cruise questions

45 Valuable Cruise Questions Answered – the Ultimate Cruise Tips

Posted on Last updated: July 30, 2023

With loads of cruises under my belt, I am totally prepared to answer all the top cruise questions that I have seen throughout forums, comment sections, and heard from friends and family.

From what to pack to best itineraries to how to budget, I will be going through the top 45 cruise questions and the cruise industry to help you guys better understand how to cruise better!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure here .

Why should I cruise?

Let’s start off with the one of the first cruise questions I see time after time from people who have never been cruising for.

Choosing to cruise for your vacation is perfect for anyone looking for affordable travel, multiple destinations, activities for everyone, and many other things.

If you are looking to truly explore a specific city or location, cruising may not be right for your vacation, however, if you are looking for a great time with your family or friends exploring multiple areas of the world for a fraction of the price, cruising is totally perfect for your dream vacation!

How affordable is cruising?

When someone is attempting to plan their vacation, one of the most important aspects is affordability. While it’s super easy to budget through a good travel planner , I completely understand how the cost of travel can increase exponentially! But do not worry, cruising is VERY affordable.

It of course depends on the type of cruise you book, but you can easily find cruises for a few hundred dollars which includes accommodation, food, entertainment, and sometimes other perks. At the end of the day, it honestly depends on what you are looking for, however, the one, upfront cost really helps out when budgeting for your dream vacation.

Is cruising just for older people?

What a silly question, of course not! While the cruise industry has definitely earned a reputation for their excellent service towards older folks, in recent years cruise lines have made leaps and bounds towards including families and younger passengers on their ships.

As a senior in college, I can attest to the fabulous experiences cruise lines have created for families and younger passengers. From kid clubs to karaoke bars to crystal blue pools to fun nightclubs, cruises are amazing vacations for people of all ages– especially on college cruises !

Are cruises fun?

Oh my goodness yes! Like I said earlier, cruises have something fun and exhilarating for everyone. Of course, your vacation will be exactly what you make it, so if you go on the cruise with low expectations, do not be shocked when you don’t have a great time.

But, if you go on your cruise excited, you will be delighted to know that you can do whatever you want on a cruise! Whether you want to spend the day napping on the pool deck or watching a movie ordering food service to your room, there are countless ways to have a blast on a cruise ship. With so many options of activities on cruise ships, how could you not have fun?

How is the food on cruise ships?

The great thing about choosing to cruise for your vacation is that all the main dining facilities onboard are completely included in your fare! That means you can go to the buffet 10 times a day or order 4 desserts and 2 appetizers at the main dining room. I have always been able to find delicious food on all the ships I have been on.

Now it might take some trial and error, however, you will quickly fall in love with all the food offerings on your cruise vacation. If you are looking to indulge a little, check out your cruise line’s specialty dining packages and restaurants to receive extra tasty food onboard.

Where can I cruise to?

That is a fabulous question! And the answer is practically anywhere. While the price of cruise itineraries will go up when sailing to remote locations like Antarctica, there are over 300 cruise ships running at a time in the great oceans taking their passengers to the most popular and most remote destinations found around the world.

Of course, the most popular destinations for cruise lines to visit are in Europe and the Caribbean, however, I bet that there is a cruise going to any vacation spot (on the ocean) that your mind can think of!

What is not allowed on a cruise ship?

While you should totally pack your favorite swimsuits and sandals when packing for your cruising vacation, there are some items you should avoid packing so they do not get compensated on your cruise.

 These items are sharp objects, illegal drugs, firearms & ammunition, CBD oil or products, candles or incense, coffee makers, hot plates, clothes irons, travel steamers. hoverboards, baby monitors, extension cords, dangerous chemicals, flammable liquids and explosives, hookah & hookah pipes, perishable food or meat products, alcoholic beverages (typically), floats, inner tubes, pool noodles, and beach balls.

Now of course this list is subjective to the specific cruise line’s policies, so make sure to double-check with your cruise line to see their prohibited items.

What items are not recommended for cruise ships?

Similar to the last question about prohibited items, the are numerous items that you should maybe leave home during your cruising adventure.

While these will probably not be confiscated, cruise lines advise you to avoid bringing them on your vacation. These items include baseball bats, hockey sticks, cricket bats, golf clubs, skateboards, surfboards, bicycles, drones, and kites. Like before, you should definitely check with your cruise line to check what their items they do not recommend packing are.

What are the loudest cruise staterooms?

Once you decide that you want to cruise, you are probably wondering what stateroom you should book. First of all, you are definitely going to want to avoid some of the noisiest staterooms found onboard cruise ships. 

These include staterooms next to elevators, stairs, or crew access areas, staterooms above or below lounges and nightclubs, staterooms directly below the pool deck, adjoining staterooms, staterooms near the anchor, and finally, staterooms on the lower decks. I highly advise you to investigate your specific cruise ship’s deck plans to see where you want your vacation stateroom to be located.

What are back to back cruises?

While I have a whole other post on back to back cruises , this enhanced version of cruising is when you book two consecutive itineraries on the same cruise ship.

Back to back cruises are ideal for cruisers looking to spend more time at sea, saving money on transportation and other costs. I personally love back to back cruises and always watch out for them when searching for my future vacations at sea.

What is a muster drill?

Once onboard your cruise adventure you will have to complete a mandatory muster drill. A muster drill is when the cruise employees explain what will happen in an emergency.

This includes where you can find life jackets, lifeboats, etc. and ensures your safety in any situation. Don’t worry, cruise lines are not expecting any emergencies to happen at sea. They just have to follow the maritime laws and protect their passengers when sailing on the ocean.

How is the internet while cruising?

Unfortunately, the internet at sea is very limited. While some cruise lines may offer perks to their passengers like an internet package, the internet at sea is typically much slower and less reliable than on land.

So if you were hoping to remotely work on a cruise ship, you are most likely out of luck. However, if you are looking for a relaxing getaway, this unwanted perk may be a blessing in disguise!

Don’t worry, you will most likely be able to find areas with internet access in your ports so you do not have to go completely off the grid on your cruise.

Are there any extra costs to cruising?

While cruise fares include ALOT in their upfront price, there are a couple of extra costs that you should probably prepare for on your vacation. Most cruise lines will not pay for your flights so you will have to add that as another cost.

In addition, you will want to purchase travel insurance, pull out some cash for onboard and in port tips and purchases, and incorporate all the automatic gratuities you will have to pay once you leave your cruise ship.

The cruise lines typically add your daily gratuities to your onboard cruise account each night, so you will not need to tip waiters, however, there are other costs you will want to prepare for.

Do I need to get cash for my cruise?

Yes! You should definitely head to your local bank and prepare for your vacation by pulling out an adequate amount of cash for your adventure. You will most likely have unforeseen tips, souvenirs, taxi rides, and other things you will need to pay for during your cruise vacation.

You will want to pack some extra cash for your days in port. The ship card you will get on your first day of sailing only works on the ship, so you will need cash (some ports will not accept credit cards) prepared before you go to port.

Are Cruises Safe?

Yes! Cruises are totally safe. I am guessing you are referring to some of the few cases where incidences happened on cruise ships, but 99.9% of the time, you will have nothing to worry about.

Every cruise ship sailing at sea has to follow regulations– ensuring passengers have access to the best life jackets and safest lifeboats. 

In regards to Norovirus and other sicknesses onboard, cruises are a lot safer and better at preventing sickness than most other forms of transportation!

The only reason that cruises earn a bad reputation in this regard is because the passengers are contained on the boat and cruise lines have to report all illnesses onboard. You would be surprised by the amount of sick people around you when you are traveling on a plane!

How do I stay in shape on a cruise?

If you have ever been on a cruise before, you know how easy it is to gain weight enjoying yourself on vacation. While it is completely okay to gain a couple of pounds having the time of your life, you may be looking to stay in shape on your cruising adventure.

Personally, I usually lose weight on cruises (weird, right?) because I am always busy doing all the amazing activities onboard. But if you are worried, don’t worry. Cruises are equipped with state of the art gyms that are offered complimentary with your cruise far for you to burn off those calories from the all-you-can-eat buffet!

Are excursions included with my cruise fare?

For most cruise lines, you will have to pay an additional cost per cruise excursion in your ports. While cruise line’s like Norwegian may offer deals that include shore excursion credits, you will definitely need to check with your cruise line to see their policies.

More than likely you will have to find and book the excursions you would like. You should either book these through the cruise line or 3rd party local companies (usually cheaper) before your journey to ensure you will have an amazing time at sea without any surprises

Do I need to dress nice on cruises?

This again depends on the cruise line you are sailing with. Personally, I prefer a more laid-back experience where you can wear what you want on all days of your cruise through cruise lines like Royal Caribbean , Norwegian Cruise Line , Celebrity Cruises , and Carnival .

If you are looking for a more formal style of cruising, look out for the more luxurious cruise lines like Cunard , Princess Cruises , and Holland America .

If you are a family and would love a fair mix of formal and laid-back vacation lifestyle, I totally recommend sailing with Disney Cruise Line .

How formal is formal on cruise ships?

Some cruise lines will have a couple of nights at sea where they expect their passengers to dress up for their shows and dinner.

Don’t worry, this isn’t a bad thing! It is actually quite the opposite. Embrace the moment, and do not fret, formal does not mean packing a tuxedo or a ballroom gown. Just make sure you have a couple outfits that aren’t jeans or shorts with flipflops like nice slacks and a nice shirt or a cocktail dress and you will be completely fine!

Plus, you will be able to get some fantastic professional pictures taken of you and your loved one, family, or friends.

What is the best cruise line?

How is one supposed to answer this? It truly depends on who you are and what you want to get out of your vacation! If you are a family looking for a lot of amenities and fun for your little ones on the seas, I suggest checking out Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival, or Royal Caribbean.

If you are looking for an older crowd or are trying to access some of the more remote destinations of the world, search for Holland America, Celebrity Cruises, or Princess. All cruise lines are great, you will just have to figure out which one is perfect for your ideal destinations, budget, travel group, and time frame!

Can I bring a toddler or baby on a cruise?

Cruise lines typically allow anybody above the age of 6 months to board their cruise ships. That being said, you may want to consider what the cruising experience is going to be for your little ones.

I have an article going in-depth on cruising with toddlers , but to keep it short, your child’s experience will highly depend on the cruise line and ship you are traveling with. Some cruise lines offer amazing amenities for their younger passengers while others only offer babysitting services (at an extra expense).

Therefore, I would check with your cruise line to check what amenities are onboard to accommodate the youngest of passengers.

Read more: Cruise Questions Answered: Family Cruising with Toddlers

Should I use a travel agent for a cruise?

While I have never used a travel agent when cruising, I have heard of other people saving loads of money through them. With that in mind, I do suggest using a travel agent if you have one already for cruising.

You will be surprised by the deals and exclusive staterooms travel agents have access to when booking your cruise. Plus, they will be able to better explain the cruising process and all the logistics behind your cruising adventure.

Will I get seasick on a cruise?

It depends. I did not experience seasickness on my first cruise or on any of the cruises after. I think many people overestimate the movement onboard a cruise ship. They need to remember that cruises are literally the size of a small island.

That means you will typically not feel any movement during your cruising vacation unless you are sailing through a storm. If you are still worried, purchase some Sea-Bands or Dramamine medicine just in case any unwanted seasickness shows up on your journey.

Will I fall overboard on my cruise?

I can guarantee that you will not accidentally fall overboard on your cruise. As a safety precaution, all decks are wrapped with extremely strong railings and plexiglass guards to prevent any horrific accidents from happening onboard.

Cruise lines do not want you to fall overboard probably more than you do to avoid liability, so if you are hoping to not fall overboard, you definitely will not. Over in cruise cabin balconies, there are very tall railings installed to ensure passenger safety.

Do I need a passport to cruise?

Typically, yes. If you are traveling to any foreign port, you will need your passport. However, recently cruise lines have started to accept a passenger’s birth certificate and official government ID in lieu of a passport, so I recommend checking your cruise line’s policies to make sure you have all necessary documents ready for your cruising adventure.

I know that is not a clear answer, but this answer is constantly changing recently, so I highly suggest doing some simple investigation or call the cruise line to double-check what you need in regards to identification for your cruise.

What is the minimum drinking age on a cruise?

In general, you will have to be 21 to purchase alcohol on a cruise. However, when I looked deeper into this question when I was under 21, I found that some cruise lines have exceptions. For example, the Norwegian Cruise Line allows passengers between the ages of 18 and 21 to enjoy beer and wine if they have their parents sign a waiver.

Also, if you are sailing in Europe or Australia, your cruise line may allow anyone over the age of 18 to purchase any alcohol on board. At the end of the day, you should definitely check with your cruise line by reading their alcohol policy for your sailing (make sure to read the fine print!).

How do I pay for stuff onboard a cruise?

When you board your cruise ship, you will receive a personal identification card for the cruise line to keep track of you onboard. This card is tied to your onboard account, and therefore, anything you decide to purchase will be easy to pay for once you get off the ship at the end of your vacation.

Now, this can be both a blessing and a curse. You do not want to go crazy charging all your drinks and random purchases to your account and finish off your vacation disappointed with an obscene bill!

Do I need to pack beach towels for a cruise?

No! I mean you can if you want, but cruise ships are typically equipped with all the different types of towels you may need on your adventure. Of course, this means your stateroom will be stocked with all the typical hotel towels that you enjoy, but you will also have access to towels on the pool deck for all your swimming or sunbathing needs!

While you might have to check these towels back in through a ship crew member once you are done, you can definitely bring your stateroom towels into port if you want for the beach. Just make sure to bring it back to your stateroom when you return to avoid a fee at the end of your cruise journey.

How do I keep track of my cruise card?

This one is simple! You can either keep your cruise card in your wallet or, you can bring along or purchase a simple lanyard and cardholder for your cruising vacation to keep your ID on you at all times.

I prefer the lanyard method so I always have my ship card handy if I want to pick up a drink at the ship’s bar or am trying to leave quick to the cruise’s popular show. Plus, then you can hang it up when you enter your stateroom so you do not lose it and have to panic during your vacation.

But if you do happen to lose your cruise card, don’t worry, the onboard reception desk will be more than happy to help you create a new one!

Can I do laundry onboard a cruise ship?

Typically, yes. While you will want to pack your own laundry detergent for your dirty clothes, most cruise lines offer free do-it-yourself laundry machines onboard their ships.

These machines are usually super busy, so make sure to do your laundry at an ideal time (not when arriving back from the port or in the middle of the day).

If you prefer someone else to do your laundry or to have dry-cleaning services, you will have to pay an extra fee. However, this is another option for laundry onboard cruise ships.

Do I need to pay for drinks onboard a cruise ship?

If you are wondering about water, no, you will definitely not be expected to pay for drinkable water on your cruising journey. You also won’t typically have to pay for However, if you are looking to drink any soda or alcohol, it may be in your best interest to purchase a drink package.

You will be surprised how fast your bill will grow from those $6 drinks you purchase multiple times a day. Therefore, you should investigate your cruise line’s drink packages before you sail, and if you are interested, make sure to book it before you leave on vacation.

Most packages offered by cruise lines will be around 20% cheaper if you book them before your vacation.

Are cruises really all-inclusive?

Yes! Well, at least normally. When you book your cruise you will typically see what is all included in your fare. This normally includes all meals, entertainment, taxes, and your stateroom once you arrive onboard your cruise ship.

Watch out for special deals from various cruise lines that may have free added perks like an all-inclusive drink package, free excursion credits, or specialty dining options. These deals are typically running year-round, so it should not be hard to enhance your all-inclusive cruising experience!

What can I do on a cruise ship?

Oh my goodness, where do I start!? With the countless activities and spots on cruise ships, you will definitely find something on board that you love.

From pools to spas to libraries to nightclubs to tasty restaurants to theaters, you will literally never run out of things to do. Some ships even feature crazy once-in-a-lifetime opportunities like bumper cars, ziplining, racecars, and rock climbing in the middle of the ocean! If there is one thing you take away from this, you need to know that cruise ships are totally a destination on their own!

Often referred to as floating cities, many cruisers love cruising just for the amazing atmosphere and areas found onboard.

When should I arrive for my cruise?

I highly suggest booking your flight to arrive a day before your cruise leaves your departure city. Why? You do not want to be left stranded from your expensive vacation because of a delayed or canceled flight.

Plus, this way you can rewind and explore the departure city as part of your vacation before your cruising adventure. You can also stock up on sunscreen, shampoo, and other items that would have cost you extra space and weight on your flight in.

Do I need travel insurance on my cruise?

While technically cruise lines do not require their passengers to purchase travel insurance before their cruise, I highly suggest purchasing some before you leave. Why? Well, you will want to be covered if anything goes wrong during your trip.

Otherwise, when you experience a delayed or canceled flight that makes you miss your cruise departure, you will not be able to recoup any of the cost. Plus, if you get sick or have any other reason you have to miss your vacation, you will be able to get your money back.

How should I book my shore excursions?

You will want to book your shore excursions before you leave for your adventure. You can either book these through the cruise line or another 3rd party provider (usually cheaper).

Either way, make sure to get your shore excursions taken care of before you leave for your journey over the high seas as the internet can be very touchy or even non-existent. You will also want to print out any documents outlining your shore excursion stating if you have paid or not as the cruise line’s or 3rd party companies documents could be wrong.

If you forget to book shore excursions before your cruise, don’t worry. On most cruises you can book shore excursions on the ship, however, they can be more expensive and book out faster than if you plan your shore excursions before you leave.

How to find the best deals for cruises?

I use the website Vacations to Go to track all the best deals on cruises. They literally have all cruises you could imagine for any time of the year you are looking to sail. They have most if not all cruise lines for both river and ocean cruises and you can filter where you want to cruise to for how long.

Otherwise, if you prefer a professional’s expertise, look into using a travel agent who can find the best deals and staterooms. You will have to pay an extra cost for the luxury of the travel agent, however, this could potentially save you more than you invested if done right.

What documents do I need to bring on a cruise?

Your number one priority when preparing for your cruise should be getting all your necessary paperwork all in one spot. This means your flight and cruise confirmation information, any visas required by countries you are visiting, your passport (or any substitutes indicated by your cruise line), and shore excursion information.

You will not have much if any access to the internet during your cruise, so it is of the utmost importance to print out any documents that confirm what you have purchased for your vacation. This may also entail onboard packages or other cruise documents that the cruise lines could accidentally mess up.

What are some frequently forgotten items on cruises?

While I go in-depth on this subject in my guide to frequently forgotten items , you will want to make sure you are not missing some of the items that will make or break your cruising vacation. Some of these items include towel clips so you can reserve your poolside chair and magnetic hooks for your magnetic walls in your stateroom.

Other items include a cruise ship approved power strip for your stateroom and a compactable laundry bag. Make sure to bring these frequently forgotten items to make sure your cruise runs better than smoothly.

How do I get my luggage onboard a cruise ship?

Most new cruisers question how their luggage will make its way to its final destination in their stateroom.

Do not worry. Cruise ship crew members have this seemingly crazy process down to an art. After you drop your luggage off with the cruise employees during your check-in, they will make sure you do not have any restricted items in your stuff and then send it onboard. 

From there, room stewards will sort through all the passengers’ luggage to make sure they arrive at the correct stateroom usually from 3-6 pm that same night. It is kind of incredible how these crew members can get thousands of suitcases to the right spot within hours!

What is a guaranteed cabin on a cruise?

A guaranteed cabin is just that, a guaranteed stateroom at a certain level of booking. This means that if you book a guaranteed oceanview cabin you will definitely have an oceanview.

However, the downside of these staterooms is you will not be able to choose the location of your cabin. That means you may be right next to the elevator or have an obstructed view. You are going to have to weigh if saving the extra cost is worth the potential of obstacles during your cruise.

Guaranteed cabins also normally do not have the same perks and packages as regular bookings (check with your cruise line).

Where does the crew stay onboard a cruise ship?

The crew members of a cruise ship stay on the lowest floor of the ship. While you may be wondering, “wait, I thought I was on the lowest level”, well I mean even lower than that. The crew area is off-limits for guests, and therefore, you can not access it through the main elevators or staircases.

Crew members actually have their own secret doorways you will notice on your cruise that transports them to another world of narrow hallways that provide them with quick transportation through the cruise ship.

Do I eat dinner with the same people every night?

While in the “old days” you would definitely eat with the same people every night at different restaurants, most cruise lines have now adopted a freestyle version of dining. This means, if you are looking to eat with the same people at the same time every night, you absolutely can!

Otherwise, you can eat with whoever you want, whenever you want, wearing whatever you want (usually). This means you can choose to have a table by yourself or share with other passengers onboard! If you are not into formal dining that can take hours, you can always head over to the onboard buffet where you can grab a quick bite to eat.

What kind of entertainment is on cruise ships?

While cruise lines are famous for their bingo and ballroom dancing activities, there are dozens of other forms of entertainment to enjoy on your cruising vacation.

From cooking demonstrations to ship tours to cocktail-making to glass-blowing you can find some of the most unique opportunities while sailing the deep blue. At night you can enjoy fun DJs, string duos, and jazz bands that can be found throughout the ship.

Many cruise lines also have large theaters where they put on their own Broadway-style shows for their passengers to enjoy at sea.

When should I book my cruise?

Typically, you should plan to book your cruise at least 60 days beforehand. This way, you can find the best prices on flights and get all the necessary documents ready before you leave.

 However, if you live in an area like Florida where there are a bunch of cruise ports, you may find crazy deals on cruises if you book a few weeks in advance.

While I do not recommend this as you are not guaranteed anything, this can be a super quick way to save a crazy amount of money when traveling to your dream cruise ports.

Phew, that was a lot of cruise questions answered! I hope these responses any and all of your cruise questions for your future sailings.

