Cruise Tips | Cruise Advice & Articles by Cruise Critic (2024)

First Look! See Photos of the New Spaces on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas

See photos of the new spaces on Icon of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world and the newest from Royal Caribbean.

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7 Best New Zealand Cruises for Every Type of TravelerConsidering a New Zealand cruise? Here are the seven best New Zealand cruises for every type of traveler, from solo travelers and couples to families and more.

Amsterdam Tulips: A Cruiser's Guide to Experiencing the BloomsThe Netherlands offers visitors endless sights to see, one being their glorious tulip displays. Discover Amsterdam tulips, both in the city and countryside.

How Cruise Lines Will Comply with California’s New Honest Pricing LawCruise Critic breaks down what California’s new Honest Pricing Law means for cruisers across the U.S.

A New Kind of Sea Legs: A Crew Member's First Cruise as a GuestA former cruise ship crew member returns, this time as a guest. Read how the experience differed!

Cruising in Tulip Season: What You Need to Know for a Tulip River CruiseWhen spring has sprung, Europe's tulips are in full bloom. Find out which ports you should visit on a tulip river cruise, when you should go and so much more.

What to Look Forward to in Southern Africa if Your Cruise is ReroutedIf your cruise has been rerouted to Southern Africa, fear not! The region is full of adventures. Here's our favorites.

First Cruise to Alaska: 6 Lessons LearnedFrom packing the wrong clothes to learning which shore excursions to take, here are our tips for a first-time cruise to Alaska

Cruise Tips | Cruise Advice & Articles by Cruise Critic (9)

Editors' Recommendation

10 Changes to the Cruise Industry That Made Things Better Than Before

U.K. Executive EditorAdam Coulter

Last updatedMay 9, 2024

Read time6 min read

Cruise Tips | Cruise Advice & Articles by Cruise Critic (11)

Editors' Recommendation

10 Best Cruise Destinations for Hot Air Balloon Rides

ContributorJason Frye

Last updatedMar 4, 2024

Read time6 min read

New Luxury Cruise Ships on OrderThe newest luxury cruise ships are more lavish than ever before. See what luxury cruise ships are coming this year, and beyond.

Cruising from San Diego? Here's Where to DineIf you're taking a cruise from San Diego, these are the places you need to dine at.

A New Dawn at Silversea: Just Back From Silver RaySilversea's newest cruise ship Silver Ray, the second vessel of the cruise line's Nova class, debuted in Lisbon.

The Best Gay and Lesbian Cruises from 2024 to 2025Looking for a fully gay cruise? Check out these 2023, 2024 and 2025 for LGBTQ+ cruisers.

The Best Ports in New Zealand: From Dunedin to Tauranga Cruise Port From Dunedin to Tauranga cruise port, here's a run down of all the places you can discover on a cruise to New Zealand.

When Is the Best Time to Visit New Zealand on a Cruise? A Seasonal Guide Find out the best time to visit New Zealand on a cruise — and what to expect during each season.

Everything You Need to Know About Cruises to New ZealandFrom the cruise lines that sail there to the essentials tips you need to know, here's your comprehensive guide to cruising to New Zealand.

Here’s Everything We Know About Disney Cruise Line’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse PointWhat we know about Disney Cruise Line's new private destination, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is the line's second exclusive port after Castaway Cay

Cherry Blossoms in Japan: How to See the Iconic Blooms on a CruiseCherry blossom season in Japan is one of the best times to visit the country. Here's how to see the cherry blossoms in Japan while on a cruise in Asia.

The Best Time to Cruise Hawaii: A Month-by-Month GuideA cruise in Hawaii is a popular way to take in the dreamlike destination. Here's our breakdown of the best time to cruise Hawaii and what to expect each month.

Margaritaville at Sea Islander Photos: A Ship Made for Fun and FamilyPhotos and pictures from Margaritaville at Sea Islander, a cruise ship build for Parrot Heads and fun.

Countries That Require Visas for a CruiseTaking an international cruise soon? Check out our list of just some countries that currently require visas for U.S. citizens on cruises.

African Safari Cruise Guide: Everything You Need to KnowAfrican safari cruises make for some of the best ways to discover Africa's natural splendor. Here's what you need to know about cruises with African safaris.

Best Adults-Only All-Inclusive CruisesThe best all-inclusive adults-only cruises pack indulgence and fun into one adult cruise package. Read on for our adult-only all-inclusive cruise picks.

