Looking for cruise planning help?In the Wake offers practical tools, ship comparisons, dining guides, and real-voyage insights to help you plan smoother sailings — independent of cruise lines, built for travelers like you.
Mariners know a small truth with big comfort
The calmest water lies in the wake of another boat.
Tuck in behind a steady hull and the chop softens, the course steadies, and the hard parts feel easier.
In the Wake exists to be that smooth water for your cruise planning.
We sail ahead—collecting real-world details from actual voyages—so you can follow with confidence.
Compare ships and classes, scan menus and prices, scout cabins, and spot accessibility notes without all the whitecaps.
The goal isn't to sell you anything; it's to take the friction out of decisions so your trip feels effortless.
Fair winds—and gentler seas—in our wake.
What are you planning?
Choose your path — we'll point you to the most helpful resources.
On her bed sat a towel animal: a penguin. Tom loved penguins. It held a tiny "Merry Christmas" sign between its flippers.
It was so ridiculous and earnest that she laughed out loud — an involuntary, startled laugh. Then guilt slammed into her chest. "How can I laugh? Tom is gone."
But another thought followed — uninvited, but soft: Tom would've laughed too.
One document, written for one sailing. Free to download.
Everything on this site is general until you know your ship and your ports. A Voyage Pack is the other thing: the day-by-day rhythm of your week, the ports you are actually calling at, packing calibrated to that route and that season, an honest budget, and a fillable emergency-contacts card for the person staying home. Written to print on paper and to work offline at sea.
Seven are written so far, covering Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Virgin Voyages, Margaritaville at Sea and a 129-day Holland America world voyage. If yours is not among them, one can be written for it in about a week.
See the packsNo account, no email. Tip only if it earned it.
Planning Tools
Interactive calculators and guides — free, no account required.
In the Wake is a cruise planning resource offering free tools, ship comparisons, dining guides, and accessibility information — primarily focused on Royal Caribbean but expanding to other lines. Created by cruisers, for cruisers, with no affiliate sales.
Is In the Wake affiliated with any cruise line?
No. We're independent travelers sharing real-voyage insights. We don't sell cruises, earn commissions, or represent any cruise line. Our goal is honest, helpful information.
We update pages after each sailing and review all content quarterly. Ship details, menus, and prices can change—always verify critical information with your cruise line before booking.
Who runs In the Wake?
In the Wake is founded and maintained by Ken Baker, a pastor, photographer, and cruise enthusiast with years of experience at sea. Learn more on our About page.
Works Offline on Your Cruise
Ship Wi-Fi is expensive and unreliable. That's why In the Wake works offline as an installable app on your phone or tablet.
How it works: Visit our port guides and ship pages before you sail. They'll be cached automatically and available without internet—right when you need them at the pier.
On mobile, tap "Add to Home Screen" in your browser menu. On desktop, look for the install icon in your address bar.