Make sure to check out our free travel planners to prepare for your cruising adventure, and of course, if you have any other cruise questions, either leave a comment below or email me directly! If I know the answer I will respond as soon as possible, otherwise, I will reach out to someone to find out your a

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Answers to All of Your First-Time Cruise Questions

Last updated: August 4th, 2021

• Find a Cruise

If you haven’t gone on a cruise before, you’ll have a lot of questions. You’re probably wondering what shore excursions are, how to prepare for your cruise, and what to pack.

Here are answers to some of the most common first-time cruise questions so you can set sail with confidence.

What should a first-time cruiser know?

How much information you want to soak up before your first cruise is entirely up to you. Some travelers don’t research their destinations beforehand and prefer to be spontaneous.

Others read up on cruise tips for first timers , schedule thrilling excursions, and pack a month before their cruise.

Beyond that, even if you aren’t doing any other research on your destinations, you’ll need to know what documents to bring and what time to arrive in port to board the ship. Your ship will sail off without you if you don’t have the proper documentation or if you’re late on embarkation day .

When taking a cruise, imagine that all timelines for boarding are pushed up by 30 minutes. That way, you won’t be late.

Using Flights by Celebrity is another pro tip. You can book your flight on whichever airline you want (and even use your airline points). There’s a team of dedicated specialists on hand 24/7 to help you in the event of a flight delay or cancellation so you can still get to your cruise ship on time. There’s even a pay later option.

Where should I go on my first cruise?

If you have just a few days available and want to test the waters first, consider a short cruise to Key West and the Bahamas. These fun, approachable ports are perfect for first-time cruisers and boast great food, sunshine, and excursions for both unwinding and adventure.

If you’re a seasoned traveler and want to visit favorite destinations in a new way, consider a cruise to the Mediterranean . Instead of worrying about the logistics of planning transportation between places, a cruise ship acts as a floating hotel, whisking you from one stunning coastal city to the next while you indulge in world-class culinary creations and unwind in luxuriously appointed staterooms and suites.

If adventure is calling, cruises are some of the best ways to experience the towering glaciers of Alaska, the unique wildlife of the Galapagos, the icy landscapes of Antarctica, and the lush Hawaiian Islands.

How much cash should I bring on a cruise?

The amount of cash you’ll need to bring depends on where you go and whether you plan to go shopping or try new restaurants while you’re in port. Many places accept credit cards like Visa and Mastercard, especially in larger cities, and ATMs are abundant in most ports.

However, even if you prefer to pay with a card, it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand—around the equivalent of $50-$100 USD.

Research the destinations you’re visiting to find out what the local currency is and if U.S. dollars are accepted. If not, exchange some cash beforehand so you’re not spending precious time in port trying to exchange currency.

What travel documents do I need?

Many international destinations require a passport. Even if your destination doesn’t require a passport, it’s always a good idea to bring one in case you need to return home quickly and need to book a flight to do so.

A good rule of thumb is to bring along two forms of ID, one of which is your passport. If traveling internationally, do your research to find out if you need a visa for any of the countries you’re visiting.

If you require international air travel to get to your embarkation port, you will need to bring your passport, even if you’re flying to Canada or Mexico from the United States. If you’re planning on renting a car before or after your cruise, make sure to bring a valid driver’s license—and always check that it’s okay for you to drive in another country.

Read: Find Out If You Need A Passport To Go On A Cruise

Before you leave for your cruise, print your luggage tags to access the ship’s amenities and start your vacation as soon as possible.

How do you pay for things on board?

If this is your first time on a cruise , you may think the payment setup on board is similar to a hotel—tell them your room number and sign a slip of paper, or opt to just pay with cash or your credit card.

On a cruise, it’s even easier. Your room key is also your onboard payment card. You’ll use your SeaPass card to pay for drinks, spa treatments, specialty restaurants, casino credit, and everything else you can think of. You can even track your expenses via the Celebrity Cruises app .

On the last night of your cruise, you’ll get an itemized list of everything you purchased and the credit card on file will be charged that amount. If you have any questions about your bill or any items charged, you have time to speak with Guest Relations before your card is charged.

Read: How to Prepare for a Cruise

What should I pack for my first cruise?

This is one of the most common first-time cruise questions that new cruisers ask.

Your cruise packing list depends on the destinations you’re visiting. Tropical, sunny paradises have a distinctly different packing list than a cruise along Norway’s fjords .

For tropical destinations, essentials include swimsuits, sunglasses, cover-ups, sundresses, comfortable shoes for beach days or pool days, and a light sweater or jacket for cooler evenings. Tennis shoes for the gym or exploring cities in port are always a good idea. Leave shoes that pinch or blister at home.

If you’re traveling to a more wintry environment, layers are key. Bring materials like wool or heat-trapping clothing (not cotton or linen). Don’t forget the importance of a base layer, and bringing a lighter coat and a heavier coat that you can hike in is very important. A hat and sunglasses never hurt in cooler environments, too.

Read: What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise

What should I wear on the first day of my cruise?

Comfort is crucial on the first day of your cruise, especially if you’ve been traveling all day. Comfortable pants and a tee are okay, especially on the first day when everyone is getting settled. Fortunately, with Celebrity Cruises Open Access, you can head straight to your stateroom upon boarding before exploring the ship. Bring a day bag or backpack with your essentials, an outfit change, or a swimsuit so you can take a dip in the pool.

What’s the first thing I should do on the ship?

Once you have your SeaPass card and complete your check-in, you’ll board the ship. You could head straight to one of the onboard restaurants for a meal, explore the ship and get your bearings, order a cocktail, or take a break in your stateroom or suite. The possibilities are endless!

What can I do on the cruise ship?

There is no shortage of things to do on a cruise ship. Play volleyball in the pool or learn how to cook delicious dishes in a cooking demonstration. Play games at the casino or see evening entertainment and feats of song and dance at the onboard theater.

Michelin-star fine dining and dozens of onboard restaurants to choose from mean you’ll never go hungry onboard. Think interactive, next-level dining like Le Petit Chef, or experience the masterful touch of Global Culinary Brand Ambassador Chef Daniel Boulud.

Spa treatments and an onboard gym mean you never have to compromise your holistic health or wellness, whether you need a refreshed manicure or a full body massage.

Is cruise ship food good?

Celebrity Cruises is committed to culinary excellence, which is demonstrated in each of our exciting onboard dining venues.

Dishes designed by a Michelin-starred chef and complimentary dining inspired by global traditions transport you around the world on just one ship. Travel to Japan one night for sushi, and dine in an Italian trattoria for lunch the next day.

There are nearly two dozen complimentary and specialty restaurants for you to choose from, as well as options if you want to eat healthy on your cruise .

You can make reservations to dine in one of the numerous onboard specialty restaurants, or order room service and enjoy dining in on your veranda. Dress up for a night out or slip into a plush robe for ordering in.

What are shore excursions?

Shore excursions are activities that you can do during your days in port. Wine tasting in a Tuscan vineyard, scuba diving off the coast of Bermuda, and spotting Alaska’s majestic whales are just some of the unforgettable experiences you can have on a shore excursion.

There are shore excursions for every kind of traveler and interest, whether you want to unwind on an exclusive beach, learn cooking techniques from local people, or explore a city with an experienced guide.

One of the benefits of booking shore excursions through us is that you don’t have to worry about keeping an eye on the time. Even if you’re late, your cruise ship will wait for you to arrive before sailing to the next port.

You can book shore excursions during your cruise, but if you already know what you want to do in port, it’s smart to book early, even if your cruise is still months away. The most popular shore excursions sometimes fill up before the cruise even begins.

How do I enjoy my first cruise?

Remember, you’re on vacation! Sit back and relax, strike up a conversation with new friends at dinner, and try new experiences. Put your phone on airplane mode and put joy at the top of your priority list every single day of your vacation.

Now that you’ve had these first-time cruise questions and curiosities answered, you’re ready for some fun! Start searching for your perfect cruise getaway at celebritycruises.com .

Related Itineraries

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104 Cruise Questions and Answers: A Complete Guide for Cruisers

Many first time, and even seasoned, cruisers have questions about cruising. I know when I first started cruising, I scoured the internet to try to find out what to expect, what the rules were, and other important information. This guide will give you all you need to know by addressing commonly asked cruise questions and answers.

This post contains affiliate links. When you click on them and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no cost to you. This helps me keep the site going and I appreciate your support.

Cruise Questions and Answers: Booking Your Cruise

1. which cruise line should i choose.

Each cruise line has its pros and cons. Choosing which cruise line is right for you will depend on who you are traveling with, what you want your experience to be like, and your budget. I’ll list some of the most popular cruise lines and what their experience is like below.

Affordable and aimed at college students and young families. Ships boast waterslides, waterparks, and the skyride.

Celebrity gears itself towards adults and families. They are a mid-priced cruise line. They pride themselves on delicious food, and creative and modern design.

The perfect cruise for Disney lovers and families. While the cost can be high, you will experience the magic that Disney is known for. Popular characters can often be found onboard.

Holland America

Historically, Holland America offers a more traditional cruise experience without all the bells and whistles. Instead, they focus on cultural and educational activities. Traditionally, they are seen as catering to older adults, but they have activities for kids and families as well.

Mid-range in price, this cruise line is catered to both adults and families. Some ships have go-cart tracks and waterslides. Many things are an additional fee (such as the arcades).

Princess is another mid-priced cruise line. They have a mixture of clientele but are most popular with middle aged and older adults. They also focus on a more traditional experience without the fanfare of some of the other lines.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean is an affordable cruise line that focuses on families. They offer Broadway type shows and have activities such as a surf simulator, and waterslides.

Viking cruise lines aims to provide a high-end experience for people looking for a little more luxury. Their per person costs are higher than other cruise lines but Viking offers a more all-inclusive experience.

2. Should I Book with a Travel Agent or Directly with the Cruise Line?

Deciding who to book with comes down to personal preference.

Travel agents may be able to get you better pricing or offer additional perks, however, if you need to make any changes, you’ll have to go through your agent vs directly with the cruise line. If you decide to book with a travel agent, make sure they are good with communication and can be easily reached when needed.

Some people prefer to book with the cruise line directly, either online or through a cruise consultant that works for the cruise line. Similar to using a travel agent, you’ll want to make sure if you use a cruise consultant that they can be easily reached if necessary.

3. When Should I Book My Cruise?

This is a very commonly asked question and there are a couple of things to consider. First, if you need an accessible room, book as early as possible. These adapted rooms are extremely limited and sell out quickly on popular itineraries.

Second, if you have a preference for the type of cabin or its location, you should also book early for the best selection. Finally, if you are looking to catch the best price, either book when itineraries are first released or within 3 months of the sailing date.

Pro Tip: Being flexible with your travel dates or which ship and itinerary can also be helpful if you are looking to score a deal.

4. How Do I Pick the Best Itinerary?

Deciding which itinerary is best for you will require you to consider a few factors. First, look at the ports that are visited to see what they have to offer and whether they interest you. Second, look to see if any ports are tender ports (these tender ports should be avoided if you have mobility problems).

Third, look to see how long you have in each port and compare that to what similar cruise lines offer. If you only have five hours in port, you may not get to see or do a lot in the brief time you are there.

Lastly, think about what type of vacation you want. Do you want to relax on a beach, see wildlife, experience history? The answer to these questions will help you narrow down your choices.

5. What Fare Type Should I Choose?

Many cruise lines offer a selection of fares. Some are basic and just include the cruise itself while others include additional amenities such as drink packages, Wi-Fi, gratuities, specialty dining, or shore excursion credits.

If you are on a budget, the basic fare will always be the cheapest option. If on the other hand, you like the idea of a more all-inclusive experience you can consider some of the other options.

It’s important to think about what perks you would actually use, as well as how much you would use them to determine if the extra fee is advantageous or whether it’s cheaper to buy the additional services you want individually.

6. What is Included in the Cost of My Cruise?

The items that are included in the price of your cruise will depend on which fare you purchase. Make sure to read the details of any packages so you are aware of any exclusions.

The base cruise fare typically includes, the cruise, most entertainment, meals in the non-specialty restaurants, water, coffee, hot chocolate, milk, iced tea and/or lemonade.

Some of the delicious food that is found in the main dining room and included in the cost of your cruise

7. What If the Price Drops on My Cruise After I Book?

Many times, if you notice a price drop before final payment, you can call to get the better price. Just be aware that doing so may mean you lose some of the perks you got when you initially booked. In addition, if you are not from the United States, there may be some fees involved to make the change.

If the price drops after final payment, the cruise line is not obligated to match the better deal. Sometimes, they will offer the difference in the form of onboard credit, so it never hurts to ask.

You can either look weekly or so for these price drops yourself, or if you have a fantastic travel agent, they may also offer this service.

8. Is Travel Insurance Really Necessary?

Most cruise lines do not require travel insurance for you to sail with them. However, it is always a good idea to have travel insurance. This can help cover the cost of your trip in case of medical emergencies, lost luggage, missed flights and more. Travel insurance should include not only trip protection, but medical coverage as well.

If you ever, God forbid, needed medical care during your vacation, costs can add up quickly. In addition, the insurance you have at home may not cover you when you travel abroad. Spending a little more upfront could save your thousands later.

9. Should I Get Insurance Through the Cruise Line or Purchase My Own Independently?

Some people like the convenience of purchasing the cruise line’s insurance. However, this option may not be the cheapest or include other parts of your trip. For example, if you choose to stay in a destination prior to or after your cruise, airfare not purchased through the cruise line etc., these parts of your trip may not be covered.

You can often find cheaper fares and good coverage through other insurance companies. Just make sure to read the terms and conditions to know what your policy covers. You will want coverage for cancellation for any reason circumstances, no exemptions for pre-existing conditions, and medical evacuation just to name a few.

If you travel often throughout the year, you may also want to look into annual plans that would cover the costs of any trip you take within a year. These plans would cover cruises as well as any other form of travel you choose.

Cruise Questions and Answers: Staterooms

10. what types of staterooms are there and what are the differences.

An interior stateroom is the most economic option because they are the smallest and have no windows. Some cruise lines will have a virtual window which is a tv like screen that broadcasts an outside view. Interior staterooms tend to be between 150-185 square feet in size.

These rooms are fantastic options if you don’t spend a lot of time in your room, are on a budget, and enjoy complete darkness while you sleep. If, however, you tend to be claustrophobic, this may not be the best room for you.

Typically, interior rooms can fit between 2-4 people depending on the layout of the room. Sometimes, there can be two interior rooms connected by an interior door.

Obstructed Ocean View

An obstructed ocean view room is very much what it sounds like. You will have a window in your stateroom, but it will be obstructed in some way. The view could be almost entirely obstructed, or barely affect your view at all. Obstructions tend to be lifeboats, metal railings, and so on.

Obstructed ocean view cabins tend to be a little larger than interior rooms, have natural light that shines in and are priced in between an interior and regular ocean view room.

A regular ocean view room will have a window so you can look out at the ocean (these windows do not open). At an average size of 160-200 square feet, they also offer a little more room than the interior cabin.

This cabin is ideal if you’d like to have natural light and a little more room but do not have the budget for a balcony stateroom.

Like interior staterooms, ocean view cabins can sleep 2-4 people and may have a connecting interior door.

Balcony cabins are usually 175-220 square feet in size and feature a sliding door which leads out onto a balcony (which has two chairs and a small table). If you want a bit of a larger cabin with an area to yourselves to have a morning cup of coffee or to enjoy the views, a balcony stateroom makes an excellent choice.

If you are doing any scenic sailing on your itinerary (i.e., Alaska, Norwegian Fjords, Antarctica etc.) you’ll love having an area with no crowds to enjoy the lovely views.

The balcony cabin will be more expensive than the previous options, but it is less expensive than the next two categories. The price may be worth it if you value privacy and want to smell the salty ocean air during your trip.

A mini suite is a little larger than a balcony cabin (about 300 square feet) and usually includes a separate sitting area in addition to your balcony. Bathrooms also usually have a tub/shower combination. These rooms can sleep 3-4 people depending on the configuration.

Some cruise lines also have different levels of mini suite cabins which can include a separate dining experience with additional menu choices, priority embarkation, complimentary bottle of wine, priority dining reservations, evening canapes, as well as upgraded amenities.

Suites are the highest level of stateroom available and can have different subcategories (including owner’s suites, penthouse suites etc.). These staterooms will have the most spacious accommodations (around 900 square feet) in addition to several other perks.

Generally, suite guests can expect the same amenities as a mini suite, plus free laundry, priority tender access, spa access, a welcome glass of champagne, free specialty dining on embarkation night, and dedicated lines at guest services and shore excursion desks.

Specific perks may vary by cruise line.

Handicap Accessible Staterooms

Handicap accessible cabins are designed for people with mobility problems and wheelchair users . They feature larger step free bathrooms to accommodate wheelchairs, roll-in showers, raised toilets with grab bars next to them, roll under sinks, a larger stateroom to allow for turning radius for wheelchairs, wider doorways, and closets with lowered bars or pull-down bars.

Accessible staterooms come in a variety of categories but are extremely limited. The number of accessible rooms available will depend on the ship you choose. In addition, newer ships tend to be more accessible overall vs older ships.

It is advised that if you require this type of room that you book as early as possible. Once the room is booked, you will be required to complete an accessibility form or questionnaire by the cruise line to ensure that you require this room. If it is deemed that you are not disabled or do not require you can and will be moved to a non-accessible room.

Guaranteed Cabins

When you book a guaranteed cabin, you can choose what category stateroom you’d like, but you are not able to pick the location. The location will be assigned by the cruise line within a few weeks of your sail date.

While this option may not sound appealing initially, there can be some benefits to this type of cabin. First, they tend to be cheaper than if you had chosen your own room. Second, you may be more likely to be offered a free upgrade.

This option is only available to people who do not require an accessible cabin. You may also want to avoid this choice if you are sensitive to noise when you sleep or are prone to motion sickness.

11. Are Balconies Private?

Many people book a balcony room so that they can privately enjoy a little slice of heaven as they watch their ship sail through the ocean. However, you should be aware that balconies are NOT private.

There are divider walls so that you won’t see the people on the balconies next to yours, however, sometimes the people above you can look down and see onto your balcony. So, if you have any romantic plans for your balcony, you may want to reconsider. Also, the dividers do not block sound, so your conversations may be overheard.

Be courteous to your fellow passengers and do not blare music from your balcony, plan to have intimate relations out there, or talk loudly.

12. Where is the Best Stateroom Location on the Ship?

Deciding the best location is dependent on your needs and wishes. Some people love to have a room at the back of the ship so they can watch the wake (but both the front and back of the ship tend to move more if you are prone to motion sickness). Others like the middle of the ship with a deck that is sandwiched between two decks that contain mostly staterooms (this helps reduce noise levels).

Some people like upper decks for better views and proximity to the lido (buffet). Lastly, some like to be away from the laundry rooms and/or elevators (again for noise reasons) while people with mobility problems enjoy the shorter walk to the elevators.

When choosing the best location for your stateroom, think about your own personal needs. Look at what is nearby, not only on the floor you’re on, but the floors above and below you as well.

13. What Amenities Come with Each Stateroom?

Every stateroom has the following amenities: hairdryer, soap, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, refrigerator, towels, desk, phone, tv, and safe. Some cruise lines also offer free use of bathrobes (will be a fee if you take them home).

14. What Can I Bring with Me on the Ship and What Items are Prohibited?

Irons, steamers, heating pads, weapons (including pocketknives), fireworks etc. are all prohibited on cruise ships. Surge protected power strips or extension cords are also not allowed as they can damage the ship.

You can bring curling irons and shavers with you. Additionally, most cruise lines allow you to bring one or two bottles of wine or champagne onboard (but there may be a corkage fee). Depending on the cruise line you may also bring canned water or sodas onboard.

Make sure you check your specific cruise line’s rules and regulations before you board to avoid any problems at check in.

15. How Many Outlets Are in a Stateroom and Where Are They Located?

Rooms will have an outlet in the bathroom for shavers (not strong enough for hairdryers), and an outlet by the desk. Some of the newer cruise ships may also have an outlet by the bed. USB ports are on newer ships and located both at the desk and by the bed.

16. What Types of Outlets Are in the Stateroom?

The major cruise lines will have American style outlets that are 110 volts. Some cruise lines will also provide a European style outlet that has two round prongs and is 220 volts. Both outlets will be located by the desk.

Some of the newer ships may also have an outlet or USB port by the bed.

17. Where Can I Find Pictures or Videos of My Stater00m?

If you want to compare layouts and see pictures of any staterooms, you are considering or see the room you booked before you board then you have a couple of options. First, you can see general layouts on the cruise line’s website. Second, you can check to see if your specific stateroom has a video tour on YouTube.

Finally, you can go to a website called Cruise Deck Plans . This site has both a free and paid version that lets you look at pictures of the ship you’ll be sailing on as well as specific staterooms. Deck plans are also available to help you choose the perfect stateroom location for you.

Cruise Questions and Answers: Airfare

18. should i book my airfare through the cruise line.

Some people find that cruise lines offer better prices on airfare than if they booked independently. However, this is not always the case. Always compare prices and flight availability to see what the better bargain is.

Other factors to consider include whether you want to pay for airfare with points (can’t do this through the cruise line), whether any delays or cancellations may be better handled with the airline directly, and what options you will have if you need to cancel your cruise.

To see what credit cards I recommend for travelers, check out my accessible travel resources page .

Pro Tip: Use Skyscanner to check for sales and get great prices on flights!

19. How Early Should My Flight Arrive?

If you are flying to get to your cruise, you should ideally plan to arrive at least one day in advance of embarkation. This will help you get over jet lag and have a cushion in case of any flight delays or cancellations. Arriving two or three days early allows even more of a cushion and allows you to explore the embarkation city.

