CruiseMap Magazine
Explore ships, routes and seas, starting with the questions of first-time cruisers.
Cover story
Japan cruise prices: comparing departures from Incheon, Taiwan, and Okinawa
We compared prices for cruises to Japan by departure port. Here is actual sailing data to help you decide whether to board directly in Incheon or fly to Keelung or Tokyo.
All articles
51 articles
Japan cruise prices: comparing departures from Incheon, Taiwan, and Okinawa
We compared prices for cruises to Japan by departure port. Here is actual sailing data to help you decide whether to board directly in Incheon or fly to Keelung or Tokyo.
November 5, 2026
Three Ways to Cruise from Korea: Incheon and Busan Departures, Mid-Cruise Boarding in Busan, and Charter Packages
A guide to three ways to board a cruise from a Korean port: 19 sailings departing directly from Incheon or Busan, boarding a ship mid-route when it calls at Busan, and charter or package cruises sold by Korean travel agencies.
October 29, 2026
The day before your Singapore cruise: from Changi Airport to the cruise terminal
Singapore has two cruise terminals: Marina Bay Cruise Centre and HarbourFront. This guide covers accommodation near each terminal, getting there from Changi Airport, and how to plan your embarkation morning.
October 29, 2026
Before Boarding an Alaska Cruise in Seattle: Check Pier 66 or Pier 91 First
Seattle has two cruise terminals: Pier 66 downtown and Pier 91 near Magnolia. Here is a guide to choosing a hotel near your pier, getting from the airport, and planning the morning of embarkation.
October 29, 2026
The Day Before Boarding in Piraeus: Getting from Athens Airport to the Terminal
Athens-departing cruises sail from one of the 3 terminals at the Port of Piraeus: A, B, or C. This guide covers how to identify your terminal, where to stay the night before, getting from the airport, and planning embarkation morning.
October 29, 2026
The day before your Rome cruise: where to stay and how to get to Civitavecchia
Rome cruises depart from Civitavecchia, about 70–80 km away, not from the city of Rome. This guide covers where to stay the night before, getting to the port from the airport, and timing for embarkation morning.
October 29, 2026
The day before your Barcelona cruise: getting from the airport to the terminal
This guide uses official information to explain where to stay the night before your Barcelona cruise, how to get there from the airport, and when to set out on embarkation morning.
October 29, 2026
Singapore Cruises: A Guide to Southeast Asian Routes
We analyzed 116 Singapore cruises using real data on cruise lines, ships, and fares. Here are some of the leading cruises linking Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia.
October 20, 2026
Cruises Departing from Korea: Japan and Taiwan Without Flying
Board directly in Incheon or Busan and sail to Japan's Kyushu, the Seto Inland Sea, or Taiwan. We compare 18 cruises departing from Korea, based on actual operating data, for a journey that starts at a port instead of an airport.
October 20, 2026
Cruise Travel Budget: Planning for Airfare and Hotels Too
Looking only at the cabin fare gives you just half the picture of a cruise budget. This guide uses actual cruise data to explain how to plan your total budget, including airfare and accommodation before and after boarding.
October 19, 2026
MSC World Asia Guide — Maiden Voyage in December 2026, Itineraries, Fares, and Boarding Preparation
MSC World Asia is set to make its maiden voyage in December 2026. This guide covers its official specifications and new facilities, seasonal Mediterranean and Caribbean itineraries and fares, and preparations for boarding.
October 18, 2026
Planning a Day at a Cruise Port: Why You Should Start with the Return-to-Ship Time
Planning a day at a cruise port starts with checking the return-to-ship time. This article uses real Mediterranean itineraries to examine port departure times, differences between ship time and local time, and how shore excursion and independent sightseeing routes differ.
October 18, 2026
Cruise Wi-Fi and Roaming: How to Stay Connected at Sea
Connectivity on a cruise is completely different in port and at sea. This guide explains cruise line internet packages and a separate connectivity strategy for port days.
October 17, 2026
Preparing to Board an MSC Cruise: A Checklist for Documents and Luggage
What should you prepare first for an MSC cruise? This guide takes you through the checklist, from essential documents such as your passport and boarding pass to checked luggage and items to carry on embarkation day.
