Cruising is more popular than ever. Here's your expert guide, from scoring a good deal to booking better shore excursions
Consider the ports.
'Choosing the right destination is crucial. When we cruised with another family, we chose a sailing out of San Juan, Puerto Rico, because of the fantastic itinerary: British and U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Lucia, Barbados and Antigua. The stops offered a diversity of landscapes and activities, with the right amount of beach time and adventure for four teenagers between two families. For us, the ship's amenities were less important than the stops, but they could be a deciding factor for families with young children looking to engage littles on-board with kid's camps, a water park and nightly entertainment.' —
Lisa Kadane
, travel writer
Choose a cruise line that suits your style.
'If you're a fan of luxury hotels, look at lines such as
Explora Journeys
, and ships launched by
Ritz-Carlton
and
Four Seasons
. Accor, the group that operates Fairmont properties, is also putting a new ship, the
Orient Express Corinthian
, in the water next year. If you're a fan of theme parks or need a variety of things to do (multi-gen and family travel comes to mind), look at the ship-within-a-ship concepts of
MSC's Yacht Club
and
the Haven
by Norwegian Cruise Line. Both are like floating boutique hotels, with private areas, concierge and butler services, and dedicated dining. You still have the full-on vibe of a ship with thousands of people on vacation, but you can retreat to the peace of your exclusive getaway.' — Vivian Vassos, travel writer and editor-in-chief of
Bold Traveller magazine
Continue checking prices.
'Once you've booked your cruise, keep an eye out for sales and promotions, especially before your final payment is due. Many cruise lines, such as
Celebrity
,
Royal Caribbean
and
Princess
, have best-price guarantees that could result in cash back, cabin upgrades or on-board credits if the advertised cost of your cruise drops at a later date. Even if you see a deal after you've made your final payment, call the cruise line and see if they're willing to make an adjustment. It doesn't cost anything to ask.' —
Lori Rackl
, travel writer
Go when the deals are good.
'If you're investment shy but still want to give cruising a try: 'Wave season,' the industry term for off-peak travel, offers the best deals. And with temperatures staying mild well into November in Europe, there are deals to be had, and fewer crowds to deal with. April, May and June offer great deals for the Caribbean.' — Vivian Vassos
Do the math on add-ons.
'One thing I think first-time cruisers need to take into account are extras like drinks and excursions, which are not included on most larger-capacity ocean cruises and can really break the budget for a family. Though river cruises are generally pricier per person, they typically include excursions, plus wine and beer at lunch and dinner.' — Lisa Kadane
Plan to arrive early.
'If you're a first-time cruiser, you may also be a first-time visitor to the embarkation and disembarkation cities. Many cruise lines (especially river cruises) offer a day or two early in port, and extended port visits at the end of a cruise. Take advantage of those offers, and regardless, always try to arrive in your embarkation city a day early. It's worth the time and the investment, and with all the flight delays these days, you'll be happy to get on-board without having to rush from the airport.' — Vivian Vassos
Book your flights wisely.
'If you're thinking of an expedition cruise, where departures could be dependent on the weather, book your flights with the cruise line. If you're stuck, for example, in Antarctica with very limited flight choices, the cruise line will be responsible for getting you in or out and making sure you have a place to stay while you wait. Many cruise lines are offering to book flights as part of the package, and some even offer deep discounts or free flights.' — Vivian Vassos
Don't be afraid of DIY shore excursions.
'Cruise lines make a lot of money from shore excursions, which often involve a big flock of passengers following a guide with a flag. It's often more intimate and less expensive to book your own tours and experiences. Cruise lines will try to scare you away from making independent arrangements, warning that the ship will leave without you if you're not back on time. That's why some companies, such as
ToursByLocals
, guarantee you won't miss the boat. Their 'No One Left Behind' promise says in the unlikely event that you're not back by sail away, they'll provide overnight accommodation and transportation to the next port of call. (The website notes they've sold more than 150,000 shore excursions and only had to activate this policy twice.) Booking sites, such as
Viator
and
Shore Excursions Group
, make it easy to search for your own tours. Cruise schedules are subject to change, so it's a good idea to book an excursion with a flexible refund policy.' — Lori Rackl
Read the room and the official trip advice.
