Cruises 101: What you need to know

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

Planning a cruise or vacation to Canada can be exciting, but if you have a DUI on your record, your trip may face unexpected challenges. Canada treats DUI offenses seriously, and travelers with such records often encounter restrictions at the border. Understanding these rules before booking your trip can save you time, money, and disappointment.

River cruising offers a unique way to explore Europe’s most iconic waterways, combining comfort, culture, and stunning landscapes. For travelers seeking a blend of history, art, and seasonal charm, Celebrity Cruises presents three exceptional itineraries for 2027 and 2028. These journeys along the Danube and the Rhine promise unforgettable experiences, from imperial cities to festive markets and vibrant spring gardens. Here’s a closer look at each itinerary and what makes the

Cruising offers a unique way to explore the world while enjoying the comforts of a floating resort. One common question among travelers is about bringing beverages onboard. Can you pack your favorite soda, beer, or wine? What about buying drinks at ports and bringing them back? Understanding the rules can save you time, money, and frustration. This post breaks down what you need to know about bringing beverages on cruises, focusing on wine, corkage fees, and the risks of snea

Virgin Voyages offers a unique cruise experience designed exclusively for adults. One of the standout features on each ship is the carefully designed pool and hot tub areas. These spaces are crafted to provide pure relaxation, social opportunities, and intimate moments without the distractions of children or noisy crowds. If you are planning a trip with Virgin Voyages, understanding what these pools and hot tubs offer will help you make the most of your time on board.

River cruising offers a unique way to explore some of the world’s most beautiful destinations with comfort and style. For gay and lesbian travelers seeking an elevated experience, finding a cruise line that embraces inclusivity and offers welcoming environments is essential. This article highlights the top four gay-friendly river cruise lines: Emerald River Cruises, Scenic River Cruises, Viking River Cruises, and Uniworld River Cruises. Each brand brings something special to