NCL Specialty Dining Package on Norwegian Cruise LineNorwegian specialty dining packages serve as meal plans for Norwegian Cruise Line's onboard alternative restaurants. But, are they worth the expense? Find out.

What Is the Best Time to Visit Jamaica? A Month-by-Month GuideWhat is the best time to visit Jamaica on a cruise? There's no wrong time, but here is our month-by-month guide breaking down the best times to visit Jamaica.

Just Back From Hebridean Princess: A Ship Fit For a Queen?Queen Elizabeth II chartered Hebridean Princess for her 80th birthday and liked it so much she chartered it again four years later. But what makes Hebridean Princess fit for a Queen? We got onboard to find out.

5 Must-Know Sea of Cortez Cruise TipsThe Sea of Cortez, Mexico is adjacent to the glitzy ports of the Mexican Riviera -- but here it's a whole other world. Try these Sea of Cortez cruise tips.

Best Time to Visit Puerto Rico on a Cruise: A Month-by-Month GuideTaking a cruise to Puerto Rico? Here's our month-by-month guide to the best time to visit Puerto Rico on a cruise, including weather, busy season and more.

Small Ships in Alaska: A Guide to Cruising Off the Beaten PathA small ship Alaska cruise is perfect for seeing Alaska's wild side. Check out our expert guide for Alaska small ship cruises for every type of cruiser.

Photos of Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point: A New Private Destination for Disney Cruise LineThe first photos of Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, Disney Cruise Line's new private destination on Eleuthera in the Bahamas.

A 7-Day Iceland Cruise: The Shore Excursions You Shouldn't MissA 7-day Iceland cruise is one of the best options for discovering the land of fire and ice. Here are the Iceland shore excursions not to miss when sailing.

River Cruise Fares: What's Included and What's Not?River cruising is all the rage, but what is included in a river cruise fare? We took a look at the most popular river cruise lines and what's included.

Bidding for Cruise Cabin Upgrades: Tips and TricksCruise lines, like airlines, now let passengers bid for more space, amenities and service. But is it worth it?

The 5 Best Iceland Cruises from New York for Every TravelerPlanning to take an Iceland cruise from New York? Here is our list of the five best Iceland cruises from New York -- and there's something for every traveler.

The Best Cruise Lines for Fiji CruisesConsidering a tropical getaway to Fiji's white-sand beaches and turquoise waters? These are the lines that will take you there.

Is an Alaska Expedition Cruise Right for You?To see if you're ready for an Inside Passage closeup -- or should stick to big ships -- check out our reasons to try an Alaska expedition cruise.

9 Reasons Why a Fiji Cruise Should Be Your Next Pacific Island CruiseHere's why a Fiji fly-cruise makes sense for your next cruise vacation.

The 8 Best Ports in Italy to Visit on a CruiseWondering what the best ports of Italy are to visit on a cruise? Here's our list of the best Italian ports, from Rome to Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast and beyond.

MSC Cruises vs. Carnival Cruise Line in the CaribbeanMSC Cruises and Carnival both offer affordable Caribbean cruises. See how they compare with our guide

Is Quito Safe for Solo Female Travel? 10 Safety Tips for Quito, EcuadorIs Quito safe? Quito, Ecuador is a beautiful city that's easy to love. But is Quito safe for solo female travelers? Here are our 10 tips to stay safe in Quito.

9 Best Greek Island CruisesLooking to go Greek island hopping on a cruise? Then check out our list of the nine best Greek island cruises and discover your next Mediterranean getaway.

Visiting the Galapagos Islands? Here Are 8 Cruise Tips You Should KnowDiscover the best Galapagos Islands cruise tips, from essentials to pack to islands and beyond. Here are our 8 Galapagos cruise tips you need to know.

Everything You Need to Know About Mexican Riviera CruisesLooking for Mexican Riviera cruise tips? We have everything cruisers need to know about the west coast of Mexico so you can plan the best Mexico Riviera cruise.

Best Mexican Riviera and Baja Shore ExcursionsLooking for the best shore excursions on your Mexican Riviera cruise? Read our top choices for excursions in Baja and the Mexican Riviera ports.

Cruise Ducks: Cruising's Strange ObsessionWhy would anyone hide little rubber duckies around a cruise ship? Read on to learn about this quackers trend.

