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Cruise How To's, Tips and Tricks

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Can I Cancel Cruise Without Penalty?

Can I Cancel Cruise Without Penalty?

Guide to Cruise Booking Process

Guide to Cruise Booking Process

Weekend Cruise From Florida Guide for Easy Getaways

Weekend Cruise From Florida Guide for Easy Getaways

How to Link Cruise Reservations Together Before Sailing

How to Link Cruise Reservations Together Before Sailing

10 Tips for First Cruise Sea Sickness Relief

10 Tips for First Cruise Sea Sickness Relief

How to Find Cheap Cruises That Are Worth It

How to Find Cheap Cruises That Are Worth It

MSC vs Norwegian for Families

MSC vs Norwegian for Families

Cruise Travel Advisor Service Review

Cruise Travel Advisor Service Review

Best Family Cruise Cabin Layouts Explained

Best Family Cruise Cabin Layouts Explained

Cruise Travel Agent for Honeymoon Planning

Cruise Travel Agent for Honeymoon Planning

What Travel Insurance Do I Need for a Cruise?

What Travel Insurance Do I Need for a Cruise?

9 Best Cruise Lines for Couples

9 Best Cruise Lines for Couples

Group Cruise Perks vs Individual Booking

Group Cruise Perks vs Individual Booking

Should You Prepay Cruise Gratuities?

Should You Prepay Cruise Gratuities?

How to Budget for a Cruise Without Surprises

How to Budget for a Cruise Without Surprises

Cruise Itinerary Matching by Travel Style

Cruise Itinerary Matching by Travel Style

Best Cruises for Multigenerational Families

Best Cruises for Multigenerational Families

11 Best Questions to Ask a Cruise Agent

11 Best Questions to Ask a Cruise Agent

Is a Balcony Worth It on a Cruise?

Is a Balcony Worth It on a Cruise?

MSC vs Princess Cruise Line: Which Fits You?

MSC vs Princess Cruise Line: Which Fits You?

Can I Cancel Cruise Without Penalty?
Booking Rules & Policies

Can I Cancel Cruise Without Penalty?

Can I cancel a cruise without penalty? Learn how cancellation penalties work, what's refunded, and smart ways to cancel or...
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Guide to Cruise Booking Process
Booking Rules & Policies

Guide to Cruise Booking Process

A step-by-step guide to the cruise booking process, from budgeting and choosing a ship to deposits, final payment, online check-in,...
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Weekend Cruise From Florida Guide for Easy Getaways
Destinations & Itineraries

Weekend Cruise From Florida Guide for Easy Getaways

Use this weekend cruise from Florida guide to compare ports, ships, cabins, costs, and timing - then book with confidence...
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How to Link Cruise Reservations Together Before Sailing
Booking Rules & Policies Family & Group Cruises

How to Link Cruise Reservations Together Before Sailing

Learn how to link cruise reservations together so your group can dine, plan, and sail with fewer surprises. Know what...
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10 Tips for First Cruise Sea Sickness Relief
Cruise Planning Tips

10 Tips for First Cruise Sea Sickness Relief

Get practical tips for first cruise sea sickness, from choosing the right cabin to timing medication, so you can enjoy...
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How to Find Cheap Cruises That Are Worth It
Cruise Pricing & Deals

How to Find Cheap Cruises That Are Worth It

Find cheap cruises without costly mistakes. Learn when to book, what to compare, and how to get better value, perks,...
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MSC vs Norwegian for Families
Cruise Line Reviews & Comparisons Family & Group Cruises

MSC vs Norwegian for Families

MSC vs Norwegian for families: compare kids clubs, cabins, dining, pricing, and onboard vibe so you can choose the best...
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Cruise Travel Advisor Service Review
Using a Cruise Advisor

Cruise Travel Advisor Service Review

A cruise travel advisor service review covering pricing, perks, support, and trade-offs so you can book with more confidence and...
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Best Family Cruise Cabin Layouts Explained
Cabins & Staterooms Family & Group Cruises

