Forbes Irene S. Levine Contributor “Captain” Morton Jablin IRENE LEVINE Most guests on Seven Seas Navigator may not find anything unusual about the distinguished-looking man who eats alone every day, at lunch and dinner, at the same corner table of the Compass Rose dining room. But when I learned that this passenger—whom the crew deferentially refers to as the “Captain”—has been residing on this same … Read more

  Julia Mullaney Cruise ships are one of the most affordable ways to see some of the world’s most beautiful spots. Whether you’re touring the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Europe, or elsewhere, traveling on a cruise ship is one of the easiest ways to see what the world offers. First, we broke down the top five best cruise ships for your next trip based on … Read more

By Erica Silverstein – Cruise Critic Senior Editor If you’re looking for a getaway where everything is taken care of, which vacation type — a cruise or an all-inclusive resort — is truly the better deal? The answer isn’t black and white, but we’ll break down what you get with each, so you can determine which is best for your next vacation. … Read more

    Comprehensive coverage no matter where you go To find the best travel insurance, we looked at 22 of the nation’s top providers. Our mission: find providers that offer primary medical coverage, generous limits, few exclusions, and top-notch customer service. But the cost will depend on you, your trip, and who’s coming with — which is why it’s important … Read more

To be fair, cruise lines that do charge the automatic gratuity give you advance notice at the start of the cruise that the tip will be added to your onboard bill at the conclusion of the trip. And, you have several options.

Aft cabins typically have some of the largest balconies on a cruise ship as there are usually just a few rooms lined up along the back of a ship giving each one more space for a bigger balcony. In particular, aft cabins located on the corners of the ship often have wraparound balconies, creating enough space for chairs, loungers and sometimes a small dining table.

One of the most awarded luxury ships in the world has a sophisticated new look, offering travelers freshly imagined choices during their global vacations. Crystal Symphony has emerged from dry dock, returning to the seas with newly designed spaces, features and amenities that luxury travelers crave. The ship’s new Open Seating dining concept ushers in new restaurants on board, while more of … Read more

Travel Pulse – by Jason Leppert PHOTO: Oceania Cruises’ Riviera. (photo by Jason Leppert) Oceania Cruises has made its Concierge Level Stateroom category more enticing with one of the best onboard privileges ever. The upscale line now offers free laundry, and the goodies don’t stop there. It has also added room service from its Grand Dining Room lunch and dinner menus to the perks … Read more

    by Kayla Becker Choosing a cabin is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning your cruise. It’s your home away from home and — even if you plan to spend more time exploring the ship than in your room — the wrong location can impact how well you sleep which is, after all, the whole purpose of a … Read more