Planning a River Cruise: 7 Mistakes You Think You’re Too Smart to Make

by Wendy Perrin | March 22, 2023

Contemplating a river cruise in Europe? To get the best value for your dollar, here are seven things to keep in mind.

We’re Just Back: Carolyn’s Cruise in Antarctica

by Carolyn Spencer Brown | February 17, 2023

Checking out icebergs in Antarctica with expedition cruise ship specialists via inflatable Zodiacs.

Read Carolyn's tips from her cruise to Antarctica: bypassing the Drake Passage, staying warm in the onboard hot tub, and glimpsing penguins and sea lions.

Is a River Cruise the Easiest Way to See Europe?

by Timothy Baker | February 13, 2023

Wondering about the easiest way to see Europe? Get expert tips on the best European river cruises.

Unusual Ways To See the World by Water

by WendyPerrin.com | January 30, 2023

In this Zoom recording, Carolyn Spencer Brown, former editor in chief of Cruise Critic, shares the latest ways to explore the world’s waterways.

The Best Way to See Egypt. Especially If You Don’t Like Boats.

by Billie Cohen | November 5, 2021

Billie’s trip up the Nile was not at all what she expected. It was much, much better.

Cruises: When Can We Sail Again? How Will It Be Different?

by Billie Cohen | May 29, 2021

plain open ocean looking out to the horizon

Cruise specialists on The WOW List and cruise journalist Carolyn Spencer Brown tell us how cruise lines, both large and small, are wooing travelers back onboard, putting new safety standards in place, and changing both onboard and shoreside experiences.

Sailing the Caribbean Sea in a Private Yacht. This Could Be You.

by Brook Wilkinson | February 4, 2020

What surprised about my yacht vacation in Belize was how versatile the experience could be, molded to fit the preferences of just about any kind of traveler.

Choosing a Galapagos Cruise: The Most Important Things to Know

by Brook Wilkinson | July 9, 2019

There are 77 licensed vessels that tour the Galapagos Islands. Here are the main factors to weigh when picking the right Galapagos cruise for your group.

Cruise Trends 2019: Cruise Like a Traveler, Not a Tourist

by Carolyn Spencer Brown | January 14, 2019

The most innovative cruise lines are exploring new concepts in 2019. These are the 3 to know about so you can cruise like a traveler, not a tourist.

The Best 2019 Cruises for Seeing Nature, Meeting Locals, and Staying Active

by Brook Wilkinson | September 12, 2018

Komodo National Park island paradise for diving and exploring. The most populat tourist destination in Indonesia, Pink beach, Nusa tenggara Indonesia

At WendyPerrin.com we hear from a lot of travelers who would like to plan a cruise but have run up against a big challenge. Here, we solve that challenge.

5 Ways the Right Cruise Beats a Resort Vacation

by Brook Wilkinson | August 14, 2018

The veranda of a Signature Suite on the Seabourn Ovation cruise ship

A cruise is similar to a resort vacation—but a few days on the Seabourn Ovation showed how much better it can be, if done right.

I Thought I Was Too Cool for Cruising

by Susan Crandell | May 31, 2018

Sunrise balcony view Seabourn Ovation cruise ship

Six days aboard the new Seabourn Ovation made this veteran globetrotter rethink what kind of traveler she is.

What a Barge Cruise Is—and Why Some Prefer It to a River Cruise

by Sara Tucker | May 21, 2018

A barge cruise through Europe is very different from a river cruise, starting with the size of the boat and how you travel.

WOW Moment: A Bora Bora Overwater Bungalow Surprise

by Sara Tucker | February 6, 2018

couple on overwater bungalow in bora bora

This couple's trip to French Polynesia included something special: a surprise insider experience courtesy of Wendy, which we call a WOW Moment.

Cruise Trends in 2018: What Your Waistline Has Been Waiting For

by Carolyn Spencer Brown | January 19, 2018

joggers on promenade of crystal serenity cruise ship

Cruise Critic's Carolyn Spencer Brown reveals a travel trend that may shock you: Cruises have become one of the most healthy and active ways to travel.

