The smart cruise blog

 

  • Cruise Sea Sickness: Don’t Let Motion Sickness Ruin Your Voyage!

    Getting cruise sea sickness while moving through the ocean waves.

    There is nothing worse than spending hundreds of dollars on your dream vacation, only to have it ruined by a bad case of cruise sea sickness. If you are someone who struggles with this common ailment, it can even be enough to keep you from taking a cruise in the first place. Fortunately, there are a number of remedies to this troublesome nuisance that can help you to enjoy the vacation that you have worked so hard to earn. Whether you are looking for medications to prevent you getting sea sick in the first place, or you’re looking for traditional home remedies to help with symptoms, we’ve got some great tips that are sure to help you get your sea legs on your next cruise vacation!

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  • Cruise Budget Tips: How To Keep Your Cruise Costs Down

    Image of piggy bank on the beach. A budget for a cruise or cruise budget is the best way to not overspend on your trip.

    It can be very easy to overdo a cruise budget when planning a voyage for your vacation. Cruise lines offer a lot of complimentary amenities that can make your trip much cheaper, but they also offer a lot of services at extra charge that are intended to get you to spend more money. When trying to cruise on a budget, it is important to know what your options are, what activities you want to do most, and what is going to cost you extra, so that you don’t get blindsided by an oversized bill. If you need a few pointers, read on for our top tips for keeping your cruise vacation under budget.

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  • Norwegian Ship Classes: Which Ship Class is Best For You?

    Norwegian ship classes for Norwegian cruise ships

    With nine different Norwegian ship classes to select from, it can be a little daunting to figure out which one is best for you. Are you planning a family vacation with lots of at-sea adventures and excitement for the kids? Or are you a solo traveler wanting to explore the most exotic locales that you can? Different ship classes can provide very different experiences, so it is important to know what sets each class apart. To get you up to speed, we’ve got the skinny on each of the classes of Norwegian cruise ships and what they bring to the table.

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  • Cruise Balcony Breakdown: Balcony Experiences You Can’t Miss

    Cruise balcony on Celebrity

    While you probably won’t be spending too much time in your state room during a cruise, the added benefits of a cruise balcony cannot be overstated. In between exciting excursions and cruise ship explorations, it is important to have a place to rest and revive yourself, and the tranquility of an open-air balcony can be a crucial piece of that puzzle. Lounge in an outdoor hammock, wake to the sunrise creeping into your cabin, or have an intimate night with your partner during golden hour; the world is your oyster and cruise balconies are the shell! We’re here to break down the different types of balcony rooms to help you decide which balcony fits you best.

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  • Cruise Drinks You Can’t Miss Onboard Your Favorite Cruise Lines

    Image of cruise drinks and cruise cocktails

    With every different cruise line that you sail with, you get the chance to try a range of different cruise drinks that you can only get from that line. Every line has their own signature recipes that reflect what they offer as a brand, so it is an important piece of the puzzle if you want to get the whole cruising experience. To get you started, we’ve got some pointers on which cocktails and bars to head to first. Here are our recommendations for the best cruise cocktails offered on the most popular cruise lines.

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  • Cruise to Nassau: What to Do During Your Island Vacation

    Image of a cruise to Nassau. There are so many Nassau excursions to experience when you are in port.
    Nassau Cruise Port

    When it comes to island vacations, there’s nothing quite like a cruise to Nassau. Many cruises stop here on their way to the Caribbean, but it is also a great destination for a 3 to 4 day cruise out of Florida. Whether you are stopping along the way to more island adventures, or making this your ultimate destination, there are plenty of exciting Nassau excursions to keep you busy while you are there. If you are looking to take a cruise to this iconic city, we’ve got a few tips for what to do during a cruise to Nassau.

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  • Northern Europe Cruises: 5 Must-See Cruise Destinations

     

    Image of Northern Europe cruises to Godafoss Waterfall in Reykjavik, Iceland. This is a top site to see when you cruise to Northern Europe.
    Godafoss Waterfall in Reykjavik, Iceland

    Northern Europe cruises are a great option for getting up close and personal with some of the oldest and prettiest cities in the Western world. From the unmatched beauty of Norway, to the historical significance of Stockholm, there are plenty of places to go for a unique and inspiring cruise vacation. Whether you are a foodie looking to sample old-world cuisine, or a nature lover wanting to hike lush forests and huge mountains, there is something here for everyone. To help you decide where to go on your next cruise, here are our picks for the best ports of call in Northern Europe.

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  • Popular Cruise Ships: Top Booked Ships at Cruises.com

    Image of some of the most popular cruise ships and the best cruise ships.

    While there are many ways to pick a cruise for your vacation, one of the easiest ways to decide is to look at which ones are the most popular cruise ships. Afterall, if these ships keep people coming back, then it is reasonable to assume that you will be getting a good bang for your buck. Today, we will be going over the best cruise ships based on how often they are booked at Cruises.com, and reviewing what they’ve got on board that keeps them at the top of the list.

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  • Cruise Solo To These Top 5 Spectacular Destinations

    Image of a girl on a cruise solo. Croatia is great place to vacation solo.
    Explore the beautiful views and history in Dubrovnik, Croatia when you cruise solo.

    Embarking on a cruise solo is an extraordinary way to combine the thrill of exploration with the opportunity to meet like-minded individuals from around the world. Whether you’re an adventurous solo traveler or seeking a romantic connection, these top five destinations for a vacation solo will not disappoint. Get ready to set sail to breathtaking locations that offer both cultural enrichment and unforgettable experiences.

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  • Caribbean Cruises: What To Do at Top Destinations

    Image of San Juan, Puerto Rico. This is one of the Caribbean islands that Caribbean cruises stop at.

    Caribbean cruises make port at a wide variety of tropical islands, each with their own distinctive culture and appeal. Many may think that people cruise here just to enjoy the white-sand beaches and clear waters, but there is so much more to experience than a day at the beach (not that there’s anything wrong with a day at the beach!). If you are unfamiliar with the myriad of activities available and are planning a cruise to the Caribbean, we’ve got you covered. Here are a few of our favorite things to do and see during a cruise to some of the most popular Caribbean islands.

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