Determining what to pack is one of the most difficult parts of getting ready for any cruise. This is particularly true for winter cruises to Florida and the Bahamas departing from ports in the Northeast, because the temperatures can vary dramatically. Here's a packing list to help make it easy.

Cruises can provide the perfect escape from winter’s cold weather chills. Winter weather months may also bring weather hazards like snow and ice storms, which can wreak havoc on flight schedules. Here are five flight planning tips to help you arrive on time and avoid missing your cruise departure.

Rather than giving more stuff this year, consider choosing engaging experiences as presents instead. Experiences such as travel and excursions are often more meaningful, creating vivid memories that will last longer than that sweater, knickknack or toy. Gifts like these are sure to be treasured.

St. Thomas is a popular port of call for cruise passengers. Ships dock in Charlotte Amalie, a bustling town filled with duty-free shops and restaurants. From there, guests can head out to explore the island or travel by boat to nearby St. John. Here are five great things to do while in St. Thomas.

Holiday river cruises provide guests with the opportunity to visit Christmas markets in some of Europe’s historic cities and charming towns. If you'd like to sample the holiday markets experience closer to home, visit one of these top North American Christmas markets for a taste of the magic.

Looking for an inexpensive way to escape winter’s chilly temperatures? A 3- to 5-night cruise may be the answer. These cruises depart from a variety of U.S. ports, sometimes eliminating expensive flights. In addition, their comparatively low cost can make them an excellent winter vacation value.

Vacations are some of the year’s most anticipated events. Of course, no one wants to get sick during their vacation time. Colds, the flu, novovirus, and other illnesses can be easily contracted while traveling. Following these great tips can significantly reduce your chances of getting sick.

Volunteering on cruise vacations is growing in popularity with cruise guests. There are many ways to make a difference, from giving back at sea, in ports of call, or pre- or post-cruise with organizations in U.S. cities. Check out these options for volunteering in four leading U.S. home ports.

Grand Cayman Island offers a wide array of attractions for cruise passengers. Stunning Seven Mile Beach is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful strands in the Caribbean. The island’s reefs and marine life are additional draws. Here are five great things to do on your visit to Grand Cayman.

Dining is one of the most anticipated aspects of a cruise ship vacation and it’s a key factor in guest satisfaction. If you want to get the most out of your cruise ship dining experience, here are five important tips to keep in mind.