Cruises: Stories, Tips & Adventures

Absolutely. Cruises bundle accommodation, food, entertainment, and transport into one package, making them excellent value. You can wake up in a new destination without ever repacking your bags.

Princess Cruises is our top pick for beginners. They balance comfort, accessibility, great food, and a relaxed atmosphere without overwhelming first‑time guests.

Yes. We met in person for the first time on a cruise (we initially met on Instagram—see our story for more) and still love them years later.

Modern cruises offer nightlife, bars, enrichment classes, gyms, shows, and quiet spaces—something for every mood.

Most major cruise lines, especially Princess, offer accessible cabins, wide corridors, smooth deck transitions, elevators, reserved seating in theaters, and helpful crew support.

Always request an accessible cabin early, as they are limited.

Yes, during port days and while sailing close to shore.

We used GigSky instead of buying the cruise Wi‑Fi package to test performance, and it worked perfectly in ports.

At sea, expect no signal until you’re near land.

Get our full range of eSIM recommendations here.

It varies. Some ships (especially newer ones) offer faster speeds, but connection can still drop during sea days or in rough weather.

It works fine for messaging and browsing, but uploads can be slow.

If your work is flexible and you plan around port days, yes.

For heavy uploads, meetings, or time‑sensitive tasks, cruise Wi‑Fi may be challenging. Many digital nomads use a mix of ship Wi‑Fi and eSIM data at ports.

Balconies are worth it for long voyages and sea‑heavy itineraries, although they are more expensive and can be windy (outside).

Inside cabins are great for budget travelers who don’t mind artificial light.

Oceanview is a nice middle ground without the balcony price.

Arrive early. Boarding usually starts several hours before departure, and earlier passengers enjoy lunch on board with fewer crowds.

Keep documents and health forms handy for a smooth check‑in.

Yes, buffets, main dining rooms, and select casual venues are included.

Specialty restaurants cost extra but offer unique experiences.

Most ships cater to dietary needs with advance notice.

Modern ships have stabilizers, but sensitive travellers may still feel movement.

Bring medication, ginger tablets, or acupressure bands. Booking midship cabins on lower decks can reduce motion.

Most cruise lines add automatic gratuities to your bill.

You can adjust them at guest services if needed, but they support the hardworking crew.

We recommend removing them and paying individuals in cash directly, at your own discretion.

Pack comfortable shoes, smart‑casual evening wear, swimwear, light layers, and a daypack.

Most cruises usually host a formal night, so be sure to prepare for this (although it is not mandatory to participate).

Don’t forget a cruise‑approved power strip, sunscreen, and your eSIM ready for port days.

Policies vary. Many cruise lines allow one bottle of wine per adult at embarkation. Spirits are usually restricted.

Yes. Cruise travel involves medical protocols, port changes, weather disruptions, and long distances from hospitals.

Insurance gives peace of mind. Get our travel insurance recommendations here.