Cruise Report: Wendy’s Photos from Silversea’s Newest Cruise Ship

by Wendy Perrin | April 10, 2017

The first port of call on the first-ever sailing of Silversea Cruises' new ship Silver Muse: Marseille, France

Wendy's report and photos from the first-ever sailing of Silver Muse, the elegant new ship from Silversea Cruises that launched in Genoa, Italy.

A Sneak Peek at Windstar’s Plan to Improve Small-Ship Cruising

by Wendy Perrin | January 25, 2017

Windstar’s Star Breeze on the island of Elba, during the inaugural cruise

Windstar cruise line's president John Delaney gave us a sneak peek at what’s coming for his small-ship cruise company in 2017.

These Are the Most Interesting Cruises Planned for 2017

by Billie Cohen | October 24, 2016

We scrutinized the batch of 2017 cruise itineraries on offer in order to recommend the best.

Watch: How to Choose the Right Cruise

by Wendy Perrin | September 8, 2016

Don't make the common cruise mistakes that so many travelers make. Here's how to know which cruise itinerary will deliver the best travel experience, the pros and cons of small ships vs. large ships, and more.

Is This the Best New Cruise Perk at Sea?

by Wendy Perrin | May 14, 2016

Smitha leads us to our cabana in Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private port in Haiti.

When Harmony of the Seas debuts, it will be the world’s largest cruise ship, but it will also introduce a first in special treatment at sea.

This is a Cruise Ship That Smart Travelers Will Love

by Wendy Perrin | March 16, 2016

Lunch al fresco on Viking Star cruise ship

If you’re an avid independent traveler, as I am, seeing the world by cruise ship has its pros and cons. That’s why I’m excited to tell you about this option.

How to Keep Your Kids Happy on a Cruise

by Doug Baker | March 8, 2016

the Flow Rider on Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas

Hi. I’m Doug. I’m 12 years old, and I just took my 12th cruise. It was on the Royal Caribbean ship Allure of the Seas.

The Perfect Cruise Shore Excursion in Barcelona

by Brook Wilkinson | March 2, 2016

Since its cruise port sits so close to the city center, Barcelona is ideal for independent shore excursions. This is the perfect way to spend your day.

When Is a Cruise Ship Balcony Worth It and When Is It Not?

by Sara Tucker | February 3, 2016

The pros and cons of paying extra for a balcony on river cruises and ocean cruises.

Watch: The Best Zip-line Ever (and the Kids Agree)

by Wendy Perrin | January 26, 2016

Royal Caribbean’s Labadee Flight Line zip-line

Royal Caribbean’s Labadee Flight Line is the world’s longest zip-line over water. And I did it. Watch the video.

The Best Cruise Lines of 2015: Do You Agree with Cruise Critic’s Picks?

by Billie Cohen | October 5, 2015

Setting sail on the Viking Star. Photo from Viking Cruises.

Cruise Critic announced its list of the best cruise lines and ships of 2015, including the best new vessel and the most romantic cruise line.

Canal Barging: The Cruise Experience You’ve Been Missing Out On

by Billie Cohen | September 3, 2015

Canal barging is a type of cruise through Europe’s historic canals. It's about leisure, luxury, and hidden locations, and it should be on your travel list.

Planning a Cruise? Avoid These Rookie Travel Mistakes

by Wendy Perrin | August 18, 2015

There are so many factors that affect the success of your cruise that it’s easy to make a rookie travel mistake. Here's how to avoid them.

Is a Small-Ship Cruise Right for You? These Photos Will Help You Decide

by Timothy Baker | June 1, 2015

Portofino, Italy—one of those ports that only smaller ships can get close to.

As the husband of the godmother of a cruise ship, I got to experience, and photograph, the inaugural sailing of Windstar Cruises’ Star Breeze.

Viking Star: The Ship That Downton Abbey Built

by Deborah Dunn | May 27, 2015

The infinity pool at the back of the ship.

Viking Ocean Cruise line isn’t for everyone. But it doesn’t want to be.

How I Became a Cruise Ship’s Godmother

by Wendy Perrin | May 11, 2015

Windstar Cruises’ Star Breeze—and Wendy in one of its zodiacs

Last week I christened Windstar Cruises’ newest ship, the 212-passenger Star Breeze, and then hosted the inaugural voyage to Rome.

