Sail Away Blog
Cruise Advice, Planning Tips & Destination Inspiration
Whether you’re planning your first cruise, organizing a group or simply wondering where you should sail next, the Sail Away Blog is here to make cruise planning easier.
Explore practical cruise advice, destination guides, first-time cruiser tips, onboard experiences, specialty cruises and travel essentials without digging through an old-fashioned archive.
- Start with the question you have today. Then follow your curiosity from there.
A REAL PERSON BEHIND THE ADVICE
Meet Captain Chuck.
Chuck Lund is the founder of America’s Best Cruises and has spent more than 35 years taking care of people and bringing groups together.
He understands that the best group trips aren’t really about ships, cabins or itineraries. They’re about the people you share them with, the memories you bring home and those wonderful moments when everyone realizes, “We’re really doing this together.”
That’s why Chuck approaches every group cruise personally. He helps take the uncertainty out of planning, keeps everyone informed and handles the countless details that can turn an exciting idea into a stressful job for the group organizer.
His goal is simple: make the planning easier, make the experience more personal and give everyone something wonderful to look forward to.
“I treat every guest like family because that’s what these trips are all about.”
Explore Cruise Advice by Topic
Browse the six main Sail Away Blog categories and jump straight to the cruise information that interests you most.
Planning & Preparation
Choosing a cruise, budgeting, documentation, embarkation and everything you need to feel prepared before you sail.
Destinations & Ports
Explore cruise destinations, ports of call, beaches, cities and unforgettable places to experience before, during and after your cruise.
Group & Family Cruises
Ideas and practical guidance for family reunions, friend groups, clubs, organizations and communities that want to cruise together.
Onboard Experiences
Discover dining, entertainment, activities, relaxation, nightlife and the experiences that make life aboard the ship part of the vacation.
Specialty & Themed Cruises
Explore themed sailings, music cruises, wellness cruises, food and wine experiences, special-interest groups and other distinctive ways to cruise.
Cruise Tips & Travel Essentials
Helpful advice about packing, travel documents, embarkation, safety, money, internet, gratuities and the little details that make cruising easier.
Not Sure Where To Start?
Whether you’re cruising for the first time, planning a group trip or simply deciding where to sail, start with the guide that best matches what you need right now.
First-Time Cruiser? Start Here
New to cruising? Start with the basics, from choosing the right cruise and understanding what’s included to preparing for embarkation and knowing what to expect once you’re onboard.
Planning A Group Cruise? Start Here
Bringing family, friends, a club, organization or online community together at sea? Start here for practical advice on planning, organizing and making a group cruise enjoyable for everyone.
Latest Sail Away Blog Posts
How Many Cabins for Groups? A Simple Plan
Plan how many cabins for groups you need, balance budgets and bed types, and keep every traveler close, comfortable, and ready to cruise together now.
What Is a Group Cruise? Planning Made Easier
What is a group cruise? Learn how shared sailings work, which perks may apply, and how to plan cabins, dining, and fun without the stress of organizing.
Best Cruise Lines for Nonprofits to Consider
Compare the best cruise lines for nonprofits, from reunion-ready ships to premium fundraising retreats, and plan a group sailing with less stress for all.
How to Choose a Cruise for Your Friend Group
Learn how to choose a cruise for your friend group, balancing cabins, budgets, dining, and itineraries so everyone can relax, connect, and celebrate.
Top Cruise Packing Essentials for Group Getaways
Top cruise packing essentials for group getaways: practical tips for embarkation, shore days, dinners, and keeping every traveler comfortable at sea, too.
Group Cruise Deposit Policy Guide for Planners
Our group cruise deposit policy guide helps organizers understand timelines, cabin holds, payment risks, and smart ways to keep every traveler on track.
How to Select Cruise Departure Ports for Groups
Learn how to select cruise departure ports that keep group travel affordable, simple, and fun, with smart tips on flights, drives, hotels, and itineraries.
How to Plan a Cruise for Non-Cruisers Together
Learn how to plan a cruise for non cruisers with the right ship, itinerary, cabins, and group details so every traveler feels comfortable before sailing with ease.
Cruise Loyalty Programs Guide for Group Travelers
Our cruise loyalty programs guide explains tiers, points, perks, and smart ways group travelers can earn rewards without choosing a line too soon.
Cruise Room Blocks Explained for Group Planners
Cruise room blocks explained for group planners: learn how cabins, deposits, deadlines, and perks work so everyone can sail with less stress when cruising.
Can Cruise Groups Eat Together? Dining Explained
Can cruise groups eat together? Learn how dining reservations, table sizes, flexible options, and early planning keep every guest happily included at sea.
10 Best Onboard Group Activities for Cruises
Find the best onboard group activities for every kind of cruise party, from reunions to team trips, with planning tips that keep everyone smiling at sea.
Top Cruise Destinations for Reunions That Work
Compare top cruise destinations for reunions, from easy Caribbean escapes to Alaska and Europe, with practical tips for choosing a group-friendly itinerary
Best Cruises for Friend Getaways That Work
Find the best cruises for friend getaways, from short party sailings to relaxed island escapes, plus tips for cabins, budgets, and group planning made easy.
How to Read a Group Cruise Package Review
Read a group cruise package review the smart way. Compare cabins, perks, policies, planning support, and costs before your group commits to a cruise vacation.