'Cruises, depending on the line, can be dressy. Before my first, I paid careful attention to the cruise line's packing advice, including details on theme nights. I was glad I did. People really do go all out, and I was relieved I had appropriate evening wear. I went on a Club Med ship filled with cruisers from France, who looked smart (ironed shorts!) every time they stepped out of their cabins. Though we were cruising in North American waters, the vibe was decidedly European.' —
Jody Robbins
, travel writer
Ask an insider.
'Definitely speak to either a travel agent, or an agent with the cruise lines you're considering. Looking for romance? There's a cruise for that. Wine and food? There are itineraries that can bring you up-close-and-personal to some of the best vineyards in Europe. Looking to do South Asia or Egypt but nervous about not speaking the language? Experience them from the rivers with vetted local guides. No question is a stupid question; speaking with a cruise expert and booking the right cruise could make or break your trip.' — Vivian Vassos
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Refinery29
33 minutes ago
- Refinery29
'Beach Towel' Nails Are This Summer's Most Nostalgic Manicure Trend
It makes perfect sense that summer's most popular nail looks are taking inspiration from destinations with sunnier climes. Between colourful beach nails decked out in teeny sea creatures that wouldn't look out of place on the Galápagos Islands to intricately painted Italian summer manicures inspired by the Amalfi coast, this season's chicest looks have sunshine at their heart. Yet summer isn't always tropical sunsets and cocktails by the pool, as this emerging trend proves by taking its inspiration from things a little closer to home. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sigourney Nuñez (@nailartbysig) Enter: 'beach towel' manicures. Celebrating the retro delight of boldly striped deckhairs, colourful windbreakers and sticks of rock, rather than coral reefs and ceramic tiles, these stripy manicures pay homage to the charming British seasides that line the coast. And while a striped manicure might sound simple, a beach towel manicure makes a versatile summer nail look, as it can be so easily customised. View this post on Instagram A post shared by EMazingmani 🦋 (@emazingmani) Minimalists might opt for a refined monochrome colour palette in sandy neutrals, while maximalists get the chance to embrace a riot of clashing rainbow hues for a playful summer aesthetic. So whether you want your nails to reflect a luxury coastal getaway in Cornwall or a fun-filled girls' weekend in Margate, there's a manicure to suit. View this post on Instagram A post shared by EMazingmani 🦋 (@emazingmani) Ahead, find 11 of our favourite beach towel nail looks to guarantee that your next manicure is striped with seaside charm. Brighton Rock View this post on Instagram A post shared by 𝐄𝐦𝐦𝐚 𝐌𝐣𝐞𝐥𝐝𝐞 | 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬-𝐨𝐧 𝐍𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭 ♡ (@emspolish) A joyful clash of candy colours and playful stripes, this vibrant manicure by nail artist Emma Mjelde using The Gel Bottle channels vintage beach balls and rainbow rock sweets into manicure form. It's pure summer nostalgia with a glossy, modern twist. Sorbet Chic View this post on Instagram A post shared by Samantha 🌹 (@samrosenails) Sorbet nails are one of the coolest trends for summer 2025, and nail content creator Samantha (aka @samrosenails) uses the colour palette as her springboard for this pretty pastel beach towel look. Speedy Spring 4-Piece Nail Set, £17, has all the colours you need to recreate the look at home. Blank Space View this post on Instagram A post shared by @_nailzbyamz_ While there are plenty of bold striped looks to take inspiration from, minimalists will love this pared-back take by nail technician @_nailzbyamz_), which layers painterly stripes over a milky base. Riviera Stripe View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ashlyn | Licensed Nail tech (@ Nail artist Ashlyn (aka @ brings a breath of Mediterranean air with this cool-toned manicure in alternating cornflower and white stripes. The look is effortlessly chic. Think of a luxurious recliner at a rooftop pool. Essie Nail Polish in Bikini So Teeny, £8.99, is the perfect poolside blue. Beach Huts View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kyra Sorensen Nail Technichian and Nail Instructor (@loveyournailsis) Picture a classic seaside town and chances are that colourfully painted beach huts are one of the first images that spring to mind. This manicure by nail tech Kyra Sorensen captures them in manicure form. Candy Stripe View this post on Instagram A