- What documents do I need to bring on a cruise?
- Passport, cruise tickets, ID, visas (if required), and any necessary medical documents. If you are a US citizen traveling from a US port then you may be allowed to use an official copy of your birth certificate. Please refer to your specific cruise line for any other specific questions.
- What is included in the cruise fare?
- Room accommodations, meals in the main dining rooms and buffets, basic beverages (water, lemonade, tea), and most onboard entertainment. Some items included will be dependant upon your the cruise line.
- Are there any hidden fees I should be aware of?
- Some can be more hidden than other but knowing what is included when booking you cruise. is important. Thing such as gratuities, specialty dining, shore excursions, alcohol, soda, internet, games like bingo, arcades, and spa treatments can all be up-charges on most cruise ships.
- What should I pack for a cruise?
- Packing is important to have what you need. Casual wear, formal attire for dinners, swimwear, comfortable shoes, and essential toiletries. Check out some of our must travel with tips here:
- How do I choose the best cabin for my needs?
- Things you may want to consider are location mid-ship for stability or near a certain place on the ship like the kids club. You may want to also consider the areas you wouldn’t want to be near like the casino, the elevators again these can be very personal prefences. Cabin type inside, ocean view, balcony, suite can all be affected by your budget but I assure you even with an inside cabin you will find lots of things to love about your cruise!
- What is the best time to book a cruise?
- Early booking 6-12 months in advance or last-minute deals 2-3 months before departure often offer the best prices. It is becoming harder to find those really good deal. Always sign up for cruise line specific emails and when you are in the market for booking pay close attention to deal they may be running. I also find that being open to cruising on different lines opens you up for more options.
- Do I need travel insurance for a cruise?
- I alway recommended to get a plan that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage for trips especially for longer trips and overseas trips. If you travel more than a few times a year it may be beneficial to research yearly plans.
- Can I bring my own alcohol onboard?
- Most cruise lines have strict policies about bringing alcohol so it is best to check with your specific cruise line for details. Some will allow one bottle or wine or champagne per adult. There may be a cork fee on some cruise lines. Be sure to have these items in your personal carry on bags and not in the bags you check at the curb.
- How do dining arrangements work on a cruise?
- Depending on the cruise line, most have an early and late dinning time. Some lines will also offer another option that is more of an anytime or your style dinning. You can verify your dinning party if traveling with a larger group on the cruise app.
- What activities are available onboard?
- The Entertainment options range from shows, casinos, and pools to fitness centers, spas, and kids’ clubs just to get started.
- The entertainment is endless aboard cruise ships. Each ship provides a different and unique experience. Check out more here:
- What is the boarding process like?
- Cruise lines have really stream lined this process since 2020. Similar to an airport you will go thru a security check of all personal items at a security check, check-in counters where they will verify everyone in your parties documentation. Boarding passes and passports will be needed during this process.
- Will I have internet access on the ship?
- Normally for an up-charge and can be spotty at times. While they have been working hard to improve internet while on ships, just be aware of the possibilities of having problems.
- Are there medical facilities onboard?
- Yes, most ships have a medical center with basic services like sea sickness or small injuries. Serious conditions might require evacuation and is why you would want to have travel insurance.
- Can I stay connected with family and friends back home?
- Yes, now days there are several more options. You can choose to purchase the ship internet package. If you choose not to purchase that, you may also want to look at your cell phone providers international phone plans, they may have daily or monthly plans that may make more sense financially.
- What is the tipping policy on a cruise?
- Many cruise lines automatically add gratuities to your account, some cruise lines will allow you to pre-pay for these added gratuities. You can always choose to tip more often throughout your cruise.
- Are cruises safe?
- Yes, but it’s important to follow safety guidelines and participate in the mandatory muster drill. Follow the rules on board and you will be fine.
- How do I handle seasickness?
- While captains will try to avoid major storms and choppy water when they can, there is always a possibility of feeling the ship move more than you would like. If you are concerned try booking a mid-ship cabin. Always bring some over-the-counter remedies things like dramamine, ginger candies, motion sickness patches may help calm your symptoms. Lastly stay hydrated it will help overall.
- What currency is used onboard?
- When purchases are made on the ship most cruise lines will charge to your onboard account. Your onboard account can be pre-paid in cash, or by attaching debit or credit card, the account will be closed out at the end of your cruise
- What should I know about shore excursions?
- If there is a specific excursion you want, book it early. You may want to consider independent tours for savings, such as Viator. Research your ports, know what is around the port. If you are going be stopping a cruise lines private island be sure you know what is included and what is not.
- How do I handle special dietary needs?
- Inform the cruise line in advance. most accommodate allergies, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other special diets. Please also check with the hostess desk on embarkation to verify they have information needed.
I hope these help answer some of your questions, but if you have one that isn’t covered here please let me know and I would be more than happy to help.
