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Packing for a cruise to Alaska is a little different than packing for the Caribbean. Weather can change quickly, rain is common, and glacier viewing days can be surprisingly cold — even in the middle of summer.

Sea days are a great opportunity to enjoy everything the ship has to offer—from relaxing moments to nonstop activities, it’s your time to do as much or as little as you want.

You’ve seen the offer. “🎉 CONGRATS! You’ve earned a FREE cruise!”. Sometimes those deals can be worth it. But let’s clear something up for anyone new to cruising..... A “FREE” cruise is almost never actually free.

If you’re sailing with Carnival, theme nights are a big part of the “Fun Ship” vibe.

If your cruise stops in Mexico (Cozumel, Costa Maya, Cabo, etc.), be aware that Mexico now has a nationwide vape ban in effect. The law went into effect on January 16, 2026.

If you’re new to cruising, you may have heard about Elegant Night and wondered what it’s all about. It’s a special evening where guests can dress up a little more than usual 👗 and enjoy a festive night on the ship. Some go all out with glamorous outfits, while others keep it simple but polished. Either way, it’s a fun night to celebrate, take photos 📸, and make memories on board!

If you’re a coffee lover sailing with Carnival, you’re not limited to basic drip coffee. There are several ways to get specialty coffee onboard.

If your cruise stops in Oranjestad, the good news is you can enjoy a lot without booking an excursion or even taking a taxi. The cruise port is right in the middle of town, and there are plenty of things to do within easy walking distance.

Make your cruise cabin stand out with fun, creative decorations! Make it easy to find your room, keep the family organized, and add personality to your cruise.

Flying isn’t the only way to get to your cruise. Many cruisers choose to road trip to the port, and for good reason. Driving gives you flexibility, avoids airline delays, and lets you pack all the cruise extras without worrying about baggage limits. Plus, the road trip can feel like the official start of your vacation.

How Much Should You TIP the Luggage Porters at the Cruise Terminal?

If you’re cruising out of Port Canaveral and want to add Universal Orlando before or after your sailing, it’s a fun (and doable!) combo.

If you’re in a forward cabin, you might hear loud, repetitive thuds at night — that’s a bow slam! Basically, the front of the ship hits waves over and over, like bowling balls bouncing off your cabin wall.

Planning a cruise from Port Canaveral? Whether you’re flying into Orlando International Airport (MCO) or driving in, understanding your rental car options can make embarkation and disembarkation days smoother and more flexible.

Whether you’re flying or driving to your cruise port, arriving the day before embarkation can help prevent unexpected travel issues. Flight delays, cancellations, traffic, or road closures can happen at any time, and getting to the port city early provides a valuable buffer.

Think you’re tired after a day of sun, drinks, and excursions? Try getting a good night’s sleep on a cruise! Between the rocking ship, less-than-cozy beds, and hallway chaos, even the best sleeper can struggle (my husband is a member of the "I can't sleep on a cruise" club).

One of the first things to check before leaving home is your ID. If you’re flying within the U.S., you’ll need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another accepted form of ID, like a passport.

When packing for a Caribbean cruise, it helps to think beyond just “what to wear” and plan for how your day will flow—from mornings on deck to afternoons in port and evenings onboard.

If you're heading to Port Canaveral for a cruise, airports like Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) and Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) are smaller and much less hectic than Orlando International Airport (MCO). These quieter airports can make for a more relaxed start and end to your trip.

A quick visit to Kennedy Space Center (KSC), located about 15 miles from Port Canaveral, is an easy add-on to your vacation and a great way to check out rockets 🪐 and even meet real astronauts