Sure, you can always just drop the words “cruise information� in Google and search away, but how do you know which sites offer the best cruise information? While there are literally thousands of websites that claim to offer “cruise information,� many are just travel agents or booking services looking to reel you in. Some may offer bits and pieces of information, but most simply offer a way to search for and book a cruise. This is fine if that’s what you’re looking for.
But, if you’re looking for cruise information, there are several reliable sources that provide a combination of useful cruise information, reviews, links, message boards, articles, news, videos, and tools to help you find the perfect cruise. Two of the top online cruise information resources are Cruisecritic.com and Cruisereviews.com.
Established in 1995, Cruisecritic.com is a cruise information resource with more than 5 million users worldwide. This interactive community of seasoned cruisers, novices, first-timers, and professionals of all kinds features reviews on over 275 ships, and more than 60 cruise line profiles. In addition, Cruisecritic.com offers information on what to do and where to go in more than 200 ports around the world. Visitors can also expect to find unbiased reviews and cruise ship ratings, as well as information on bargain cruises, cruise tips, and trends in cruising.
Ranked as the number one cruise information site by Hitwise.com, among others, Cruisecritic.com has the largest audience of cruisers on the web. Below if a complete list of Cruisecritic.com features as listed on the site:
Annual Spring Break Guide
Cruise Videos
Daily polls (tracking consumer trends)
Gift Central (a holiday oriented gift depot of unique finds for cruisers)
Photo Essays
Shipyard Visits
The Hurricane Zone (chronicling storm-related information during the season)
Virtual Cruises
Cruise Vacation Planning Guide Featuring:
Cruise Reviews
Cruise Styles: Lifestyle and Specialty Cruising
Feature Articles
Find a Cruise
First-Time Cruiser’s Guide
Member Reviews
Ports of Call Profiles and Destination Features
Cruisereviews.com is another great resource for cruisers, especially first timers, offering honest, unbiased reviews of cruise ships, cruise lines, and port and shore excursions. This simple, but informative site is very well organized and easy to follow. The site includes the following categories and cruise types:
Budget Lines
Luxury Lines
Major Lines
Miscellaneous Cruise Lines
Niche Lines
Port Reviews
River Boats
Sailing Fleet
Shore Excursions
Small Ships
The site also has a section set aside specifically for cruise information including: insurance information, what you should know before you book, cruise Q & A, first time cruiser information, singles cruise information, and links to helpful guides and other cruise articles. Additionally, the site has a great section for feature articles written by experienced cruisers for cruisers of all levels. You can also visit the Cruisereviews.com forum area to chat with other cruisers, ask questions, or read posts on all cruise-related topics.
Enjoy!