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The lowdown on cruise vacations

The world of cruising has something to float everyone's boat in 2025: From a cozy 4-night river cruise through Europe to a no-holds-barred 3-week ocean cruise around the Caribbean, no two cruise vacations are alike. Some cruise lines focus on offering an ultra-luxe experience, whereas others are all about providing fun for the whole family—and that's reflected in their ships, too. No matter what kind of cruise you opt for, one thing is guaranteed as soon as you step on board: Convenience. With your cabin, dining options, and activities all under one (floating) roof, cruises are a stress-free way to get some downtime while seeing the world. 

How to choose your cruise

There are some essential questions to ask yourself when it comes to choosing the cruise that’s right for you: 

1.   How long do you want to go for? A quick weekend jaunt to Hawaii might be all you can squeeze in, or a multi-month round-the-world extravaganza might be more your style.
2. When do you want to go? The temperature and weather at your destination(s) can help determine whether you opt for a summer getaway or a winter adventure—so make sure you input the dates into your Travelocity search accordingly.
3. Who's traveling with you? If you're going with the whole family, picking a child-friendly cruise line might make the experience easier—and more enjoyable—for all concerned. Just use the checkbox filter on Travelocity's website to narrow down your search results. 
4. Where do you want to start from? While some cruises depart from the US, others set sail from a different country, necessitating further travel before you embark. 
5. Where would you like to go? From island idylls to buzzing cities, pristine landscapes to days at sea, your cruise ship can take you anywhere in the world—as long as it's got a port. 
6. How much do you want to spend? From wallet-friendly to no-expense-spared, there's a cruise deal for everyone's budget. 

How to find cheap cruises

There are all kinds of ways to set sail for less. When you book your trip has a major impact on the cost of your cruise: Reserving your stateroom well in advance can be a great way to snap up a discount cruise ticket. If you can be flexible, try to travel in the off-season, too. Fewer people tend to go away then, so cruise prices are often reduced accordingly. It's also worth checking out less well-known destinations, as they'll usually come with a lower price tag. Finally, keep an eye on any additional extras: Room upgrades, beverage packages, and add-on excursions can all push up the price of your cruise trip. 

How to find family cruises

Cruising is a fantastic way to get away with kids of all ages: With everything from kids' clubs to climbing walls and water parks on offer, there's something to keep even the fussiest children entertained on board. To find a family cruise, simply use Travelocity's search tools and filters to tailor your results to your specific needs. For instance, consider refining your search to child-friendly destinations like sun-soaked Bermuda, or selecting the checkbox for a suite room so there's plenty of space for the whole gang to make themselves at home. You can even limit the results to specific cruise lines: Norwegian and Royal Caribbean are particularly popular among travelers with children. 

Passport requirements when cruising

If you're departing and returning to the same port in the US—a closed-loop cruise that sets sail from, for example, Alaska and docks back there, too—you don't necessarily need a passport. Generally speaking, most standard forms of photo ID, such as a driver's license, are valid on these voyages. Different rules apply if your cruise finishes abroad in Australia or New Zealand, for instance, or returns to a different port in the US. Then, like with an international flight, you'll need a valid passport for each member of your party. The specifics can vary from cruise line to cruise line, so be sure to check the details for your particular booking. 

The cost of dining on board

When you're on a cruise, you can indulge in gourmet delights for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (and any time in between). You'll be pleased to know that basic-level dining is generally included in the cost of your cruise package on many lines, so you won't normally have to pay an extra cent for your morning pancakes, your lunchtime pizza, or your evening 3-course meal. Do note that some cruise ships have specialty restaurants serving a themed menu based on a specific cuisine—like sushi or steak—which may be subject to an additional fee. 

Cancelling your cruise booking

Your cruise booking might be cancellable or refundable under certain circumstances, so it's possible that calling off your voyage at the last minute might not cost you a cent. How much flexibility you have depends on the cruise line in question and the conditions of your reservation. Be sure to check the terms and conditions to make sure you know exactly what to expect. 

Reasons to book your cruise with Travelocity

When you book your cruise through Travelocity, you can rest assured that the entire process won't leave you all at sea. Just input your desired destination, duration, and travel dates to see a list of amazing options that you and the whole family will love. Hold on to more of your hard-earned cash, too, with Travelocity's fantastic offers and promotions on your next nautical adventure—whether it's to tropical Bermuda or frosty Antarctica.