Joselynn Chua

MSC Cruises can be a great bargain compared with other major cruise lines. But what many first-time cruisers don’t realize is that an inexpensive MSC cruise can quickly cost a lot more than expected.  I’ve taken five MSC cruises, including three from the United States and two in Europe, and I’ve learned that MSC can

Cruise food is one of the main reasons why I keep cruising. But it’s easy to miss the best meals, wait too long for a table, or eat at the wrong place at the wrong time. After more than 25 cruises, these are the dining mistakes I’ve learned to avoid. 1. Not Checking the Main

The cruise buffet is one of the places I spend a surprising amount of time when I’m on a cruise. It’s convenient, there’s usually a huge selection, and I like being able to try a little bit of everything without committing to a full meal. But after more than 25 cruises, I’ve also learned that

Cruise shore excursions can get expensive fast. Depending on the port and the activity, I often see tours priced at $100 or more per person. For my family of four, that adds up. What’s frustrating is paying for a cruise shore excursion, then realizing once you’re ashore that you could have explored the port on

If you’re planning an MSC Norway cruise, there are a few things you should know before you go. I recently took a 14-day Norway cruise on MSC Preziosa with my husband and kids, sailing from the end of June into July. It was an amazing trip, but there were definitely things I wish I had

I’ve been on more than 25 cruises, and one thing I’ve gotten pretty good at over the years is keeping my onboard spending under control. In fact, I almost never spend extra money once I’m on the ship. When I look at my final bill at the end of a cruise, it’s usually pretty boring.

Inside cabins are often the least expensive staterooms on a cruise ship, making them a smart choice for passengers who would rather spend their vacation budget on shore excursions, specialty dining or other experiences. The downside is that inside cabins tend to feel small and do not have windows or natural light. When several people

When booking a balcony or ocean view cabin, you may wonder whether you should stay on the port or starboard side of the cruise ship. The short answer is that neither side is always better. The best choice depends on your itinerary, the direction the ship is sailing and what you hope to see from

When booking a cruise, you may be offered a lower fare if you allow the cruise line to assign your stateroom. The savings can be tempting, and there is always the possibility of receiving a better cabin than the one you paid for. However, giving up control of your cabin location comes with real risks.

Exploring a new destination is one of the best parts of a cruise, but a relaxing day ashore can quickly go wrong if you lose your valuables, cannot find transportation or return to the pier too late. After taking more than 25 cruises, I’ve learned that a little preparation can prevent many common problems in