If you are unable to arrive a day early, then plan to arrive early in the day to allow yourself plenty of time to get to the ship. Generally, try not to arrive after noon.

20. What if My Flight is Delayed and I Miss the Ship?

Flights get delayed and cancelled and sometimes there is little that we can do about it. Sometimes, flight problems can lead you to miss your ship before it departs. If this should happen to you, contact the cruise line as soon as possible as they can often allow you to meet them at the next port to board.

If you booked your flights independently, you may need to foot the bill to meet the ship at the next port. However, if you booked your flights through the cruise line, they may be able to work with you to meet the ship at the next port. Also, check to see if your trip insurance helps to provide coverage in instances like these.

Cruise Questions and Answers: Excursions

21. is it best to book excursions through the cruise line or on my own.

There are pros and cons to both booking excursions through the ship and doing excursions through private companies. While cruise line excursions can sometimes cost more, they guarantee that you won’t miss the cruise ship.

Alternatively, booking excursions through an outside company can help save you money and many guarantee a return to the ship on time, although there can be a risk that you’ll miss your ship.

If you plan to venture out on private excursions, the cost can add up quickly, but they will give you more flexibility in what you want to see and do.

22. Will the Cruise Ship Leave Without Me?

If you explore the port on your own (whether you’re on a tour or not) and do not make it back to the ship prior to its departure time, the ship will leave you behind. Make sure that you set your watch or phone to the ship’s clocks and take note of when the all-aboard time is when disembarking.

It may also help to set an alarm to give yourself time to return to the ship. Too many times, you will see people running down the pier to try to get back to the ship before it leaves. They don’t always make it.

23. How Do I Find Private Excursions?

There are several places you can look if you’d like to do a non-cruise line shore excursion. The first place I always look is viator.com . They have several great options, some of which are small groups, and some are private. Another fantastic place to look is Get Your Guide .

I have also had really great experiences with hiring a guide through Tours by Locals . These local guides will offer you a private tour and help customize it to your wishes. I used a guide for the island of Kauai , and it was one of the best tours I had during my four-island trip.

24. Excursions are Expensive, How Can I Save Money?

Whether you book through the cruise line or with an outside company, excursion costs can quickly add up. Save money by looking for free walking tours, audio tours that you download to your phone, or plan to share private excursions with other travelers on your cruise.

You can find fellow travelers who may be interested in sharing the costs of private excursions by joining roll calls or Facebook groups for your particular sailing. Let people know that you’re interested in sharing a tour or set one up on your own and let people know what the tour involves, how many people it can accommodate as well as the per person cost.

25. Can I Just Walk Off the Ship and Explore on My Own?

There is no rule that you have to take an excursion to explore the port. While the pandemic did have some restrictions, most of those have now been lifted. So, if you’d like to just walk off the ship and explore the port on your own you are free to do so.

Just be sure to do your research ahead of time so you know how far the port is from town, what transportation options there are, and what the popular points of interest are. This will help you to make the most of your time and avoid unpleasant surprises.

26. How Do I Find Wheelchair Accessible Shore Excursions?

If you are taking a wheelchair accessible cruise and looking for accessible excursion options, there are few places to look. First, look to see what the cruise line offers. While the accessible shore excursions offered by the cruise lines are typically “drive by” tours, they can be a good option to consider. Next, look at alternative options that will give you more flexibility.

Sometimes Viator and Get Your Guide offer wheelchair accessible tours with adapted vehicles and sometimes they have private tours with non-adapted vehicles (if you can transfer). You can also check out my accessible tour page to see the companies I have personally used and recommend (listed by destination).

Cruise Questions and Answers: Onboard Activities

27. will i get bored on a cruise ship.

Cruise ships offer plenty of activities to keep passengers entertained. These can range from trivia, live music, game shows, comedians, dancers, Broadway style shows, crafts, exercise classes, port talks, and more. The type of activities and frequency will vary both by cruise line and specific ship.

With so much to choose from, it is very rare that passengers get bored during their cruise. Especially if you have done your research and chosen a cruise line that best suits your interests and needs. Each cruise line will put out a paper the evening before with the next day’s activities, so you know what’s available.

28. What Can I Do on a Cruise Ship?

As mentioned before, activities will vary depending on the cruise line and ship you choose to sail with. Below, I’ve highlighted some unique activities on some of the more popular cruise lines. Just make sure you check to see if they are available on the specific ship you wish to sail on.

Popular features offered by Carnival Cruise Line are Bolt (a roller coaster), Water Works (a splash park with waterslides and more), and Sky Ride (an aerial bike ride).

Norwegian has something for everyone with a waterpark, go cart track, arcade, zip line, laser tag, and much more.

Royal Caribbean’s mega ships also offer mega entertainment! Options include: riding on a carousel, an ice skating rink, water parks (which include the tallest waterslide at sea), escape rooms, laser tag, rock climbing walls, mystery dinner theaters, a surf simulator, sky pad (a bungee trampoline experience), zip lining, a sky diving simulator and so much more.

For a more laid-back experience, Princess Cruises and Holland America feature activities that focus on education and cultural experiences (celebrations of local festivals, stargazing with a specialist, port talks etc.). They also offer movies under the stars.

29. Are There Activities for Kids on Cruise Ships?

The majority of cruise ships all have kids’ clubs for various age ranges of kids. These clubs feature activities designed to educate and entertain kids of all ages. They even have theme nights. Many kids make lifelong friends in these clubs and have a blast.

Additionally, the features mentioned in the previous question may be really enticing to your kids (and adults as well).

30. Is There an Extra Fee for Activities?

While the activities I previously mentioned sound amazing, they are not always included in the cost of your cruise. You can expect to pay additional fees for laser tag, zip lining, the go cart track, sky diving (after the first ride), escape rooms, and the arcade.

You can usually buy a pass for the duration of your cruise, just make sure you get the most out of it as prices start at over $100 per person. Also check for any activity exclusions before you purchase it.

31. Do I Need to Make Advance Reservations for Any of the Activities?

Big cruise ships offer an expansive number of activities, however, there are also more passengers onboard wanting to do similar things as you. For the most popular activities (think all the ones previously mentioned in cruise question number 28) it is highly recommended that you make reservations as they will and do sell out. Some popular nightly shows will also need reservations.

For better luck getting reservations, consider trying to book on port days as there will be fewer people on the ship.

Cruise Questions and Answers: Dining & Drinks

32. what dining places are included in my cruise fare.

Dining places included in your basic cruise fare will include the buffet, grills and pizza places around the pool, the main dining room, and some of the food at cafes around the ship. Additionally, soft serve ice cream by the pool is free but there also may be specialty ice creams (like milkshakes, gelato etc.) that cost an additional fee.

Most ships will also have specialty dining restaurants or experiences that will cost an additional fee.

33. What Are Specialty Restaurants and How Much Do They Cost?

Cruise lines offer specialty restaurants for a little more of an upscale experience. These dining venues will have a separate menu and come with a cover charge. Typically, there are at least two different cuisine styles to choose from on each ship.

It is common to find steak houses, Italian restaurants, French cuisine, a seafood place, and sometimes an Asian restaurant. Each cruise line will have a different cover charge, and the fee may vary depending on the type of specialty dining restaurant you choose. On average, prices are $20-$35 per person.

Sometimes a night at a specialty dinner restaurant is included in the price of your cruise depending on the type of room you book or if there are any promotions going on at the time you purchase your cruise.

This was the case when I dined at Sabatini’s, an Italian specialty restaurant on Princess Cruises. It was a four-course meal with an appetizer, pasta dish, main dish, and dessert. While it was delicious, I had equally good meals in the main dining room.

34. Is There Room Service? How Much is It?

Yes, cruise lines have room service. The menus are often simplified, with suite guests getting additional items to choose from. The main difference between the cruise lines is that some charge for room service and some do not.

As of the time this post was written, Princess, Holland America and Celebrity offer free room service. Most cruise lines offer a complimentary continental breakfast delivered to your room. Additionally, there can also be items on the menu that have an upcharge, even if there is no fee to deliver it to your room.

35. What Drinks Are Free on Cruise Ships?

Your basic cruise fare will include milk, water (not bottled or sparkling water), iced tea, lemonade, juice at breakfast (not fresh squeezed), regular coffee in the buffet, and hot chocolate in the buffet.

36. Are Drink Packages Worth the Price?

This is a commonly asked cruise question, and the answer really depends on how much you drink, the types of drinks you like, and whether the cruise itinerary you chose is port intensive.

If you are someone that enjoys one or two drinks with meals it may be cheaper to pay for your drinks al a carte. If you hate drinking water, however, and mainly drink soda and are on an itinerary with a lot of sea days, you may be able to get more use out of your drink package.

Look at the individual prices of drinks that you are likely to consume and estimate how often in a day you would drink them. Then compare that total to the price of the drink package to see if it is worth the cost.

Remember, that many cruise lines make both people in the stateroom purchase the package so there is no “sharing”.

37. Can I Bring My Own Alcohol on the Ship?

Some cruise lines will allow you to bring a bottle of wine or champagne per person with you in your carry-on when you board. However, you may be charged a corkage fee for each bottle. These policies are always changing, so make sure you confirm how much and what type of alcohol you can bring aboard with you on the cruise line website.

38. Which is Better, Reserved Dining or Anytime Dining?

This is truly a matter of preference. Anytime dining is beneficial because you can show up to the main dining room whenever you want. This is especially convenient if you have a late excursion or just like to be spontaneous. There may be a short wait during peak dining times, but I’ve never seen a lengthy line.

Reserved dining on the other hand, you will have a set dinner time with the same table and waiter every night. If you like consistency and no to little wait time when arriving at dinner, this is an excellent option.

39. Do I Have to Make Dinner Reservations?

When you choose anytime dining, you do not have to make a reservation, however, it can sometimes reduce the wait time when you arrive if you do. Anytime dining is just that, you can show up at any time for dinner and they will seat you as tables become available.

40. Will I Sit with the Same People Every Night?

If you have booked the reserved dining, you will sit at the same table and with the same people each night. Your wait staff will also be the same.

If you, however, are traveling with friends and want to sit with them each night even though you don’t have reserved dining, just show up together and request a table that can accommodate everyone. You may or may not be sitting with others as well.

Some cruise lines allow you to choose a table size so you can sit with others (which is fantastic if you are traveling alone).

41. I Have Food Allergies and Dietary Needs, Can the Cruise Line Accommodate Me?

With more and more people having food allergies and specific dietary needs, the cruise lines are adapting and making accommodations. Waiters will ask if you have any allergies and passengers can speak with the Matre De each night to see the next day’s menu.

You can preorder the dishes you’d like, and they will be adapted to your needs. In addition, many cruise lines have separate kitchens to avoid cross contamination.

If you plan to eat at the buffet, ask to speak with the head chef who will go around with you and tell you what foods are safe. However, note that sometimes passengers use a utensil meant for one dish to serve themselves from another so cross contamination cannot be guaranteed.

Although not required, many people with food allergies will choose a reserved dining time to keep the same wait staff. This allows the staff to get to know you and they will remember your allergies.

Menu items are specifically marked as gluten free, dairy free and/or vegan to help you make your selections.

Cruise Questions and Answers: What to Wear/Pack

42. is there a dress code on cruise ships.

Many cruise lines have a dress code. Typically, this applies to eating in the main dining room, where shorts, tank tops and flip flops are not allowed.

Casual nights in the main dining room have the recommendation to wear pants with no holes, a skirt, dress, or something you would wear out to eat at a nice restaurant at home. If you prefer to keep wearing your shorts, you can always eat in the buffet.

Cruise lines also have dressy, formal, or gala nights (they could be called anyone of these names) where people dress a little nicer than on casual evenings. More on this below.

43. What Should I Wear for Formal, Gala, Dressy Nights?

As mentioned above, these nights tend to be a little more dressy than on the other casual nights. While it is not expected for you to wear a ball gown or tuxedo (although some people do), jeans are not allowed on these nights.

A nice cocktail dress, dress pants and a nice top for women and dress pants, collared shirt or dress shirt and tie for men are appropriate. Blazers are not necessary but many wear them and treat these nights as special occasions.

44. What Should I Pack for My Cruise?

What you will want to pack will depend on which destination you are sailing to, and the time of year you are traveling. Generally, you should plan to pack comfortable and casual clothes for daytime, as well as at least one dress or nice pants and shirt for dressy nights (also called gala nights or dress to impress nights).

Most cruise lines do not allow shorts and flip flops in the main dining room no matter if it’s a dressy night or not.

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45. Do I Need to Bring a Beach Towel with Me on My Cruise?

Cruise ships are happy to supply you with beach towels. These can be used by the pool or taken ashore for an excursion. Just make sure to return them when you are finished. You can get clean towels daily.

46. How Do I Iron or Steam My Clothes?

Some cruise lines offer public self-service laundry rooms which have irons and ironing boards in them that you can use. However, since not all cruise lines offer this service, there are two other alternatives you can choose from.

First, you can pay to have your clothes pressed by the staff on the ship. Fees for this service will vary by cruise line. Second, you could hang your clothes in the bathroom and use either steam from the shower, or a wrinkle release spray to help get the wrinkles out.

Cruise Questions and Answers: Staying Connected

47. how good is the ship’s wi-fi.

How good the ship’s Wi-Fi is will depend on which package you choose, where you’re sailing, and how many other people are using the internet at the same time. Do not expect it to be lightning fast or like what you have at home.

You should, however, be able to check your email and go onto social media sites like Facebook and Instagram. Streaming will be very slow or may not be possible.

Additionally, if you need to attend a zoom meeting or use Facetime, plan to purchase the best Wi-Fi plan the ship has to offer. Connections may still be unreliable at sea, so it’s best to plan to do these activities while in port.

48. Do I Have to Purchase Wi-Fi for Everyone in the Stateroom?

Cruise lines will offer a variety of plans ranging from one device to multiple devices per stateroom. No, not everyone in the same stateroom needs to purchase a plan. One person can choose a multidevice option if everyone plans to use the Wi-Fi at the same time.

If you want to save money and purchase the one device plan, you can sign off so that someone else in your stateroom can then sign on and use the same plan. The key is that only one person can use the single device plan at a time.

49. How Much Does Wi-Fi Cost?

The cost of Wi-Fi will vary by cruise line but averages around $10 per day per device. So, total cost will depend on the length of your voyage. Sometimes there will be sales on these packages prior to your cruise.

50. How Can I Communicate with My Travel Companions on the Ship?

There are a couple of ways you can communicate with your travel companions on the cruise ship. First, you can get a magnetic white board from the dollar store to hang on your door (cabin doors are magnetic). This allows you to leave messages to your travel mates and for them to do the same.

Second, some of the cruise line apps have a messaging feature where you can send text messages through the app to your fellow travelers. The downside to this, is that there is no notification when you receive a message so they can be easily missed.

Lastly, you can use your cell phone to text them. Just make sure your phone is on airplane mode, so you don’t incur any roaming fees.

51. Is the Wi-Fi Good Enough for Video Calls or Zoom Meetings?

As mentioned before, video calls and zoom meetings can be hit or miss while sailing. If you plan to use these features, make sure you have the highest-level Wi-Fi plan and schedule them for nonpeak times. You could also try your video calls when the ship is in port as the connection should be better vs when the ship is at sea.

52. Can I Use My Cell Phone on the Ship?

Yes, you can use your cell phone on the ship. However, check with your cell provider for any fees or additional charges that may apply if you use your cell phone on the ship. Traditionally, roaming fees apply and will add up quickly. Place your phone on airplane mode to avoid roaming charges.

53. How Can I Stay in Touch with Friends and Family Back Home?

When traveling, many people find it is important to stay connected to those back home. There are a couple of ways you can accomplish this, and I’ve listed some ideas below.

Leave Ship Contact Information

If there is an emergency back home, you will want to be able to be reached. Make sure to leave the ship’s contact number (along with your stateroom number) with several friends or family so that they can send a message to you. This is typically a last resort, but is effective if they can’t reach you by other means.

WhatsApp is a fantastic app that allows you to text and/or call other users of the app. As long as you have Wi-Fi and your friends and family also download it, it’s a great way to stay connected. An added bonus of the app is it allows for international calling.

Facebook Messenger

Another app that is useful to stay connected is Facebook messenger. If you have Wi-Fi or use your cellular data, you can make video calls, regular phone calls through the app, or text anyone that is also on Facebook.

Contact Phone Provider for International Options

If you do not wish to use an app or your family doesn’t have the apps above, you can check with your cell phone provider to see what international plans they have available. Many of these plans can be temporarily added to your service.

For non-emergencies, you can also email your loved ones. You can do this by purchasing a Wi-Fi plan through the ship or looking for areas with free Wi-Fi while you’re in port.

54. Are There Places with Free Wi-Fi?

If you don’t want to purchase the ship’s Wi-Fi but want to occasionally check your email or leave messages for family and friends, there are a few places you can go for free Wi-Fi. First, most Hop On Hop Off buses offer free Wi-Fi. Some restaurants or cafes may also offer this service.

A final tip is to look for places where the crew members are congregating. If they are in a group, there’s a good chance that they are also using a free Wi-Fi service. They know the best free Wi-Fi spots.

Cruise Questions and Answers: Before You Sail

55. do i need to download an app.

While most cruise lines now have an app to improve your cruising experience, you don’t have to use it. If you are someone who is technology challenged, you can still upload all your information on the traditional cruise website.

The only exception to this rule is with Princess Cruises, where you will need to use the app (or have someone help you) to enter your information so you can sail. If you are using a travel agent or professional, they may be able to assist you with this process. Afterwards, you won’t need to use the app again.

56. What Are the Requirements to Board the Ship?

In order to board your cruise ship, you will need your id (usually your passport), boarding pass (either printed out or on the app), cruise line luggage tags, and your Covid test and proof of vaccination (if required). You will also need to complete a health questionnaire to ensure you are healthy at the time of sailing.

Cruise lines have been assigning boarding times to decrease crowds, so make sure to check to see what your assigned time is.

57. Do I Need a Passport to Cruise?

Most closed loop cruises that begin and end in the United States do not require a passport if you are a US citizen. However, you should really consider always bringing your passport with you in case you need to disembark for a medical emergency in a foreign country.

There are also some exceptions to this general rule. Always make sure to read your cruise information and speak with the cruise line. You don’t want to miss out on your trip because you don’t have the right identification.

58. Do I Need to Get a VISA?

To know whether or not a VISA is required for your sailing, make sure to look up your individual situation. VISA requirements will depend on your citizenship and the country you are traveling to. Googling this information will give you appropriate guidelines and information.

Remember… it is your responsibility to find out this information and not your travel agent or the cruise line. You can and will be denied boarding if you don’t have the correct paperwork and documentation.

59. What Will the Weather Be Like?

Weather for your cruise will depend on your destination as well as the time of year you are sailing. For example, if you are sailing to the Caribbean during the months of June to November, you may encounter hurricanes. Likewise, sailing the Mediterranean during summer will likely have hot temperatures.

When deciding what cruise to take and when, consider the average weather for various times of year to help you make your decisions. Also, make sure to check the weather for your destinations when packing so that you are prepared.

60. How Do I Get to the Cruise Ship?

If you are flying to reach the port, you can book transfers through the cruise line. They will meet you at the airport and then transfer you to your ship as well as assist with your luggage. If you are arriving early, the cruise line can also arrange a hotel and provide transfers from there.

Alternatively, you could take an Uber, Lyft, or taxi to the port from your hotel or airport. If you are driving to the port, check out what parking options are available and the prices that may be associated with long term parking.

Cruise Questions and Answers: Checking into Your Cruise

61. when can i board the cruise ship.

Cruise lines will assign you a boarding time to prevent large crowds of people at the port and to assist with making it a smoother process. Generally, boarding won’t begin until everyone disembarks the ship from the previous sailing. Early boarding groups can expect to be assigned times around 11 am.

62. What Documents Will I Need to Board My Cruise?

Make sure to bring your boarding pass, photo identification (usually your passport), cruise line issued luggage tags, Visa (if needed), negative Covid test (if required), and proof of any necessary vaccinations.

63. What is the Check-In Process Like?

When you arrive to the cruise port, you will drop off you luggage in the designated area (or hand it off to the porters) and then proceed to the check in area. You will go through security (where your carryon will be ex-rayed and you will pass through a metal detector. You will then present your boarding pass and other required documentation to be reviewed.

If you need assistance with boarding, there will be wheelchairs and staff that can assist you.

64. How Long Will the Check-In Process Take?

Check in for your cruise can go quickly and smoothly if everyone follows their assigned boarding times. If, however, people arrive earlier than they’re supposed to there can be lengthy lines and longer wait times. As a result, check in can take as little as 15 minutes or as long as an hour.

65. What Happens to My Luggage During Check-In?

When you hand over your luggage at check-in, it will be scanned for prohibited items, and loaded on the ship. It will be delivered to your stateroom after all the luggage has been loaded onto the ship.

66. Will My Stateroom Be Ready When I Board?

Depending on the time you board the ship, your stateroom may not be ready yet. Typically, you can enter your stateroom around 2 pm. An announcement should be made over the loudspeaker notifying you when your room is ready.

67. Where Can I Eat Lunch on Embarkation Day?

While you wait for your room to be ready, head to the buffet or pool side eateries to for a bite to eat. If you are sailing with Princess Cruises, check to see if your ship has an Alfredo’s restaurant onboard. This free restaurant makes an excellent location for your embarkation day lunch.

Sometimes the main dining room will have lunch available, and sometimes they won’t. Ask when you board to see if this service is available.

Cruise Questions and Answers: Accessibility

68. are cruises wheelchair accessible.

