CRUISE SHIP TRAVEL ARTICLES

Cruise Articles by Cruise Diva & Contributors

• What's new in Orlando for a Pre- or Post-Cruise stay? It's not all Disney, but there are a lot of new thrills at the parks for the entire family!
• Pre- or Post-Cruise stays in Orlando just got a new Polynesian-style twist from Disney.
• Malt Shop Memories Cruise 2014: Join Cruise Diva aboard Holland America Line's Eurodam for the music and fun of the fifth annual Malt Shop Memories Cruise.
• Get a Double Dose of Magic Disney-style with something for everyone in the family at Walt Disney World and aboard Disney Fantasy by Georgina Cruz.
• Pre- & Post-Cruise Spa Options: Georgina Cruz introduces us to some “Me Time” prior to setting sail on a cruise vacation from Port Canaveral.
• Cruises, the Social Network Way to Travel — While a cruise is a great vacation for families & friends, it isn't necessary to have a ready-made group of acquaintances in order to feel comfortable on a cruise.
• Malt Shop Memories Cruise 2013: Once Again we board Holland America Line's Eurodam for the annual rock 'n roll music cruise that gets us dancing.
• River vs Ocean Cruising. River cruises are booming around the world. Come along with Cruise Diva to discover the similarities and differences.
• "Grill" Dining On Board: Setting the Record Straight on Cruise Diva's Blog. This just goes to show that you can't take everything you read on Twitter at face value, even if it's posted by a travel agent.
• Malt Shop Memories Cruise 2012,  on board Holland America Line's Eurodam. Cruise Diva shares the fun and the music we love.
• An Evening (or Two) At Le Champagne, Georgina Cruz describes Le Champagne, Silversea Cruises' premium gourmet restaurant.
• Postcards From Around The World — Join Georgina & Humberto Cruz aboard Holland America Line's 2012 Amsterdam World Cruise as they share the highlights of a voyage around the globe.
• Meet The Guy Behind Carnival Cruise Lines’ Burger Joint — Guy Fieri prepares a Guy's Burger Joint Straight-Up with a Pig Patty Burger on the Food Network.
• Québec City: Queen of the St. Lawrence — Port of Call review by Pat Woods
• Holland America Line's Oosterdam Circle Hawaii cruise proved to be exciting in more ways than one. Our contributor Karen Segboer relates the circumstances behind the ship altering course for not one, but three medical evacuations in a single day.
• Aulani, Disney Resort & Spa, has opened its doors on the quiet west coast of Oahu. Georgina Cruz highlights why it's ideal for Hawaii pre- & post-cruise stays. Aloha, Mickey!
• Traveling, Security & the Age of Facebook — Whether you are going on a cruise, to Disney World, or just visiting out-of-town family for a few days, take heed of this expert advice.
• Cruising From Charleston — What to do before and after your cruise.
• Aboard ms Ryndam: Course Correction — Hurricane Paula 2010, or being diverted on your cruise(s)
• Effective Complaining — Sadly, there’s no such thing as a perfect vacation and things can go just as wrong on a cruise as they do on land.
• Cruises With Character — Georgina Cruz tells you where to find the characters you love at sea.
• Malt Shop Memories Cruise 2010 — Join the "Class of 2010" for a rocking good time at sea.
• Exploring South America’s “other” coast — Georgina Cruz shares the treasures found on the west coast of South America during a Silver Spirit Cruise.
• Celebrity Eclipse, The "Conveyance" Journey — Set sail with Cruise Diva on the conveyance of the third Solstice-class ship in the Celebrity Cruises fleet.
• Luggage Tags, Then & Now — Coping with pre-printed, paper luggage tags.
• Booking A Cruise At The Pier — The cruising urban legend that will not die.
• Behind The Stage — It's Show Time! and we ventured behind the stage after the performance to find out what goes into Holland America Line's production shows.
• Regatta in Europe — Georgina Cruz shares the joy and convenience of sailing aboard Oceania Cruises' Regatta on a Grand Tour Without the Unpacking.
• The Chef's Table — Fine dining aboard Holland America Line's ms Westerdam
