First Time Cruisers
Best cruise travel tips and ideas for first-time cruisers
How Much Does a Cruise Excursion Cost?
Cruise excursions, also called shore excursions, are optional tours and activities available when your cruise ship stops at a port. The cost depends on the destination, activity, duration, group [...]
June 24, 2025
What is the tipping policy on a cruise ship?
Cruise ship tipping policies determine how gratuities and service charges are handled during your cruise. Most cruise lines automatically add a daily gratuity to your onboard account, while some [...]
April 14, 2025
What is the Cancellation Policy for a Cruise?
Cruise cancellation policies determine how much of your cruise fare you can get back if you cancel your booking. The amount you receive depends on the cruise line, fare type, deposit terms, cruise [...]
May 27, 2025
How Much Does a Massage Cost on a Cruise?
A cruise ship massage can be a relaxing way to unwind during your vacation, but spa treatments are usually an additional expense. The price depends on the cruise line, massage type, treatment length, [...]
April 14, 2025
How to Choose a Cruise Line for First-time Travelers?
Scroll through cruise line options for more than five minutes and you'll understand why so many first-time cruisers freeze up before they even open a booking site. Mainstream lines, premium [...]
August 21, 2026
Why Cruise Prices Keep Going Up (And How to Save)
Cruise fares are rising because of five compounding factors: higher operating costs (fuel, crew, port fees, and new EU carbon compliance rules), record passenger demand (37.2 million cruisers in [...]
September 15, 2026
Celebrity Cruises vs Norwegian Cruise Line: Which Cruise Line Is Better?
Choose Celebrity Cruises if you want refined dining, a calmer adult-focused atmosphere, and standout itineraries in Europe and the Galápagos. Choose Norwegian Cruise Line if you're [...]
September 11, 2026
What is included in Azamara's basic drink package?
An Azamara cruise is built around comfort, personalized service, and a drink menu that covers every kind of traveler — from wine lovers to cocktail enthusiasts to guests who just want a good [...]
September 10, 2026
How to Use Onboard Cruise Credit Like a Pro?
Onboard credit (OBC) is money added to your cruise account that covers eligible purchases like shore excursions, specialty dining, spa treatments, drinks, shopping, and photos. It usually can't [...]
April 14, 2025
Cruise Ship Trivia Things to Know
What cruise ship trivia should you know before your next sailing? In short, the most useful cruise ship trivia covers two territories: the astonishing facts behind the ships themselves, and the [...]
September 02, 2026