River cruises and expedition ships are unfortunately, not wheelchair accessible. However, all the major ocean cruise lines are wheelchair accessible. They offer accessible staterooms and paths around the ship.

Theaters have dedicated spaces for wheelchair users, and dining room staff are happy to accommodate you to make sure you get a table that is easy to access. Many ships also have lifts to assist you in getting into the pools and/or hot tubs. Sometimes these lifts will already be set up and other times, you will need to ask a crew member to set them up for you.

Honestly, I find cruising to be a great accessible way to vacation. I can book an accessible cabin and not have to worry about getting a room that won’t fit my needs. Cruising also allows me to visit places that aren’t typically known for their accessibility.

69. Who Do I Contact for Accessibility Information?

If you have specific questions on the accessibility of your cruise that is not answered online, you should contact the cruise line’s accessibility department. The email and/or phone number for this department can be found on the cruise line’s website.

70. Do I Really Need to Fill Out the Accessibility Form or Questionnaire?

Yes! If you booked an accessible cabin, you will need to complete this form. If you fail to do this, you can and will be moved to a non-accessible standard stateroom.

This form also helps the cruise line be aware of any needs you may have so they can ensure that accessible shore excursions will meet your individual needs. Additionally, the accessibility department will be better able to answer any questions you may have about your trip utilizing your answers on this form.

71. Is There Wheelchair Assistance to Get On and Off the Ship?

If you have mobility problems and require assistance boarding or disembarking the ship, notify the cruise line of your request. There are people in the port that have wheelchairs to assist you with this process. Some cruise lines require that you request this service in advance and some allow you to make your request upon arrival.

72. Should I Rent a Mobility Scooter or Wheelchair?

If you have mobility problems, you should consider renting a device to assist you during your cruise. Cruise ships are large by nature, and you can wear yourself out trying to navigate around them. Additionally, renting a scooter or wheelchair may help you to explore the ports more freely.

73. How Do I Rent a Mobility Scooter or Wheelchair?

If you are not traveling with your own device, you will need to rent one for your cruise. The cruise line will not be able to provide you with a wheelchair or scooter. There are two approved companies that the cruise line use for mobility aid rentals.

Special Needs at Sea

Special needs at sea allows you to rent a mobility scooter, manual wheelchair, powered wheelchair and other assistive devices (such as bathroom aids, hospital beds, oxygen and more). They can deliver your rentals directly to your stateroom to make everything hassle free.

Scootaround

Scootaround is the other major company that cruises use. They focus solely on mobility devices such as scooters and wheelchairs. They can also deliver rentals to your stateroom.

74. Can a Mobility Scooter or Wheelchair Fit in a Non-Accessible Room?

In standard stateroom cabins, the doors are not wide enough to accommodate a mobility scooter or wheelchair. Even if your device is narrow enough to go through the door, there typically is not enough room inside the cabin to store your scooter or wheelchair.

Additionally, you are not able to leave your mobility device in the hall outside of your room as it is a safety hazard and prevents people from freely passing in the hallway.

75. Where are the Best Wheelchair Accessible Cruise Destinations?

Accessible travel still has a long way to go to be truly accessible to all. Each destination will pose challenges to wheelchair users and people with mobility problems, however, there are some destinations that are more accessible than others.

Cruising to Europe , the Caribbean, US destinations (i.e. Hawaii and Alaska), and Australia/New Zealand make excellent choices.

76. Why Should People with Mobility Problems Avoid Tender Ports?

Tender ports are not recommended for people with mobility problems for a couple of reasons. First, most tenders do not allow for someone to stay in their wheelchair or mobility scooter to board, thus requiring people to have some level of mobility. This can be problematic as the tender and the platform to board the tender are moving with the waves of the ocean, making them unstable.

Second, even if you have some mobility, there is no guarantee that you will be able to use the tender system. It is up to the officer in charge to decide whether the weather and other conditions allow for safe use of the tender for people with mobility problems.

Cruise Questions and Answers: COVID Protocols

77. do i need to be vaccinated to cruise.

While many of the COVID restrictions have lifted for travel, there are some destinations that still require you to be vaccinated in order to visit. Check with the cruise line regarding your specific itinerary to find out the regulations.

Most destinations however, no longer have this requirement and many cruises are allowing guests who are not vaccinated to sail.

78. Do I Need to Do a COVID Test Prior to Boarding?

Many cruise lines have also lifted the testing requirement, except when a destination requires it. For example, Australia and destinations in South America are still requiring guests to test before boarding the ship. Again, it is highly recommended that you speak to the cruise line about the specific requirements for your particular sailing.

79. Will I Need to Wear a Face Mask and Social Distance?

Covid is a fluent situation and ever changing. Many cruise lines have done away with mask policies for passengers, but this may change even during the course of your cruise depending on how many people contract the disease while on board.

80. What Happens If I Test Positive for COVID During My Cruise?

If you test positive for Covid during your cruise, you will be quarantined in your cabin. If your cabin mate tests negative, you will be given the option to be moved to another cabin to quarantine (to prevent them from catching it as well). Cruise lines will prorate the cost of your cruise and you will receive a refund for the days you were in quarantine.

Additionally, you may be disembarked from the ship and placed in a hotel to quarantine.

Frequently Asked Cruise Questions and Answers

81. how do i know if cruising is right for me.

If reading this post still has you questioning whether cruising is right for you , that is normal. If you have never cruised before, you will understandably have some concerns.

In short, if you like to easily visit multiple destinations, only have to unpack once, and have access to delicious food and fun entertainment, then cruising may be a great fit for you.

82. How Long of a Cruise Should I Start with for My First Cruise?

Many people assume that they should start with a three-to-four-day cruise to see if they like the experience. However, I would recommend against this as you do not truly get to experience everything a cruise has to offer in this short amount of time. Instead, you should start with a seven day cruise so you can get the full experience.

Personally, I enjoy a 10–14-day cruise the most as you can relax and experience several destinations.

83. Is Cruising Affordable?

When you factor in all that you get on a cruise (hotel, meals, transportation, entertainment) you realize that cruising can be a very affordable way to travel. This is especially true if you are visiting areas that are notoriously expensive (i.e., Norway).

Additionally, if you live close (or within driving distance) form a major cruise port, you also save money on airfare. Sales during the wave season (January-March) and around the holidays also make cruising more affordable.

If you’d like more ideas on ways to cruise on a budget, check out this post !

84. Who Are the People That Cruise?

Cruising is for everyone! You will find families, single travelers, couples, people with disabilities, young as well as older individuals on cruises. Each cruise line has a different main demographic.

Generally, however, you will find that cruisers are people that love to travel, have fun and new experiences, and enjoy spending time on the ocean.

85. Which Cruise Lines Have the Best Food?

Let’s face it, no one is going to go hungry on a cruise. However, there are some lines that are more known for having a delicious dining experience. These cruise lines are Holland America, Princess, and Celebrity.

86. What Are Back-to-Back Cruises?

Back-to-back cruises are two consecutive cruises taken on the same ship. Sometimes two 7-day cruises will be booked as one 14-day cruise. This would be considered a back-to-back cruise. When possible, participants can stay in the same stateroom for these two cruises. Alternatively, guests may also need to change staterooms between sailings.

87. Do I Need to Get Off the Ship If I’m Doing a Back-to-Back Cruise?

When doing a back-to-back cruise, sometimes you will need to report to a common area, such as the theater and sometimes you’ll need to disembark the ship.

Follow the directions you are given as what you’ll need to do will depend on the location you are traveling to. If you need to disembark, it will only be for a few minutes and then you can reboard.

88. What is a Muster Drill and Are They Really Necessary?

A muster drill is a safety drill that informs you what to do in an emergency, where to go, and how you will be notified when an emergency is occurring. It’s a short video that you can watch in the cruise line app or on your stateroom tv. Afterwards, you will go to your muster meeting station and check in with a crew member, so they know that you have gotten the necessary information.

If you do not complete this drill, the ship cannot leave port. The crew will know who hasn’t completed the muster drill and have to track you down in order for you to complete it.

Don’t be that person that holds up the ship. Just take a few quick minutes to complete the drill and then relax and enjoy your cruise.

89. Is Cruising Safe?

You may have heard in the news about people going overboard or fighting on cruises and wonder whether cruising is safe. Despite these incidences, yes, cruising is very safe. When people fall overboard, it is often a suicide attempt or someone falling after having too much to drink.

Fights or brawls on cruises are rare and typically happen on cruise lines known for people who like to party (like Carnival).

If you are worried about contracting an illness, cruise lines have a slight increase in diseases such as norovirus due to the close quarters, but there are similar risks to those you would have on land for other diseases.

90. Will I Gain Weight on My Cruise?

Only you are in control of the answer to this question. Sure, there will be food available all day to tempt you, but it’s up to you to decide when and what you want to eat. Additionally, there are gyms onboard the ships as well as walking tracks that you can utilize to help offset all those delicious calories you eat.

In addition to the sweet treats and loads of carbs served, there are also healthier options to choose from to help you control your calorie intake.

91. Do I Need to Take Cash on My Cruise?

As part of the information you submit prior to your cruise, you will need to provide a credit card for any charges while you are on the ship. As a result, you will not need any cash while on the cruise ship, however, you will want some cash and local currency for any purchases or tips for tours while you are ashore.

92. Are There Any Age Restrictions on Cruises?

Some cruise lines do have age restrictions and may require that passengers be a certain minimal age in order to sail. Usually, cruise lines will not allow infants to sail. Check with your specific line’s regulations before you book.

93. Is Laundry Available on My Cruise Ship?

All ships have laundry services that you can pay for. Utilizing these services will cost a set price per item or you can choose to have a flat rate for whatever you can fit into a small bag. Additionally, some cruise lines also offer a laundromat where you can do your own laundry (which is cheaper than sending it out).

94. What Happens If I Lose My Room Key Card?

If you lose your room key, do not fear. Go to the guest services desk and let them know. They will provide you with a new one.

Many people keep their cards on a lanyard to help prevent this from happening. Guest services will punch the hole in the cards so you can put them on the lanyard.

Alternatively, you could also get a plastic holder to put the card in (the holder will then attach to the lanyard).

95. Will I Get Seasick?

If you are prone to sea sickness, you may have concerns about cruising. While I cannot guarantee that you won’t be affected by sea sickness, I can give you some tips to prevent it and recommend destinations where this may be less of a problem.

Seasick Prevention Tips

• Use Bonine, Dramamine or Sea Bands to Prevent Illness
• Eat Ginger and/or Green Apples
• Make Sure to Have Food in Your Stomach
• Choose a Stateroom in the Middle of the Ship, with a Window and on a Lower Deck
• Avoid Alcohol
• Keep Your Eye on the Horizon
• Get Plenty of Sleep
• Sail on a Larger Ship as They Tend to Have Better Stabilizers

Best Destinations to Avoid Rough Waters

In addition to the previous tips, there are some destinations that typically have calmer waters. If you want to avoid rough waters, the destinations below are fantastic options.

• Alaska’s Inside Passage (choose departure ports of either Vancouver or Whittier)
• The Caribbean (when you sail between December and May)
• The Mediterranean
• Scandanavia
• River Cruises

96. Will I Feel Claustrophobic?

People who are claustrophobic may also have concerns about cruising. Cruise ships are very large and have plenty of open areas so many people do not feel closed in.

If, however, you are prone to claustrophobia, make sure to get a stateroom with either a window or balcony. Additionally, you may also want to choose a port intensive itinerary where you have plenty of chances to get off the ship.

97. What is a Cruise Tour?

A cruise tour is a combination of a cruise and land tour. These are organized by the cruise line and provide lodging, transportation and sometimes tours.

The most popular example of a cruise tour is an Alaskan cruise tour. You can sail along the coast of Alaska and then travel inland to places such as Denali National Park and Fairbanks. Land portions can be done prior to the cruise or after you disembark.

98. What is Onboard Credit (OBC)?

Onboard credits are like free money that you can use for purchases while on the cruise ship. These can be used for shore excursions, tips, specialty dining, drinks, spa treatments and more. Some cruise lines allow you to use these credits to book these services in advance but other lines like Holland America require you to be on the ship before you can utilize them.

99. How Do I Get Onboard Credit?

You can receive onboard credits as part of sales promotions, as gifts or as a perk when you book using a travel agent, when you are a stockholder, or when referring others to a cruise.

100. Are There Any Discounts Available for Cruising?

If you are a savvy budget traveler, you may be looking for additional ways to save money on your cruise . This section will look at some of the most popular ways to get some discounts.

Stockholder

When you buy stock from the cruise line you are sailing on (usually the parent company) you can receive onboard credit for each cruise you take. You will just need to submit proof that you are a stockholder of a certain number of shares (at least 100 shares).

Some cruise lines offer onboard credit if you refer someone who has never sailed with them before. Amounts of credit received will vary by cruise line and not all lines offer this credit. At the time of this writing, Holland America offers $50 onboard credit for the referrer and Princess offers $25 for the referrer and the person being referred.

Veteran’s

Some lines offer onboard credit or discounts for individuals that have served in the United States military. You could be an active service member or a veteran. Check to see specific details with your travel agent or the cruise line.

Cruise lines offer a variety of sales throughout the year. Wave season sales (which happen every January-March) are some of the most popular. Additionally, sales can happen around major holidays or on last-minute sailings when the lines are trying to fill up the ships.

101. Will it Feel Crowded on the Ship?

Cruise ships can vary greatly in size. Some of the largest ones can hold 4-5,000 passengers. So, you may be wondering if it will feel crowded on the ship. While I have not been on any of the mega cruise ships, I have never felt overwhelmed by crowds.

The largest gatherings will be at the entertainment shows, which can take place in the theater or smaller venues on the ship. Additionally, at popular dining times, the buffet can seem crowded.

I have found that there are plenty of nooks and quiet places on cruise ships where you can relax and not feel crammed in like a can of sardines.

102. How Much Do I Tip?

When you cruise, you will be automatically charged a daily per person fee for gratuities. The amount may vary by cruise line and cabin type. The higher category cabin you book, the more your gratuities will be.

You can choose to adjust the amount that is charged by going to the customer service desk on the ship. In addition, some people prefer to leave an additional tip for excellent service.

You can choose to pay these directly to your room steward or wait staff. When you choose to do this and the amount you choose to tip is a personal choice.

It is also customary to tip bartenders if you do not have a drink package (which will also include tips and gratuities). If you do not have one of these packages, tips are typically a dollar or two.

103. I’m Not Tech Savvy, Do I Need to Use the App?

While cruise lines have an app, you really do not have to use it. Some lines have you enter your passenger information through the app, however, for most lines this can be done on the cruise website as well.

Some people find the apps helpful and an addition to their cruise experience, if you are not tech savvy, there’s no need to worry about having to use it.

104. What Happens If I Get Sick Onboard or There is a Medical Emergency?

The major ocean cruise companies all have onboard medical departments. These medical bays can provide you with sea sickness and other medications (for a cost), treat minor injuries, and help facilitate a medical evacuation in the case of more serious illness or a medical emergency.

Smaller river cruise ships may not have these facilities onboard.

Final Thoughts on Commonly Asked Cruise Questions and Answers

If you’ve never cruised before, there are understandably a lot of questions that you would have. I hope that this post on common cruise questions and answers has helped to address those questions and given you an idea of what to expect.

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I'm Kristin and I was born with a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy, which impacts my mobility and breathing. Despite this challenge, I have travelled across the United States and abroad and want to share my accessible travel information with others.

Yours Truly Chelsea

Top 20 Cruise Questions And Answers First Time Cruisers Always Want To Know

December 31, 2023

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read  full disclosure  for more information.

First time cruiser with tons of cruise questions? No need to worry! This post will answer the top 20 cruise questions and answers you need to know before going on your vacation.

If you’ve never been on a cruise before everything you need to learn and know can be overwhelming.

It is common to have tons of questions about cruising. What food do cruises offer? Should I buy a drink package? What should I pack?

Here are the top 20 cruise questions and answers you need to know before you embark on your vacation.

This post is all about cruise questions.

Cruise Questions Answered:

1. do i need to bring towels from home.

No! You do not need to bring towels on a cruise ship.

These are provided for you by the cruise line. In most cases you can check them out on the pool deck but be sure to return them!

If you try to keep any of the towels and take them home a lot of cruises will charge you $25 per towel and trust me, they are not worth the money for the quality.

You are able to bring these towels off the ship as well if you need one for the beach or a shore excursion.

These towels are decently small however so if you would still like to bring your own higher quality towel, you definitely can.

I have this one and love how fast it dries/how large it is.

2. Can I do laundry on the ship?

Yes and no.

You, yourself cannot physically do laundry while on a cruise ship. However, cruise lines do offer laundry services you can take advantage of for a price.

Need your dress steamed before formal night? They can do it! Need some laundry washed because you’re on a back to back cruise? No problem!

Some cruises will offer their higher loyalty tier members a free bag of laundry per cruise.

3. What is the dress code?

When going on a cruise you will see a wide variety of clothing.

Formal Night

If you’re wondering if you have to dress up on formal night the answer is no! It is not required to wear formal attire to still be allowed to eat in the main dining room!

Some lines will still want you to be dressed slightly decently (no tank tops, shorts, etc.) for that night but you can still be fairly casual.

If you do want to dress up though you can! The variety you will see are sundresses, a polo shirt and khakis, cocktail dresses, suits, long formal gowns and tuxedos. Whatever you are comfortable with (within reason) you should wear!

If you do want to skip formal night altogether you can also go to the buffet for dinner that night.

Formal Dress Example:

Theme Nights

Cruises will normally have theme nights you can participate in if you would like to (again, not mandatory).

Common themes are:

-White night -70s night -Tropical night -Gala night/Formal night -And more!

Casual Days/Nights

When walking around outside of the themes on a normal sea day you will see people wearing lots of casual attire:

-Tshirts -Shorts -Simple dresses -Swim suits/Cover ups -Gym clothes -Sweatsuits -Etc

Click here for cruise outfit ideas from Amazon

4. how can i communicate with my party.

If you are traveling with a group of people, friends or family, you’ll want to be able to keep in touch. There are several ways to do this.

You can purchase the cruise ship’s wifi package if you want to be able to communicate with not only your party onboard, but others at home. Unless you have gotten an all inclusive package, this will cost you money.

If you would like to book the wifi I would suggest doing so before your cruise as it should be on sale. Once you’re on the cruise it could be a much higher price per day. I’ve seen wifi range from about $12/day up to $25/day.

Cruise Line App

The most common way people will communicate with others is using the messaging section of the cruise line’s app.

In most cases this is a free service. It’s a great way to be able to check in with others that are cruising with you.

A lot of times these will have age limits so children might not be able to use it. The app might also not be the most reliable form of communication as sometimes it does not send you notifications when you have messages.

It’s still a great option if you aren’t looking to spend extra money (or much money if it’s paid for about $2/day) on wifi, etc.

I have heard of some people bringing walkie talkies on the cruise with them to keep in contact with others. This is less common but still an option.

Some people will have international data plans as well that will allow them to use their phone without having to buy the wifi. Check your specific phone plan for details.

5. Do I have to share a table with strangers?/How can my family all sit together?

Cruise lines still table share to this day. If you are dining in the main dining room you might be sat at a table with people you don’t know.

If you don’t want to sit with strangers or have any other requests such as wanting to sit by a window, have a 2 person table etc. you can always reach out to customer service before your cruise to make a request. Depending on what you’re asking for just know that you might not get your request granted.

If you are traveling with a group and want to all sit at the same table you will also need to contact customer service and have your reservations linked.

This can be a tedious task. If you are working with a travel agent though they can make any of these requests for you. You’ll just need to let them know what you’re asking for and they will handle it.

6. Do I need to book a balcony for my first cruise?

Have friends or family who have been on a cruise and they’re telling you you HAVE to get a balcony room? The truth is there are several other types of rooms you might be perfectly happy with.

A balcony stateroom is the most common among cruisers and is a very nice room. When booking your cruise room you need to ask yourself a few questions.

Is price the most important factor? Are you going to be in your room much or out and about?

If the answer is yes to these questions you should consider an interior room! I mostly cruise in interior rooms to save money and be able to take more trips. They really aren’t all that bad and have just enough space to sleep, shower and change.

Do you need a window? Is budget still important but not the most important?

If so, an oceanview room might be for you! This will allow you some exposure to the outside world by having a window you can look out of in your room without totally breaking the budget.

Will you spend lots of time in your room? Do you want a private space to just relax?

If this sounds like you a balcony cabin is the right choice! A balcony gives you access to outside air. It also is a great place to get away from the crowds and just relax.

It is popular among cruisers with balconies to order room service for breakfast and enjoy their meal while sitting out by the ocean.

Are you looking for a more luxurious experience? More space? Budget is no problem?

A suite will be the best option for you! Suites come in a variety of sizes from junior suites all the way up to things like owner suites. They can become very expensive but also have great perks.

If you’re interested in upping your cruise experience, look into what suites are available to you and what extras they come with.

Accomodating rooms

If you’re in need of a room that can accomodate things such as a wheelchair, etc. Speak with customer service when booking your cruise or work with a travel agent to secure the room type you need.

7. Do I need travel insurance?

Some people may say otherwise but the answer should be YES!

You never know what could happen before or during your trip. Travel insurance is extremely important.

I personally have had to cancel a cruise the day of but because I had travel insurance I did not lose any money. I bought insurance through the cruise line for this particular cruise for only $58 for both of us.

When I called to cancel I was automatically refunded 2/3 of the cost of my trip back to my credit card. The last amount I did have to file with the travel insurance to get back.

They did not give me a cash refund but I recieved a future cruise credit I could use within a year so I didn’t lose any money.

If I hadn’t gotten travel insurance I would’ve been out the entire cost of the cruise. There are several things that insurance will pay for that is a great help so I would never go without it.