Family Cruise Advice, from Wendy and Cruise Critic

by Billie Cohen | April 28, 2015

Wendy chatted with Cruise Critic readers today, sharing her best advice and insights on family cruises. Here are a few highlights from the conversation.

Which River Cruise Ship Should You Choose? Here Are the Key Differences

by Wendy Perrin | March 27, 2015

Observation deck on the AmaSonata, Passau.

For many river cruises, the biggest differentiating factor is usually the river itself. Cabin availability and a price tag that suits are important too.

What I Have in Common with the Queen of England and the Rockettes

by Wendy Perrin | March 18, 2015

I’m honored to serve as godmother of Windstar Cruises’ newest ship, the Star Breeze, launching May 6.

Cruise Hacks: 14 Tips for Acing Your Family Cruise

by Wendy Perrin | March 5, 2015

Last month my family sailed on the 4,000 passenger Norwegian Breakaway. Here are some great tips for making the most of a family cruise.

How to Have a Kid-Friendly River Cruise: Advice From a 12-Year-Old

by Charlie Baker | February 24, 2015

River cruises are not known for being kid-friendly. Twelve-year-old Charlie shares his advice about taking kids on a river cruise.

Stunning Photos: An Ice-Filled New York Harbor in Winter

by Wendy Perrin | February 23, 2015

One of the biggest reasons to travel by ship is the views as you come into port—especially if the waterway is frozen.

How to Make a Low-Season European River Cruise Awesome

by Wendy Perrin | February 13, 2015

View over Belgrade Serbia and Danube river from above in Zemun

European river cruises have grown so popular that often the only time you can get a cabin is low season. But is a low-season cruise worth doing?

The Easiest Way to See Europe: A River Cruise

by Timothy Baker | January 28, 2015

Wondering about the easiest way to see Europe? Get expert tips on the best European river cruises.

Which European River Is Most Interesting for a River Cruise?

by Wendy Perrin | January 2, 2015

Wendy Perrin rates the Danube, the Seine, and the Rhine in this edition of her Ask Wendy travel advice column.

8 Cruise-Ship Pools that Make You Say Wow

by Yahoo! Travel | November 11, 2014

The pool on the Royal Princess cruise ship

Cruise-ship pools used to be tiny, boring, and pretty much all the same. Nowadays there’s a huge variety: indoor spa pools, adults-only pools, pools with outdoor movies, and more.

Interview with an Expert Traveler: Cruise Critic’s Carolyn Spencer Brown

by Billie Cohen | October 23, 2014

Cruise Critic's Carolyn Spencer Brown names two touristy spots that are still worth the visit, if you do them right—plus plenty more about her own travel experiences.

Exclusive Cruise Deal for WendyPerrin.com Readers

by Wendy Perrin | September 24, 2014

Norwegian Jewel cruise ship in Juneau, Alaska

Our Trusted Travel Expert for Alaska cruises has secured an exclusive deal for a family cruise to Alaska…

A Day in Athens: How to Spend Your Cruise Shore Excursion

by Wendy Perrin | September 3, 2014

Two ways to make the most of a cruise shore excursion in Athens.

Things to Know Before Booking Your Family Cruise: Tips From a 12-Year-Old

by Charlie Baker | August 27, 2014

My first cruise, when I was four and Doug was three.

Wendy's son Charlie offers invaluable advice for parents interested in planning a family cruise.

10 Steps to a Better European River Cruise

by Wendy Perrin | August 11, 2014

The Danube, and Austria's Wachau Valley, as viewed from Weissenkirchen on my river cruise last month.

How to make a European river cruise as great as it can be…

Best Israel Shore Tours for an Eastern Mediterranean Cruise

by Wendy Perrin | June 9, 2014

When your cruise ship stops in Israel, here's how to use your limited time wisely and get the best itinerary and tour guide for your dollar.

Why My Most Relaxing Vacation Was a Disney Cruise

by Wendy Perrin | April 7, 2014

The fact that I managed to achieve my goal of relaxation surprises everyone who knows me. Even more surprising is where I achieved it: on a Disney cruise.

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