CruiseInsider
Cruise smarter. Explore more.
Cruise guides, destinations, tips and inspiration for first-time cruisers and seasoned cruise lovers.
Start here
Where are you on your cruise journey?
Weekly cruise insight
This week on board
Every week a new topic: a ship in depth, a port of call, a smart trick or the latest cruise news.
The embarkation-day carry-on trick
Your suitcase may reach your cabin hours after you do. Here's what to keep with you.
3 October 2026 · 4 min read
Read this week's topicPopular destinations
From Mediterranean ports to Arctic fjords.
Mediterranean
Ancient cities, long lunches and a new country almost every morning.
View destination guide
Caribbean
Warm water, island hopping and sea days made for doing nothing.
View destination guide
Norwegian Fjords
Waterfalls, glassy water and scenery you watch from your balcony.
View destination guide
Greek Islands
Whitewashed villages, sunset caldera views and lazy tender days.
View destination guide
Northern Europe
Baltic capitals, canals and long summer evenings.
View destination guide
Transatlantic
Days at sea, slow travel and often surprisingly good value.
View destination guideEssential guides for your first cruise
- 01How to choose your cruise cabinInside, ocean view, balcony or suite — what you really get and when to pay more.
- 02Drink packages explainedDo the maths before you buy: when a drink package pays off and when it doesn't.
- 03Tipping and extra costs on boardService charges, specialty dining, Wi-Fi and the extras that surprise first-timers.
- 04Cruise packing checklistWhat to pack in your carry-on, what to leave at home and what everyone forgets.
- 05Embarkation day tipsFrom check-in to your first sunset on deck — how to make day one smooth.
Free guide
The First-Time Cruiser Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before You Book
- Cabin types and how to choose the best one
- Hidden costs nobody tells you about
- Drink packages: when they're worth it
- Tipping and onboard charges
- What to pack in your cruise suitcase
- The most common beginner mistakes
- Pre-embarkation checklist
Latest articles
All guidesTip of the week
The embarkation-day carry-on trick
Your suitcase may reach your cabin hours after you do. Here's what to keep with you.
4 min read
Port of the week
Kotor, Montenegro: a fjord-like bay in the Adriatic
One of the most spectacular sail-ins in the Mediterranean, and a walled old town you can explore on foot.
5 min read
Cruise fans
Repositioning cruises: the seasoned cruiser's secret
Long voyages, unusual ports and some of the best value per night at sea.
6 min read
First-time cruisers
How to choose your cruise cabin
Inside, ocean view, balcony or suite — what you really get and when to pay more.
6 min read
Ship of the week
Mega-ships explained: what life is like on the giants of the sea
Neighbourhoods, water parks and dozens of restaurants: is a mega-ship right for you?
5 min read
First-time cruisers
Drink packages explained
Do the maths before you buy: when a drink package pays off and when it doesn't.
5 min read
Cruise Insider
Our editorial briefing: fleet news, new ships, port secrets and in-depth guides. Only what is worth reading.