Cruise Guides & Articles

Everything you wish someone had told you before booking your first cruise.

From choosing a cruise line and stateroom to dining, gratuities, drink packages, shore excursions, embarkation, and what to expect onboard, this guide takes some of the mystery out of your first sailing.

 Smaller ships. Fascinating destinations. A completely different way to cruise.

Discover what makes river cruising different from ocean cruising, what's typically included, what days are like onboard and ashore, who river cruising is best for, and what to consider when comparing river cruise lines.

The biggest ships aren't always the best ships—and luxury isn't right for everyone either.

Compare the different styles of cruising and discover how family-friendly, contemporary, premium, adults-only, luxury, yacht, river, and expedition experiences differ.

Coming September 2026

 Alaska isn't a cruise you should choose based on the ship alone.

Learn about the different embarkation ports, Inside Passage itineraries, glaciers, one-way versus roundtrip sailings, cruise lines, pre- and post-cruise options, shore experiences, and some of the decisions that can make a huge difference in your Alaska vacation.

Coming in October 2026

Barcelona. Rome. Greece. The French Riviera. Croatia. And that's only the beginning.

Learn how Mediterranean itineraries differ, where cruises begin and end, when to sail, how much time to spend before and after your cruise, and what to consider when choosing between larger ships, premium cruises, luxury ships, and yachts.

Coming November 2026

 Luxury cruising isn't simply about spending more. It's about what you're getting for the money.

Explore how luxury and ultra-luxury cruising differ from mainstream and premium experiences, including accommodations, dining, beverages, service, gratuities, shore experiences, ship size, destinations, and overall value.

Coming December 2026