The ABCs of Cruising

An Encyclopedia of Cruise Tips

Sailing across the seven seas from the sparkling shores of the Caribbean to the chilly iceberg-filled waters of Antarctica, a cruise vacation is a wonderous journey filled with opulent indulgence where you'll be waited on hand and foot with personal butlers and Michelin-starred chefs as you wake up in a new destination, every morning.

But there are always ways to enhance your cruise experience. Whether you're looking for first-time cruise tips or seasoned secrets, here are the world's best from 35 cruise line presidents, CEOs, and experts.

1. Consult your bucket list.

Remote, bucket-list destinations such as Antarctica promise a special adventure that is sure to last long in the memory. While many guests enjoy spending two days crossing the famous Drake Passage, time-pushed travelers need not forego trips to the continent. Silversea's Antarctica Bridge fly-cruise offering enables guests to fly directly to King George Island, reaching the destination's pristine, icy landscapes in unique comfort and minimal time.

2. Consider a sporty cruise.

A cruise isn't just about relaxation—it's about staying active and energizing your body and mind while discovering extraordinary destinations, too. Explora Journeys' ships feature state-of-the-art fitness centers, offering everything from advanced gym equipment to personal training sessions. Plus, guests can join group classes such as yoga, pilates, and high-energy HIIT or take advantage of outdoor running tracks, basketball courts, and open-air workout zones with stunning ocean views.

3. Choose a cruise with butlers.

Personal butler service can make all the difference on a cruise—and most luxury cruise lines like Crystal offer it as standard. To truly maximize your butler, communication is key. Share your preferences with your butler—from your favorite cocktail to your preferred temperature for your suite.

A skilled butler will anticipate your needs, ensuring you're never without your favorite beverage or a delicious canapė. Butlers can also enhance your social experience onboard—arranging intimate cocktail parties in your suite, perfect for family gatherings or entertaining new friends. Whether unpacking your luggage, making dinner reservations, or arranging shore excursions, your butler is there to personalize your experience.

4. Consider repositioning cruises.

Repositioning cruises are seasoned cruisers' best-kept secret—one-way voyages from one spectacular destination to another, with many exotic stops along the way, as cruise ships reposition for changing cruise seasons. At Virgin Voyages, these can be up to 16 days long onboard adults-only ships known for offering 'the best dining at sea.' These longer voyages inspired Richard Branson to create a "work from hammock" program with a 4-week Season Pass for those who can work remotely—and then taking it one step further with a new Annual Pass, offering year-round unlimited cruising.

5. Choose the right cruise.

Choose the right cruise, and you'll find a vacation you'll want to return to, year after year. Cruise ships are all different, some very large, some very small, and everything in between—some are activity-oriented, relaxed, indulgent, contemporary, and elegant—and some embrace the past while others are ahead of the curve. There are itineraries with many days at sea to explore the ship and life onboard, and there are others where you'll wake up somewhere new almost every day. From kayaking down the fjords to cookery classes led by world-famous chefs, yoga at sunrise, and buzzing nightclubs—it's is all out there.

6. Don't just stick to the main tourist spots.

With smaller ships, like Azamara Onward, you can access ports that larger cruise lines can't reach, opening the door to lesser-known destinations and one-of-a-kind experiences—from Korean tea ceremonies in South Korea to learning how to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes with locals in Hoi An. Azamara also designs itineraries with more late nights and overnights in port than any other cruise line, so you can dive deeper into local culture—such as late-night stays in Bangkok, where you can join a Street Food Safari: meeting local sellers and sampling authentic flavors.

7. Stay healthy on your cruise.

Small ship cruising offers a unique opportunity to relax, indulge, and explore the world—but staying healthy doesn't mean compromising on luxury—in fact, the two go hand in hand. SeaDream has always believed that true luxury is about balance and choice. Staying active is easy when it's also enjoyable—like kayaking, swimming, or paddleboarding directly from the yacht's marina.

When it comes to dining, healthy doesn't have to mean boring as long as you choose the right cruise line. Whether following a plant-based diet or savoring a perfectly aged steak, you can savor dishes as indulgent as they are nourishing, crafted from fresh, local ingredients—because true luxury means you should never have to choose between your diet and an exceptional culinary experience.

8. Explore the world your way.

When planning a cruise, choose one that allows you to explore the world your way. Whether it's discovering remote destinations, immersing in local cultures, or simply soaking in the sound of the ocean, the right level of freedom and individual experience can make all the difference.

Seabourn's intimate ships open the door to boutique ports and hidden gems that larger ships can't reach—if that is what calls you. Crew members are experts at turning your ideas into unforgettable moments, from cocktails for two under the stars, warm cookies at bedtime—and even running a 'pure pampering' bubble bath with Seabourn's own line of exclusive Moulton Brown products.

9. Don't carry checked luggage.

You'll find many cruise packing tips online—but did you know, you don't have to fly with checked luggage on your cruise? Most cruise lines and ports allow you to ship your luggage ahead, so it's waiting for you in your suite when you arrive. You can take reassurance in knowing your luggage will never be lost, there's no waiting by the luggage belt, and you are out of the airport and onto your ship far quicker than everyone else.

There are also many cruisers traveling with just hand luggage these days and using onboard laundry services (like Windstar's), saving time and energy and making international and domestic travel much easier. Be sure to always travel with a spare phone and glasses as a backup—but pack wisely, and you'll make your cruising journey much simpler and more enjoyable.

10. Consider out-of-season cruises.

Consider booking trips during the "new seasons"—or out-of-season cruises. In 2025, AmaWaterways will have two ships sailing as early as February on the Rhine and Danube, and by 2026, this will expand to three ships. The growing interest in off-peak travel is making the idea of year-round river cruising more viable than ever. The end of winter is an excellent time to visit Europe, whether traveling solo, as a couple, or with the family.

With fewer tourists, you can explore iconic landmarks at your own pace and connect with locals more meaningfully. It's the perfect option for those seeking a more intimate travel experience where you feel like part of the destination rather than a tourist. Off-season cruising is also a good way for experienced travelers to see familiar destinations in a different light. Whether it's the Douro and Garonne in November or the Rhine and Danube in February and March, these times offer a fresh perspective on Europe and the added benefit of lower airfares.

11. Consider going all-inclusive.

Choosing an all-inclusive cruise makes for a far more relaxing journey than thinking about bar tabs, hidden costs, or currency exchanges on your vacation. On a Uniworld cruise, you don't have to reach for your wallet if you don't want to, with fine dining, excursions, wine and champagne, and all gratuities included in the price of the cruise, so there are no nasty surprises.

All-inclusive also doesn't mean having to compromise on quality, experience, or genuine support of the local communities. Food and wines are sourced locally, reflecting the destinations we sail to and ensuring the 'tourist dollar' is distributed in the region.

12. Go beyond household names.

As river cruising grows in popularity, travelers increasingly seek to explore rivers beyond the household names. While favorites like the Rhine, Seine, Danube, Rhone, Douro, and Mekong offer a fantastic mix of history, culture, and beautiful scenery, there are so many other rivers to