Zhao Shang Yi Dun — 9-Night Northern Europe & Baltic

Before you sail

What the fare covers, what it doesn't, and how this itinerary actually runs.

• 4 sea days

  The pool loungers and the shaded spots go early on a sea day — by eight in the morning on a full ship, and this one carries 1,443 guests. Reserving one and leaving it is against the rules on most lines and crew do clear them, so send someone early rather than at ten.

• This one earns the balcony

  4 of 9 nights are at sea, so you will actually be in the cabin in daylight. Roughly $700 more per person here — the one upgrade worth arguing about on a sea-day-heavy sailing.

• Day one and the last day are half-days

  A 9-night cruise is really 8 full days. Boarding runs into the afternoon and you are off the ship early on the last morning.