post shared by Maisie Jackson Beauty (@maisiejacksonbeauty) Nail technician Maisie Jackson has chosen the sweetest combination of candyfloss pinks for this retro striped manicure, complete with tiny strawberries. We'll be pairing Manucurist Nail Polish in Pink Paradise, £14, and Candy, £14, to recreate the look at home. Choc Ice View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rita Matos 🪿🍄 (@ Mocha-inspired manicures were everywhere at the start of the year, and this cherry chocolate-striped set by creator Rita Matos proves that the rich colour looks just as cool for summer. Essie Nail Polish in Bordeaux, £8.99, has a beautifully glossy finish that's perfect for summer. Colour Clash View this post on Instagram A post shared by CHARLOTTE BARD | BRISTOL NAIL TECH (@charlottedoesnails) Why choose one colour when you can choose two? This vibrant manicure by nail tech Charlotte Bard teams Brat green with Aperol orange for the liveliest of clashes. Lemon Slice View this post on Instagram A post shared by Claire | Solihull Nails (@ If the Amalfi coast met Brighton pier, the result would be this coastal fresh lemon and blue set by Solihull Nails. Think beach towels with a fruity twist. Rainbow Riot View this post on Instagram A post shared by Reanna Kester | OGDEN UTAH NAIL TECH + EDUCATOR (@redidmynails) Maximalists will delight in this colourful manicure by nail tech Reanna Kester, which looks like a packet of Skittles has been ripped open and emptied over nails. The varying stripe sizes and bold hues make for the cheeriest summer nail look. Coastal Breeze View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sky D'Abbraccio (@skylermaydesigns) Although a lot is going on in this manicure — handpainted sea critters, seashell textures and deck chair stripes — nail artist Sky D'Abbraccio keeps it feeling easy-breezy with the refined white and blue colour palette. So chic.
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Yahoo
What in-flight turbulence is and when it becomes dangerous for passengers and crews
Turbulence Explainer A Delta Air Lines flight from Salt Lake City to Amsterdam that was hit by serious turbulence Wednesday, sending 25 people on board to hospitals and forcing the flight to divert to Minnesota, highlighted the dangers of flying through unstable air. Several turbulence-impacted flights have been reported this year. While turbulence-related fatalities are quite rare, the tally of injuries has grown over the years. Some meteorologists and aviation analysts note that reports of turbulence encounters also have been increasing and point to what climate change may be doing to flying conditions. Planes hitting bumpy air is mostly minor, however, and airlines have tried to improve safety. Experts advise travelers to stay vigilant, stressing wearing a seat belt whenever possible. What causes turbulence Turbulence is essentially unstable air that moves in a non-predictable fashion. Most people associate it with heavy storms. But the most dangerous is clear-air turbulence, which often occurs with no visible warning. Clear-air turbulence happens most often in or near the high-altitude rivers of air called jet streams. The culprit is wind shear, which is when two huge air masses close to each other move at different speeds. If the difference in speed is big enough, the atmosphere can't handle the strain, and it breaks into turbulent patterns like eddies in water. Recent flights shaken by turbulence In June, five people were taken to a North Carolina hospital for evaluation after an American Airlines flight from Miami hit turbulence on its way to Raleigh-Durham International Airport. The plane landed safely. Earlier that month, severe storms in southern Germany forced a Ryanair flight to make an emergency landing after violent turbulence injured nine people, German police said. The flight was traveling from Berlin to Milan with 179 passengers and six crew members. Eight passengers and one crew member were hurt. In March, a United Airlines flight from San Francisco to Singapore experienced severe turbulence over the Philippines. The plane was carrying 174 passengers and 14 crew members. Five people were injured and the plane landed safely in Singapore. Several flights were diverted to Waco, Texas, on March 3, because of turbulence. Five people were injured aboard a United Express plane flying from Springfield, Missouri, to Houston. Last year, Italian authorities launched an investigation after two easyJet flight attendants were injured when their flight from Corfu to London's Gatwick Airport was buffeted by turbulence. The pilot made an unscheduled landing in Rome. In May 2024, a 73-year-old British man died and dozens of people were injured aboard a Singapore