Galapagos Islands Animals: The "Big 15" and Where to Find ThemGalapagos Islands animals like the giant Galapagos tortoises are incredibly rare. Read about the Big 15 Galapagos Islands animals before your Galapagos cruise.

Can You Have an Unforgettable Alaska Cruise Without Booking Shore Excursions?Shore excursions are a popular way to discover Alaska, but are they essential? Here's how you can enjoy your cruise to Alaska without booking shore excursions.

Cruising from Vancouver? Here's Where to DineDining in Vancouver is a feast for all the senses. Check out our favorite places to visit next time you sail out of Vancouver.

Photos of Norwegian Joy: New Additions in a 2024 RefurbishmentSee the new additions and spaces added to Norwegian Joy during its 2024 refurbishment

Everything You Need to Know About British Isles and Ireland CruisesBritish Isles and Western Europe cruise planning? Short or long, France or Scotland, ocean or river --we've got all the British Isles and Western Europe cruise tips you need. Check this out for whatever you need to know - including when you're deciding the best time to go the British Isles and Western Europe.

Maiden Voyage Blues: Why Booking A Ship's First Cruise Isn't Always BestBooking the maiden voyage, or first sailing, of a new cruise ship isn't always a good idea. Here's why.

10 Travel Hacks That Will Make Getting to Your Cruise Ship a BreezeFollow these 10 pre-cruise travel hacks, and you'll be dining at the buffet or splashing in the pool in no time.

The Impressionist Seine River CruiseFollow the Seine River west from Paris and you'll discover charming villages and spectacular scenery that inspired the Impressionist movement.

Enchanting Experiences in Europe on a Viking River Cruise Viking's river voyages offer a program of finely-honed excursions that coax out novel and unique features of enchanting destinations on Europe's waterways.

The 2024 Memorial Day Cruise Deals You Don't Want to MissThese are the Memorial Day Cruise Deals you don't want to miss out on, as collected by Cruise Critic!

4 New Cruise Private Island Destinations You Won’t Want to MissDiscover the new cruise private island destinations soon to debut in the Bahamas and the Caribbean.

I Went to the Galapagos on My First Expedition Cruise. Here's What It Was LikeIs a Galapagos cruise calling your name? Check out what my experience was like going to the Galapagos on my first expedition cruise and what you can expect.

Canary Islands Cruise Ports Things to Do: From Tenerife to La GomeraFrom Tenerife to La Gomera, Cruise Critic breaks down each of the Canary Islands' cruise ports and what to expect in each one.

Politics at Sea: How to Avoid or Engage in Partisan Talk on a CruiseCheck out our tips for the best way to diffuse the tension and outwit the obnoxious -- or avoid political debates altogether.

6 Things to Do in Alaska When the Rain Won't Go AwayRain is a near constant in Alaska. Here are 6 activities you can do while staying dry in Alaska.

Canary Islands Cruises: Everything to Know from When to Go to Typical ItinerariesConsidering a cruise to the Canary Islands? Here's all you need to know about Canary Islands cruise planning, including what itineraries are available and the best time to go.

How Booking Connecting Cabins on My Family Cruise Kept Me SaneLooking to travel with more space? Save the money you'd spend on a suite - book two connecting cruise cabins instead.

6 Reasons to Go Ashore in Cabo San Lucas, MexicoHere are Cruise Critic's best reasons to get off your cruise ship in Mazatlan, Mexico

Is Icon of the Seas Too Expensive? Here’s What to Book InsteadBlown away by prices for Icon of the Seas? Cruise Critic's suggestions on which ships to book instead.

What Is Starlink and Which Cruise Ships Use Starlink Internet?Which cruise ships have Starlink internet, and what is Starlink?

6 Reasons to Go Ashore in Mazatlan, MexicoHere are Cruise Critic's best reasons to get off your cruise ship in Mazatlan, Mexico

5 Reasons to Go Ashore in Puerto Vallarta, MexicoHere are Cruise Critic's best reasons to get off your cruise ship in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Sober Cruises: Tips for Avoiding Alcohol on your Next CruiseWhether you're sober or just avoiding alcohol, here's how to have a successful sober cruise

A Complete Guide to Australia Cruise Ports: From Tropical Cairns to Cosmopolitan Sydney From Tropical Cairns to Cosmopolitan Sydney, Perth to Brisbane, here is our comprehensive guide to Australia cruise ports.

