Cruise guides
We bring together everything you need to know before, during and after booking a cruise: how to choose a cruise line and cabin, what the fare really includes, how much to budget, which documents to bring and how to make the most of each port. Every guide is signed by its author and shows its update date.
Your first cruise: a complete guide to what to expect from boarding to disembarking
If this is your first cruise, this guide walks you from booking to disembarkation.
Read the guidePlanning your cruise
Choosing a cruise line and cabin, and understanding the trip from start to finish.
How do I decide which cruise line is best for me?
A method for choosing a cruise line based on your travel style, budget and expectations, with the differences between mainstream, premium, luxury a...
Are there different types of cruises available?
Ocean, river, luxury, expedition and themed cruises: how they differ, who they suit and how to choose the right type of trip.
How to choose the ideal cabin for your preferences
Cabin categories, location on the ship, size and the details that matter most for sleeping well, saving money and enjoying the trip.
Your first cruise: a complete guide to what to expect from boarding to disembarking
A realistic step-by-step with no myths: the app, the emergency drill, meals, gratuities and what really happens each day on board.
Embarkation day step by step: arriving at the port, security and your first hours on board
The real timeline of day one: what to do with your suitcases, what security is like, when your cabin will be ready and how to activate your card an...
Prices & booking
What a cruise really costs, when to book and how to avoid extra charges.
How do cruise prices vary and what are the budget options?
What factors set the price of a cruise, which costs add to the base fare and how to save without giving up a good experience.
What is included in the cruise fare?
A clear breakdown of what your base fare covers, what is almost always paid separately and how to compare offers to know what you will really spend.
What is the best time to book a cruise?
When it pays to book early, when to wait for a last-minute deal and how to take advantage of promotion season without risking your cabin.
Understanding gratuities and service charges on board
How much is usually charged, how it is added to your account, what each charge covers and how to adjust or prepay it so your final bill holds no su...
Cruise drink packages: when they pay off, with calculation examples
The math I do before buying: daily consumption, the effect of the 18-20 percent service charge, the break-even point and the rules almost nobody re...
Getting ready
Documents, luggage, clothing and health before boarding.
Mandatory documentation and boarding requirements
Passport, visas, permission for minors, vaccines and online check-in: the complete list to arrive at the port with everything in order and board wi...
What items are prohibited on a cruise ship?
The list of items you cannot bring on board, why they are banned and how to pack so you clear security without delays or confiscations.
How to prevent motion sickness at sea
What causes it, how to choose a ship and cabin where you feel less movement, and which remedies actually help, before and during your cruise.
What to wear on a cruise by destination and season (with dinner dress codes)
Formal nights without stress, what "smart casual" really means, shoes for excursions and how to pack a small suitcase that lasts the whole week.
The ultimate cruise packing checklist (and what to leave at home)
The packing method we use in my family: how to pack your suitcases in layers, what to carry on you on embarkation day and the forgotten items that...
Destinations & excursions
Which route to pick, when to travel and how to make the most of each port.
How to choose the ideal cruise destination for your travel style
Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska, fjords, Baltic or Patagonia: how to match the way you rest and explore with the sea route that fits you best.
The secret to good weather: when to sail to avoid rough seas, crowds and high prices
A seasonal guide to the Caribbean, the Mediterranean and Alaska: ideal months, the risks of each period and how to balance weather, crowds and price.
Shore excursions: on your own or with the cruise line, how to decide and save
The real risk of missing the ship, a cost comparison with numbers and the cases where the official excursion is worth paying for, especially if you...
Mediterranean cruises: itineraries, ports and how much time you will have in each
Western versus eastern Mediterranean, the real time at each call (dock or tender) and how to build a sensible pace for traveling with friends or ol...
Family & special occasions
Cruising with children, honeymoons and celebrations on board.
Special packages and romantic amenities for honeymoons
What honeymoon packages include on a cruise, how to choose a cabin and itinerary and which documentation details to sort out before the wedding.
Can you cruise with children? Activities and age limits
Minimum boarding age, kids clubs by age group, family cabins, documents for minors and practical tips for enjoying the trip as a family.