Do you need to book it through the cruise line or a third party company?

This is personal preference. I have done both. Usually I choose third party however for the cost. Compare the benefits they are offering to make the choice for yourself.

Some people also will buy travel insurance for the year to cover all of their trips instead of individual policies.

8. What is not allowed on cruise ships?

Common items not allowed on cruises are:.

-Weapons -Alcohol (besides the couple exceptions some lines make) -Iron -Steamer -Extension cords with surge protectors -Drugs -Pets (besides service dogs) -Coffee Makers -And more!

If you bring any of these items through security check in they will be taken away and depending which one it is, you could be denied boarding.

Check with your specific cruise line to see what you are and are not able to bring.

One misconception many people have is that you are not allowed to bring a hair straightener or curler.

This is not the case. You should not have any issues bringing these items with you, along with a hairdryer if you do not want to use the one in the room that is provided.

Common Cruise Must Haves:

For a complete list of Cruise Must Haves click here.

9. should i fly to my cruise port the day of the cruise.

If it can be avoided at all costs, do not fly the same day your cruise leaves!

This is a huge risk. It might seem like the best idea because you could be transported directly from the airport to the cruise port and hop right on your cruise.

However, even in this day in age delays and cancelations are still very promonate. The last thing you want happening is your flight being changed and you cannot make it on the cruise now because of it.

It does cost more to fly in the day before since you will have to get a hotel room but it is more than worth budgeting in the cost of your vacation to save you potentially missing your cruise.

Related Content:

Are Cruises Safe?

33 Best Cruise Tips Every First Time Cruiser Should Know

Top Cruise Packing Tips Guaranteed To Make You Pack Like A Pro

10. Should I book a shore excursion through the cruise line?

This is a personal preference. You can book through the cruise line or a third party company.

For first time cruisers I would recommend booking through the cruise line so you can see how the process goes.

You need to do research if you aren’t booking through the cruise line to pick a reputable company that is known to get you back on time so you don’t miss your ship.

To learn everything you need to know about how to choose a shore excursion , the ins and outs, recommendations and more, click here to read this article.

11. How do I make sure the ship doesn’t leave me at port?

You will need to stay on ship time!

Ship time might be different than the local time at your cruise port. Be sure to stay aware of what time it is on the ship so you do not stay too late and miss all aboard.

Unless you are on an excursion booked with the cruise line, the ship will not wait for you. You will be left in port and have to find your own way home if you come back after the set time your ship has said it was leaving.

12. Do I need reservations for shows on a cruise?

This will depend.

For some cruise lines and ships you don’t need a reservation for the shows. This is more common on the smaller ships.

However, there are ships that you need to make a reservation. You can do this online before your cruise sets sail for some and others you will need to book once on the ship.

Check your specific cruise to see what you need to do ahead of time.

13. Will I be able to eat and drink for free?

The simple answer is yes!

When paying for your cruise among other things, food and basic drinks are included in that cost.

The number of complimentary options will vary depending on what ship you are sailing on but regardless you will be able to eat all of your meals and snacks for free on a cruise.

You can upgrade to specialty dining and pay a fee but you do not have to.

Included drinks on most lines will be things like filtered water, milk, coffee, tea, lemonade, and some juices.

Anything else you want will be an additional charge unless you have booked a cruise that has more drinks included.

Wondering what else is included on a cruise? Read this:

Are cruises all inclusive, 14. is the drink package worth it.

This is not a simple yes or no question. It will vary person to person even though most people will say you HAVE to get one.

When deciding if you should get a drink package consider how many drinks you will consume every day and what types. Also look and see what your cruise is charging for these drinks.

If you can break even or will go above the individual price, buy a drink package.

If you just want a couple drinks per day, most likely it’ll be cheaper to just pay for them individually.

Looking for recommendations? Here are 10 Must Try Drinks If You Have A Cruise Drink Package

(You can order them individually as well though)

15. What happens if I sneak alcohol on a ship?

This is up to the cruise line and the discretion of the staff.

Several cruise lines will allow you to bring things such as 1-2 bottles of wine or champagne per stateroom/person.

Others will not allow you to bring anything. All do not allow you to sneak on other alcohol than what is permitted.

It is very popular to do so though. I’m not recommending it and if you choose to do so that’s at your own risk.

The cruise line will most likely just take the alcohol away from you. They do have the power to not let you board the cruise though so that is important to know.

16. Do I have to put my phone on airplane mode?

Now I will say depending on the country you’re from and the phone plan you have, you may not have to.

However, for the vast majority of cruisers (especially out of the US) you should 100% put your phone on airplane mode as soon as you leave port on embarkation day and keep it that way until you return.

You want to do this so you do not get charged international data roaming by your phone company. I have had countless comments on my TikTok page about people forgettig to do this and being charged hundreds of dollars for this simple mistake.

You can still use your phone for a camera and connect to wifi while on airplane mode.

@yourstrulychelsea Yes there are ways to still use your phone: wifi, buying an international package, buying another sim card etc. Just make sure you don’t get charged on your cruise! #cruise #cruiselife #cruisetips #cruisetipsandtricks #cruisehacks #vacation #royalcarribean #royalcarribeancruise #carnivalcruise #carnivalcruiseline #virgincruise #virgincruiseline #norwegiancruise #disneycruise #disneycruiseline #ocean #cruisequestions #cruisequestionsanswered #qanda #cruisefacts #goingonacruise #crusingtok #cruisetok #cruisetiktok #cruisetiktoks #cruiseessentials #cruisefood ♬ POP! – NAYEON

17. Do I need a passport to cruise?

This is a yes and no answer.

For some cruises you do not. An example would be a closed loop cruise out of the US. Say you leave out of Florida, go to the Bahamas and come back to Florida. You would need a certified copy of your birth certificate and a government ID.

The best way to travel on a cruise though is with a passport. I would recommend this option to everyone.

Read more about what documents you need and why here.

18. What is the check in process like?

Like all things with cruising this will vary based on line and status but here is a simple breakdown.

• Get dropped off or park your car
• Drop off your bags with porters outside of the terminal
• Show your travel documents
• Go through security, similar to the airport.
• Possibly show your travel documents again to someone else and/or take a photo.
• Board the ship (there may be a waiting time before this step)

19. Do I have to pay for my cruise all up front?

The great thing about cruising is you can pay small amounts up until final payment of your cruise.

Most of the time they will require a deposit between $200-$500 up front but after that you can pay in installments.

The only time you will have to pay in full is if you’re booking a cruise not that far out and it has passed final payment for the cruise line so you have to put up the entire balance.

20. Do I need to bring cash on the cruise?

Technically, no but you should bring some.

This will also depend on the types of activities you want to do.

You can/will pay for cruise purchases using your cruise card so there isn’t a need for cash in most instances.

If you are going to be shopping in port or paying for an excursion on your own once you get there, you should bring cash for that.

I would also recommend bringing cash for the casino if you are going to participant in gambling (at your own risk, I am not recommending).

Hopefully this post was helpful to you and you feel more knowledgeable for your cruise!

This post was all about cruise questions.

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57 Must-Have Tips, Advice, and Info For First-Time Cruisers

Taking your first cruise? The only thing that can match the excitement of an upcoming vacation is the overwhelmed feeling that comes with trying to navigate and plan for your first trip.

From embarkation on cruise day to dining to shore excursions, everything you do on a cruise is just a little different than any other vacation you’ve ever been on. That’s why we’ve taken the time to round up a boatload of tips — 57 to be exact — that will help you know better about what to expect come cruise day.

From the basic details of cruising to how to save some cash — and much more — we’ve got everything you need to be confident and enjoy your trip the second you reach the port.

Note:  This article contains links to Amazon that are affiliate links. Should you make a purchase, we receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you.

1. Don’t Worry About Cash on Board; Everything Is Paid Through Your Room Key

When you go through check-in, you’ll receive the key to your room. (Check-in online ahead of time? It may be in a sealed envelope at your cabin door.) This “key” is actually like a credit card that you’ll slide into your cabin door to unlock it. But it does a lot more. It’s also linked to your shipboard account, and you’ll use your room key just like a credit card to charge items to your account.

No matter if you’re buying a drink or a souvenir on one of the ships, you’ll use this card to pay. The only time you’ll use cash is when you are off the ship in port. This is much more convenient than having to carry around dollars. Just be sure to keep a close hold on your card!

2. Interior Cabins Are Fine For First Time Cruisers

Wondering if you should get an interior cabin or a balcony room? Don’t sweat it. Balconies are great, but there are some big advantages for interior cabins . As a first-time cruiser, it’s doubtful you’ll be spending much time in your room anyway as you’ll want to be out and about exploring. Having an interior cabin is a cheaper way to get on your first sailing without breaking the bank.

3. Balcony Rooms Are Worth It

As we just said, interior cabins are great for first-time cruisers who are usually out around the ship the entire trip. But if you do decide to spring for a balcony room, it’s well worth it.

This is especially the case if you’re the sort of person who likes to take your time getting ready in the morning while sipping on a cup of coffee or just having your own private space to take in the view. Having the fresh air — and the million-dollar views — from your balcony is worth the extra cost if you want to pay a little more for your trip.

4. There Are No Body-Scanners Like at the Airport

Who isn’t turned off by the intrusive security at airports these days? From having to empty water bottles, to taking off shoes, to raising your hands and being scanned by a machine, it’s awful. Thankfully, cruise security is much more like flying used to be. You’ll step through a metal detector and your bags will go on an x-ray machine. The security process takes just a few seconds. There aren’t highly intrusive screening measures in place (at least yet).

5. Don’t Show Up to Board When It’s Not Your Time

When you prepare for your cruise, you’ll either be assigned a boarding time or you get to choose one. Cruise lines designate a boarding time to avoid having everyone arrive at the port all at once. When boarding is open, many people try to get there as early as possible, leading to long lines to get on the ship. Spreading out passengers helps to keep any person from having to wait too long.

What you don’t want to do is try to show up before your boarding time. Sure, you might be able to board early, but there’s also the likelihood that you’ll be asked to wait until your designated time. That means you’ll just be hanging outside the terminal until allowed inside.

6. Passports Are Better Than Birth Certificates

One nice thing about cruises is that many trips allow you to sail with only a birth certificate and photo ID (if they begin and end in the same port). If you don’t have a passport, you can still leave the country and don’t have to go through the hassle and expense of obtaining one.

Even so, it’s much smarter to sail with a passport. Not only does it come in handy should you need to leave the ship early due to an emergency, but it can also save you time. These days many ports use facial recognition matched with your passport for entering the country. Snap a photo and you’re on your way home. Those with birth certificates sometimes still wait in line to be checked by an officer.

7. Don’t Worry About Changing Money in Port

Headed to the Caribbean? It’s likely you’ll visit several countries — with several different currencies — within just a few days. The good news is you don’t have to think about converting currencies at each port. The ports you visit thrive on tourism and make things easy for tourists. They will all gladly accept U.S. dollars, and often take credit cards. Just bring some smaller bills for your port days and you’ll be all set.

8. Take Advantage of Drink Policies to Bring Things On

When you get on a ship there is no shortage of places to spend money. That’s why we suggest passengers take advantage of any chance they have to save.

Case in point: Carnival and Royal Caribbean — two of the biggest players in cruising — allow you to bring on 12 cans of non-alcoholic drinks . 

Considering that soft drinks are about $2-3 each on a cruise, that can save you a nice chunk of change.

9. Order Multiples in the Main Dining Room

Most people don’t realize it, but the cruise lines will often bend over backwards to make you happy. Case in point: You can order multiple items from the dining room menu.

So say you want an appetizer, but can’t choose between two of them. Don’t choose. Instead, just order them both.

This makes it a great way to try dishes that are out of your comfort zone. If you don’t end up liking it, then there’s no big loss since the dining room food is included.

10. Yes, You Can Bring (Some) Alcohol on Board

Cruise lines know that people want to let loose and have a drink (or ten!) on the cruise. That’s why they charge high prices for their booze. Still, most cruise lines allow you to bring aboard some alcohol when you embark at the start of your trip. It’s very restrictive in that it’s typically only a bottle or two of champagne. Still, we recommend taking advantage as it’s much cheaper than buying drinks once on the ship.

11. Do the Math Before Booking the “All You Can Drink” Packages

If you’ve been tempted by the drink packages, do the math before you buy it. Drink packages seem like good deals, but the rules can make them quite pricey. For instance, many cruise lines force each person in a cabin to buy the package if any passenger buys it. As well, you have to buy the package for the entire cruise.

That means even on days when you are in port (and not on the ship for most of the day), you’re still paying for the package. Finally, with high daily prices, you usually have to drink 7-10 drinks each and every day you are on the cruise to come out ahead.

For many passengers, they are actually better off buying drinks individually . (Use our Drink Package Calculator to see if you’re better off with a package.)

12. Take Your Time, Reduce the Lines

Want to board first? Want to be first off the ship? Great, hope you like standing in line. Today’s ships carry more than 4,000 passengers at a time. That means there are usually lines for everything, especially right when they open like when it’s time to board the ship. We’d suggest simply taking your time and don’t worry about being anywhere right when it opens. It will mean you spend less of your vacation waiting around and more time enjoying your trip.

13. Parking at the Port is Convenient, But There Are Cheaper Options

If you’re driving to the cruise port, then you should know that it doesn’t get any more convenient than with the official port parking lots. They are typically right at the cruise terminal, so you unload and head right to check-in. Of course, they charge for that convenience.

If you search for parking lots near the port , you can usually find independent lots that are nearly as convenient, but at a sharp discount to parking at the port. These lots almost always offer a free shuttle to drop you off right at the ship as well.

14. Many Hotels Offer Free Cruise Parking

Plan to stay in town the night before your cruise? If you’re driving in, look for a hotel that offers a cruise parking special . As an incentive to attract guests, many hotels (especially in smaller port cities like Galveston) offer free parking if you stay a night with them. It’s an easy way to save a bundle, but only if you planned to stay the night anyway. It’s typically not worth it to stay just to get free parking.

15. There’s No Bill to Sign (or Tip to Leave) in the Dining Room

Tipping is a fact of life on a cruise. And cruise lines have included gratuities with your cruise fare or charged daily to your account, so they are taken care of automatically. That means when you eat in the free restaurants on the ship like the buffet and the main dining room, there’s no bill to pay or tip to leave.

It can feel a little “wrong” the first time, but when you are done with dinner you simply get up and walk out.

Now, this doesn’t go for specialty restaurants that are a fee. If you eat there you’re expected to sign the bill, and the gratuity is tacked onto the price.

16. Turn Your Phone On Airplane Mode Once on the Ship

There are horror stories after horror stories of people coming back from their cruise with unexpected cell phone charges. The reason is either they use their phone willingly without realizing they are connected to a “roaming” tower or their phone used data without their knowledge for things like updating apps or downloading messages. No matter the reason, you don’t want to accidentally get dinged with a sky-high phone bill. Put your phone on airplane mode before your cruise leaves the shore.

You should also turn on the wi-fi, which will allow you to connect for free to the cruise line’s app.

17. Yes, You Can Hear Through the Walls (So Keep it Down)

If you’re worried about sounds traveling through the walls, you should be. To be clear, the walls are not paper thin, so you won’t hear the cabin next to you watching a TV at a normal volume. But if you are the type that makes a lot of noise (ahem… enjoying your vacation with your partner, perhaps?), then you should try to keep it down. You’ll also be able to hear people in the halls through the door.

18. The Main Dining Room Serves Breakfast and Lunch

Most passengers will eat their dinner in the main dining room, but they actually serve breakfast and lunch there too. The buffet is quick and easy for these meals, but the quality and freshness is usually lower than what you’ll get in the dining rooms. Head over if you want something a little better.

19. It’s a Ship… Not a Boat

It’s not a big deal, but just so you don’t sound like a rookie cruiser, it’s good to understand the terminology. It is a cruise ship that you are sailing on. Calling it a boat during the trip may get you funny looks. 

There’s no real cut-off on what is a considered a boat, versus a ship — other than ships are known as large ocean-going vessels. There’s no doubt that the size and scale of any cruise ship you sail will definitely put them firmly in the “ship” category.

20. Ports of Call Aren’t Always Disneyland

With everything seemingly so perfect on the ship, it can be easy to think that ports of call are perfect as well. To be fair, ports you visit will be pretty safe, especially in the tourist areas. Venture outside of these spots, however, and it’s just like any other place. There are good parts of town and places where you don’t want to venture.

Odds are you won’t find these spots without looking for them, but be aware of your surroundings at all times and don’t do anything like flash lots of cash or wear tons of fancy jewelry.

21. Cruise Insurance? Always a Good Idea to Have

The fact is that most people will never use the travel insurance that they buy. Still, if something goes wrong at sea, it’s a great thing to have. Travel insurance can help cover costs of getting sick or injured in a foreign country, as well as compensate you for travel delays, lost baggage and more. If you’re on the fence about buying insurance, we’d suggest doing so. You can read more about travel insurance and what it covers here .

22. Be Ready for Itinerary Changes

Have your heart set on Cozumel? Can’t wait for that private island? Just know that cruise itineraries can change for any number of reasons. Whether it be an issue with the ship, weather, or even riots in port (yes, this has happened). Often the cruise lines will try to sub one port for another, but it isn’t unheard of for them just to scrap a stop in port altogether. Keep in mind that this is a fairly rare occurrence, but it does happen.

23. Don’t Use Cruise Line Transfers to the Port; They’re a Lousy Deal

If you’re flying in for your cruise, then you’re going to need a ride to the cruise port. Cruise lines are happy to offer this service, for a price. All the cruise lines will offer a shuttle that runs from the airport to the cruise port, but the catch is they are expensive.

For example, Carnival offers a ride from Miami International to the port for about $23 per person, one way. The trip is only about 15 minutes and an Uber costs about $25 for the trip. In other words, a roundtrip on the cruise shuttle would cost $184 for a family of four, but only around $50 with Uber or Lyft.

24. Don’t Waste Time Searching For a Deal; Fares Are the Same on Every Website

If you think you’re going to find some hidden deal, stop stressing. Every cruise website offers the same fares these days . Here’s the results of a recent search we did for an upcoming cruise, pricing it out across several sites:

Our advice? Book directly with the cruise line to cut out the middleman in case there is an issue with your reservation. If you don’t know what cruise line you want to sail, then an aggregator like Expedia can search multiple lines at once.

25. Yes, There’s a Hair Dryer in Your Cabin

Save the space and leave the hair dryer at home. Each cabin comes with a hair dryer for your use. They usually aren’t fancy, but get the job done. Even better, let the breeze on the top deck dry your hair for you (that’s a joke… sea hair is a real thing!)

You’ll normally find it in the built-in console in the main part of the cabin, not in the bathroom.

26. Outlet Adapters Are a Must-Have

From portable fans to laptop and tablet chargers to nightlights to curling irons, the need for outlets in a cruise cabin is always increasing. That’s why we suggest bringing aboard an outlet adapter like this one to plug in and give you more free plugs.

One thing to know — adapters with surge protectors are forbidden. A simple multi-plug adapter is all you really need, and it’s worth its weight in gold.

27. Cabins Get Very Dark; Bring a Night Light

There’s nothing worse than being in an unfamiliar, dark cabin and having to get up in the middle of the night to use the restroom. Save yourself from walking into furniture and stubbing your toe by packing a simple plug-in nightlight . It’s especially helpful if you’re in an interior cabin where there are no windows to provide outside illumination.

28. Every Cabin Comes With a Safe; Use it

When you leave your cabin, be sure to put any valuables in the cabin safe. No, it’s not perfect, but it acts as a good deterrent from crimes of convenience and provides you with a little peace of mind. The safes aren’t that big, but will hold cash, jewelry, phones and passports with plenty of room to spare.

29. Your Balcony Isn’t as Private as You Think

The cruise line might sell it as a private balcony, but there isn’t a whole lot of privacy. Your balcony on your cabin will have walls that shield you from the adjoining cabins, but the walls often don’t go from the floor to ceiling. They can easily be looked under or above, and someone could look around the side of them if they really wanted to. Keep this in mind if you’re out on the balcony when the mood for romance strikes .

30. Drink in Port to Save Cash Versus on the Ship

We all know drinking is part of cruise culture, but the cost can soar quickly. That’s why it’s a good idea to head to port if you want to get your money’s worth. Most of the party bars near the cruise terminals will have drink specials designed to get you in the door. It’s often much cheaper than drinking at a ship’s bar.

31. Taking the Stairs Is Faster If Traveling Only a Few Decks

With upwards of 20 decks on some cruise ships, going up and down via stairs is time-consuming… and tiring. But with so many people using the elevators, it’s common to have to wait awhile before you get one. That’s why if you are only going up or down three decks or fewer, it’s usually faster to take the stairs. Plus, it will help you work off some of those buffet calories.

32. Don’t Stress: Formal Night Isn’t a Big Deal

No, you don’t have to buy a tux or an evening gown for your cruise. You won’t be out of place if you do, but formal night actually isn’t that big of a deal. On these nights, plenty of people dress up, while others just put on a pair of nice pants and a button-down shirt. Our advice? Just keep it a step above poolside casual  (so no shorts or t-shirts) and you’ll be just fine.

33. Don’t Tip Twice! Gratuity Is Usually Automatic

Grab a drink from the bar? Your bill will typically include a gratuity automatically. Keep this in mind and double-check the itemized receipt before you sign as there is often another line for write-in tips. Unless the service was simply above and beyond, there is no reason to give a second tip on your drink.