• Cruises, the Social Network Way to Travel — While a cruise is a great vacation for families and friends to share experiences, it isn't necessary to have a ready-made group of acquaintances in order to feel comfortable on a cruise.
• Cruise Ship Decor — Here's how to adapt the most appealing on board design elements to your personal environment.
• Tech Savvy Cruise Travel — Catch the communications wave at sea with the Internet, WiFi-enabled laptop computers & cell phone services
• Diary Of Days In The Arctic: Georgina Cruz describes the wonders of a 16-day expedition to the Arctic aboard Silversea Cruises’ Prince Albert II
• Baby on Board — Cruise travel age restrictions for infants & regulations for expectant moms-to-be.
• Taking Your Toddler To Sea — Cruise ships are wonderful places for family vacations, but you must understand the rules before making promises to your littlest sailors.
• Freestyle Cruising Accommodations to suit every type of guest are revealed for Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Epic.
• New, Fantasy-filled Lodging Options If you are planning to extend a cruise out of Port Canaveral, Florida with a pre- or post-cruise land stay, Georgina Cruz introduces two that will be available in 2009 at Walt Disney World in Orlando.
• Deluxe is in the Details — Georgina Cruz examines the deluxe details aboard Azamara Journey.
• Embarkation Day: Timing is Everything — To insure smooth sailing on , follow Cruise Diva's arrival tips.
• Smoke on the Water — Can you smoke on your cruise ship? Cruise Diva outlines the cruise lines' smoking policies.
• “Toy Story–The Musical” on board Disney Wonder. Photos and a behind-the-scenes look by Georgina Cruz.
• Taste of Excellence — Join us on Holland America Line's Westerdam for out-of-the-ordinary dining our way.
• "The Love Boat" — Come Aboard, We're Expecting You... what's not to love about a look back at cruise travel's television time machine?
• For Cruise Travel, Age Matters — When it's Spring Break season, find out why you might want to bring your parents.
• Oceania Cruises Announces — Take a look at the design details of their Oceania-class Ships.
• The Smooth Jazz Cruise hosted by Wayman Tisdale — Join Cruise Diva for all the music, fun, and relaxation aboard Holland America Line's Westerdam.
• Smoke on the Water — Can you smoke on your cruise ship? Cruise Diva outlines the cruise lines' smoking policies. 
• Memories of The Elvis Cruise — What was it like being at sea for the maiden voyage of The Elvis Cruise? Come aboard for a inside look.
• A Quest for Bahamian Cigars — No, I didn't mean to type Cuba. Some of the world’s finest boutique cigars are made in Nassau.
• The Silversea Experience — Cruise Diva takes a fresh look at what makes this luxury cruise line so alluring.
• Passport Purgatory — If you've applied for a passport far in advance of your cruise, why is it taking SO long to receive it? We examine the delay. 
• Can you "FALL" off a cruise ship?  Is it that EASY to simply "fall" over a balcony railing? We don't think so.
• Crossing or Cruising? It's your choice which way to travel... but is there a difference? Cruise Diva looks at conventional cruises, repositioning cruises, and a traditional Transatlantic Crossing on Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2.
• Making Disney Magic At Sea — If you were a Princess "Then," be a Princess now on Disney Magic.
• Around the World on a Cruise To Las Vegas — Cruise Diva takes a look at how a Vegas resort vacation stacks up to a cruise.
• Ultimate Balcony Dinner — The 'ultimate' Love Boat experience by Kay Fernandez.
• Luxury Cruising: I Did It My Way — Explore your "Personalized Voyage" options on Ultra-Luxurious Silversea by Georgina Cruz
• Carnival Miracle “Coming In Late” — A close encounter in hurricane season
• Port Security — Are you concerned about measures taken to keep your cruise ship safe in US ports? Amber Blecker, ACC, explains why you shouldn't worry.
• Towel Animals — The ultimate bedtime pals. Make them at home yourself!
• Cruising With Kids— Going to sea with your children, grandchildren, and youngster's friends. What you need to know and a sample Parental Consent Letter that can be modified for individual purposes and printed.
• Going Ashore — Plan ahead & make the most of your time in ports of call.
