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The Book with the Captain Blog

Plain-English cruise and hotel planning tips for first-timers, families and groups.

Choosing a ship? Start with my cruise ship classes guide, a side-by-side look at the big ship classes and who each suits.

Latest cruise planning guides

Silhouette of a couple on the shore against a golden ocean sunset

Getting Married at Sea: A Cruise Wedding Guide

Saying “I do” on the open ocean, with your guests sailing alongside you. Here’s how a wedding at sea really works, and what to do first.

A new mega cruise ship at Saint-Nazaire, France, on her delivery day in March 2025
Photo: JPD115, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped.

MSC World America Guide: Districts, Dining, Miami Terminal

MSC World America is MSC Cruises' biggest bet on American cruisers, sailing from its own new terminal in Miami. Here is the ship district by district, the terminal step by step, and an honest look at where it competes with Royal Caribbean.

A large cruise ship docked at a cruise terminal on a sunny day
Photo: Yanjipy, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped.

Book a 2027 Royal Caribbean Cruise Early: Repricing

Planning a 2027 Royal Caribbean cruise? Here's what Royal Caribbean says about price matching before final payment, deposit types and payment deadlines.

Simple cruise deck plan illustration with one stateroom circled in gold
Illustration: Book with the Captain

Guarantee Cabin vs Choosing Your Room on a Cruise

What a Royal Caribbean guarantee (GTY) cabin really means, when picking your exact room is worth it, and how to use the deck plan to dodge noise and save steps.

A giant white cruise ship sailing in blue water
Wonder of the Seas. Photo: Master0Garfield, via Wikimedia Commons, CC0. Cropped.

Royal Caribbean Oasis Class Ships: A Ship-by-Ship Guide

Oasis, Allure, Harmony, Symphony, Wonder and Utopia of the Seas, ship by ship: when each debuted, what refreshes added, and which one fits your family or group.

Things to Do on Icon Class Ships: Plan Your Sea Days

A neighborhood-by-neighborhood look at what to do on Royal Caribbean's Icon Class ships, from Category 6 and Crown's Edge to AquaTheater shows and The Hideaway, plus a sea day planning checklist.

Cruises From Fort Lauderdale: A Fly-In Planning Guide

Flying in to sail from Fort Lauderdale? Here's how the airport-to-port transfer, port security and parking work, plus which Caribbean routes sail from Port Everglades.

Your First Cruise From Houston: A Planning Guide

Most Houston-area cruisers sail from Galveston. Here's what first-timers need to know: documents, embarkation day, packing, getting to the island and picking a trip length.

Galveston Cruises From Austin and San Antonio: Plan It

Central Texas to a Galveston cruise: plan the drive backward from your check-in slot, choose your parking and match a 2027 trip length to your time off.

Cruises From Tampa: A 2027 Planning Guide

Sailing from Tampa? Here's how to reach the port, handle parking, time your check-in and pick a Caribbean route from Florida's Gulf Coast.

Cruise terminal building on the waterfront in Galveston, Texas
Photo: Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Galveston Cruises From Dallas: A Family Planning Guide

Driving from DFW to a Galveston cruise? Work backward from your check-in slot, build in a causeway buffer and match 2027 trip lengths to your school breaks.

White wake trailing across deep blue open sea
Photo: rawpixel, CC0 1.0 (public domain).

Winter Cruises From Minneapolis and Denver: Where to Fly

Trading snow for sun in winter 2027? Here's which cruise home ports Minneapolis and Denver travelers fly to, what each port offers and how to build a weather buffer.

Cruise terminal building on the waterfront in Galveston, Texas
Photo: Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Kids' Cruise Documents for Your First Family Cruise

Birth certificate or passport? Consent letter or not? A plain-English checklist of the documents kids need for a first family cruise, with official sources.

Cruise terminal building on the waterfront in Galveston, Texas
Photo: Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

2027 Cruise Ship Moves: Miami to Galveston and Florida

A big family ship moves from Miami to Galveston in 2027, and a new one arrives in Miami. Here's what the cruise line says about four US ports in 2027.

Passengers on a cruise ship bow facing a tidewater glacier in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska
Photo: National Park Service, Alaska Region, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Alaska Cruise 2027: When to Book, Ports and Glacier Routes

Alaska cruise 2027, made simple: when the season runs, which port to sail from, how the glacier routes differ, what to pack and when to start planning.

Illustrative image: a river cruise ship sailing past vineyards and a hilltop castle at golden hour (not an actual ship from this guide).

