Taking a vacation to somewhere new can be stressful, but many travelers are interested in trying out new destinations and different cruise ships. Careful planning can make the difference in guaranteeing a fun cruise holiday. Here are five things to do to ensure that you’ll enjoy your next cruise.

Choosing the right destination can make or break a family vacation. It’s critical to pick a venue that provides something that every family member will enjoy. With differing travel styles, it’s also key to build in opportunities for freedom. Family cruise vacations fit the bill perfectly.

Figuring out what to pack is one of the hardest parts of heading off on a cruise – particularly an exotic location like the Galapagos. Here's a detailed list that will help you to be prepared, pack light, and bring everything you need.

Families and Type-A cruisers are seeking a variety of onboard options when planning a cruise. Prospective cruise guests should carefully consider their requirements when selecting a ship. Some of the industry's newest ships offer a wide array of amenities, making the ship the vacation destination.

Many cruise passengers are attracted to small ship cruises. These smaller vessels can often go to pristine spots where large ships can’t travel. The price tag for these cruises, however, can be more than some can afford. Here are five tips to get the feel of a small ship experience on a budget.

Volunteering on cruise vacations is popular with groups and experienced cruise passengers. There are a variety of options available, from volunteering on the high seas, in port, or pre- or post-cruise with several organizations in popular U.S. homeports. Here are some suggestions.

Cruising can be a perfect volunteer vacation because ships often visit ports where people urgently need help. Here’s a do-it-yourself cruise-based volunteer vacation itinerary for those who are interested in giving back on their next vacation.

Turks & Caicos is known for its lovely white sand beaches, clear turquoise waters and excellent watersports. Cruise passengers stopping in Grand Turk typically fall in love with this beautiful island region. The good news for cruise vacationers is that it’s easy to return, so make plans now.

Some families commemorate high school graduations with a milestone family celebration - creating memories to last a lifetime. The event can also double as a learning experience, helping teens to discover more about our world. Ecoventura's new Galapagos graduation celebration cruises do both well.

A growing number of cruise passengers are seeking out opportunities to see the world and explore their interests at the same time. Educational cruises offer guests the chance to learn at sea - either alongside experts ashore, in a floating classroom setting, or both. Here are seven top options.