34. You Get Sunburned Much More Quickly in the Tropics

Everyone tells you to be sure to wear plenty of sunscreen on your cruise, but they don’t tell you why. At lower latitudes the sun’s rays are more direct. The result is that you can get burned being exposed to the sun for as little as 10 minutes if you aren’t used to it. So yes, wear the sunscreen, as well as a broad-brimmed hat to keep the UV rays off you as much as possible. The last thing you want is to look like a lobster on the second day of a week-long cruise.

35. Cruise on Older Ships to Save Money

News stories always hype up the biggest, newest cruise ships, and the cruise lines charge a pretty penny for sailings on these ships. If you’re looking to save money, look for trips that sail on older vessels. These ships are still in great shape (and are often refurbished), but offer fares that are hundreds of dollars less than a similar sailing on a new member of the fleet.

36. Pack as Much as You Want, But Be Smart

Most of us are used to air travel, where you are charged sky-high fees for checking in baggage. Cruise ships are completely different.

There are no fees for luggage and no hard rules for how much you can bring. It’s a nice change of pace from flying, but don’t go crazy. Remember that even though you can bring more on board, you still have to lug all that luggage around. If you’re bringing more than one large bag for a week-long cruise, then you’re packing too much.

37. Don’t Cruise If You Have a Warrant For Your Arrest

Traffic ticket that you never cleared up? Some other run-in with the law? If you have a warrant, don’t think about taking your first cruise. It’s a well-known tactic by law enforcement to check the passenger manifest against those with outstanding warrants. They often let the passengers sail on the cruise, and bust them when they come back . Get it cleared up before and you won’t have anything to worry about.

38. Certain Cabin Locations Are Better For Seasickness Relief

Most people don’t have an issue with seasickness on a cruise as the ships today ride smoothly in the water. But if you are worried about it, then look for a cabin that is as low and close to the middle of the ship as possible.

The action of the waves causes the ship to pitch up and down the most at the end of the ship, with the middle acting as the fulcrum on a see-saw. There’s no guarantee you won’t feel the motion, but it should be better than getting a room toward the front or back of the ship.

39. Avoid Lines By Visiting Guest Services Late at Night or Early in the Morning

Chances are high you’ll need to visit Guest Services as least once during your trip. If you do have to go to ask something about a reservation or your account, try to time your visit to off hours (the desk is open 24 hours a day). Times like just before dinner can see long lines, when you’d rather be out enjoying yourself. Early in the morning (before 8 a.m.) and late at night (after 11 p.m.) are the best times to see the shortest lines.

40. Wait For People to Exit the Elevators Before Trying to Get In

Elevators are the heartbeat of the ship. With 4,000 cruise passengers trying to go up and down on more than a dozen decks, elevators are constantly busy, no matter the time of day. That’s why you should always wait to enter only after people have gotten out. It’s polite, but it also makes getting on and off much easier. Just stand far enough back to give people plenty of space to exit — especially given the need for social distancing.

41. Pack a Small Fan For Your Cabin

While every cabin has air conditioning, they don’t have fans of any kind. That’s not an issue if you have a balcony and open your door, but any interior room is going to get a little stuffy — especially if you’re the sort of person that’s used to airflow. Luckily, you can bring aboard a portable fan like this one . As a bonus, a fan makes a great white-noise machine to help drown out any sounds from neighboring cabins.

42. Wear Sandals With Thick Tread Around the Ship

If you have a pair of cheap flip-flops that you like wearing around the pool, then it’s time to upgrade. Those sandals usually have slick bottoms that get worn down easy. When you hit a puddle, it’s easy to lose your grip and slip. On a ship, there are way too many places where you can slip and fall — especially around the pool. Upgrade to a pair that has a nice rubberized sole with plenty of tread.

43. Make a Copy of Your Passport Photo Page to Carry On You

Think the most valuable thing you’re carrying is the money in your wallet or your purse? Think again. Potential thieves would love to get their hands on your passport. And even if you just misplace it, losing a passport is a major ordeal. That’s why we like to put our passport in our cabin safe and carry a photocopy of the ID page with us in port or just use a driver’s license.

If you run into a situation where you need a passport (rare), this page can serve as ID until you get back to the ship. Meanwhile, you don’t have to worry about your actual passport getting lost in a port.

44. Your Casino Payouts Can Be Worse Than on Land

If you want to gamble, head to Las Vegas. On the ship the games are the same, but the payouts are usually worse . For example, on most ships blackjack pays 6-to-5 instead of the usual 3-to-2. Craps games heavily limit the amount of odds bets you can make. Head to the casino, enjoy yourself, but don’t think you’re getting a great deal.

45. Always Pack Some Cool-Weather Gear

Even if you are headed to the sunny Caribbean, it’s still a good idea to bring some warm clothes. When the ship is sailing and the sun has gone down, the combination of cooler temps and a strong breeze make it downright chilly on the deck. In addition, many spots around the ship are well air-conditioned, meaning you can be cool indoors as well.

46. Sail During the Summer/Spring Break for Younger Crowds

If you want to hang out with a younger crowd, then the time of year you sail is the biggest factor as to who you will sail with. Ships see younger crowds when school is out — Spring Break, Christmas, and Summer Break.

And if you’re looking to avoid younger folks and have a quieter cruise, then try to sail when school is in session and people are heading back to work. Months of January and February, as well as September and October will see older crowds compared to summer.

47. Save Hundreds By Sailing Off-Season

The rule of thumb is that cruises are most expensive when school is out. That’s because more people are able to take trips, driving up demand. So if you’re flexible with your dates, you can sail during off-season months like January or October and save some considerable money . The same trip sailing in late January can be 50% the cost of the same sailing that departs at the peak of summer.

48. Shorter Cruises = More Party-Like Atmosphere

If you want to have a calmer, quieter cruise, then look for trips that are seven days or more. Shorter cruises, which are less-expensive overall, tend to attract younger and more energetic crowds. That’s not to say it’s going to be like Mardi Gras, but shorter cruises — especially those traveling during the summer months — will definitely be a bit rowdier than what you’ll see from a week-long trip.

49. Invest in a Good Dry-Bag For Shore Days 

If you’re sailing to the Caribbean, the first image that comes to mind is white, sandy beaches and clear water. But what do you do with your cash, wallet, phone, and anything else you don’t want to get wet?

You can either leave it on shore as you swim or risk it getting soaked in the water. That’s why a dry-bag like this one is a great investment. It’s cheap, compact, and keeps all your stuff safe and sound.

50. Go Ahead, Splurge on Shore Excursions (Worth It)

Your first thought when you see the prices of shore excursions is that they are expensive. It’s not unusual for a shore excursion that is just 3-4 hours run more than $100 per person. But we think this is one spot to splurge on your trip.

Excursions give you a chance to do things you won’t have the opportunity to do anywhere else in the world — from exploring ancient ruins to taking a submarine under the Caribbean . After your trip you won’t remember the money you spent, but you won’t forget the experience you had.

51. Be Prepared for Hundreds in Port Fees and Gratuities

Cruise lines advertise ridiculously low fares. Well, just know that they are just the start of what you’ll pay. In addition, you’ll have to pay taxes and port fees, which can run into the hundreds depending on your specific trip. Add to that gratuities, which run about $15 per person, per day. Combined, these fees can add considerably to the cost of your cruise. Be prepared.

52. Keeping in Touch is Expensive (Internet Access)

Want to check email, surf the web, or call/text back home? Prepare to pay. Out at sea, the only communication is via satellite. Every cruise ship will have packages that allow you to call or get web access , but they charge a high price (often around $15-25 per day). There are several work-arounds (such as International plans that will give you cell phone service in port cities or using free wi-fi in ports), but for many people, it might be best just to turn off your device and enjoy being disconnected for a few days.

53. Don’t Even Think About Being Late For the Ship

Check out the video below. Don’t let this happen to you. The departure times for port days aren’t suggestions. You should be back on board by that time and not a moment later. The last thing you want to do is be a “pier runner” or worse, miss the ship altogether.

54. No Habla Espanol? No Problemo.

Many of the ports in the Caribbean and Mexico are Spanish-speaking countries, whereas others may speak Dutch or French. Don’t worry. You don’t have to be multi-lingual to get by. The cruise ports thrive on tourism and they make it as easy as possible for foreign tourists to get around. Practically everyone you encounter will speak English, so you can leave the Spanish dictionary at home.

55. Be Prepared to Have Your Picture Taken

Not the sort of person that likes having your picture taken by strangers? Get ready, because it will start before you even step foot on the ship. It’s big business on a cruise for roving photographers to take pictures of guests having fun. The pictures are then sold in the photo store on the ship.

To be fair, the photographers are great and it’s a nice way to get a professional photo done to remember your trip. If you don’t want a picture taken, you can just politely decline. And there’s no charge unless you decide to buy the picture.

56. Don’t Expect to Drink the Alcohol Bought in Port

If you think that bottle of tequila you just bought in Cozumel will make for a fun evening, think again. Just like on embarkation day, you can’t bring on bottles of booze from ports. Anything bought in port will be held on the ship and delivered back to your stateroom the night before you leave.

57. Be Careful, Cruises Are Addicting

You sure you want to take that first cruise? One thing they don’t tell you in all the brochures is how addicting it can be. A week of being catered to, eating great food, and visiting multiple exotic ports is hard to forget when you head back to work after your trip. In fact, many people book their next cruise while on the ship. But let’s be honest… there are worse habits to have than a cruising habit!

Related Articles:

• The Must-Read First-Time Cruise Guide for New Passengers
• 22 Basic Things Every First-Time Cruiser Should Know
• The 8 Things First-Timers Forget to Pack for a Cruise

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My first cruise next week will tender at Phuket with overnight stay. I’m wondering whether tender boat is usually available round-the-clock and will I be able to get back to the ship at midnight on Day 1? Or should I consider booking a hotel onshore? Thank you.

Not sure on that. Only stayed overnight in a port once and there was an “all-aboard” at midnight so they didn’t want you staying out past that time. It will be a cruise line policy, however, so yours may be different.

Where or who do I find out about Port Fees and taxes how much I should budget.

This will all be disclosed prior to buying. You can price the specific cruise online, but normally just factoring in $100-$200 per person is a quick way to figure it.

Ok I’m confused about the alcohol. Because most I have seen allow two bottles of wine per cabin (Either per port or per cruise). But this says you won’t get it until after the cruise?

No, you can bring on bottles of wine/champagne. Anything bought in port will be held until the last day of the cruise and then delivered to your room the last night.

Thank you for explaining that your room key acts more like a credit card on a cruise. My wife and I are planning on taking a cruise at the end of the year as a way to celebrate the coming of the new year. This will be our first time, so these tips you shared will help us make sure we have a great experience during the cruise.

I’m planning my trip first cruise. When choosing a balcony cabin on a large cruise, is it better on the upper decks, middle or lower? There seem to be price differences for different decks. Rom is there no difference? Thank you for infor.

To us it doesn’t really matter. It’s more about where you want to be in proximity to other parts of the ship. For example, most of the indoor amenities (casino, shopping, etc) are in the middle of the ship. Outdoor amenities are on the higher decks. So it’s really about if you mind taking the stairs or elevators to get back and forth.

My favorite part of this article is when you said that booking the balcony room is the best choice. As you mentioned, it is perfect for those who take their time in the morning while drinking a cup of coffee with a view. This is perfect for my husband and me because my husband is way too slow in the morning since he is a night owl. Actually, ever since we were dating, he would never choose to go out in the morning. Thanks!

Wow, it’s interesting that you said that there are no luggage fees in cruises, and we can bring as much as items as we want to. My family and I are going to look for a cruise trip for summer because it has been of our dreams ever since my husband and I got married. Our kids were also very excited when we told our plans with them. We will keep these tips in mind. Thanks a lot!

is there smoking cigarettes on a carnival cruise

Yes there is, but only in designated areas. It’s not allowed in your cabin or on your balcony.

Just returned from our first cruise and I am so glad I read your ‘tips and advice’! They really helped! And yes, they are ‘addicting’! Already booked for this summer out of NYC on a 4 night with new Carnival ship to Bermuda!!! YAY!!

Love to hear you had a great time!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Know before you go.

Here are some answers to many of the questions about the cruise experience. Learn about what to do before you cruise, on embarkation day and during your cruise. Also be sure to understand about the documentation that is required to travel and the importance of travel insurance.

If you still have questions then please free to contact us and we'll be happy to help you.

• BEFORE CRUISE
• EMBARKATION DAY
• DURING CRUISE
• PASSPORT, INSURANCE & IMPORTANT INFORMATION

When can I expect to receive my final documents?

Cruise vouchers will be sent to you via mail or email 2-3 weeks prior to departure. Please note that cruise tickets will not be released by the cruise line until after each guest has completed the pre-cruise registration. Pre-cruise registration can generally be completed after final payment is made.

When will my airline itinerary be made available?

Air arrangements purchased through the cruise line are generally made available about 3 weeks prior to departure. Please note that air schedules are booked at the discretion of the cruise line and cannot be changed. Anyone requiring special itineraries/air carriers must arrange for custom air prior to final payment. The minimum charge for custom air itineraries ranges from approximately $35-$100 per person and additional charges may apply. Custom air should be booked as early as possible to insure flight availability. It is the traveler's responsibility to confirm seat assignments and other special services, such as special meals or wheelchair assistance directly with the airline.

What should I pack?

First and foremost, dress for comfort. Daily life aboard ship and in ports of call is laid-back and casual. You are encouraged to wear whatever makes you feel most comfortable: sportswear, shorts, slacks, sundresses and so on. Warmer temperatures call for clothing made of lightweight, breathable fabrics. For cooler temperatures we suggest casual clothes that can be layered easily. On some days you may need a raincoat and waterproof hat or umbrella. Gloves are a good idea as well. Footwear should include comfortable walking shoes for visits ashore and sandals or rubber-soled shoes for strolling on deck.

In the evening the dress codes varies according to the ship that you are sailing on. Most ships now offer a variety of restaurants to choose from and the dress codes for those restaurants will vary from casual to smart casual to formal. The suggested dress code in the ships' main dining rooms is generally sport shirts and slacks for men and sundresses or pants for women although some guests prefer to dress up for the occasion and are welcome to do so. In specialty restaurants and on the luxury cruise ships, jackets and ties for men are suggested for men and cocktail dresses or a nice pantsuit outfit would be appropriate for women. Tuxedos are no longer the norm for formal nights as even on the most formal of ships, a dark suit and tie are fine for the dressiest occasions. Tuxedos are usually available for rental if preferred. Again, these are guidelines and your evening attire is left up to your discretion.

Can I make restaurant and other onboard reservations in advance?

Many cruise lines now offer a variety of dining options including specialty restaurants. As these restaurants tend to be smaller it is recommended to make reservations in advance during the pre-cruise registration process. Reservations can also be made in advance for the Spa and for some other onboard activities and entertainment venues.

Should I reconfirm my airline reservations?

Most airlines require passengers to check in online on their website 24 hours prior to the flight departure time and to print out boarding passes. At this time you can set your profile preferences to be notified about schedule changes either by email, text or a phone call. Please note that while you need to check in 24 hours prior to your flight departure, boarding passes generally cannot be obtained in advance for international flights as the airlines need to be able to verify the validity of your passport and other boarding documents. Plan to be at the airline counter at least 1-1/2 hours before flight time for domestic flights and 2-1/2 hours before flight time for international flights to account for any possible delays.

Is parking available at the pier?

Parking available at most of the piers and the rates vary by location. Visit our Cruise Port Parking page for links and additional information about the parking facilities for specific ports. Please note that at some piers only cash is accepted.

How do transfers work?

Most cruise lines include transfers between the airport and the pier on embarkation/disembarkation day if you have purchased an air/sea package directly with them. Passengers providing their own air must get their own transportation to/from the pier. Prepaid transfers can be purchased separately from most cruise lines. Flight information must be provided to the cruise line with final payment if separate transfers have been purchased.

What are the boarding procedures?

Generally, you will be allowed to board two or three hours before the ship sails. Keep in mind that you must be on the ship at least one hour before departure, and the gangway will be pulled thirty minutes before sailing.

Upon completion of check-in, you will receive a guest identification card. This card will serve as your identification on-board and will be used as your payment method for all onboard charges. In addition, it will also serve as your identification for security procedures when embarking and disembarking the ship and when making purchases on board.

As you walk up the gangway, a member of the cruise staff will welcome you aboard. Your luggage will be delivered to your cabin shortly after it arrives at the ship. You will only have your hand luggage while boarding so be sure to keep important articles such as medicines, cameras, diapers and other necessary items in your carry-on luggage. It's also a good idea to pack your bathing suit in your carry-on luggage so that you can enjoy the pool area while waiting for your luggage to be delivered. Once you are on board you are free to explore the ship. Refreshments are available during embarkation and most cruise lines offer a nice buffet lunch (depending on the departure time).

What is the visitor policy?

For security reasons most cruise lines have implemented a "no visitor" policy aboard their vessels.

Can I use my hair dryer, shaver or other electronic equipment?

Most ships have 110-volt outlets in the staterooms however nearly all ships now feature hair-dryers in the cabins. While traveling outside of the US a converter and an adapter is usually necessary for most electronic devices. Some ships sailing outside of North America offer both 110 and 220-volt outlets. Most hotels outside of the US only offer 220-volt outlets.

Can we stay in touch with the outside?

• Mass Media: Most ships have a daily newsletter with news, headlines, selected stock quotes and sports scores. Staterooms on most ships are equipped with televisions featuring a variety of news and entertainment channels.
• Telephone: While most ships have telephones in passenger cabins, you can also call someone on shore through the ship's radio operator while at sea. Please note that the costs for ship to shore calling can be quite high. You can make phone calls from most ports and most cellular carriers offer international calling plans as well as Cellular at Sea plans that you can purchase for the specific time period before you depart for your trip. If you plan of making phone calls while abroad then pre-purchasing an international calling plan from your cellular carrier can help save you money. Please note that the Caribbean is considered international and roaming charges will apply if an international calling plan is not purchased. Please contact your specific mobile carrier for detailed information about the calling plans that they offer.
• Fax and Internet: Many ships have fax capabilities and internet access. If you plan on using internet while onboard it is often less expensive to purchase an internet plan. Internet packages vary according to the amount of minutes purchased and can be used by most cell phones, laptops or other mobile devices. Information about specific plans can usually be found in your stateroom or at guest services.

What about tipping?

Gratuities vary by cruise line and are usually added to your shipboard account. A general rule of thumb is to plan for about $12.50 to $15.00 per person per day which includes gratuities for your room steward and dining room staff. On many cruise lines it is now possible to prepay the above gratuities. Certainly, if you have received exceptional service from an employee and want to give an additional tip as a token of appreciation, then cash can certainly be offered. On most cruise lines a 15%-18% gratuity is automatically added to beverage purchases, spa packages and other service related items which you may adjust according to services rendered. Most luxury cruise lines and river cruise lines include tipping in the price and will advise you accordingly.

Will I have a shipboard account?

Most cruise lines have set up a "cashless" system designed to make your life on board as simple as possible. You simply sign a receipt for each of your on-board purchases and then settle your shipboard account at the end of the cruise. Cash, VISA, American Express, MasterCard, Discover, and personal or traveler's checks are accepted as payment on most cruise lines.

What is the shipboard check cashing policy?

Most cruise lines will cash traveler's checks. Personal checks cannot be cashed and cash cannot be drawn from your shipboard account.

Are there laundry services aboard?

Almost all cruise ships have laundry facilities and a great many provide dry-cleaning services. There is, however, an additional charge for professional laundry and dry-cleaning services. Many ships also have self-service launderettes.

Can we celebrate a "special" day?

All cruise lines will make your "special" day special. Most will even treat you to a complimentary cake and a chorus of Happy Whatever to honor the occasion.

Are there medical services onboard?

Virtually every cruise ship (except for some smaller vessels operating in coastal waters) has a fully-equipped medical facility and staff to handle almost any emergency.

Your prescription medication should be kept close at hand in your purse or carry-on bag rather than in your checked luggage. Be sure to bring a sufficient supply of medication and transport it in the original container. It is also a good idea to carry a written list of your medications in case they are lost. The list should include the name of the drug, dosage, and times taken.

Please note that charges are usually incurred for services provided by onboard medical personnel. This is another reason why the purchase of travel insurance is very strongly suggested.

Do the cruise lines offer shore excursions?

Shore excursions can be purchased in advance with the Cruise.com Shore Excursion Department or with the cruise line. Shore excursions will help you make the most of your time in port and provide you with the best transportation and guide services available. Excursions can range from simple walking tours to zip-lining, helicopter rides and even custom shore excursions.

Do I need travel insurance?

Travel insurance can be purchased through the cruise line or Allianz Global Assistance prior to final payment with Cruise.Com. prior to final payment with Cruise.Com. The price will vary depending on the cost and length of your cruise. The purchase of travel insurance is strongly recommended. Once you are within the final payment period the cruise lines will impose strict cancellation penalties as outlined in their brochures. These penalties will not be waived even for medical reasons. Travel Insurance plans may also provide emergency medical benefits for covered illness or injury that occurs during your trip. Most personal insurance policies, including Medicare, do not provide coverage outside the U.S. Please contact Cruise.Com for further details.

Do I need a passport?

AIR TRAVEL All U.S. citizens including children must present a passport or other approved travel document when entering the United States by air. U.S. citizens can present a passport, NEXUS card at airports with NEXUS kiosks, U.S. military ID with travel orders, or a U.S. Merchant Mariner Document when on official business.

CRUISE TRAVEL U.S. citizens returning home from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean or Bermuda, by land or sea, will be required to present one of the travel documents listed below.

U.S. Passport – This is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies a person’s identity and nationality. It is accepted for travel by air, land and sea.

U.S. Passport Card – This is a new, limited-use travel document that fits in your wallet and costs less than a U.S. Passport. It is only valid for travel by land and sea.