AmaWaterways River Cruise Guide: Rhine, Danube & More

Twin balconies, included excursions, bikes on board and a Wellness Host. Here's my plain-English guide to choosing an AmaWaterways river cruise.

Large orange letters spelling the island's name on rocks above the sea in The Bahamas
Photo: Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Bahamas Private Island Cruise Day: What's Free, What's Not

What's included on a cruise line's private Bahamas island, what costs extra, which ships visit from Florida and Texas in 2027, and planning tips.

Close-up of a spinning roulette wheel

Celebrity Cruises Casino Guide: Blue Chip Club & More

Celebrity calls its casinos smoke-free. Here's what to know about the games, Blue Chip Club points, SeaPass play and how to use a Celebrity casino offer.

Large cruise ship sailing out of Port Canaveral, Florida, under a cloudy sky
Photo: Jack Adamenko, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Family Cruise Ships From Port Canaveral and Galveston

Port Canaveral or Galveston for a family cruise? See which ships sail from each port, when Galveston's season runs, the routes on offer and how to choose.

Palm fronds over a quiet tropical beach

First Caribbean Cruise Tips: What I Tell First-Timers

Sailing to the Caribbean for the first time? Here are the island-specific tips I give every first-timer, from documents and sunscreen to all-aboard time.

Illustrative image: beach essentials (sunglasses, sun hat, sandals, sunscreen and a travel wallet) laid out on a wooden table.

First Cruise Checklist: 12 Steps Before You Sail

From choosing a ship to boarding day, here's the first cruise checklist I walk every first-timer through.

Amusement pier over the Gulf at Galveston
Photo: Matthew T Rader, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

First Cruise From Galveston: Terminals, Parking, Check-In

First cruise out of Galveston? Here's how the port's four terminals work, how to get to the island, what parking and shuttles look like, and how check-in goes.

Turquoise water meeting a quiet pebble beach with palm trees and a rocky headland on the Baja California Sur coast

East Cape Los Cabos Luxury Resort: Winter Guide

A calm, swimmable beach on the Sea of Cortez, seven pools and a private marina. Here's how I help you plan a winter stay at Four Seasons Los Cabos.

Cruise terminal buildings and docked ships at the Port of Barcelona on a sunny day
Photo: Mark_M from UK, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

First Mediterranean Cruise From Barcelona: What to Know

Your first Mediterranean cruise starts in Barcelona? Here's what U.S. travelers need: passport validity, Schengen and EES, ETIAS timing, season months and a checklist.

Very large new cruise ship with waterslides on top, moored at a shipyard under blue sky
Legend of the Seas at the Meyer Turku shipyard, Finland, June 2026. Photo: BlueChase1333, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Fort Lauderdale to the Mediterranean: New Ship Guide

A new giant family ship splits 2027 between Fort Lauderdale and the Mediterranean. Here's what's on board and where it sails, from the cruise line's pages.

Downtown Galveston rooftops near the harbor
Photo: Larry Syverson, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Galveston Cruise Hotel the Night Before: Where to Stay

Driving or flying to a Galveston cruise? Here's why a night-before hotel helps, where to stay, what to ask the hotel and how to time sailing morning.

Illustrative image: a small white expedition cruise ship on calm blue water near a Victorian harbor town, white lighthouse and early autumn trees in golden light.

Great Lakes Cruises 2027: Lines, Ships, Ports & Choosing

Seven lines and 10 ships sailed the Great Lakes in 2026. Here's how to choose a 2027 Great Lakes cruise, from ships and ports to pre-cruise city stays.

Sun setting over a calm sea seen from a cruise ship deck rail
Photo: Shelley Steinhorst, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Honeymoon Cruise Ideas: Destinations, Timing and Tips

Planning a honeymoon cruise? Compare romantic destination types, see which ships have adults-only spaces, and follow a simple timeline from engagement to embarkation.

Illustrative image: an oceanfront luxury hotel pool with cabanas and palm trees at sunset (not an actual hotel).

Hotels Near PortMiami or Port Canaveral Before a Cruise

Downtown Miami or Miami Beach? Cocoa Beach or an Orlando airport hotel? Here's how I help you pick the right pre-cruise hotel in Florida.

Illustrative image: a spacious cruise suite with a sofa, bed and floor-to-ceiling windows to a balcony at sunset.

How to Pick a Cruise Cabin: Type, Location and Tips

The ship matters, but your cabin shapes your whole trip. Here's how I help you choose the right cabin type and the best location on board.

