Anthony Tastinger

Why Can’t I Bring a Surge Protector on a Cruise?

If you’ve ever wondered why cruise lines don’t allow ordinary surge protectors, the answer boils down to the fact that your cruise ship’s electrical system is different from the one in your house.   Household surge protectors are designed to protect your electronics if the voltage suddenly gets too high. They do this by redirecting […]

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You Don’t Have to Do Everything on a Cruise — And That’s the Point

One of the best cruise vacation tips I can give you is this: you don’t have to do everything on a cruise.   There are excursions to book, specialty restaurants to try, shows to see, live music, activities happening all over the ship, ports to explore, and a seemingly endless list of things other cruisers

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Standard Fare vs. Princess Plus vs. Princess Premier: Is a Cruise Package Right for Your Vacation?

When booking a Princess cruise, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is whether to sail with the Standard fare, upgrade to Princess Plus, or go all-in with Princess Premier.   So, what’s the right choice? The honest answer is: That is entirely up to you.   There isn’t a single “best” option for every

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Cruise Gratuities Explained: Where Does Your Money Really Go?

One of the most debated topics in cruising has nothing to do with drink packages, specialty dining, or which cruise line is best.    It’s gratuities.   Spend five minutes in a cruise Facebook group and you’ll quickly discover that everyone has an opinion. Some passengers happily pay the automatic gratuities without giving them a

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The Hidden Costs of a Cruise (And How to Keep Them Under Control)

You just booked what seemed like an amazing deal, a 7-night Caribbean cruise for $899 per person. But by the time you add gratuities, parking, drinks, Wi-Fi, excursions, and transportation, that bargain vacation could easily cost twice as much. Welcome to the world of travel marketing. Like many vacations, the advertised cruise fare is only

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Cruise Packing List for Every Traveler (Free Printable PDF)

What should you pack for a cruise? Packing for a cruise can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time cruisers. Suddenly, you are trying to figure out everything you might need for an entire vacation while also wondering what you can realistically fit into a small cruise cabin. How many outfits should you pack? Do you need

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The Pros and Cons of Using a Travel Agent for Cruises

Planning a cruise should feel like the start of a vacation, but it can often feel more like solving a complex puzzle. Between picking the right ship, itinerary, cabin type, dining options, excursions, and travel insurance, there are dozens of decisions to make which can quickly feel overwhelming. When it comes to booking, many travelers

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