• Shore Excursions vs. Independent Touring — Get the basics.
• How to Read an Excursion Description — Sort out what IS and IS NOT included.
• "Ship Time" vs. "Island Time" — There CAN be a difference!
• Holiday Dinners at Sea: Cruise Ship Cuisine — What's for dinner on your cruise ship? Get all the details and some recipes from Princess Cruises.
• Is Your Cruise Ship SICK? — When hundreds of cruise passengers report to the infirmary with similar symptoms, does that mean their ship is SICK?
• Standard Duty-Free Allowance  — What is it for your family?
• Cruise Ship Etiquette — Pack your best manners and make Consideration, Courtesy & Civility your guideposts.
• Cruise Travel First Aid Kit — Be prepared for small emergencies.
• Cruise Ship Fitness Centers— Will you be "buff" or "buffet" at the end of your cruise? Maintaining an exercise regimen at sea is no sweat.
• Cruise Ship Spas — Believe it or not, some items on the spa "menu" sound good enough to eat.
• Will you drive to your next cruise? — There may be an embarkation port coming to a city near you soon.
• Family Cruising, The Basics— Will your children enjoy a cruise? Chances are, it will be difficult to convince them to leave the ship at the end of the voyage. What to know...
• Before You Go & Do's and Don'ts to experience one of the most satisfying vacations your family can share.
• Cruising Cost Control, Money Saving Tips -- Cut costs, not the enjoyment of your cruise.
• What IS & Is NOT Included In Your Cruise Fare -- Cruises are nearly all-inclusive, but some things do cost additional
• Cruise Romance-- Cruise Diva selects the most romantic ships at sea
• What to Expect On Your Cruise -- No two cruise experiences are identical. But what exactly are realistic expectations?
• Selecting Luggage for Your Cruise -- What to consider before making a major luggage purchase, how to adhere to airline baggage regulations, and the answer to how much luggage can you take on the ship.
• Luggage Limitations For Cruisers — If you are an infrequent flyer, you may be in for a rude surprise at the airport. These are airline regulations and the answer to how much luggage can you take on the ship.
• Select Your Cruise Ship Cabin — Inside or Outside? Balcony Stateroom or Suite? Take a look at the accommodations available before choosing yours.
• A Cruise vs. Resort Cost Comparison — "Which will be kinder to my vacation budget?" Many would-be cruise passengers are surprised that a cruise isn't as costly as they perceived. Let's crunch some numbers.
• Gentlemen Hosts® — As I prepared for the Captain's Reception on Silver Whisper, song lyrics from my teenage years ran through my mind... "little wallflower on the shelf, standing by herself." Was it worth going through the ritual of makeup, hair, a gown & heels? Would anyone ask me to dance?
• Accessible Cruise Travel — Designed from the keel up with the special needs of disabled passengers in mind, new cruise ships are opening the world to guests with mobility, sight, and breathing impairments.
• The Cruise Planning Timeline - The sailing date for your dream cruise is drawing near and it's time to take care of some practical considerations. You're getting ready to cruise—these are the things to do and a schedule of when to do them.
• Just the FAQs -- Frequently Asked Questions & simple answers.
• Cruising in the Lap of LUXURY - At Seatrade 2002, it was clear that even leading cruise line executives differ in their opinions—and definitions of a luxury cruise. Here's what they had to say.
• Piña Colada—The Tropical Taste of Puerto Rico - Ever wonder who created the cool, creamy Piña Colada? I did, so I went to the source—the Caribe Hilton in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
• SIZE Matters - Ship size... what does it matter? It's actually a very important consideration in determining the overall cruise experience. Cruise Diva and Armand Mantia join forces to explain why.
• More Than Simply Insurance - Cancellation options for cruise passengers... You may think, "Nothing bad can happen to me!" Or can it?
• Romance at Sea - How can you spot the newlyweds on a cruise ship? Unless the bride is wearing a white gown and the groom has rice in his hair, you can’t. What setting could be more idyllic for romance than a ship at sea?
