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Smooth Sailing at the Cruise Ship Dock

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Arriving at a cruise ship only to be told you can’t get on board is the stuff of bad dreams – but it can and does happen. Cruise lines may deny boarding for a number of reasons, but many of them are easily avoided. Here are some of the most common reasons for denial of boarding: Lack of documentation. When you make your cruise reservation, ask your professional travel advisor what documents you will need to bring with you. Then, make sure you have all the right documents, which may include a passport or other government-issued identification, a birth certificate, and any required visas. Note that the cruise line may require your passport or ID to be valid for at least six months from the day you return to your home country. Being ill. Health screening practices vary between cruise lines, but you may be asked to complete a health questionnaire, have your temperature taken, or be tested for contagious diseases before or when you arrive for boarding. Anyone who shows signs and symptom...
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When a Cruise Ship Repositions

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If you love the relaxed pace and big views of a “no port” day, you can take a type of cruise that features plenty of days at sea. Repositioning cruises are one-way voyages that move ships from one region of the world to another. Because they sail with seasonal changes, most repositioning cruises take place in spring and fall. Repositioning cruises are special in several ways. A string of sea days means plenty of time to enjoy all the ship’s dining options, entertainment spaces, and other amenities. The fares can be very budget-friendly. And while there will be few ports of call, repositioning cruises often visit places that are hard to find on other cruise itineraries. So, where do repositioning cruises go? Transatlantic cruises sail between North America and Europe, such as from Miami to Barcelona. Some of these cruises call on the Azores Islands, an Atlantic archipelago about 900 miles west of Portugal. These islands are prized for their dramatic landscapes, geothermal springs,...
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Getting to Know Ensenada

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On the Pacific Coast of Mexico, Ensenada has long been a convenient port of call for ships that must call on a foreign port before returning to the U.S. (as required by the Passenger Vessel Services Act, also known as the Jones Act). But, Ensenada – located on the Baja California peninsula – is more than a convenient stop. It has a lot to offer cruise passengers, especially those who enjoy wine. That’s because the Ensenada area has several Mediterranean-style microclimates. Warm daytime temperatures moderate when breezes come inland from the Pacific, creating temperature swings that are ideal for growing robust, flavorful grapes. Winemaking in the area began at least 200 years ago, when Dominican priests grew grapes at the old Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe del Norte mission. Today, several valleys around Ensenada are known for their wines, include Valle de Guadalupe, the Calafia Valley, the San Vicente Valley and the Santo Tomás Valley. Valle de Guadalupe alone accounts for more than...
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Selecting a Pre-Cruise Hotel

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  It’s always a good idea to arrive at your ship’s homeport a day or two in advance of your cruise. In addition to easing worries about potential travel delays, arriving early will give you a little time to unwind and settle into vacation mode. But an early arrival also means you’ll need to secure a hotel room. Here are a few tips: Make your hotel reservation as early as you can. Your fellow passengers may also be looking for hotel accommodations, along with those who will board other ships in the same port. An early reservation may deliver some early-bird savings, too. And while you’re making your pre-cruise reservation, consider whether you’d also like to stay for a night or two after the cruise, before you return home. Keep things simple. If you’re staying for just a night or two, you may not need all the amenities of a resort hotel (or to pay resort fees). What you’ll need most is a good night’s sleep, so you’ll be ready to enjoy all the amenities of your cruise ship, as ...
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Winter Sun-Seeker Cruises

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It’s never too early to think about your next cruise; so, as you bask in the warmth of summer, think about cruise options for winter 2026. Here are some warm and sunny winter destinations for you to consider. The Bahamas and the Caribbean . The archipelago of the Bahamas begins less than 100 miles east of Miami, making the islands a perfect winter destination, especially if you only have time for a brief getaway. Daytime air and water temperatures are usually in the mid-70s; just bring a light sweater for evening. The Caribbean lies a bit farther south, so daytime temperatures will be in the mid to high 80s, with balmy breezes. The Canary Islands . Part of Spain, the Canary Islands are off the northwest coast of Africa. Warm and sunny all year, the islands offer a surprising array of landscapes, including volcanic peaks, colorful towns, green forests, stretches of desert, sprawling vineyards, and pretty beaches of white or black sand. The Mediterranean . Winter days are often ver...
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River Cruise Lines to Know

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If you’ve been on a river cruise, you know it’s a very different experience from an ocean cruise. The shoreline is always in sight, providing changing views and a panorama of life along the river. The smaller, more intimate ships can often dock right in the heart of a port city. And, the focus isn’t so much on the ship’s amenities, but the places you’ll visit; days without a port call are rare. If you haven’t cruised on a river yet, take a look at this brief summary of some well-known river cruise lines and their styles. AmaWaterways takes pride in its airy, elegant ships. Innovations include twin-balcony staterooms equipped with both Juliet and sittable balconies. This was the first river cruise line to offer a full-size, onboard pickleball court; bicycles that passengers can use on shore; and a complimentary Chef’s Table restaurant for a special dining experience. AmaWaterways sails in Europe, Southeast Asia, and Africa. Avalon Waterways’ ships feature spacious suites designed ...
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All Eyes on Deck

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When a ship departs for a cruise, passengers are often encouraged to be up on deck for a sail-away celebration. As you cruise, there are other times you may want to be up on a view deck (or at least near a window), such as when the ship approaches or departs from your ports of call. Not only is it interesting to watch the crew at work, but the surroundings can be spectacular. Here are a few of the ports where the views are exceptional. Sailing in or out of New York City provides views of the Manhattan skyline, the Brooklyn and Verrazano Narrows Bridges, Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, and more. Note that ships that use the Manhattan or Brooklyn Cruise Terminals sail closer to these landmarks than ships that use New Jersey’s Cape Liberty Cruise Port. Many cruise ships that call on London actually dock in Tilbury, on the eastern edge of the metro area. However, some smaller ships can sail further up the Thames River, offering views of the beautiful Tower Bridge and other London ...
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