Cruise Vacation Tips and Resources

Looking for a great vacation idea? Have you been on a cruise? Read all the best things about cruises and see why a cruise vacation will be your next vacation.

What are the things to do on a cruise? A cruise ship vacation is a destination in itself. You can spend the entirety of your vacation just enjoying all that a cruise ship has to offer from free cruise activities to paid ones.

Booking a cruise vacation is exciting and we start to count the days immediately after booking. In this post, we share our top tips on how to prepare for a cruise for first-timers.

Have a cruise booked? Need a cruise packing list? Whether this is your first-time cruise or you're an avid cruiser, it's time to make sure you have the cruise essentials you'll need. Don't forget to print the cruise packing list.

What not to pack for a cruise? There are some items from home that are not allowed on a cruise ship. Check out these 15 items you should not bring on a cruise.

What is included in a cruise ship vacation? And, what is not? We break down what the cruise fare includes and why it's mostly all-inclusive.

Are you getting ready to set sail on your cruise ship vacation? Wondering what the cruise embarkation day process is like? What should you do before and after you embark on your cruise? Find out why embarkation day can actually be a fun day of your cruise. A printable checklist is included.

What's the deal with tipping on a cruise? Are you supposed to tip on a cruise? Are cruise gratuities mandatory? Should you prepay gratuities? In this guide, we answer all these questions and more. 

Deciding between a cruise and an all-inclusive resort? Wondering what the differences are? While there are some similarities, there are plenty of differences. We'll be diving into the battle between a cruise vs all-inclusive resort or an all-inclusive resort vs cruise.

There are many pros and cons of a fall cruise or a winter cruise. No matter the season, you’ll be guaranteed a fabulous time on your cruise vacation.

Are you getting ready for a beach trip or beach vacation? Scouring the internet for the best beach packing list? Don't worry, we have you covered with a packing list for the beach. A printable beach packing checklist is also available for you.

Is Oranjestad, Aruba a port-of-call on your cruise itinerary? Wondering what to do and how to spend a day in the Aruba cruise port? Spend the morning at one of the most beautiful beaches in Aruba. Then spend the second half of the day exploring the Arikok National Park.

Visiting Curaçao with your Southern Caribbean cruise or staying near Willemstad? Rent a car and beach hop the Curaçao beaches. Explore local spots your tour guide may not show you. Still have time at the end of the day? Give colorful Willemstad a quick tour and see the things to do in Willemstad.

Are you planning a Bonaire vacation? Is Bonaire port-of-call part of your Southern Caribbean cruise itinerary? See the top things to do in Bonaire in a day. You’ll be calling this Dutch Caribbean island paradise shortly after arriving.

Planning one day in Key West, Florida cruise port? Whether your future cruise is landing there for less than a day in Key West or you’re taking a Key West day trip, these activities or foodie spots may be the inspiration you are looking for.

Is Grand Cayman Cruise Port on your cruise itinerary? Did you know one of the most popular attractions is swimming with Stingrays? Read all about booking an excursions and all other things to do in Grand Cayman.

Are you wondering if you can be your own tour guide at the Costa Maya cruise port? You absolutely can! We have done guided tours and we have rented a golf cart to explore on our own. Either way, you’ll have a great time exploring Costa Maya.

Harvest Caye, Belize is one of Norwegian Cruise Line’s private islands.  As we spent our day enjoying what this resort-style island has to offer, we wondered, who doesn’t like a resort? If your cruise is docking in Harvest Caye and it’s your first time, don’t stay on the ship.

Is Cozumel a port-of-call on your cruise itinerary? The island is a paradise with plenty of beautiful beaches and things to do. Looking for a day of fun in the sun? Spend a day at Paradise Beach in Cozumel, Mexico. Looking for more than a day at a beach? Check out these tours.

Santo Tomoa de Castilla port on your cruise itinerary? In this post, I give you some guidance as to what to expect when your cruise ports in Santo Tomás de Castilla and tell you about our Rio Dulce Guatemala Tour with lunch in Livingston. 

Is the Roatan, Honduras port-of-call on your cruise itinerary? We spent our day at Daniel John’s hanging out with monkeys and sloths before we heading out to snorkel the 2nd largest reef in the world that goes from Mexico to Panama.

Is Grand Cayman Cruise Port on your cruise itinerary? Did you know one of the most popular attractions is swimming with Stingrays? Read all about booking an excursions and all other things to do in Grand Cayman.

Did you know that some cruises depart from New Orleans to the Western Caribbean? If you cruise's home port is in New Orleans, plan a few days before or after the cruise to explore this fantastic city. See how to spend 3 days in New Orleans.

Planning to go to Rome from the Civitavecchia port? Plan your day in this historical city. Here are the top things to see in Rome, Italy.

Civitavecchia to Civita Di Bagnorio: What if I told you there is an idyllic Italian storybook village less than two hours away from the port of Civitavecchia? Let me introduce you to Civita di Bagnoregio.

Is the port of Livorno on your cruise itinerary? Let’s take a quick day trip to Lucca and see all the things to do in Lucca, Italy!

Is Livorno a port-of-call on your cruise itinerary? Planning a day trip to Florence, Italy? Here are three itinerary options for a fabulous day in Florence.

Is Livorno a port-of-call on your cruise itinerary? Plan your Livorno to Pisa day trip! See how to get there and what highlights you shouldn't miss in Pisa, Italy.

Traveling to the Almalfi Coast of Italy? Is the port of Naples on your cruise itinerary? Add a beautiful day trip to Capri from Naples to your itinerary.

Is Cannes, France a port-of-call on your Mediterranean cruise? Are you staying in Cannes and are thinking of spending one day in Nice, France? Cannes to Nice is an easy and fun day trip.

Is Palma de Mallorca, Spain part of your cruise itinerary? Spend an adventurous time in Palma de Mallorca and book a Palma de Mallorca bike tour. Eat some of the best local treats.

Traveling to Barcelona, Spain? Wondering where to eat in Barcelona with great Barcelona food and dining experience. Here are some of the best spots we enjoyed when we visited.

Planning a trip to Girona, Spain? What are the greatest things to do in Girona? We cover the highlights not to miss in this wonderful city as well as a few delicious eats.