• Cruise Ships & Dry-Dock -- A lot of water passes under their keels. So, for cruise liners, the equivalent of a trip to a health spa is the dry-dock. Follow the steps needed to maintain and enhance the luxurious Crystal Symphony.
• Trim Your Wardrobe, Pack Light, Be Fashionable & Practical -- How I packed everything I needed for a 15-night cruise in a carry-on.
• Cruise Lifestyles -- Cruises fall into loose categories. Here's what distinguishes Mainstream, Premium, and Luxury cruise lines from one another.
• Cruise Line Profiles -- Descriptions of all the major cruise lines. It's what you need to know to choose a cruise vacation.
• Cruise Line Past Passenger Clubs -- To entice past passengers, cruise lines have special clubs for "repeaters." Find out about them here.
• Have DUCK Tape, Will Travel -- A new cruising travel necessity... this is NOT your father's duct tape & it no longer belongs in the garage.
• Find the RIGHT Cruise Travel Agent -- It takes research, research, and more research.
• Port Security -- What to expect at your embarkation port and ports of call.
• Safety Onboard -- The muster drill and beyond; crews take safety and security seriously.
• Stay Safe in Ports of Call -- Getting away from it all shouldn't mean getting into trouble.
• Identifying Yourself -- If you haven't done it already, isn't it about time to get a passport?
• Flying the Friendlier Skies -- New security measures are in place to ease your mind about flights safety.
• The Legendary Alhambra -- A magic carpet ride into a world of visionary enchantment.
• Ship Happens -- Bad weather, mechanical problems, and political unrest can set your itinerary and plans adrift.
• Money, Money, Money -- Make dollars & sense out of currency exchange.
• Cruising into Hurricane Season -- "Official" hurricane season consumes a full six months of the year. It doesn't have to spoil your cruise.
• A (Cruising) Pirate's Cache -- Some passengers gloat over winning in the casino. That’s only money. I’d rather have something that cash can’t buy.
• Cruise Care-- The ship's Sick Bay. You hope you won't need it but it's comforting to know you can depend on it... if only for a bandage.
• Cool Cruising -- When spring is in the air, cruisers' fancies turn north--to Alaska. Majestic scenery, frontiers to explore, and what  to pack.
• Early vs. Late Seating Dining -- It can set the tone for your entire cruise.
• Cruise Tipping Tip$ -- One of the most personal & frequently debated topics of conversation among cruise passengers involves the matter of tipping.
• Packing It In -- First published in the December 1999 issue of Cruise Travel Magazine, the True Confession of a pack-aholic.
• Air & Sea: Solutions for the Landlocked -- The facts about cruise line Air & Sea Programs and missing the boat.
• That's Entertainment! -- For passengers yearning for a return to simpler times, there’s an enduring form of entertainment—the Passenger Talent Show.
• Sailing Solo -- On embarkation day it's evident that cruise ships are modern incarnations of Noah’s Ark... what's it like to be a female on your own?
• Going "Bare" -- This has nothing to do with sunbathing au natural.  Here's the scoop on protecting your cruise investment and yourself.
• The Captain's Dinner -- It's a dining experience modern cruisers anticipate, but its roots are in steerage.
• Seasickness ~ Rockin' the Boat -- What causes mal de mer and how to overcome it.
• Cruise Wear -- "Looking so LUXE in a rental tux!"  Cracking cruise line dress codes... what to wear and when to wear it.
• Passenger Rights & Wrongs -- What recourse do you have if the cruise on your Dream Ship becomes a Nightmare?  An interview with James Walker, a top maritime attorney.
• TITANIC~Ship of Dreams -- A pre- or post-cruise visit to Orlando isn't complete without a stop at the haunting permanent Titanic exhibit.
• Beautiful Bermuda -- Pink sand & sparkling water.  A cruise is the ideal Bermuda get-away.
• Cruise On, Mom -- A Mother's Day tribute to the lady who passed along her cruise genes to me.  My mom's first cruise on the Song of Norway.

