Planning for your first cruise can be an exciting, yet overwhelming experience. If you’ve never cruised before, it can be difficult to decide which cruise line is best for you as there are so many options to choose from. Different cruise lines typically have different atmospheres or personalities, from party cruises to luxury cruises, and …
If you’re a U.S. citizen without a passport and you’re planning a vacation, don’t despair! Many frequent cruisers travel abroad without ever needing a passport. There are several ways to do this. One of the most popular passport-free cruise options is taking a closed-loop cruise. Closed-loop cruises are round-trip journeys that depart from and return …
Part of Royal Caribbean’s allure is its cruise loyalty program, designed to reward its most frequent cruisers, called the Crown and Anchor Society. It is available to anyone, and earning points helps cruisers move up in the loyalty tiers. Being a part of Royal Caribbean’s loyalty program means getting exclusive access to discounts, benefits, and …
All-inclusive cruises are the epitome of luxury at sea. Not only do they cover most meals and drinks (alcoholic beverages included), a double-occupancy stateroom, laundry service, taxes, gratuities, and other fees in the cruise fare, but they also tend to include flights, Wi-Fi, specialty dining, enrichment programs, and shore excursions. Plus, you’re spared the shock …
Passengers who want a step up from a regular balcony stateroom on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship should consider booking a Junior Suite. While they do not provide nearly as many perks as a traditional suite stateroom, Junior Suites do offer a lot more space than balcony staterooms and come with a few extra amenities …
Perhaps the two most famous cruise lines in the U.S. cruise industry are Royal Caribbean and Carnival. Both draw millions of cruise guests every year and are equally popular among their passengers. For this reason, first-time cruisers often mistake one cruise line for the other. However, while there are many similarities between Carnival and Royal …
Like hotels, cruise ships have different kinds of rooms, known as cabins or staterooms. These are sometimes difficult to distinguish, especially for the first-time cruiser. Cruise ship cabins also vary considerably, from compact and utilitarian to large and lavish. There are rooms designed for entire families, and rooms designed for solo travelers. To complicate matters …
Completing your online check-in a few days prior to your sail date can help streamline the boarding process at the cruise terminal. Checking in online is optional for Royal Caribbean cruises, but it may be a good idea to take care of it in advance. If not, you would need to complete the same forms …
If you’re fond of charity work or enjoy giving back to your community, you may consider doing the same while on vacation. Many cruise lines have programs for guests to join, which support conservation efforts, people, or animals at ports of call. Volunteering in the tourist industry (also known as voluntourism) has become increasingly popular, …
If you’re planning a cruise vacation, it can be helpful to know which cruise lines and cruise ships are available. Many people opt for mainstream cruises and luxury lines, but there are more budget-friendly options like expedition cruises, small ships, and river cruises. There is a wide variety of options to choose from, with cruise …