Choosing Itineraries
Choosing ports of call that match your interests
Start with the activities you care about, then check each port's distance from the pier, its opening hours and whether its main attractions are within reach on foot.
The collection
Choosing Itineraries
Judging a route before you book: trip length, the balance of sea days and port days, which ports suit your interests, and how the season changes a voyage.
Choosing Itineraries
How long should a first cruise be?
For most first-time cruisers, five to seven nights gives a fair test of cruising. Shorter sailings suit a trial run, while longer ones fit travelers who already know they like ships.
Choosing Itineraries
How to judge whether a cruise route suits you
A practical way to tell whether a cruise route fits you, weighing trip length, pace, season, region and ports against your must-haves and dealbreakers.
Choosing Itineraries
Sea days or port days: how to find the right balance
How sea days and port days shape a cruise, who sea-heavy and port-heavy itineraries suit best and a simple way to find the balance that fits your energy and interests.
Choosing Itineraries
Seasonal changes in a cruise route
How the time of year changes a cruise route, covering regional weather, storm seasons, crowds at popular ports and shoulder periods with milder conditions and fewer visitors.
Choosing Itineraries
When an overnight port stay is worth choosing
An overnight port stay adds evening time ashore and a quieter harbor after day visitors leave, but it replaces a sea day or a port call. Learn how to judge whether it is worth it.