Cruise Critic (U.S.)

Japan has become one of the world's most sought-after travel destinations, and cruising is quickly emerging as one of the easiest ways to explore it. As international cruise lines continue expanding their Japan programmes, Australians now have more opportunities than ever to fly into Tokyo or Yokohama and embark on voyages that showcase the country's remarkable regional diversity.

Norwegian Epic in Valletta, Malta (Photo: Marilyn Borth) The beauty of cruising lies in its ability to combine flexibility, variety and convenience all into one vacation. Unfortunately for some cruise ships, that’s about where the beauty ends. The story of the ugly duckling taught us not to judge based solely on appearances, but we can't help ourselves when it comes to cruise ships because some don design fails of epic proportions. Really, we can't look away.

Talk about a first impression: I had joined Silversea’s 2026 World Cruise – called the Curious and the Sea – for only four hours when I realized that this was no ordinary sailing. And that’s completely due to what the line calls its Signature Events, a series of one-of-a-kind, destination-influenced outings designed solely for Silversea passengers on either World Cruises or Grand Voyages.

Summertime is practically synonymous with cruising. And while conventional wisdom says that peak season usually means higher fares, you can still find some great value with summer cruise deals. From Alaska to the Mediterranean, cruise lines are offering alluring summer deals in 2023. And while these deals are live during the summer months, they typically apply to travel well beyond the warmest season of the year. In fact, some of these offers will allow you to book travel well into 2024.

It's common knowledge for cruisers to check their cruise bill before disembarking. But did you know checking your bill throughout your cruise is arguably more important? Waiting until the final morning or, worse, after you’ve disembarked, to check your onboard account could lead to irreversible repercussions. Then, dealing with the cruise line's customer service post-disembarkation can lead to aggravations, headaches and time wasted that could've simply been avoided.

Captain Minnie on Disney Wish (Photo: Marilyn Borth) Bibbidi Bobbidi breakfast, lunch and dinner. One of the most magical aspects of any cruise, including aboard Disney Cruise Line's ships, is that you don't have to worry about preparing and cooking meals. But, whether you're new to the world of cruising or just new to Disney sailings, there are a few tidbits you should know about Disney Cruise Line dining before you go.

Kayaking in Thomas Bay, Alaska, with UnCruise Adventures (Photo: Jorge Oliver) Ahead of our Alaska sailing with UnCruise Adventures, I showed my 12-year-old daughter, Catalina, an image of Wilderness Discoverer, the small expedition ship we’d call home for a week.

One of the best parts of a river cruise is discovering what the locals eat -- and drink. On European sailings, you can visit up to four countries in the space of just a week, providing plenty of opportunities to savor the specialty cocktails in each region. Whether it's sipping a refreshing Aperol Spritz in an Italian square or a warming glass of gluhwein at a Christmas market, every drink provides a taste of local culture and history and the chance to toast the places you visit.

I will never forget my family's first and, to date, only trip to Walt Disney World. I was 21, my brother was 16, and to his dismay, he was forced to swap football practice for character breakfasts while I flitted through Magic Kingdom sporting Minnie ears, on a mission to meet as many princesses as I could find.

Independence of the Seas docked beside Radiance of the Seas at Perfect Day (Photo: Marilyn Borth) Have you decided to take a cruise on Royal Caribbean but are unsure which specific ship to select? The ultimate decision may come down to one thing: What type of traveler you are.