Airlines flight that hit severe turbulence. His death was under investigation. Authorities said he may have had a heart attack. It's unclear how common injuries are Tracking the number of turbulence-related injuries worldwide is difficult. But some countries publish national data. Most reports of in-flight turbulence from 2009 through 2018 resulted in one or more serious injuries and no damage to the plane, the National Transportation Safety Board reported. Between 2009 and 2024, 207 people were injured seriously enough during turbulence to require hospital treatment for at least two days, according to the NTSB. Most of them were flight attendants, who are more likely to be out of their seats during a flight. How pilots try to avoid it Pilots try to avoid turbulence partly by using a weather radar display. Sometimes they can simply see and fly around thunderstorms. But clear-air turbulence 'is altogether another animal,' said Doug Moss, a former airline pilot and safety consultant. It can be devastating, he said, 'because the time before the incident can be very calm, and people are caught off-guard.' Air traffic controllers will warn pilots after another plane runs into clear-air turbulence, Moss said. Many pilots also look for signs of wind shear, then plan to avoid those areas, he said. Modern planes are strong enough to handle just about any turbulence. Cabin areas such as overhead bins may receive cosmetic damage, 'but these don't impact the structural integrity of the planes,' Moss said. Scientists look at climate change's influence Some scientists note that reports of turbulence encounters are on the rise. Several researchers have pointed to potential climate impacts as one of the possible explanations. Professor Thomas Guinn, of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, explains that some predict climate change could alter the jet stream and up the wind shear, which would drive up turbulence. Paul Williams, a professor of atmospheric science at the University of Reading in England, said there was 'strong evidence that turbulence is increasing because of climate change.' Williams said in a statement last year that his research team discovered that severe clear-air turbulence in the North Atlantic has increased by 55% since 1979, for example. The team's projections signal that severe turbulence in the jet streams could double or triple in the coming decades if global conditions continue as expected, he said. There could be a rise in overall air traffic that may increase turbulence encounters as the number of flight tracks go up, said Larry Cornman, a project scientist at the National Science Foundation's National Center for Atmospheric Research. What travelers can do to stay safe In short, buckle up. Turbulence can be tricky to predict, but experts stress that the first line of defense is keeping the seat belt fastened, whenever possible. And airlines have taken steps for safety. Last November, Southwest Airlines said it was ending cabin service earlier so that passengers return to their seats and fasten seat belts sooner. The change was intended to 'reduce the risk of in-flight turbulence injuries,' the company said. Also last year, Korean Air decided to stop offering a beloved instant noodle, Shin Ramyun. 'This decision is part of proactive safety measures in response to increased turbulence, aimed at preventing burn accidents,' the Seoul-based airline said in a statement. Solve the daily Crossword
11 hours ago
What in-flight turbulence is and when it becomes dangerous for passengers and crews
A Delta Air Lines flight from Salt Lake City to Amsterdam that was hit by serious turbulence Wednesday, sending 25 people on board to hospitals and forcing the flight to divert to Minnesota, highlighted the dangers of flying through unstable air. Several turbulence-impacted flights have been reported this year. While turbulence-related fatalities are quite rare, the tally of injuries has grown over the years. Some meteorologists and aviation analysts note that reports of turbulence encounters also have been increasing and point to what climate change may be doing to flying conditions. Planes hitting bumpy air is mostly minor, however, and airlines have tried to improve safety. Experts advise travelers to stay vigilant, stressing wearing a seat belt whenever possible. Turbulence is essentially unstable air that moves in a non-predictable fashion. Most people associate it with heavy storms. But the most dangerous is clear-air turbulence, which often occurs with no visible warning. Clear-air turbulence happens most often in or near the high-altitude rivers of air called jet streams. The culprit is wind shear, which is when two huge air masses close to each other move