Best Family Cruise Cabin Layouts Explained

Learn how to choose the best family cruise cabin layouts for space, privacy, and value so everyone sleeps better and...
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Cruise Travel Agent for Honeymoon Planning
Using a Cruise Advisor

Cruise Travel Agent for Honeymoon Planning

Why use a cruise travel agent for honeymoon planning: the right line, itinerary, and cabin, honeymoon perks, name-change advice, and...
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What Travel Insurance Do I Need for a Cruise?
Booking Rules & Policies Cruise Planning Tips

What Travel Insurance Do I Need for a Cruise?

Wondering what travel insurance do I need for a cruise? Learn which coverages matter most, what to skip, and how...
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9 Best Cruise Lines for Couples
Cruise Line Reviews & Comparisons

9 Best Cruise Lines for Couples

The 9 best cruise lines for couples, from Celebrity and Princess to the MSC Yacht Club, plus adults-only spaces and...
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Group Cruise Perks vs Individual Booking
Cruise Pricing & Deals Family & Group Cruises

Group Cruise Perks vs Individual Booking

Compare group cruise perks vs individual booking to see when group rates, extras, and support beat booking solo - and...
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Should You Prepay Cruise Gratuities?
Onboard Costs & Packages

Should You Prepay Cruise Gratuities?

Should you prepay cruise gratuities? Learn how prepaying works, the pros and cons, cost examples, and when paying onboard makes...
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How to Budget for a Cruise Without Surprises
Cruise Planning Tips Onboard Costs & Packages

How to Budget for a Cruise Without Surprises

How to budget for a cruise without surprises: every cost to plan for, a sample family budget, and practical ways...
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Cruise Itinerary Matching by Travel Style
Destinations & Itineraries

Cruise Itinerary Matching by Travel Style

Cruise itinerary matching by travel style: the best destinations, lengths, and pacing for beach lovers, adventurers, culture buffs, relaxers, and...
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Best Cruises for Multigenerational Families
Family & Group Cruises

Best Cruises for Multigenerational Families

The best cruises for multigenerational families, from Royal Caribbean and Disney to Princess in Alaska, plus tips to keep every...
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11 Best Questions to Ask a Cruise Agent
Using a Cruise Advisor

11 Best Questions to Ask a Cruise Agent

The 11 best questions to ask a cruise agent before you book, what good answers sound like, and red flags...
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Is a Balcony Worth It on a Cruise?
Cabins & Staterooms

Is a Balcony Worth It on a Cruise?

Is a balcony worth it on a cruise? See when the upgrade pays off, when an inside or oceanview cabin...
Read More
MSC vs Princess Cruise Line: Which Fits You?
Cruise Line Reviews & Comparisons

MSC vs Princess Cruise Line: Which Fits You?

MSC vs Princess cruise line: compare atmosphere, ships, dining, cabins, the MSC Yacht Club, itineraries, families, and value to choose...
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About The Author - Alex Waverly

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About Our Blog Author:

Alexandra "Alex" Waverly is a cruise travel expert, blogger, and vacation planner with over 15 years of experience reviewing and sailing the world's best cruise itineraries. Having completed 120+ cruises across the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska, and Norwegian fjords, Alex is one of the most well-traveled and trusted voices in the cruise travel industry.
As the author of this cruise tips and reviews blog, Alex has helped hundreds of thousands of travelers find the best cruise lines, cabin deals, and shore excursions — whether they're planning a luxury cruise vacation, a family cruise holiday, or a budget-friendly cruise getaway. She has sailed with Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Cunard, and Viking Ocean Cruises, offering firsthand, unbiased insights you won't find anywhere else.
Her expert guides cover everything from cruise packing tips and cruise ship reviews to best cruises for couples, solo cruising advice, and cruise port destination guides — making this blog your #1 resource for cruise travel planning.
Based in Charleston, South Carolina, Alex is always on the water — and always sharing what she finds.