Cruise Tips

Luggage Straps/Bag Bungees are a perfect travel hack for bringing those soda 12-packs onboard your next cruise! 🛳️

Online check-in opens 14 days (2 weeks) before embarkation, and you’ll want to complete it as soon as it becomes available.

After several cruises, we noticed a frustrating pattern—almost every other cruise, my husband seemed to come down with something 🤒, turning what should be relaxing vacations into days stuck in the cabin. Once we started cruising more frequently, we realized we needed to take staying healthy more seriously—both pre-cruise and while onboard.

Staying connected at sea can be expensive, with cruise line Wi-Fi packages often costing a premium for limited speeds. For travelers looking for an alternative, GigSky offers a different approach to onboard connectivity—one that may be more cost-effective for certain types of users.

If you’ve booked a cruise and later spot a lower fare, don’t worry—you may be able to get that lower rate!

Many cruisers choose to arrive the day before their cruise to avoid travel delays and start the vacation a little earlier. One option worth considering is booking a stay through Vrbo.

Didn’t buy the drink package on your Carnival cruise? Don’t worry—you can still enjoy cocktails, wine, beer, and specialty drinks without spending a fortune. There are plenty of ways to sip smarter, save money, and even score a few free drinks along the way 👀.

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.