cruise planning

The Caribbean remains the ultimate cruise playground, offering everything from pristine beaches to vibrant culture across dozens of stunning islands. With over 40 cruises under my belt, I've sailed virtually every Caribbean route on ships ranging from intimate vessels to massive floating cities...

After sailing on seven different MSC ships across four ship classes, I've learned that MSC's gratuity system is refreshingly straightforward compared to other cruise lines — but there are some quirks you need to know about. Let me break down exactly what you'll pay, how it works, and when you...

After 40+ cruises, I've learned that choosing the right cabin location can make or break your entire cruise experience. You might think all Ocean View rooms on Deck 8 are the same — they're absolutely not. The difference between cabin 8154 and 8156 could mean the difference between peaceful...

Planning your dream cruise for 2026? Your passport timeline could make or break those plans. After dealing with passport delays on my recent Mediterranean sailing (and watching fellow passengers scramble at ports), I'm here to give you the real scoop on current processing times and your options...

Planning to cruise with your service dog? You're absolutely allowed to do so under federal law, but the process requires advance planning and specific documentation. After helping dozens of cruisers navigate these requirements over the years, I can tell you that while it's completely doable...

You're planning your 2026 cruise, but with hundreds of itineraries to choose from, where should you actually go? After sailing to 47 ports across six continents, I've noticed clear patterns in what destinations consistently deliver the best experiences — and which ones are having their moment...

Let me share the hard-learned lessons from 40+ cruises about booking shore excursions the smart way. I've made every mistake in the book — from missing out on the Blue Lagoon tour in Iceland because I waited too long, to paying double for a snorkeling trip in Cozumel by booking onboard. Here's...

You've booked your 2026 cruise, but did you know your vacation can start months before you even board? That's where roll calls come in — and after 40+ cruises, I can tell you they've made some of my best sailing experiences even better. Let me walk you through everything you need to know about...

When Carnival's tech systems crashed in March 2026, it wasn't just a minor inconvenience – it was a wake-up call for every cruiser about how dependent we've become on digital infrastructure at sea. I watched the chaos unfold from the Carnival Panorama's terminal in Long Beach, where 3,200...

I still cringe thinking about my first cruise on Carnival Dream back in 2019. I made every rookie mistake in the book — and I mean every single one. I spent too much money, missed incredible experiences, and honestly felt overwhelmed for the first three days. But here's the thing: these mistakes...

After 40+ cruises, I've done laundry on ships more times than I care to count. From wrestling with broken washers on Deck 8 of the Carnival Vista at 2 AM to discovering the hidden gems of MSC's launderettes, I've learned what works (and what definitely doesn't). Let me walk you through...