Hints for New Cruisers

• What to Expect On Your Cruise -- No two cruise experiences are identical. But what exactly are realistic expectations?
• Luggage for Your Cruise -- What to consider before making a major luggage purchase, how to adhere to airline baggage regulations, and the answer to how much luggage can you take on the ship.
• Luggage Limitations For Cruisers — If you are an infrequent flyer, you may be in for a rude surprise at the airport. These are airline regulations and the answer to how much luggage can you take on the ship.
• Select Your Cruise Ship Cabin — Inside or Outside? Balcony Stateroom or Suite? Take a look at the accommodations available before choosing yours.
• A Cruise vs. Resort Cost Comparison -- "Which will be kinder to my vacation budget?" Many would-be cruise passengers are surprised that a cruise isn't as costly as they perceived. Let's crunch some numbers.
• Hints Part 1 -- Little things every first-time Cruise Diva should know ahead of time. By George Hall
• Hints Part 2 -- You're on board.  What can you expect in this new, yet vaguely familiar, environment? By George Hall
• A Cruise Diva's Musts -- The Chicago Sun-Times turns to CruiseDiva.com for advice on the secret comforts to make your cruise the best it can be.
• The Cruise Planning Timeline - The sailing date for your dream cruise is drawing near and it's time to take care of some practical considerations. You're getting ready to cruise—these are the things to do and a schedule of when to do them.
• Tips for Cruisers -- The Archive of Weekly Cruise Travel Tips. Check in often for new tips or to find the ones you may have missed.
• FAQs -- Frequently Asked Questions & simple answers.
• First-Time Cruise Smarts For First-Class Passengers - Netfolio & the Cruise Diva collaborate on advice for first-time cruise passengers.

Pre- and Post-Cruise ~ Where to Stay

• What's new in Orlando for a Pre- or Post-Cruise stay? It's not all Disney, but there are a lot of new thrills at the parks for the entire family in 2016!
• Pre- or Post-Cruise stays in Orlando just got a new Polynesian-style twist from Disney.
• Pre- & Post-Cruise Spa Options: Georgina Cruz introduces us to some “Me Time” prior to setting sail on a cruise vacation from Port Canaveral.
• Pixie-Dusted Pre- & Post-Cruise Options — Whether you're sailing from Florida or California, Disney Parks are a great choice with new attractions for the entire family.
• Aulani, Disney Resort & Spa, has opened its doors on the quiet west coast of Oahu. Georgina Cruz highlights why it's ideal for Hawaii pre- & post-cruise stays. Aloha, Mickey!
• New, Fantasy-filled Lodging Options If you are planning to extend a cruise out of Port Canaveral, Florida with a pre- or post-cruise land stay, Georgina Cruz introduces two that will be available in 2009 at Walt Disney World in Orlando.
• Disney Dreams — This is the year to plan a magical pre- or post-cruise stay at a Disney theme park. A "Year of a Million Dreams" comes true.
• Magic Kingdom Pre- & Post-Cruise Experiences, by Georgina Cruz
• Hyatt Regency Pier 66,  Fort Lauderdale -- The 22 acres of swamp land purchased by Phillips Petroleum a half century ago has grown from a simple watercraft gas station to one of Fort Lauderdale's premier landmarks.
• Hotel Majestic ~ Barcelona, Spain -- A peek inside this elegant hotel in the heart of Spain's most intriguing Mediterranean city.
• Ritz Four Seasons ~ Lisbon, Portugal -- They just don't build hotels like this any more... putting on the "ritz" in Lisbon.

Cruise Diva's FOCUS -- The in-depth series of articles about cruise travel and related topics.

Order My
Latest Book

Don't Miss!
at Fodors.com
All-New Cruises Guide & Cruise Forum

See What's New on Cruise Diva's Blog