Cruise planning

Plan the cruise before you board, then enjoy the days at sea.

Guides to booking, cabins, costs, onboard life, river cruise lines, canal transits and European and transatlantic itineraries.

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100 in-depth guides

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Nov 2026 latest guide

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Each one links on to more specific articles in its topic.

Start here · Essential guide

River Cruise Lines Compared: Reviews and What Each Includes

Compare the main river cruise lines, from Viking and AmaWaterways to Avalon, Scenic and Emerald, and see what each typically includes before you book.

River Cruise Lines 6 min read

Mississippi River Cruises from New Orleans

What Mississippi River cruises from New Orleans involve: itineraries, ports, who sails, casinos, barge cruises, ocean ships, costs and downsides.

North American Rivers 6 min read

How Cruise Ships Go Through the Panama Canal

How cruise ships go through the Panama Canal: pilots, locks, Gatun Lake, the Neopanamax locks, size limits, timing and what passengers see on transit day.

Canal Cruises 6 min read

France Cruises: Mini Cruises, Ports and Itineraries

Planning a France cruise or short mini cruise? See the main French cruise ports, Seine and river options, Riviera and Normandy calls, and how to choose.

Europe and Transatlantic 5 min read

Carnival Cruise: What to Expect on Your First Sailing

A first-timer's guide to a Carnival cruise: the lively atmosphere, embarkation, cabins, dining, lobster night, dress code, drinks, extra charges and tips.

Carnival Cruises 6 min read

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River Cruising

River cruise lines, what they include and the rivers of Europe and North America.

River Cruise Lines How Viking, Emerald, Scenic, AmaWaterways and others compare on inclusions, tips, food and comfort. 16 guides North American Rivers Mississippi and St. Lawrence cruises, including routes, prices, timing and who sails them now. 7 guides

Routes and Ports

Canal transits, European ports and transatlantic crossings, with timing and costs.

Canal Cruises How cruise ships transit the Panama, Suez and Cape Cod canals, and what a canal cruise costs. 13 guides Europe and Transatlantic Mediterranean and Northern Europe ports, the best months to go and crossings between New York and Europe. 16 guides

Booking and Life Onboard

Deals, cabins, fees and what daily life on a big ship is really like.

Carnival Cruises What to expect on a Carnival sailing, from dress code and gratuities to drink packages and cabin beds. 10 guides Life Onboard What is included, dining, WiFi and phones, tenders, muster drills and medical care at sea. 19 guides Booking a Cruise Finding deals, choosing a cabin, changing a booking and planning for tips, insurance and hidden costs. 19 guides