CruiseStar
CruiseStar journal
Stories from the fleet
Guides, sailor adventures, and notes on the ships people actually sail. Every published piece names its author.
19 results for “Boarding”
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Adventure · 2 min
Amber Cove port day: Dominican pool complex, cabanas, and trips into Puerto Plata
Amber Cove is Carnival's Dominican north-coast port near Puerto Plata. Plan onsite pools, cabanas, zipline, and optional city or beach breaks without confusing it with Taino Bay.
CruiseStar
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Guide · 4 min
Cruise countdown: the free way to track days until your next sailing
How a cruise countdown builds anticipation, keeps multiple bookings organized, and why CruiseStar’s free countdown tool is built for shareable roll-call energy.
CruiseStar
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Guide · 5 min
Cruise embarkation day: what time can you board and what happens
What happens on cruise embarkation day: boarding times, check-in windows, security, muster, cabin ready timing, luggage, and how to make the first hours onboard calmer.
CruiseStar
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Guide · 5 min
Cruise Wi-Fi package: how it works and whether it is worth it
How cruise Wi-Fi packages work, what speeds to expect, per-device pricing, streaming limits, and a simple way to decide if onboard internet is worth buying.
CruiseStar
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Guide · 6 min
Airport to cruise port transportation: shuttles, rideshare, taxis, and transfers
How to get from the airport to the cruise port: cruise line transfers, shared shuttles, rideshare, taxis, rental cars, hotels, timing buffers, and luggage tips for embarkation day.
CruiseStar
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Guide · 6 min
First-time cruiser tips: what to know before your first ocean sailing
First-time cruiser tips for embarkation, packing, dining, port days, money onboard, and choosing a beginner-friendly ship without brochure overwhelm.
CruiseStar
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Guide · 5 min
Where to find cruise groups for your sailing date (and why CruiseStar fits)
Looking for a cruise roll call or sailing group for your exact dates? Compare Facebook groups, forums, and CruiseStar roll calls, ship chat, friends, and sailor ratings.
CruiseStar
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Adventure · 7 min
Cruise line excursions vs independent tours: which should you book?
Should you book shore excursions with the cruise line or an independent tour company? Compare price, all-aboard risk, group size, cancellations, and when each option is safer.
CruiseStar
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Adventure · 2 min
Ensenada cruise day: Baja wine country, La Bufadora, and short Mexico calls
Ensenada is a common Mexico stop on California short cruises. Pier proximity, La Bufadora blowhole tours, and downtown food in one practical port guide.
CruiseStar
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Guide · 4 min
Main dining room vs specialty restaurants on a cruise
Main dining room vs specialty restaurants: what is included, when specialty is worth the fee, reservation timing, dress expectations, and how to mix both without wasting money.
CruiseStar
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Adventure · 4 min
Cruising with babies, toddlers, and small kids: what parents should know
Cruising with babies, toddlers, and young kids: age rules, cabins, kids clubs, packing, nap strategy, port days, and how to pick a family-friendly ship.
CruiseStar
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Guide · 4 min
What to pack for a cruise: a practical packing guide
What to pack for a cruise without overpacking: day clothes, port shoes, formal options, cabin gear, documents, and a free packing list generator sized to your sailing.
CruiseStar
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Guide · 4 min
Cruise luggage guide: how many bags, tags, and cabin delivery
Cruise luggage rules explained: how many bags you can bring, how tags work, when suitcases arrive at the cabin, carry-on tips, and embarkation-day bag strategy.
CruiseStar
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Guide · 14 min
Cruise ship safety: how to stay safe on a cruise
A detailed cruise ship safety guide covering muster drills, illness, falls, balconies, alcohol, children, solo travel, medical care, excursions, and emergencies.
CruiseStar
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Adventure · 3 min
Port Everglades cruise guide: Fort Lauderdale homeport without the Miami crush
Sail from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale: terminals, FLL airport, parking, and how this Florida homeport compares to Miami for Caribbean weeks.
CruiseStar
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Adventure · 3 min
PortMiami cruise port guide: Dodge Island embarkation and what to expect
PortMiami on Dodge Island is the largest US cruise passenger port. Terminals, traffic, hotels, and what Caribbean and world itineraries start here.
CruiseStar
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Adventure · 4 min
Port Canaveral cruise guide: Florida homeport tips for embarkation day
Plan a Port Canaveral cruise: parking, Orlando airport timing, terminal layout, and what sails from one of the world's busiest cruise homeports.
CruiseStar
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Guide · 2 min
What to actually pack for a cruise (and what you can leave at home)
What needs to be in your suitcase, what's provided onboard, formal night requirements, and the small items first-timers always forget.
CruiseStar
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Guide · 2 min
Picking the right cruise cabin: what actually matters beyond the category
Interior vs. oceanview vs. balcony, why location matters more than most first-timers realize, and how to avoid booking a noisy or motion-heavy stateroom.
CruiseStar