Expert Cruise Advice and Travel Inspiration

Planning a cruise holiday or craving some travel inspiration? Let our expert advice and destination guides pique your wanderlust.

Cruise118.com Advice is full of everything you could need to get more from your cruise holidays. From local cuisine and natural wonders to practical advice and behind the scenes glimpses into on-board life, our travel and lifestyle experts cover it all.

Whether you cruise for relaxation or exotic adventures, get yourself comfortable and take a peek!

How much does each cruise line charge for gratuities?

by Emma Smith - 21 Jul 2017

A cocktail on a table in P&O Cruises' Planet Bar

Tipping on cruises can be confusing: some cruise lines charge in dollars, most charge different amounts and some don’t even charge at all. It can seem like a bit of a minefield, but thankfully, we have created a handy guide to how much each cruise line charges for gratuities. Take a look at the chart...

Port in Focus: Santorini

by Sue Bryant - 20 Jul 2017

Picturesque clifftop houses and flowers in Santorini cruise port

Santorini is possibly the most striking of the Cyclades islands, with a string of whitewashed villages sprinkled over the top of towering black cliffs that form the rim of a dormant volcano. Ships can’t drop anchor here as the sea is so deep, so you’ll tie up to a concrete bollard at the base of…

Skip the tapas: Five traditional Spanish dishes you have to try

by Emma Smith - 20 Jul 2017

A stone dish full of seafood paella in Spain

You can’t go wrong with a spot of authentic Spanish tapas, but there is more to Spanish cuisine than patatas bravas. The country’s rich culinary history means there are countless traditional dishes you can try in cruise ports ranging from Bilbao to Barcelona. Why not start with these five delicious Spanish dishes? 1. Paella Paella...

What type of Princess are you?

by Emma Smith - 18 Jul 2017

Lady enjoying a hot stone massage in the Lotus Spa on Royal Princess

Princess Cruises offers something for everyone. With an innovative fleet of ships and a diverse range of itineraries; foodies, adventure-seekers and sun-worshippers alike will find a cruise that is absolutely perfect for them. But which Princess cruise ship is best for your holiday needs? Let us help you discover what type of Princess you really...

Cracking the cruise ship dress code

by Sue Bryant - 18 Jul 2017

Well-dressed friends enjoying dinner in the main dining on-board Princess Cruises

Little gets cruisers as hot under the collar as the thorny topic of cruise dress code. Whatever the rules suggested by the cruise line, someone is going to cause raised eyebrows. Stetsons in the dining room! Football shirts after 6pm! And my personal bugbear, from a rather sweaty cruise on an Italian line, men in...

What can I do during days at sea? Nine cruise ship activities you’ll love

by Emma Smith - 17 Jul 2017

Lady on a cruise ship testing out paint colours in a painting class

Some passengers dread sea days, but honestly? We love them! You might not be out and about seeing the sights, but during days at sea, you have the perfect excuse to explore everything your ship has to offer and spoil yourself rotten. Here are nine cruise ship activities you will love trying out while you...

Port in focus: Bergen

by Gary Buchanan - 14 Jul 2017

The gateway to the fjords is full of surprises. Founded on an old Viking settlement in 1070, the city of Bergen has a proud history and is famous for its blend of old and new architecture – little wonder it was European City of Culture in 2000. One of Norway’s most enjoyable cities, Bergen is...

Enchanting voyages through the Norwegian fjords

by Gary Buchanan - 13 Jul 2017

Northern lights shining above mountains and water in Tromso

Few voyages offer such enchantment as cruises to the Norwegian fjords. While Norway’s rugged western coastline and Arctic latitudes offer a magnificent mix of natural splendour, it is the serene fjords that are Instagram hotspots. Created during a succession of ice ages, when glaciers carved out deep chasms, these most spectacular geological formations are long, narrow inlets that...

Six reasons why Singapore is more than just a stopover

by Emma Smith - 12 Jul 2017

Skyscrapers and fountains illuminated in Singapore at night

Singapore is known as a convenient changeover point between the UK and Australia, but this beautiful city is so much more than a stopover. Full to bursting with history, culture, culinary delights and, yes, even peaceful green spaces, Singapore is the perfect place to spend a few days before, after or even during your cruise....

Delectable dining and unrivalled warmth on-board Norwegian Pearl

by Sara Macefield - 11 Jul 2017

Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Pearl cruise ship on the water

There is no mistaking Norwegian Pearl; the wild and wacky artwork on her hull isn’t only hard to miss, but reflects the lively, fun feel you will find on-board. The atmosphere is all very exuberant American, but not as in your face as some lines – and there are places to escape to if the...