
Whether or not to purchase a Norwegian Cruise Line drink package is almost a math project. How much can you actually drink in one week? Is Norwegian’s beverage package really worth the cost? Let’s break it all down to basics. To help you decide, I’ve also included the Premium and new Premium Plus beverage package […] Read more…
When it was time for me to pack for my first Alaska cruise, I thought I knew it all. Halfway through the cruise, I realized I didn’t. Whether you’re going on a small ship adventure cruise like Alaska Dream Cruises or a cruise ship like Holland America’s Eurodam, here’s what you should pack for an […] Read more…
Years ago, and I mean years…a visit to CocoCay (when it was properly pronounced Coco”Key”) forecast a relaxing day at a peaceful beach in the Bahamas. The only time you waited in line for anything was if you wanted a volley ball court. For $7, you could rent a floaty mat for the day. Sounds […] Read more…
Embarkation Day has finally arrived. Barring any unforeseen delays on the way to the cruise port, knowing what to do when you arrive and then board the ship can go a long way avoid any glitches or disappointment on your cruise. To minimize my frustration and unwanted surprises, I’ve figured out a plan to make this […] Read more…
Someone’s gotta get a cruise ship room location near the disco, but why you? A quick read through cruise lines’ glossy brochures and flashy websites doesn’t always help prospective cruise passengers choose the best stateroom location. While it’s fairly easy to decide on either an inside, oceanview or balcony stateroom, finding one in the best […] Read more…
If you’re going to Costa Maya on your cruise, lucky you! This port is one of my favorites in the Caribbean. By the time you’re finished reading this, you’ll know why. Puerto Costa Maya and nearby sleepy Mahahual were once rural fishing villages. In 2002, this region was transformed into a popular cruise ship destination. […] Read more…
Large ships and long voyages have their own challenges. If you’re an easily bored solo cruiser, extended sea days without any ports may not be for you. On the other hand, if your brain needs some forced downtime, gazing at a seemingly endless ocean might be the remedy. Nothing compares to a week or more […] Read more…