Trusted Traveler Program Cards – NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST enrollment cards can speed your entry into the U.S. and are issued only to pre-approved, low-risk travelers. The cards are valid for use at land or sea; the NEXUS card can be used in airports with a NEXUS kiosk.

Note: Cruise Ship Passengers: U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises (cruises that begin and end at the same U.S. port) will be able to enter or depart the country with a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID. Please be aware that you may still be required to present a passport to enter the countries your cruise ship is visiting. Check with your cruise line to ensure you have the appropriate documents.

U.S. and Canadian citizen children under age 16 arriving by land or sea from contiguous territory may also present an original or copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Naturalization Certificate, or a Canadian Citizenship Card.

U.S. and Canadian citizen children under age 19 arriving by land or sea from contiguous territory and traveling with a school group, religious group, social or cultural organization, or sports team, may also present an original or copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Naturalization Certificate, or a Canadian Citizenship Card.

The group should be prepared to present a letter on organizational letterhead with the following information:

• The name of the group and supervising adult;
• A list of the children on the trip, and the primary address, phone number, date of birth, place of birth, and name of at least one parent or legal guardian for each child; and
• A written and signed statement of the supervising adult certifying that he or she has obtained parental or legal guardian consent for each participating child

These rules, requirements and regulations became effective on June 1, 2009 and replace all previous requirements. Cruise.com is not liable for any fees or penalties if passengers are denied boarding for failure to provide adequate documentation of citizenship.

OUR RECOMMENDATION Cruise.com strongly recommends that all guests travel with a valid passport during their cruise. This greatly assists guests who may need to fly out of the United States to meet their ship at the next available port should they miss their scheduled embarkation in a U.S. port; guests entering the U.S. at the end of their cruise; and guests needing to fly to the U.S. before their cruise ends, because of medical, family, personal or business emergencies, missing a ship's departure from a port of call, involuntary disembarkation from a ship due to misconduct, or other reasons.

Guests who need to fly to the United States before their cruise ends will likely experience significant delays and complications related to booking airline tickets and entering the United States if they do not have a valid U.S. passport with them.

All Non-U.S. citizens: Any non-US citizen who has previously been admitted to the United States for permanent residence must carry their passport and Alien Registration Receipt Card. All other non-U.S./non-Canadian citizens must have valid passports and any necessary visas. Such guests should verify carefully the existing identification requirements for their particular travel situation, as these requirements may change.

IMPORTANT: ALL guests should carefully verify the existing identification requirements for their particular travel situation DIRECTLY WITH THE CRUISE LINE OR THEIR LOCAL CONSULATES OR EMBASSIES, as these requirements may change. Guests arriving for embarkation without proper documentation may be denied boarding and will not be entitled to a refund.

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Before heading out on your cruise take a look at these frequently asked questions to make sure that you know what to expect while on-board:

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Sometimes things go wrong and you need to cancel your trip . If so, you should notify the cruise line immediately. The refund and cancellations they offer you are different depending on the cruise line you use. Some cruise lines even have penalties if you book really close to the sail date. You could get a full refund if you cancel within the designated cancellation period. Most cruises will not make exceptions no matter the reason you have to cancel, so make sure you get insurance in case you have an emergency and always review the cancellation policy before you book your cruise.

If you have booked your cruise, you can set a price alert on our website (for more details click here). We will send you an alert if the prices drop after you book. Then you can contact the cruise line to try to get the difference back or to get an onboard credit to use while on your trip.

Most of the time, cruise lines are not truly all-inclusive even if they say they are. The reason for this exception is that alcohol and soft drinks are usually extra, specialty restaurants cost extra, and they offer paid entertainment options. But you can easily find more about the true cost of a cruise in our How much does a cruise cost? guide.

If you book your cruise when there is mild weather and seas are steady, chances are you won't feel a lot of rocking on the ship. The larger the ship, the less likely it is that you will actually get seasick. However, if you are seriously prone to motion sickness there are things you can do to prevent it, including selecting cabins far away from the majority of the motion. Cabins located on lower decks and in the middle of the ship usually have the least movement. Choosing a large cruise ship size and a cruise ship cabin in the middle of the ship will thus help you to enjoy your cruise without worries.  

Just the same as purchasing food at a restaurant in town, you will get what you pay for. If you're in the main dining room on a budget cruise line, do not be disappointed when your dinner doesn’t feature special delicacies or isn’t served with a flourish. On the other hand, certain luxury cruise lines have top rated restaurants which rival those you would find in a big city. If food is of great importance to you, then there are some cruises for real gourmets and certain destinations for foodies as well. 

The number of passengers on your ship, when you are traveling, and where you are going will directly influence how crowded the ship is. Larger vessels will obviously be much more crowded. Weekend cruises which depart on Friday nights are much more crowded because they are full of often younger crowds squeezing a weekend getaway into packed work or school schedules.

Of course it depends on the ship, but probably not. Some ships are large enough to house shopping malls and thousands of people. They are so big that you will literally be inside a floating city. Even small ships can feel comfortable thanks to well-designed layouts and programming schedules.

Yes, most cruises have a minimum age requirement but these vary based on cruise line.

This depends on the cruise line you book, but generally speaking the answer is yes. Family cruises are a great option to get a vacation for every family member no matter what age. Larger cruises in particular are more appealing to families with multiple children because they offer different age-appropriate entertainment and activities, and they typically have babysitting services. 

Many cruises have a minimum age of six months from the date of sale for babies. Check to see which amenities are provided for different ages before you book.

The age at which you pay full price for a cruise varies based on cruise line. There are many kid-friendly cruises which let a baby sail for free or at a heavily-discounted rate. MSC Cruises is a great line for families because all kids under the age of 11 sail for free.

This depends on the cruise line. Most of them allow you to travel when pregnant up to your third trimester. Most of the cruise lines might not be able to accommodate you if you go into early delivery or if you have an emergency which is why their policies might not allow it during the third trimester.

Transfers are the mode of transportation provided between an airport and a cruise pier. These can be set up ahead of time, usually for a small fee, although some provide you with complimentary transfers if you book the air and sea packages.

Air and sea packages are when you book your flight and your cruise at the same time. The biggest advantage to this is that you can book everything at once and you can add extra protection in case you have a flight delay or cancellation. Therefore it is a stress-free possibility to travel to your cruise ship . Transfers may also be included in air and sea packages.

Understand that many cruise lines have limited space for luggage so you might be able to bring more on your airline when flying to the port then you will on the actual ship. Check with the storage limits for the cabin you have booked. With little preparation and a good packing list you can be sure that you don't forget anything important and don't pack anything unnecessary - especially for short cruises . 

There is no universal payment policy across all cruise lines. It is becoming increasingly common, especially on larger cruise lines, to use your cruise ID card for all on-board purchases. Your cruise ID card is linked to your onboard account. You can choose to deposit cash into this account when you start your cruise or you can simply connect to your debit or credit card. However, not all cruise lines have adopted this policy, so it is best to check with your individual cruise line ahead of time.

Every cruise requires you to arrive at least one hour before departure. It is best that you arrive the recommended two hours before departure so you have adequate time to park your car, especially if the parking at the pier is crowded, and you will have time to properly check in and board the ship.

On almost all ships there is new technology so that you can make cell phone calls no matter where you are but sometimes you will face international roaming charges. As for Internet you can often stay connected 24 hours a day on almost every ship. There is a wireless network offered in many state rooms and public areas throughout the ship. Please check if there are extra fees to use the Internet.

Traditional dining means that you have a set schedule for the time you eat and you are seated with the same guests every time. Many passengers like traditional dining because it offers personalized service from waiters.

There are typically three dress codes for ships: casual, informal, and formal. You can look at the dining information and dress code policies for each cruise to figure out what you need to wear based on where you are dining that evening. If you just want to be casual about your dining options the entire time you are on the ship, you can choose buffet style restaurants or use room service.

Check out these articles for more first time cruise advice:

• Tips for Solo Cruisers
• Things to Consider as a First-Time Cruiser
• Reasons to take a cruise

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• How to Choose the Best Cruise Ship Size
• How Much Does a Cruise Cost?
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Frequently Asked Cruise Questions

Home » Frequently Asked Cruise Questions

Last updated on January 24th, 2024 at 08:37 am

Have questions about cruising? Maybe it’s your first time taking a cruise and you just need to get some answers. Or, maybe you’ve been cruising for a while and you’ve come here looking to get your question answered. Keep reading!

answers to your most common

Cruise questions.

Are cruises good for wheelchair users?

Do cruise ships have doctors onboard?

Do cruise ships have dentists onboard?

Do cruise ships provide irons & ironing boards?

Do cruise ships provide curling irons?

Do cruise ships have hair dryers in the rooms?

Do cruise ships allow guns onboard?

Do cruise ships have jails?

Do cruise ships have free WiFi or Internet?

Do cruise ships have family rooms or suites?

Do cruise ships have free food?

Do cruise ships have fireworks?

Do cruise ships have gluten-free food?

Do cruise ships have ATMs?

Do cruise ships have morgues?

Do cruise lines allow pets or can I take pets on a cruise ship?

Do cruise lines search luggage before boarding?

Can cruise lines change your itinerary?

Do cruise ships get bedbugs?

Do cruise ships get attacked by pirates?

Do cruise ships get cold at night?

Can cruise ships tip over or sink?

Can cruise ships handle rough seas?

Can cruise ships leave passengers behind?

Do cruises include flights?

Do cruises go on sale?

What happens on a cruise if there is a hurricane or storm?

What does a cruise ship do with human waste?

Where do cruise ship staff sleep?

Where do I park my car when I go on a cruise?

Are cruises safe?

Do cruise ships provide soap and shampoo?

Do I need a passport to go on a cruise?

Do I have to dress up on a cruise?

How many cruise ships have sunk in the past 100 years?

Do I need travel insurance for a cruise?

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Top 10 FAQs From New Cruisers

Questions about cruises commonly asked by first-time cruisers.

Here we have assembled a list of answers to the top 10 cruise FAQs by customers who are new to cruising. If you have additional questions please give us a call by using the number at the top of the screen. You can also  visit our FAQ section  for more expansive cruise FAQs and answers.

1. What’s included that makes cruising a great value?

Your cruise fare includes accommodations, meals throughout the day including our 4-course dining rooms, entertainment, and an endless array of activities, including newly launched Discovery at Sea programs like Stargazing, kids crafts and more! Plus, you won’t have to pay for costly airfare, trains, or cabs to get you from one city to the next. When you take everything into consideration, you'll discover that you can actually save money by going on a cruise, as opposed to a land-based vacation.

Additional fees may apply for services such as specialty restaurants, shore excursions, laundry, etc.

2. Will I get seasick?

Our larger ships are more stable with heavier weight and therefore are less prone to rolling motion. Most ships are so large and well-stabilized that it doesn’t even feel like you’re moving, especially in calmer waters such as Alaska’s Inside Passage and the Caribbean. The middle of the ship tends have less motion, as it is the natural balance point.

If you are prone to sea sickness, consider itineraries with fewer sea days. Port intensive cruises will give you the opportunity to spend more time on land. Consult your physician for a drug or alternative solution. Guests find over-the-counter medicine, patches and special wristbands often remedy the situation.

3. What is a crew appreciation?

The crew appreciation is a daily (adjustable) amount added to your onboard account and pooled in order to recognize the many crew members in the Bar, Dining, Entertainment, Housekeeping, Guest Services, Galley and Onboard Revenue areas and entertainment areas throughout our fleet who contribute to the guest experience. The daily amount of the Crew Appreciation is based on stateroom category: $16 USD per guest in Interior, Oceanview and Balcony, $17 USD per guest in Mini-Suite and Reserve Collection, and $18 USD per guest in Suites.

4. What should I wear?

Casual sportswear, including shorts, lightweight pants and jogging suits, is the order of the day both at sea and ashore in hotter climates. We recommend you bring a sweater, a jacket or an all-weather coat for cool evenings, and for shore excursions, depending on your destination. You'll also want comfortable shoes for strolling on deck.

For evening dining, keep with what you would wear to a nice restaurant at home: skirts/dresses, slacks, and sweaters for ladies, pants and open-neck shirts for men. Cruises five days or longer include at least one formal dining night: evening gowns and cocktail dresses for ladies and tuxedos, dinner jackets or dark suits for men.

5. Are all princess ships alike?

Princess has a variety of ships, some that can carry over 3,500 guests. Every vessel in our fleet is designed to give you plenty of room to yourself with spacious decks, public spaces and balcony staterooms. Yet each also creates many opportunities to socialize through activities and entertainment to suit your mood.

6. Is there phone and internet access?

Mobile phone service is available for use when the ship is at sea, in international waters, and in other areas where such use is permitted. All charges will be conveniently billed to you directly by your mobile device provider.

Your mobile phone provider must have a roaming agreement with Maritime Communications Partner (MCP)or Wireless Maritime Services (WMS). Please contact your provider for more details on rates and availability.

Not only do we have the internet, we offer the best Wi-Fi at sea! With MedallionNet® Wi-Fi, you can stream your favorite movies and shows, video chat with family and friends back home and post photos of your vacation with ease. You can purchase a package before or during your cruise.

7. Will I be bored?

Nope! You couldn’t do all the activities or attend all the events on board if you tried. (And we don’t recommend it.) The possibilities are just this side of endless – culinary demonstrations, bingo, wine tastings, spa treatments, Encounters with Discovery at SEA™ featuring local experts, destination-specific onboard programs like North to Alaska, miniature golf, a book club, dance classes and that’s just for starters.

8. Is cruising safe?

1.7 million passengers sail with Princess annually. Your safety is our top priority. All of our onboard medical facilities meet or exceed the standards established by the American College of Emergency Physicians. Our onboard medical facilities are staffed by full-time registered doctors and nurses. In addition to twice-daily office hours, they are available 24 hours a day in the event of an emergency.

All ships must follow rules and regulations to protect passengers' (and crewmembers') safety while onboard. The Coast Guard conducts quarterly inspections of all ships that operate from U.S. ports, making sure they comply with emergency-response requirements. Ships operate under international rules that regulate everything from fire safety to navigation and maritime security. We were the first in our industry to have a virtual training facility for our bridge crew, which we call the SeaSmart program. We also have voluntarily installed fire sprinklers in all cabins and balconies on all our ships.

9. What are the rooms like and how do I choose?

The staterooms are comfortable as can be, whether you’re sailing in an interior or a suite. But of course the higher the category, the nicer the experience. It all comes down to what you’re looking for. If you are keeping an eye on your budget – totally fine! – try an interior or oceanview. If you want the freedom to go outside from your stateroom, go with a balcony. (No matter where we sail, there’s always a great view.) And if you want more space – and a larger bathroom with tub – we recommend a mini suite. Looking to indulge in the best? Try a full suite. It includes all sorts of extras, like laundry and professional cleaning services. And if you’re traveling with a group, we have connecting staterooms and family suites, which sleep up to eight guests.

10. What is a shore excursion and how do I make reservations?

Exploring ports of call will be one of the highlights of your cruise, and one of the best ways to do this is on a shore excursion. You will find a variety of options available to suit your taste including family friendly options with discounted rates for children.

Excursions offered through Princess are carefully selected and provided by reputable tour operators who meet the high standards of Princess. Your security and comfort are of paramount importance. Every effort is made to ensure that each tour operates safely.

Princess organizes your tours in advance so your time in port is maximized and worry-free. We closely monitor tour departures and returns and we are able to hold the ship in the event your tour is delayed.

You can  book your shore excursions with Cruise Personalizer ®  from approximately 12 weeks before travel, and up to 5 days before you depart.  Learn more about our ports and excursions, or watch one of our  cruise destination videos.

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You cruise questions answered

This week, we answer cruise questions like: Where can I stay on the cheap in Vancouver? What should I do pre-cruise in London? And, more! Download our shore day bag checklist and more cruise packing and planning checklists & videos by joining the CruiseTipsTV Academy at https://academy.cruisetipstv.com

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Stay In Touch

Thanks so much for listening! We hope you’ve enjoyed this podcast and we’d love to hear from you! Please feel free to direct message us on  Instagram  or  Facebook   with your thoughts, or just check in to see what we are up to on those platforms. We have lots of fun on Instagram, and we have a wonderful welcoming cruising community on Facebook. Be sure to check those out.

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Here’s what people are saying about the CruiseTipsTV Unplugged Podcast

I started listening last year when I booked my very first cruise, which is a transatlantic this April with my mom! The info you share has been incredibly helpful! I love your bright personality and enthusiasm for cruising. I listen on my way to work in the mornings and get so excited about my own cruise! Thank you, and Mr CruiseTips, so much for this podcast!

Going on my first ever cruise this summer to Alaska and trying to learn as much as possible. Really enjoy this podcast. Your voices are so easy to listen to, love the banter, and so much good information. My only wish is that you knew Celebrity because that’s who I’m cruising with. That aside, thank you.

I’ve listened to many cruise related podcasts and this is the best by far. So many wonderful tips! I’ve become a carry-on only traveler because of CTTV and love being able to avoid the long walk to retrieve my luggage. I took the cruise line personality quiz on the CTTV website and we absolutely loved our first Holland America cruise. Much better fit than our previous cruises. I am always going back to previous episodes to pick up tips and advice I may have missed. Thank you CTTV!

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Have a question? Don’t be shy. We’re here help you make the most of your adventure. Find answers to our most frequently asked questions below.

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342 Cruise Ship Quiz Questions (With Photos)

Think you know a lot about cruising? In this post, you’ll find HUNDREDS of cruise ship quiz questions to test your knowledge. 

Each week we are hosting a live cruise-based trivia session on my YouTube channel which you’ll find here: Emma Cruises YouTube Channel. All videos are available to watch after the event.

Below you’ll find the questions and answers.

Cruise Trivia, Round 1 Questions

Q1 – Which cruise like attempted to break a world recording by launching a 245 day cruise? Prices starting at $90,000.

Q2 – Which cruise lines luxury expedition yacht comes complete with a submarine and helicopter?

Q3 – Can you bring beer onto a Carnival cruise on Embarkation day?

Q4 – Disney has four cruise ships, name them.

Q5 – On Princess cruises a dessert item is paraded around the dining room on the last night of the cruise, what is the dessert item?

Q6 – The Pride of Aloha from Norwegian Cruise Line changed her name in 2008, what is her current name?

Q7 – On Which cruise line will you find this statue?

Q8 – On which cruise line will you find this cabin?

Q9 – Which cruise line has the solo cruise balcony cabins pictured here?

Q10 – Celestyal Cruises are a cruise line based in which country?

Q11 – On which cruise line will you find the beach house speciality restaurant?

Q12 – Per year, how many cruise ship calls are there in Bergen, Noway?

Q13 – In what year was Norwegian Encore launched?

Q14 – The cruise ship Balmoral is owned by which cruise line?

Q15 – Where was this photo taken?

A1 – Viking Ocean Cruises. – A2 – Scenic – A3 – No, Wine only. Find out more here:  Can You Bring Alcohol on a Cruise? (Cruise Line Guide) – A4 – Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. – A5 – Baked Alaska – A6 – Norwegian Sky – A7 – Costa Cruises – A8 – MSC Cruises – A9 – P&O Cruises – A10 – Greece – A11 – P&O Cruises – A12 – 326 – A13 – 2019 – A14 – Fred Olsen – A15 – Tallin, Estonia

Cruise Trivia, Round 2 Questions

Q1 – What two colours are on the Cunard funnel?

Q2 – P&O Cruises have a British part and a part based in which other country?

Q3 – Royal Caribbeans Independence of The Seas has two sisters, name them.

Q4 – On which cruise line will you find Eric Lanlard’s afternoon tea?

Q5 – Outside of the US what is the busiest cruise port by passenger numbers?

Q6 – In which city will you find the church of spilled blood?

Q7 – Why are cruise ships MOSTLY white?

Q8 – How many donkeys ‘work’ carrying tourists up and down the steps of Santorini?

Q9 – What was the name of Carnivals first cruise ship?

Q10 – Does the Carnival company have more, or less than 100 ships?

Q11 – Approximately how many cruise ship calls does Southampton (the biggest UK cruise port) have per year?

Q12 – How old is the colosseum in Rome?

Cruise Trivia, Round 2 Answers

A1 – Red and Black – A2 – Australia – A3 – Freedom of The Seas and Liberty of The Seas – A4 – P&O Cruises – A5 – Cozumel – A6 – St Petersburg – A7 – To Reflect Heat – A8 – Approximately 100 – A9 – Mardi Gras – A10 – More – A11 – 500 – A12 – 2000 Years

Cruise Trivia, Round 3 Questions

Q1 – On which cruise line will you find the deepest cruise ship swimming pool?

Q2 – How old do you have to be to cruise with Viking?

Q3 – Royal Princess has a sister ship who doesn’t belong to Princess, who is she?

Q4 – What language do the people of Cuba speak?

Q5 – What is the currency of Jamaica?

Q6 – What is the unit of measurement used to describe the speed of cruise ships?

Q7 – Which cruise line has a partnership with lego?

Q8 – What is the name of Princess cruises mascot teddy bear?

Q9 – In which country will you find Gothenburg?

Q10 – What is the name of MSC Meraviglia’s sister ship?

Q11 – Which countries flag is this?

Q12 – Which countries flag is this?

Q13 – Which countries flag is this?

Q14 – Which countries flag is this?

Q15 – Which countries flag is this?

Cruise Trivia, Round 3 Answers

A1 – Royal Caribbean – A2 – 18 – A3 – P&O, Britannia – A4 – Spanish – A5 – Jamaican Dollar – A6 – Knots – A7 – MSC – A8 – Stanley – A9 – Sweden – A10 – MSC Meraviglia – A11 – Greece – A12 – Italy – A13 – Turkey – A14 – USA – A15 – Norway

Cruise Trivia, Round 4 Questions

Q1 – In which European country have river cruises restarted?