Unlocking the Secret Code: Upside-Down Pineapples on Cruise ShipsThe upside-down pineapple on cruise ships is a mystery to some. Check out our breakdown of the pineapple's sexy cruise secrets.

What Happens to Your Cruise When Natural Disasters or Severe Weather Strikes?Cruise Critic's experts answer common questions about how the weather or natural disasters could affect your cruise vacation.

The 9 Best things to do onboard Marella DiscoveryMarella Discovery is a popular all-inclusive ship operated by the TUI-owned Marella Cruises. Here are nine of the best things to do onboard.

10 Changes to the Cruise Industry That Made Things Better Than Before

Everything You Need to Know About Australia Circumnavigation CruisesAustralia circumnavigation cruises offer passengers a taste of everything the continent has to offer - discover Australia circumnavigation cruise tips, what you should bear in mind when Australia circumnavigation Planning - plus the best time to go to Australia.

Smoking Policies on Cruise Ships in Australia The lowdown on cruise ship smoking policies in Australia and on ships that regularly visit Down Under.

A Complete Guide to British Isles and Ireland Cruise PortsConsidering a British Isle and Ireland cruise? Use our breakdown of the cruise ports to find out what to expect in each region.

Cunard’s New Cruise Ship: Photos of Queen AnnePhoto tour of Cunard's new cruise ship Queen Anne

Weed on a Cruise Ship: Is It Legal?While smoking weed or bringing it on a cruise ship is a big no-no, there are plenty of questions of cruising and marijuana. Check out our answers to FAQs about weed and cruises.

8 Cruise Safety Rules for Families With ChildrenCruise Critic's tips for safe cruising for families with children.

What Can You Not Bring on a Cruise? Here Are 8 Things You Shouldn't PackCurious about what you can't bring on a cruise? We've complied a list of eight items you can't bring on a cruise ship, either for safety or practical reasons.

6 Nautical Cruise Superstitions You Never Knew AboutFrom mentions of the Titanic to sailing on a Friday, these are six nautical superstitions cruise passengers have likely never heard of.

These Are Our Favorite Cruise Ship Innovations from the Past Two DecadesFrom movies under the stars to more inclusive onboard experiences, these are our favorite cruise ship innovations.

Carnival Fun, Italian Style: Photos of Carnival FirenzeWhat does Carnival Firenze, one of Carnival's Italian-themed ships, look like? Check out our photo tour.

Why This Summer is a Great Time to Sail on Europe's RiversWith warm temperatures and long daylight hours, a summer vacation with Viking is the ideal time to take a leisurely European river cruise.

Luxury Alaska Cruises: All You Need to KnowLuxury Alaskan cruises can amplify the Alaskan experience. But what sets these offerings apart from mainstream lines? Here's our breakdown and more info.

Upcoming Cruise Ship RefurbishmentsCruise ship refurbishments scheduled for the upcoming years.

7 Ways LGBTQ+ Cruisers Can Stay Safe in JamaicaIs Jamaica safe for gay travelers? Check out our guide to the current situation and staying safe in Jamaica while LGBTQ+.

6 Best Reasons to Get Off Your Cruise Ship in AntiguaFrom beautiful beaches to creole cuisine, these are the six best reasons to get off your cruise ship in Antigua.

I Booked an Independent Shore Excursion Through Viator in Nassau. Here’s What I Learned.Should you book an independent shore excursion on your next cruise? We detail the pros and cons.

Compare: 12 Cruise Ships in the South Pacific

Visiting Hawaii by Cruise or by Land: Pros and Cons Should you visit Hawaii by land or by cruise ship? Cruise Critic breaks down the pros and the cons of both options to help you decide which is right for you.

Luxury Mediterranean Cruises: All You Need to KnowConsidering a luxury cruise to the Mediterranean? See your options, what's included and what might sound like the best Mediterranean luxury cruise for you.

6 Things You Didn't Know About Cruises Around Hawaiian IslandsAre you considering a cruise around the Hawaiian islands? If so, we've listed a few things you may not know but should know before booking your Hawaii cruise.

Photos of MSC Magnifica From a Short Weekend CruisePhoto tour of MSC Magnifica, in pictures, from a weekend cruise to Key West and Nassau

5 Reasons to Go Ashore in Bimini, BahamasFrom conch fritters to beach breaks, these are the five reasons you'll want to step off your ship in Bimini, Bahamas

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