Many U.S. cellphone plans offer limited calling and text messages in most Caribbean ports. All cruise passengers should check what their plans cover before they leave on their cruises. That's because some plans require an upgrade or purchase of day/week passes to ensure reasonably priced coverage in foreign cruise ports.

Carnival Cruise Line had to evacuate Grand Turk early due to incoming weather. This was during Hurricane Ernesto and Carnival Magic needed to leave the dock ahead of the storm's arrival. That's a rare situation,

A lack of preparation can be costly, so passengers are encouraged to look ahead and leave room in the pre-trip budget for on-board extras.

Carnival cruise ships offer countless opportunities to eat. Every ship offers a main dining room that serves breakfast and lunch on sea days and dinner every night. These dinners aren't modest: They're multicourse affairs where you can have all the soup,

Working on a cruise ship seems like an adventure, and in many ways it is. But there are sacrifices: Crew members work long hours and get little time off. Their ships may take them to exotic locations,