October 17, 2026
Cruise Honeymoon: Planning Beyond Your Cabin
A cruise honeymoon involves more than choosing a cabin. Using real Mediterranean itineraries, this guide looks at how to balance accommodation before and after boarding, port days, and time to relax onboard.
October 16, 2026
Mediterranean cruise with the family: choosing cabins and ports together
For a family Mediterranean cruise, consider both the bed layout in your cabin and how much walking each port involves. We have compiled representative itineraries from Barcelona and Civitavecchia, along with ship-specific details, using actual sailing data.
October 16, 2026
7 Nights on the Mexican Riviera: Norwegian Encore’s Pacific Route
A 7-night Mexican Riviera cruise departing from Los Angeles and visiting Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta. Check the ports of call and fares using actual Norwegian Encore sailing data.
October 15, 2026
7 Nights on the Adriatic: Discover Croatia’s Coast on Emerald Kaia
Follow a 7-night Adriatic itinerary from Venice to Dubrovnik aboard Emerald Kaia. Explore the scenery at each port of call and check the actual lowest fare per person using real sailing data.
October 14, 2026
4 Nights in the Bahamas: A Nassau Cruise on MSC Grandiosa
A 4-night Bahamas cruise departing from Port Canaveral and visiting Nassau. Check the MSC Grandiosa route, Sea Day schedule, and lowest fare per person using actual sailing data.
October 14, 2026
Taiwan to Okinawa: A 4-night MSC Bellissima cruise itinerary
A 4-night MSC Bellissima cruise from Keelung, calling at the Miyako Islands, Naha, and Ishigaki. Get a preview of the route through each port's appeal and actual sailing data.
October 13, 2026
4 Nights Among the Greek Islands: The Celestyal Discovery Itinerary
A 4-night Greek island cruise from Lavrion, calling at Kuşadası, Rhodes, and Crete. This guide covers the ports of call and fares for Celestyal Discovery using actual sailing data.
October 13, 2026
Flights on Cruise Disembarkation Day: What to Check When Planning Your Trip Home
Booking a flight on cruise disembarkation day based only on the ship's arrival time is risky. This guide explains how to check when you can actually disembark, luggage procedures, and travel time from the port.
October 12, 2026
MSC World Asia: Which Travelers Is This Cruise Right For?
Who might enjoy MSC World Asia, which is scheduled to enter service in December 2026? We compare its specifications, representative Western Mediterranean itineraries, and the features of its departure ports using actual data from 538 sailings.
October 11, 2026
Complete Guide to MSC World Europa: Ship, Routes, and Fares
Considering an MSC World Europa cruise? Find the ship's specifications, major Mediterranean routes and departure ports, and actual-data-based starting fares per person.
October 11, 2026
MSC Grandiosa: How to Choose a Ship and Itinerary Together
From MSC Grandiosa's specifications to sample itineraries departing from Port Canaveral and the lowest fare per person. This guide uses actual sailing data to explain how to choose a cabin and route together.
October 11, 2026
7-Night Norwegian Fjord Cruise: The Complete MSC Euribia Guide
A 7-night Norwegian fjord cruise from Kiel, calling at Flåm and Geiranger. Explore the scenery and itinerary at each port, along with fares for MSC Euribia.
October 11, 2026
Plan Flights, Accommodation, and Port Days Together with the Cruise Planner
Using a real cruise departing from Barcelona, this guide shows how to plan flights, accommodation, and port days together with the Cruise Planner. It walks through the process from pre- and post-cruise logistics to sharing your plan.
October 10, 2026
Following MSC World Europa’s 7-Night Barcelona Itinerary, Day by Day
Follow MSC World Europa’s 7-night Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona, day by day. This guide covers what to see at each port of call, departure seasons, and fares, based on actual sailing data.
October 3, 2026
Northern Europe Cruise Guide: Comparing Fjords and the Baltic Sea
Norwegian fjord cruises and Baltic Sea cruises differ fundamentally in their routes. Using real data from 869 departures, this guide compares departure ports, operating seasons, and lowest fares per person to help you choose the Northern Europe cruise that suits you.
October 1, 2026
Complete Guide to Caribbean Cruises: Comparing Eastern, Western, and Southern Routes and Fares
Caribbean cruises have distinct route types: Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean. This guide uses actual data to compare departure ports, seasons, and the lowest fare per person to help you choose the right cruise.
October 1, 2026