at different speeds. If the difference in speed is big enough, the atmosphere can't handle the strain, and it breaks into turbulent patterns like eddies in water. In June, five people were taken to a North Carolina hospital for evaluation after an American Airlines flight from Miami hit turbulence on its way to Raleigh-Durham International Airport. The plane landed safely. Earlier that month, severe storms in southern Germany forced a Ryanair flight to make an emergency landing after violent turbulence injured nine people, German police said. The flight was traveling from Berlin to Milan with 179 passengers and six crew members. Eight passengers and one crew member were hurt. In March, a United Airlines flight from San Francisco to Singapore experienced severe turbulence over the Philippines. The plane was carrying 174 passengers and 14 crew members. Five people were injured and the plane landed safely in Singapore. Several flights were diverted to Waco, Texas, on March 3, because of turbulence. Five people were injured aboard a United Express plane flying from Springfield, Missouri, to Houston. Last year, Italian authorities launched an investigation after two easyJet flight attendants were injured when their flight from Corfu to London's Gatwick Airport was buffeted by turbulence. The pilot made an unscheduled landing in Rome. In May 2024, a 73-year-old British man died and dozens of people were injured aboard a Singapore Airlines flight that hit severe turbulence. His death was under investigation. Authorities said he may have had a heart attack. Tracking the number of turbulence-related injuries worldwide is difficult. But some countries publish national data. Most reports of in-flight turbulence from 2009 through 2018 resulted in one or more serious injuries and no damage to the plane, the National Transportation Safety Board reported. Between 2009 and 2024, 207 people were injured seriously enough during turbulence to require hospital treatment for at least two days, according to the NTSB. Most of them were flight attendants, who are more likely to be out of their seats during a flight. Pilots try to avoid turbulence partly by using a weather radar display. Sometimes they can simply see and fly around thunderstorms. But clear-air turbulence 'is altogether another animal,' said Doug Moss, a former airline pilot and safety consultant. It can be devastating, he said, 'because the time before the incident can be very calm, and people are caught off-guard.' Air traffic controllers will warn pilots after another plane runs into clear-air turbulence, Moss said. Many pilots also look for signs of wind shear, then plan to avoid those areas, he said. Modern planes are strong enough to handle just about any turbulence. Cabin areas such as overhead bins may receive cosmetic damage, 'but these don't impact the structural integrity of the planes,' Moss said. Some scientists note that reports of turbulence encounters are on the rise. Several researchers have pointed to potential climate impacts as one of the possible explanations. Professor Thomas Guinn, of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, explains that some predict climate change could alter the jet stream and up the wind shear, which would drive up turbulence. Paul Williams, a professor of atmospheric science at the University of Reading in England, said there was 'strong evidence that turbulence is increasing because of climate change.' Williams said in a statement last year that his research team discovered that severe clear-air turbulence in the North Atlantic has increased by 55% since 1979, for example. The team's projections signal that severe turbulence in the jet streams could double or triple in the coming decades if global conditions continue as expected, he said. There could be a rise in overall air traffic that may increase turbulence encounters as the number of flight tracks go up, said Larry Cornman, a project scientist at the National Science Foundation's National Center for Atmospheric Research. In short, buckle up. Turbulence can be tricky to predict, but experts stress that the first line of defense is keeping the seat belt fastened, whenever possible. And airlines have taken steps for safety. Last November, Southwest Airlines said it was ending cabin service earlier so that passengers return to their seats and fasten seat belts sooner. The change was intended to 'reduce the risk of in-flight turbulence injuries,' the company said. Also last year, Korean Air decided to stop offering a beloved instant noodle, Shin Ramyun. 'This decision is part of proactive safety measures in response to increased turbulence, aimed at preventing burn accidents,' the Seoul-based airline said in a statement.
