Cruise

A Primer for European River Cruising

By Pauline Frommer

The rivers, the cruise lines, the types of people with whom you'll be sharing your vacation, and more.

How to Pick the Best Cruise Itinerary

By Heidi Sarna

Thinking about taking a cruise, but not sure which one is right for you? Check out our handy evaluation of the most common routes — and their strengths and weaknesses:

How to Contact Your Cruise Line

By Laura Brothers

Some lines are going beyond toll-free numbers — to online chats, callbacks, and even service-driven Twitter feeds and Facebook pages — to give cruisers ways to get questions answered and help when they need it. Here is the best contact information to reach out to any of the major cruise lines:

How to Stay Gluten-Free on Your Cruise

By Thomas Faddegon

Whether you keep a gluten-free diet because you’re allergic to wheat or for the health benefits, you’ll find that just about every cruise line has stepped up its game in order to cater to you. The extent of the accommodations varies: Some lines offer a few simple gluten-free dishes, while MSC Cruises has partnered with the Italian Celiac Association to create an extensive gluten-free menu.

Which cruise lines have a coed spa?

By Laura Brothers

Cruise Line Loyalty Programs

By Laura Brothers

You don’t have to have sailed on a dozen cruises to enroll in a cruise line loyalty program. All of the lines allow customers to become members either before or after their first sailing and start earning points right away. Sign up, and you’ll receive extras like complimentary Internet access and laundry services, just for booking multiple cruises with the same line. So what exactly do you get, and when? We researched all of the cruise lines’ loyalty programs:

Do You Need a Travel Agent to Book a Cruise?

By Simon Duvall

There's no one-size-fits-all answer to whether you should use a travel agent or book your cruise directly with the cruise line. Let's look at the pros and cons of each option so you can make an informed decision.

Everything You Need to Know About Cruise Ship Casinos

By Laura Brothers

Whether you’re an avid poker player or just like to try your luck on the slot machines, cruise ship casinos offer a little something for everyone, without a flight to Las Vegas.

How Wheelchair-Accessible are Cruise Ships?

By Laura Brothers

Those with impaired mobility can still enjoy a cruise ship vacation. All of the cruise lines have accessible public areas, with large corridors, automatic doors, and special seating. They also offer accessible staterooms with wide doorways, ramped entrances, roll-in showers with a seat, grab bars in the bathroom, a hand-held shower head, and a lower sink and closet rods.

What is Included in Your Cruise Fare?

By Laura Brothers

So you’re ready to set sail, but do you know exactly what is included in your cruise fare? While most cruises are not all-inclusive, you expect certain things to be included: your cabin, dining in the Lido Deck buffet and main dining rooms, basic daily entertainment — such as stage shows and comedy acts — and access to the onboard fitness center.