Articles

Heidi Sarna

Article / Cruise

Which cruise should I take: Disney or Norwegian?

Disney Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line are both great choices for families, with flexible dining options, shows, and activities for all ages, plus movie and TV characters doing…

Article / Cruise

Which cruise should I take: Western or Eastern Caribbean?

Looking at cruise brochures, it can be hard to differentiate between the various Caribbean itineraries. But once you know what you’re looking at, distinct differences emerge.…

Article / Cruise

Which cruise should I take: Carnival or Norwegian?

These two cruise lines have a lot in common: huge ships that attract families with kids, as well as couples and singles. Their appeal boils down to plenty of choices and features like…

Article / Cruise

9 Tips for Cruising With Small Children

Cruises are great family vacations because kids are catered to as well as adults. Most ships offer supervised activities, and the biggest vessels have several spacious playrooms geared…

Article / Cruise

7 Rookie Mistakes First-Time Cruisers Make

If you’re new to cruising, don’t fall prey to these potential pitfalls. Here are the top nine mistakes cruise newbies make and how to avoid them for smooth sailing, from…

Article / Cruise

How to Choose a Caribbean Itinerary

Cruise itineraries in the Caribbean are divided by eastern, southern, and western options. For cruisers who haven't sailed these warm waters, the designations — which…

Article / Cruise

Cruise Ship Safety: What to Expect in a Muster Drill

The tragedy aboard Costa Concordia has focused the spotlight on the industry's safety and evacuation procedures for cruise passengers. Two experts offer their insider's take on muster…

Article / Cruise

How to Get the Best Spa Experience at Sea

Want to relax? Here are nine ways to help you score a spa deal while on a cruise.

Article / Arts and Culture

Repositioning Cruises: Long Days, Low Prices

Is a repositioning cruise right for you? Here are some answers to frequently asked questions, plus check out these sample cruise deals for Fall 2011 and Spring 2012.

Article / Family & Kids

Cruise Trends: New Kid-Friendly Perks & Parties

Some of the most family-friendly cruise lines now offer late-night babysitting and theme parties just for kids, giving parents the time to enjoy the cruise, too.

Article / Cruise

Drinks at Sea: Should You Buy a Beverage Package on a Cruise?

Use this guide to help calculate if a drinks package -- or à la carte pricing for bottled water, sodas, and alcohol -- makes more financial sense for your cruise.

Article / Arts and Culture

Memorial Cruises Honor the 100th Anniversary of the Sinking of the "Titanic"

The Titanic lives on in memorial cruises that are set to sail in April 2012, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the ship's sinking.

Article / Beach & Water Sports

Cruise Travel Tips: How to Stay Healthy at Sea

What you should pack in a first-aid kit, how to cope with seasickness, and other ways to avoid the cruise ship's infirmary.

Article / Cruise

How to Lose Weight on a Cruise: 9 Smart Ways

For cruisers who face tempting buffets and endless desserts, these nine tips reveal healthy dining options and fun ways to stay active while on a cruise.

Article / Cruise

What to Buy in Ports Around the World

Here's what to look for when shopping in Bali, Florence, French Polynesia, Cozumel, St. Thomas, and other destinations around the world.

Article / Cruise

How to Plan a Successful Group Cruise

Can five adults and four kids survive a Mexican Riviera cruise without getting on each other's nerves? Whether you're traveling by land or by sea, use these tips to plan a successful…

Article / Cruise

9 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Choose a Cruise

Matching your tastes and personality to the right cruise ship isn't so hard if you ask yourself these simple questions.

Article / Cruise

Cruise Tip: A Travel Agent Can Be Your Best Friend

A travel agent can help lessen the burden when a natural disaster interrupts your travel plans, especially when you're trying to catch a cruise and the airlines stop flying.

Article / Arts and Culture

The Best Beaches and Ports for Cruisers

By the time your ship docks in port, you want to make a beeline for the beach. Don't know where to go? Here are the best beaches in some of the top cruise ports around the world.

Article / Cruise

Ask the Cruise Experts: 600 Ships and Counting

With so many cruise lines to choose from, how can you pick just one? Get some advice from these four cruise experts, who have collectively sailed on more than 600(!) ships.

Article / Cruise

Top 9 Reasons to Cruise

If you're trying to decide between a land-based trip or a cruise, these nine reasons may help tip the balance. From the dining rituals to the Old World charm of some ships, cruising…

Article / Arts and Culture

Cruising in Asia Aboard Costa Allegra

Cruising in Asia can be a convenient way to explore new cultures in comfort. Sailing aboard the intimate Costa Allegra is just one way to see Phuket, Kuala Lumpur, and more.

Article / Cruise

Top 9 Ports for Nature Lovers

Feeling restless? Pick a cruise that stops in one of these ports, where the shore excursions and tours can get you close to monkeys, penguins, or nurse sharks.

Article / Family & Kids

Top Cruises for Kids From Ages Four to Seven

Some cruises just have more kid-appeal. Though these ships are clear winners when it comes to entertaining children between the ages of 4 and 7, the parents will enjoy the ride, too.

Article / Beach & Water Sports

Onboard Waterslides and Water Parks Make a Splash

Elaborate water parks and multi-deck slides are popping up on ships. We round up the best of the bunch, and look ahead at what's to come.