Galveston beach with an amusement pier in the distance
Photo: Devin P Morris, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Icon of the Seas from Galveston: 2027 Guide for Texans

Icon of the Seas moves to Galveston in August 2027. Here's what Texas cruisers should know about the itineraries, the terminal, parking and planning a calm embarkation day.

Multi-Generational Family Cruise Tips: Cabins to Kids' Clubs

Cruising with three generations? How to book cabins that keep everyone close, plan for accessibility, use kids' and teen clubs, and pace the week so everyone enjoys it.

Illustrative image: a private cruise balcony with two lounge chairs overlooking the ocean at sunrise (not an actual ship).

Cruise Balcony Cabins: How to Choose the Right One

Balcony, Club Balcony Suite or The Haven? Here's how I help you choose the right Norwegian Cruise Line balcony cabin, deck and sailing for your trip.

Illustrative image: a small white cruise ship anchored in a turquoise lagoon beside a volcanic peak and overwater bungalows (not the actual ship in this guide).

Paul Gauguin Tahiti Cruise: Itineraries & What's Included

Bora Bora, Moorea, Huahine and Taha'a on a 330-guest ship built for French Polynesia. Here's how I help you plan a Tahiti cruise on the Paul Gauguin.

Fishing pier at Jetty Park, Port Canaveral
Photo: Balou46, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Port Canaveral & Miami Hotels: Cruise Shuttles and Parking

Staying the night before a Florida cruise? Here's how parking and shuttles really work at Port Canaveral and PortMiami, plus hotels whose cruise details I could verify.

Very large cruise ship with a glass dome sailing out of Port Canaveral, Florida
Star of the Seas departing Port Canaveral. Photo: Jack Adamenko, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Port Canaveral Family Cruise Ship Guide: What's On Board

What's on board the giant family ship sailing 7-night Caribbean trips from Port Canaveral in 2027: neighborhoods, pools, dining and shows.

Roulette ball resting in a numbered pocket

Princess Cruises Casino Guide: Smoking, Hours & Offers

Which Princess ships have a non-smoking casino room? When is the casino open? Here's a practical guide to Princess casinos and Players Advantage.

Row of slot machines in a bright casino

Royal Caribbean Casino Guide: Hours, Points & Offers

When does the Royal Caribbean casino open? How do Club Royale points work? Here's a practical guide to Casino Royale before you sail.

Royal Caribbean Icon Class Family Guide: 2027 Ships & Dates

Four Icon Class ships, four homeports in 2027. Here's how families can compare Icon, Star, Legend and Hero of the Seas and plan school-break dates early.

Illustrative image: a family of four, seen from behind in silhouette, at a cruise ship railing looking at a turquoise sea and a tropical island.

Spring Break 2027 Family Cruises from Florida: A Guide

School break dates are fixed, and family cabins are limited. Here's how I help families plan a spring break 2027 cruise from Florida.

Turquoise water at Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos
Photo: Csouthard, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Turks & Caicos vs Bahamas: Luxury Resorts Guide

Grace Bay calm or Bahamas variety? Here's how I help you choose between Turks and Caicos and the Bahamas for a luxury beach escape.

Illustrative image: a hotel balcony with a packed suitcase overlooking a calm Florida harbor and a docked cruise ship at sunrise.

Why Arrive a Day Early for Your Cruise (and How to Plan It)

The ship won't wait for a delayed flight. Here's why I recommend arriving the day before your cruise, and how to make that extra night part of the trip.

Illustrative image: a large modern cruise ship sailing turquoise Caribbean water at sunset (not the actual ships in this guide).

Wonder of the Seas vs Oasis of the Seas: Which to Book?

Two Oasis Class giants, two very different trips. Here's how I help you and your crew choose between Wonder of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas.

Some card photos, via Wikimedia Commons: Galveston pier: Matthew T Rader (CC BY-SA 4.0); Galveston beach: Devin P Morris (CC BY-SA 4.0); Port Canaveral: Balou46 (CC BY-SA 4.0); Grace Bay: Csouthard (CC BY-SA 3.0); Glacier Bay: National Park Service, Alaska Region (Public domain); Barcelona cruise terminal: Mark_M from UK (CC BY 2.0); Sunset at sea: Shelley Steinhorst (CC BY-SA 4.0); Port Canaveral sailaway: Jack Adamenko (CC0); Galveston cruise terminal: Larry D. Moore (CC BY 4.0); Bahamas island sign: Larry D. Moore (CC BY 4.0); Port Canaveral sailaway (ship): Jack Adamenko (CC0); New ship at the shipyard: BlueChase1333 (CC0); Galveston harbor: Larry Syverson (CC BY-SA 2.0).

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