Cruises 101: What you need to know

Choosing the right wine package on a Holland America cruise can enhance your dining experience and elevate your enjoyment on board. Holland America offers beverage packages that include wines from three distinct cellars, each catering to different tastes and budgets. Understanding what each cellar offers helps you select the best option for your preferences. This guide breaks down the details of Cellar 1, Cellar 2, and Cellar 3, so you know exactly what to expect and can make

When cruising with Holland America Line, understanding how gratuities work can enhance your experience and help you save money. Unlike traditional tipping, Holland America Line charges a daily "Crew Appreciation" fee that supports the hardworking crew members who make your cruise enjoyable. This post explains how much these gratuities cost, the benefits of prepaying them, and how to do so for the best savings.

Cruising offers a unique way to explore new places while enjoying the comforts of a floating resort. For travelers committed to sobriety, however, the presence of alcohol everywhere on board can feel challenging. That is where the Friends of Bill W meet ups come in. These gatherings provide a welcoming, safe space for sober travelers to connect, share experiences, and build friendships during their cruise vacation.

The moment you step into Holland America Line's Dutch-themed Orange Party, you are greeted by a sea of orange. This vibrant color dominates the scene, from the decorations to the attire of the guests. But why orange? What does this color represent, especially to the Norwegians and the Dutch? And how does it connect to the festive atmosphere on board? This post explores the rich history and cultural significance of orange, the dress code flexibility, and what guests can expect

When planning a cruise with Holland America, understanding the drink packages can save you money and enhance your onboard experience. The choices can seem confusing at first, especially with several packages offering different benefits and limits. This guide breaks down the key features of Holland America’s beverage packages, including the Have It All, Signature, Elite, and Quench packages. You will learn what each package offers, how limits work, and important rules about pu

Waiting at the San Pedro Cruise Terminal before your Virgin Voyages adventure can feel long if you don’t know what to do nearby. At the same time, embarkation day can seem confusing if it’s your first time sailing with Virgin Voyages. This guide will help you make the most of your time before boarding and walk you through the embarkation process step-by-step. You’ll also discover a favorite local spot to enjoy breakfast, brunch, or lunch with great coffee and friendly service

Cruising Alaska in August offers a unique blend of natural beauty and changing weather. This time of year brings mild temperatures, extended daylight, and a mix of sun and rain. Knowing what to expect and how to pack can make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable. This guide breaks down the typical weather in key Alaskan ports and nearby Victoria, British Columbia, and offers practical packing tips to prepare you for your adventure.

Cruising has evolved dramatically over the years, with travelers now facing a choice between massive cruise ships and smaller, yacht-style vessels. In 2024, Royal Caribbean introduced Icon of the Seas, the largest cruise ship afloat, boasting an impressive array of amenities and entertainment options. Meanwhile, brands like Virgin Voyages, Explora Journeys, Holland America Line, Silversea, Seabourn, and Ritz Carlton Yachts focus on smaller ships that promise intimacy and tran

Booking dining reservations before your Virgin Voyages cruise can feel confusing, especially if you missed the chance to reserve ahead of time. Many guests worry they will miss out on popular restaurants or have limited dining options. The truth is, Virgin Voyages designs its dining reservation system to encourage premium package bookings, but that does not mean you will be left hungry or without choices. This guide explains how dining reservations work, what to expect when y

Cruise ships carry thousands of passengers across the oceans, offering luxury and adventure. But what happens to the wastewater generated on these floating cities? Many people assume that cruise ships dump untreated waste directly into the ocean, but the reality is more complex. Some cruise lines have made serious commitments to protecting the environment by properly treating wastewater. Others operate their own treatment facilities onboard, while some, including Carnival Cru

Autumn in Japan offers a spectacular display of fall foliage and coastal beauty, making it a perfect time for an unforgettable journey. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Cruise invites travelers to explore Japan’s most captivating coastal cities while enjoying the luxury and comfort of a superyacht. This 10-night roundtrip voyage aboard the Luminara combines the rich culture, stunning landscapes, and exquisite cuisine of Japan with the ease of yachting. From Tokyo to Kagoshima, this cru

Virgin Voyages is raising the bar for cruise vacations with fresh, exciting options for the winter 2027-28 season. Whether you want a short getaway or an extended voyage, Virgin Voyages offers flexible itineraries that bring new experiences to the sea. From unique destinations to exclusive onboard features, this season promises something special for every adult traveler. Hurry, these offers end April 2nd, 2026.

Virgin Voyages is set to elevate the cruise dining experience with the launch of Ariya, a modern Indian restaurant aboard the Valiant Lady, arriving in May 2026. This new dining venue promises to bring bold regional flavors and contemporary design together, offering guests a unique culinary journey at sea. Ariya is designed to cater to all tastes and dietary preferences, making it a standout addition to Virgin Voyages’ Always Included Luxury dining options.

Booking a Virgin Voyages cruise promises a unique and stylish travel experience. Yet, like many cruise lines, the base fare does not cover every expense on board. Knowing what additional costs to expect helps you budget better and enjoy your trip without surprises. This guide breaks down the main extras you’ll encounter on a Virgin Voyages cruise, including gratuities, specialty dining, drinks, Wi-Fi, and excursions.

Cruising offers a unique way to explore the world while enjoying luxury, entertainment, and relaxation. For LGBT travelers, choosing a cruise line that embraces inclusivity and offers a welcoming atmosphere is essential. Virgin Voyages, Holland America Line, and Explora Journeys stand out as top LGBT-friendly cruise lines, each with distinct offerings and pricing structures. Understanding what is included in the fare versus what counts as an extra can help you decide which cr

Choosing the right cruise line can transform your vacation from ordinary to unforgettable. Each cruise line offers a unique experience tailored to different travel styles. Whether you are traveling with family, as a couple, seeking active adventures, craving luxury, or exploring solo, the ship size, atmosphere, and onboard offerings matter. This guide breaks down the best cruise lines for every traveler type to help you find the perfect match for your next voyage.

When planning a cruise along the U.S. coastline, especially to destinations like Alaska or Hawaii, you might notice some unusual routing or stops that seem out of the way. These travel quirks often stem from a law called the Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA). This regulation affects how cruise lines operate between U.S. ports and can influence your itinerary, pricing, and overall cruise experience.

Alaska’s vast wilderness offers some of the most breathtaking landscapes and wildlife encounters on the planet. Seabourn Cruises has unveiled a unique opportunity for travelers in 2027 and 2028 to explore Alaska’s interior through exclusive Denali itineraries. This journey goes beyond the typical cruise experience, combining immersive adventures with the luxury and personalized service Seabourn is known for. Guests will discover the heart of The Great Land in a way that few g

If you love food and enjoy hands-on experiences, Virgin Voyages Test Kitchen offers a unique way to sharpen your cooking skills while cruising. This culinary adventure invites guests to learn directly from professional chefs, exploring new techniques and recipes that will inspire your creativity in the kitchen. Whether you are a beginner or an enthusiastic home cook, the Test Kitchen experience promises to turn you into a self-proclaimed chef-in-training.

When booking a Virgin Voyages cruise, one common question among travelers is whether they can pay gratuities in cash instead of pre-paying them. The answer is clear: you cannot replace the required cruise line gratuities with cash payments. While you can certainly give extra cash tips to crew members who provide exceptional service, the mandatory gratuities will be charged regardless, either prepaid or billed at the end of your cruise. This post explains how Virgin Voyages ha