Cruise Ship Travel
Cruise vacations provide something for travelers of all backgrounds and interests. Whether you're cruising for the onboard experience, the exotic food, the exciting day trips and shore excursions, or simply to experience the grandeur of life on the open ocean, the Web has all the resources you'll need to make researching, planning and booking your next cruise a cinch.
Taking a Cruise
It’s a mode of travel that requires special planning and offers unique activities. So what’s it really like to be on a cruise? This section has sites that provide an insider’s look at life aboard a cruise ship, and teach you how to prepare for your high seas journey.
Dulcinea's Insight
- The smarter you are, the safer you are. Cruise companies take precautions to ensure safe journeys for their passengers, but certain dangers can be avoided if you use your head.
- Prior to cruising, check out the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Web site for vessel sanitation information, tips on staying clean and safe while at sea, and vaccination guidance.
Dulcinea's Picks
For a taste of the cruise experience …
CruiseMates
is a comprehensive cruise information site and community, offering a guide for first-time cruisers. The article takes you step-by-step through the process of boarding the ship, explains what it’s like inside a cabin, details the dining situation, and gives advice for finding fun activities on the ship.
MetropolisMag.com
, the online home of Metropolis Magazine, features an article called “The Cruise Ship Diaries,” which is one woman’s account of her two-week cruise off the coast of South America. Read her insider perspective on the sights, sounds and overall atmosphere for one opinion on cruising.
For cruise safety …
Cruise Lines International Association
unites almost every major cruise operation in the United States and Europe. Find all the safety information, rules and regulations you need to know about before embarking on a cruise.
The Globe and Mail
published a concise introduction to cruise safety called, “The Dos And Don’ts Of Cruise Safety.” Peruse these simple but important tips on topics like cruising with kids and land excursions during your cruise.
MSNBC
has nine thorough tips for cruise safety from a travel columnist. Read about possible issues that might arise, such as infectious disease and impaired judgment due to excessive drinking on board. This article goes a bit more in-depth with the author’s real-life experiences and insights.
For packing tips …
MSNBC
has tips for “How to Pack for a Cruise,” including insight into customs requirements, what to pack for different times of day and weather conditions at sea, and detailed advice for how to pack your bag abiding by weight standards.
CruiseCritic
gives travelers a crash course in “Cruise Packing 101” with insight into which items you may be able to get on the ship, the laundry situation, and level of dress formality for individual cruise lines like Carnival and Celebrity.
Choosing a Cruise
With the different styles, destinations and lengths of cruises available, it may seem like there ... read more »
Booking a Cruise
You’ll usually get the most for your money by booking your cruise online, whether by using a ... read more »
Cruise Blogs
These days, it seems like anyone who’s experienced anything has a blog about it. Cruises are ... read more »








