No more cruise to nowhere

Cruise Critic and USA Today's Cruise Log have the latest on the end of "cruises to nowhere." Although the law has been on the books for years, the United States is cracking down on these short cruises that depart from a U.S. port, sail into international waters and then return to the United States without a stop in a foreign country. Ships registered in the U.S. can still do these short trips, but the vast majority of ships from the major cruise companies are registered elsewhere.

This is good news for the Bahamas. As cruise companies adjust their 2016 schedules to the new enforcement, a few of these itineraries will now probably add a short stay in the island nation near Florida.

Counterpoint: Some family policies on cruise make sense

Cruise Critic's Erica Silverstein wrote a thoughtful post on the "Worst Cruise Line Policies for Families." Many of her complaints are valid, but we think she misses the mark on more than one. We cruised with kids and without and think in general the lines do the best they can. They are trying to satisfy two unique groups -- families and those without kids -- on one ship. They have to strike a balance so that one group's needs and wants don't encroach on the other's good times. While we agreed with Silverstein that it is outrageous to charge a full fair for a baby or toddler, here are our counterarguments to the other issues.

• Room service charges: We are already on record against room-service charges, but understand why cruise companies do it. They want you eating elsewhere and are pricing things accordingly. The policy may not be family friendly, but it applies to all on board.
• Full-price specialty restaurant cover charges: We understand charging full-price here. These restaurants were designed to be exclusive. Why lower the price and take up multiple seats when full-paying customers could and would use those reservations? Plus most people expect an adult environment in the specialty restaurants. We are sure that your kids are great and well-behaved at dinner, but many (many, many, many) are not. They shouldn't be around to ruin other guests' experiences.
• Buffets that close before dinner: Is food access ever really an issue on any cruise? Even if things are temporarily closed, food is always available somewhere on a cruise line and will be available again shortly in the buffet. This is a non-issue.
• No diapers in the pool: We've seen several Splash Zones closed mid-day for cleaning after a little one had an accident. It happens and causes a bit of an inconvenience for your kids who don't understand the wait or why they can't go into the Splash Zone right now. Cruises can't risk shutting down and cleaning down a full pool daily because of the diaper issue. 
• No teen activities for 18 year olds: Another non-issue? We haven't parented an 18-year-old yet, but remember being around that age on cruise ships. We wouldn't have been caught dead in the "teen club." In general, most 18-year-olds will figure it all out and have a good time without the organized activities of the teen club.
• No baby changing facilities in public bathrooms: Even as ships get bigger, space is still an issue, especially in the public bathrooms. Having a few changing stations conveniently placed makes sense, but it doesn't make sense to have one in every bathroom. 

Cruise Critic breaksdown Inside Cabins

Even as ship designers get more and more creative, inside cabins are not going away. While they often lack for size, balconies or any view altogether, there is still great value in the rooms. Cruise Critic provided this helpful assessment of all the various inside cabins available. Some shine and others do not.

In our experience, the Disney Inside Cabins are a great offering. They're spacious and the "virtual" porthole gives the semblance of a view with a Disney twist.

If you're someone who spends the whole day outside the cabin, an inside option might make sense. Now, more than ever, there is so much do to onboard, who cares about a view or a few extra square feet?

Cruise Needs' selects the best cruise packing tips

There are thousands of cruise packing lists and only so much time to prepare for your next cruise. Instead of searching through the endless opinions on what to pack, we selected some of the best cruise packing lists online. There is plenty of overlap, but each of these lists should cover every possible thing you might need or want to bring.

The Cruise Diva Linda Coffman started writing cruise packing list in the '90s. From her site, you can also print lists for men and women.

The venerable Cruise Critic provides a top ten and reminds passengers about the differing bathrobe policies. Cruise Critic also suggests using the ship's laundry services. Cruise Critic's more expansive packing list also includes suggestions about shoe storage devices that can hang on doors.

USA Today's list doesn't have the itemized details of other list, but does cover one crucial issue: your cruise line. Acceptable attire and guidelines on evening and formal wear vary by cruise line. Some are more relaxed than others. Once you've booked a specific cruise, you can research their formal guidelines.

Fodor's keeps their cruise packing list to a simple ten tips. Their list includes one questionable item...a power strip. Be sure to check with your cruise line before you pack a power strip, as some may not allow it. We would find it cumbersome to travel with one and don't find power outlets as much of an issue on the newer ships. Fodor's list does have a good reminder to bring extra chargers and backup batteries.

Royal Caribbean's packing list comes with the oft repeated reminder to bring some essentials in your carry-on bag. Depending on how you travel to your ship there are numerous points where luggage could get lost or routed to the wrong place. Having a smartly packed carry-on can cover any emergencies and give you flexibility during those first few hours on the ship.

Shipmate has a packing list as part of their app. They cover many of the suggestions that other sites include plus the very helpful tip of using your business card in your luggage tag. We find business cards in the tag easy to read and it provides enough information in case of a lost bag, but doesn't disclose too much personal information (like a home address might).

Cruise Direct Online includes a series of checklist related to leaving home, your flight, and individual lists for men and women. They also have a helpful reminder of what not to bring, including firearms and candles.

Some destinations require a slightly different mix of clothes and amenities. AlaskaCruises.com's tips are applicable to most cruises, but also include clothing and weather gear that might be handy for an Alaskan trip.

The Carnival Funville Forums have a thread focused just on packing lists. Peruse through and you will be sure to see everything one could possibly think of for a cruise vacation packing list.

There are also some helpful cruise packing lists on Pinterest.