Tag back Travel

10/10/2026

10/05/2026

Dropping your luggage at the cruise terminal is one of the first moments the vacation feels real, but tipping the porters can still leave some passengers unsure about what is expected.

After paying for cruise fares, flights, hotels, travel insurance, transfers, gratuities, and shore excursions, even the smaller embarkation-day expenses start to add up.

Some cruisers always carry a few dollars for the luggage porters, while others assume baggage handling is already covered as part of the cruise terminal service.

Understanding all the little costs around embarkation can make budgeting for a cruise vacation much easier before you ever step onboard.

10/05/2026

Cruise ship buffets are one of the most popular parts of a cruise vacation, but food hygiene can become a real issue when passengers touch food and then put it back.

With thousands of cruise passengers sharing buffet stations, serving utensils and dining areas, even one person ignoring basic food safety can affect everyone onboard.

Some cruisers believe cruise ship crew should step in immediately when they see passengers handling food with their hands, while others think people should simply use common sense.

Cruise lines already spend heavily on cleaning, sanitation, food safety and passenger health, but should they be doing more inside the buffet?

Would you want crew members to stop passengers who touch food and put it back?

10/05/2026

Be honest — if the price and itinerary were exactly the same, would you choose Carnival or Princess? 😄🛳

10/05/2026

Cruise ship balconies are one of the biggest reasons many travelers pay extra for a balcony cabin, but should there be stricter rules about noise?

Portable speakers, loud music and late-night conversations can quickly turn a peaceful cruise vacation into a frustrating experience for passengers in nearby cabins.

Some cruisers believe balcony cabins should be quiet spaces where everyone can enjoy the ocean, fresh air and views. Others say they paid for their cruise cabin and should be able to enjoy music on their own balcony.

Cruise etiquette, balcony cabin rules and noise complaints can become a surprisingly heated topic, especially on longer cruises where the same passengers are living next to each other for days.

Should cruise lines ban speakers and loud music from cruise ship balconies?

10/05/2026

I can always wake up for the cruise buffet! 😋🌅