First Time Cruiser Info

After 18 cruises we have learned a few tricks to make a great cruise. Below is some of our best tips and advice. 

Oceanview vs Balcony vs Inside: Which Cruise Cabin Is Best

One of the first decisions you’ll make when booking a cruise is choosing your cabin and it’s a choice that can shape your entire vacation. Inside, Oceanview, and Balcony cabins all offer very different experiences, and the “best” option isn’t about status or price. It’s about how you cruise.

Before You Cruise: Check These Important Travel Documents

It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of planning a cruise. You're thinking about excursions, drink packages, specialty dining, and what to pack. But there's one thing you should never leave until the last minute.

Can You Take an Alaska Cruise With a DUI or DWI on Your Record?

An Alaska cruise is on many cruisers' bucket lists, but what happens if you have a DUI or DWI conviction on your record? Can you still take an Alaska cruise if the ship makes a stop in Canada?

Thinking About Taking a Solo Cruise? Here's What You Need to Know

When people think about cruising, they often picture couples or families sailing together. In fact, our name—Cruising Together Couple—reflects exactly how we enjoy cruising. But cruising solo has become more popular than ever.

Cruising while pregnant is something many families look forward to a relaxing babymoon before welcoming a new addition. But there’s an important rule across the cruise industry that sometimes catches travelers by surprise: you cannot sail if you are beyond a certain number of weeks pregnant.

Renting a Car in Port? Here's What Cruise Passengers Need to Know

For many cruise passengers, renting a car, Jeep, golf cart, scooter, or even a Vespa is one of the best ways to explore a port on their own. It offers freedom, flexibility, and the chance to discover places that organized shore excursions don't always visit.

Missed the Cruise Ship? Here's How to Avoid Being Left Behind

It's every cruiser's worst nightmare. You look up from shopping, relaxing on the beach, or enjoying a local tour and realize it's later than you thought. As you race back to the pier, you see your cruise ship slowly pulling away from the dock.

The One Website Every Cruiser Should Check Before Leaving Home

Most cruise passengers spend weeks researching ships, cabins, shore excursions, and drink packages before their vacation. But there's one website that many travelers overlook, and it could end up being one of the most important stops before you pack your suitcase.

How to Be a Great Cruise Passenger (And Avoid Common Mistakes)

If you've taken more than a few cruises, you've probably encountered that passenger. Maybe they're blasting music from a Bluetooth speaker by the pool. Maybe they're yelling at crew members because their drink took an extra two minutes to arrive. Or perhaps they're cutting in line at the buffet as if no one else has been waiting.

Can You Wear Camouflage Clothing on a Cruise?

Camouflage clothing is everywhere in the United States. Whether it's worn by military personnel, hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, or simply as a fashion statement, seeing someone in a camouflage shirt, pair of shorts, or even a pink camo swimsuit isn't unusual. Living in North Dakota, we see it all the time.

What's With The Ducks?


You are walking around the ship minding your own business and all of a sudden out of the corner of your eye you see a what looks like a little yellow rubber duck. You take a closer look and it is. Plus there is a tag attached. It says "Oh what luck you found a duck" Why is someone hiding little ducks around the ship? Well is seems that it started some years ago by a little girl who wanted to make others happy on the cruise. Now these little ducks are hiding on practically every ship of every cruise line.

First Aid Essentials You Should Always Bring on a Cruise

Cruises are meant to be relaxing sunshine, ocean views, great food, and stress-free days at sea. What most cruisers don’t plan for, though, is a trip to the ship’s medical center. And trust us: you don’t want your vacation budget disappearing because of a Band-Aid or a few pills.

Should You Keep Prescription Medications in Their Original Bottles on a Cruise?

One of the most common questions we hear from cruisers is: "Do I need to keep my prescription medications in their original bottles, or can I use a daily pill organizer?" It's a great question, especially for anyone who takes multiple medications each day. Pill organizers make it much easier to stay on schedule, save space in your luggage, and eliminate the hassle of sorting medications once you're onboard.

Can You Smoke on Your Cruise Ship Balcony?


One of the most common questions cruisers ask is: "Can I smoke on my balcony?"

The answer is simple: on most cruise lines, no. While there are a few exceptions around the world, the vast majority of major cruise lines serving North American travelers prohibit smoking on stateroom balconies. If you're planning a cruise and you're a smoker, it's important to understand the rules before you sail.

Aren't Sea Days Boring? - Just the Opposite!

One thing we hear from people who have never cruised is what do you do on a sea day? Isn't it boring? It's just the opposite and the great thing about sea days is that they can be spent different for everyone.
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