Q2 – What is the name of Virgin Voyages second cruise ship?

Q3 – Where is this?

Q4 – Which Norwegian Cruise Line cruise ship has this bathroom layout?

Q5 – What is the top loyalty status with Royal Caribbean?

Q6 – Norwegian Cruise Line have released guidelines for when they return to cruising, do the guidelines say that passengers must wear masks onboard?

Q7 – All ships for which cruise line end their names with the letter A?

Q8 – How many pools does the Sapphire Princess have? 1, 3 or 5?

Q9 – Royal Caribbean have recently patented a new invention, a face mask, what is it called?

Q10 – Which is the only cruise line that shows movies the same day that they premier on land?

Q11 – What is Holland Americas private island called?

Q12 – Hong Kong has two official languages, what are they?

Q13 – What is the buffet on Royal Caribbean cruise ships called?

Q14 – Many MSC cruise ship have real Crystal staircases, how much does each step cost?

Q15 – Which cruise line is hosting a 90s vs 00’s cruise in September?

Cruise Trivia, Round 4 Answers

A1 – Germany – A2 – Valiant Lady – A3 – Loch Ness, Scotland – A4 – Norwegian Epic – A5 – Pinnacle – A6 – No – A7 – Costa – A8 – 5 – A9 –  Seaface – A10 – Disney Cruise Line – A11 – Half Moon Cay – A12 – Chinese and English – A13 – Windjammer – A14 – £10,000/$13,000 – A15 – Marella

Cruise Trivia, Round 5 Questions

Q1 – What is this thing on the Anthem of the Seas called?

Q2 – Which is the only cruise line to cruise to Norway year round?

Q3 – Which cruise line does this ship belong to?

Q4 – What does the abbreviation ‘B2B’ mean when talking about cruise bookings?

Q5 – What colour are the lifeboats on Disney cruise ships?

Q6 – What is the capital of Hawaii?

Q7 – Which country has the most number of bikes per capita?

Q8 – Which sky line is this?

Q9 – Which Cunard cruise ship is being used as a hotel in Dubai?

Q10 – Which MSC Cruise Ship was meant to launch in September 2020?

Q11 – What is the official language of Bermuda?

Q12 – Valetta is the capital of which country?

Q13 – What is the ‘whale tail’ on a Carnival cruise ship?

Q14 – On which cruise line will you find this aft pool?

Q15 – What is the biggest cruise ship in the world?

Cruise Trivia, Round 5 Answers

A1 – North Star – A2 – Hurtigruten – A3 – Norwegian Cruise Line – A4 – Back to Back – A5 – Yellow – A6 – Honolulu – A7 – Netherlands – A8 – New York City – A9 – Queen Elizabeth 2 – A10 – MSC Virtuosa – A11 – English – A12 – Malta – A13 – Funnel – A14 – MSC – A15 – Symphony of The Seas

Cruise Trivia, Round 6 Questions

Q1 – On which cruise line will you find this HUGE sports court?

Q2 – Which fruit is considered unlucky on ships?

Q3 – Which coffee chain will you find on Norwegian Cruise Line ships?

Q4 – The new cruise guidelines released from the EU suggest that cruise lines should shut which type of pools? Inside pools or outside pools?

Q5 – Kotor is a town in which country?

Q6 – Cunard celebrates its birthday tomorrow, how old is the company?

Q7 – Viking cruises have a ship designed specially for the Mississippi river, how many decks does she have?

Q8 – In 2021 Hurtigruten will be sailing from the UK, which port will they sail from?

Q9 – Which cruise ship is this?

Q10 – Pullmantur cruises are a cruise line from which country?

Q11 – On which cruise line will you find the Million Dollar Quartet?

Q12 – What is the name of the pizza restaurant found on Princess cruises?

Q13 – Amber Cove is a cruise terminal for which country?

Q14 – P&O cruises recently removed what from their sail away parties?

Q15 – Which cruise line features in these photos?

Cruise Trivia, Round 6 Answers

A1 – MSC – A2 – Bananas – A3 – Starbucks – A4 – Inside pools – A5 – Montenegro – A6 – 180 years old – A7 – 5 Decks – A8 – Dover – A9 – Marella Discovery – A10 – Spain – A11 – Norwegian Cruise Line – A12 – Alfredos – A13 – Dominican Republic – A14 – Plastic flags! – A15 – Saga

Cruise Trivia, Round 7 Questions

Q1 – Greek cruise line Celestyal have just bought a cruise ship from which cruise line?

Q2 – What is the largest cruise ship not owned by Royal Caribbean? (Gross tonnage)

Q3 – What is the maximum passenger capacity of Symphony of the Seas?

Q4 – Name the two Princess ships in the Royal class.

Q5 – Which cruise line has all if it’s ships names ending in ‘dam’?

Q6 – In which country is the headquarters of Viking Cruises?

Q7 – Regent Seven Seas are owned by which company?

Q8 – Which cruise line is the third-largest in the world?

Q9 – Which cruise line used to own ships called Sunward, Skyward, and Starward?

Q10 – Which class is Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas?

Q11 – How many cruise ships do Azamara have?

Q12 – To which cruise line does this ship belong?

Q13 – Pacific Dawn (P&O Cruises Australia) has been bought by which British cruise line?

Q14 – Can you drink tap water on a cruise? Yes or No.

Q15 – Do Disney cruise line offer drinks packages?

Cruise Trivia, Round 7 Answers

A1 – Celestyal

A2 – Costa Smeralda

A3 –  6680

A4 – Royal Princess and Regal Princess

A5 – Holland America

A6 – Switzerland

A7 – Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings

A8 – Norwegian Cruise Line

A9 – Norwegian Cruise Line

A10 – Quantum Class

A11  – 3, Journey, Quest and Pursuit

A12 – Royal Caribbean

A13 – Cruise and Maritime

A14 – Yes

A15 – No

Cruise Trivia, Round 8 Questions

Q1 – Which of the Norwegian Cruise Line ships is registered to the US?

Q2 – What is a cabin crawl?

Q3 – How many metres squared is the average inside cabin?

Q4 – On which cruise line will you find this cabin?

Q5 – Which country are cruise line Hurtigruten from?

Q6 – On which cruise line which was this photo taken?

Q7 – Which new Royal Caribbean ship delivery has been delayed from November 2020 to April 2021?

Q8 – What is the name of Disneys 5th cruise ship going to be? (Delivered in 2021, sailing 2022)

Q9 – According to CLIA what was the average age of a person on a cruise in 2019?

Q10 – What are these beds that come from the ceiling called?

Q11 – Where are Celebrity Cruises cruise ships flagged?

Q12 – Which cruise line runs ‘mystery’ cruises where the destinations aren’t known to guests?

Q13 – Being in MSC’s loyalty program gives you what percent discount on all cruises?

Q14 – Viking Cruises celebrated a birthday yesterday, how old are they?

Q15 – What percentage of norovirus cases happen on cruise ships?

Cruise Trivia, Round 8 Answers

A1 – Pride of America

A2 – It’s similar to a bar crawl, a group of passengers go cabin to cabin to view different stateroom categories.

A3 – 15m2

A4 – Norwegian Cruise Line (Encore)

A5 – Norway

A6 – Viking Cruise Line

A7 – Odyssey of The Seas

A8 – Disney Wish

A9 – 47

A10 – Pullman beds

A11 – Malta

A12 – Fred Olsen

A13 – 5%

A14 – 23

A15 – 0.18%

Cruise Trivia, Round 9 Questions

Q1 – Which MSC cruise ship is sailing the Mediterranean RIGHT NOW?

Q2 – What is the oldest cruise ship in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet?

Q3 – What percentage of the world’s cruise ships are deployed to the Caribbean? (On a normal year, not right now)

Q4 – What does ‘Mein Schiff’ mean in English?

Q5 – If you’re feeling seasick should you eat red or green apples?

Q6 – In which country is Genoa?

Q7 – Which MSC Cruise ship was floated out this week? (August 2020)

Q8 – What does ‘Crociere’ mean in English?

Q9 – Which brand of cola will you find on Norwegian Cruise Line ships? Coca Cola or Pepsi?

Q10 – What is the name of the wearable technology found on Princess cruises?

Q11 – Which broadway-style musical will you find on the Norwegian Epic?

Q12 – Which cruise line is the oldest, Royal Caribbean, NCL, or Carnival?

Q13 – Which ship is the sister of the Norwegian Star?

Q14 – Norwegian Cruise Line has what percentage of the worldwide cruising market? (As of 2018)

Q15 – Cruise ship Song of America was built for which cruise line?

Cruise Trivia, Round 9 Answers

A1 – MSC Grandiosa

A2 – Norwegian Spirit

A3 – 34%

A4 – My Ship

A5 – Green apples

A6 – Italy

A7 – MSC Seashore

A8 – Cruises

A9 – Pepsi

A10 – Ocean Medallion

A11 – Priscilla Queen of the Desert

A12 – NCL

A13 – Norwegian Dawn

A14 – 8.7%

A15 – Royal Caribbean

Cruise Trivia, Round 10 Questions

Q1 – Traditionally how long is a watch (shift) on the bridge of a cruise ship?

Q2 – What is the name of the person on a cruise who takes care of all the accounts and money?

Q3 – What is ‘potable water’?

Q4 – What does it mean when a cruise ship is said to be ‘Panamax’?

Q5 – What day of the week is it considered unlucky to sail out of port on?

Q6 – Where was Titanic built?

Q7 – Holland Americas Amsterdam and Rotterdam have been bought by Fred Olsen. What will their new names be?

Q8 – Who is second in command from the captain?

Q9 – What is the name of the cruise ship in this anagram – Cleanser Grips?

Q10 – What cruise port holds the International Mersey River festival?

Q11 – What are the four words that apparently make the word POSH?

Q12 – What part of the ship reduces its roll due to wind or waves?

Q13 – To which cruise line does the world’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG) powered cruise ship belong?

Q14 – In what year did Carnival Fantasy join the fleet?

Q15 – In which class of cruise ship is Carnival’s Ecstasy?

Cruise Trivia, Round 10 Answers

A1 – 4 Hours

A2 – The purser

A3 – It’s drinkable

A4 – It’s width is the maximum that can go through the Panama canal

A5 – Friday

A6 – Belfast

Titanic vs a Modern Cruise Ship Fleet – Comparison with Photos!

A7 – Bolette and Borealis

A8 – Staff Captain

A9 – Regal Princess

A10 – Liverpool

A11 – Port Out, Starboard Home

A12 – Stabilisers

A13 – Aida

A14 – 1990

A15 – Fantasy class

Cruise Trivia, Round 11 Questions

Q1 – Which cruise ship is this?

Q2 – What cruise destination is this?

Q3 – Which cruise ship has Kelly Clarkson as it’s godmother?

Q4 – Which cruise ship has an escape room called “Apollo 18”?

Q5 – What is Southampton’s newest cruise terminal called?

Q6 – What is this in the red circle used for?

Q7 – Where was this photo taken?

Q8 – Which two cruise companies formed the ‘healthy sail’ panel?

Q9 – What are guests inside in this photo?

Q10 – Royal Caribbean’s oldest cruise ship was built in with year (Oldest currently still sailing for Royal Caribbean)?

Q11 – Which cruise line has the musical ‘SIX’?

Q12 – How old do you have to be to pay gratities on a Carnival cruise?

Q13 – Approximately what percentage of gratuities go to the stateroom staff?

Q14 – In Sep 2020, 4 ships from Carnival’s fantasy-class have been sold, how many are left?

Q15 – What is the main nationality of guest you’ll find on a P&O Cruise.

Cruise Trivia, Round 11 Answers

A1 – Queen Victoria.

A2 – Tromsø, Norway.

A3 – Norwegian Encore.

A4 – Oasis of the Seas.

A5 – Ocean Cruise Terminal.

A6 – Keep rats of the ship.

A7 – Kotor.

A8 – Royal Caribbean and Norwegian.

A9 – A Tender/Lifeboat.

A10 – 1989/1990.

A11 – Norwegian.

A12 – 2 years.

A13 – 25%.

A14 – 4.

A15 – British.

Cruise Trivia, Round 12 Questions

Q1 – How fast is 26 knots in miles per hour?

Q2 – What cruise port is this?

Q3 – In which country was Enchanted Princess built?

Q4 – Which former cruise ship has one of her anchors as a monument in Southampton?

Q5 – Where are the headquarters of Holland America?

Q6 – There are three cruise ships in Royal Caribbean’s Quantum class, Quantum, Anthem and which other?

Q7 – What is the skydiving simulator on Royal Caribbean ships called?

Q8 – In which decade were Carnival founded?

Q9 – What was the name of Carnival’s first ship?

Q10 – On which cruise line will you find this cabin?

Q12 – Are there any ocean cruises where you have to disembark?

Q13 – Which cruise line does this ship belong to?

Q15 – Where are Disney’s cruise ships registered?

Cruise Trivia, Round 12 Answers

A1 – 30 MPH.

A2 – Vancouver, Canada.

A3 – Italy.

A4 – QE2.

A5 – Seattle.

A6 – Ovation.

A7 – RipCord® by iFLY®.

A8 – 1970s.

A9 – Mardi Gras.

A10 – MSC.

A11 – Black Water.

A12 – Yes, for customs reasons.

A13 – Hurtigruten.

A14 – Premier Cruise Lines.

A15 – The Bahamas.

Cruise Trivia, Round 13 Questions

Q1 – Which of these was not built in Finland: Allure of the Seas, Carnival Miracle, Costa Smeralda and Norwegian Epic?

Q2 – Put these cruise ports in order from North to South: Helsinki, Oslo and Vancouver (Canada)?

Q3 – Allure and Oasis are both too tall to go under the Great Belt Bridge. How to they fix this? A: Move the funnel pipes. B: Sail at Low Tide. C Open the bridge?

Q4 – What is the name of the Carnival cruise ship that will debut in Nov 2022?

Q6 – Which P&O ship was going to be Cunard’s Queen Victoria when it was first being built?

Q7 – What part of the world is Sea Dream heading to right now to start a cruising season?

Q9 – For a 7-night cruise, the Symphony of the Seas has how many tons of fresh fruit onboard? A – 12, B – 213, C – 340?

Q10 – You can gamble on a Royal Caribbean cruise at 19 unless you are cruising in which destination?

Q11 – According to Princess Cruises, crew can expect to get how many months off between contracts?

Q12 – What is the busiest cruise port in the world?

Q14 – What is the Mojito bar found on Norwegian Cruise Line ships called?

Q15 – How many US states begin with the letter A?

Cruise Trivia, Round 13 Answers

A1 – Norwegian Epic.

A2 – Helsinki, Oslo and Vancouver.

A3 – Move the funnel pipes.

A4 – Celebration.

A5 – Royal Caribbean.

A6 – Arcadia.

A7 – Bahamas/Caribbean.

A8 – MSC.

A9 – 340.

A10 – Alaska.

A11 – 2 Months.

A12 – Miami.

A13 – Wake up light.

A14 – Sugarcane.

A15 – 4.

Cruise Trivia, Round 14 Questions

Q1 – What European city would you be cruising to if you sailed past an island named Lido?

Q2 – In what country was Samuel Cunard, founder of Cunard Lines, born?

Q4 – Which cruise line has the Greek letter Chi on the funnels of their ships?

Q5 – Which cruise line features the extra cost “it’s a small world” nursery on its ships?

Q6 – The Titanic had a poop desk, true or false?

Q7 – Which cruise line has a magic show onboard called Astonishing?

Q8 – On many Royal Caribbean ships, what’s the name of the bar that wraps around the funnel?

Q9 – According to seafaring tradition, what must a sailor do to transform from a Pollywog to a Shellback?

Q10 – How many London airports are there?

Q11 – Ocean Village was a sister cruise line to which British cruise line?

Q12 – The CMV cruise ship Magellan was ORIGINALLY built for which cruise line? (Photo: Ivo Brasil)

Q13 – How many cruise ships have had the name Crown Princess?

Q14 – After selling the Marella Dream, how many cruise ships do Marella have in their fleet?

Q15 – What cruise line, from 1986 to 2016, has a corporate logo that depicted a ship most famously commanded by a captain named Hudson?

Cruise Trivia, Round 14 Answers

A1 – Venice.

A2 – Canada.

A3 – Costa.

A4 – Celebrity.

A5 – Disney.

A6 – True.

A7 – P&O.

A8 – Viking Crown Lounge.

A9 – Crossing the equator.

A10 – 6 (City, Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Stansted and Southend) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airports_of_London

A11 – P&O.

A12 – Carnival.

A13 – 2.

A15 – Holland America.

Cruise Trivia, Round 15 Questions

Q1 – Which Royal Caribbean cruise ship was the first to have ‘of the seas’ in the name?

Q2 – Which cruise ship was the first to include an indoor swimming pool?

Q3 – German cruise TUI Cruises are part-owned by Royal Caribbean, what percentage do Royal Caribbean own?

Q4 – Name the three cruise lines featured in this photo:

Q5 – How much does Symphony of the Seas spend on food per week?

Q6 – Which Royal Caribbean cruise ship was floated out this week?

Q7 – Which cruise line is shown here?

Q8 – What is this?

Q9 – What is Marella’s mascot called?  Hint: He’s an Alpaca?

Q10 – Do cruise ships have displacement hulls, or planing hulls?

Q11 – Pacific Explorer, Pacific Adventure, and Pacific Encounter belong to which cruise line?

Q12 – Which sits lower in the water, a cruise ship or an ocean liner?

Q13 – The Norwegian Sky had another name, while still with Norwegian Cruise Line, which was it?

Q14 – Which company owns Costa Cruises, Holland America, and Princess Cruises?

Q15 – What do Princess Cruises call the event where guests watch a movie on the top deck?

Cruise Trivia, Round 15 Answers

A1 – Sovereign of the Seas.

A2 – Adriatic.

A3 – 50%.

A4 – Aida, Princess and NCL.

A5 – $1 Million.

A6 – Odyssey of the Seas.

A7 – Marella.

A8 – Spare propeller blade.

A9 – Skipper

A10 – Displacement Hull.

A11 – P&O Australia.

A12 – Ocean Liner.

A13 – ​Pride of Aloha.

A14 – Carnival.

A15 – Movies under the Stars.

Cruise Trivia, Round 16 Questions

Q1 – Who is the godmother of Allure of The Seas?

Q2 – How many miles of electrical wiring was used to build Oasis of the Seas? – 100 miles, 1200 miles or 3300 miles?

Q3 – Titanic had a fake feature (you can see it in this photo) what is it?

Q4 – What are the white balls on top of cruise ships for?

Q5 – How did Cunard ship RMS Britannia guarantee fresh milk for her passengers back in the day?

Q6 – Which cruise line has a topless sunbathing deck? Hint: It’s not an American cruise line.

Q7 – How much did it cost to make Symphony of The Seas? $900 Million, $1.1 Billion or $1.3 Billion.

Q8 – Which religious organisation has its own cruise ship?

Q9 – To which cruise line does this cabin belong?

Q10 – What does Royal Caribbean call this?

Q11 – Why would a cruise line cut a cruise ship in half?

Q12 – Which cruise line has just announced a 136 day world cruise for 2021/2022, prices starting at £43,000?

Q13 – Which 2 Royal Caribbean ships have Royal Caribbean sold this week?

Q14 – What is the average cruise length (in days)?

Q15 – What is the Princess Cruises mascot bear called?

Cruise Trivia, Round 16 Answers

A1 – Princess Fiona.

A2 – 3,300 miles.

A3 – Funnel.

A4 – Satellite Communications.

A5 – A cow on board.

A6 – Hapag Lloyd.

A7 – $1.3 Billion.

A8 – Scientology.

A9 – Saga.

A10 – Tracelet.

A11 – To extend it.

A12 – Viking.

A13 – Empress and Majesty.

A14 – Seven.

A15 – Stanley.

Cruise Trivia, Round 17 Questions

Q1 – Which crew members can eat in the buffet on a cruise?

Q2 – This is the US patent for which cruise ship feature?

Q3 – Which cruise line is considering a 90-day cruise to nowhere when cruising resumes?

Q4 – In which decade was the Jewel of The Seas built?

Q5 – Why do river cruise ships not have elevators on the top decks?

Q6 – What is the roller coaster found on Carnival’s newest ship Mardi Gras called?

Q7 – What am I breaking here?

Q8 – Did Carnival’s original Mardi Gras have the wing-shaped design we are used to?

Q9 – What is a cruise ship jail called?

Q10 – Which cruise ship did P&O sell in 2020?

Q11 – How many cruise ships do Bahamas Paradise Line have?

Q12 – Which cruise line has a cruise ship that shares the name with a blimp from a Disney Pixar movie?

Q13 – Celestyal bought a new cruise ship in 2020, from which cruise line did the ship come?

Q14 – In 2018 what percentage of cruise passengers sailed with Disney Cruise Line? 0.5%, 2% or 5%?

Q15 – What class in Princess’ Royal Princess?

Cruise Trivia, Round 17 Answers

A1 – Staff and Officers and Entertainers.

A2 – Carnival whale tail.

A3 – Viking.

A4 – Naughties (2004).

A5 – They have to get under bridges.

A6 – Bolt.

A7 – Packing bag.

A8 – No.

A9 – Brig.

A10 – Oceana.

A11 – One.

A12 – Saga.

A13 – Costa.

A14 – 2%.

A15 – Royal class.

Cruise Trivia, Round 18 Questions

Q1 – In which country is Gothenburg?

Q2 – What does this flag mean when rasied on a cruise ship?

Q3 – What does ‘Smerelda’ mean in English?

Q4 – Which cruise line does this ship belong to?

Q5 – In which year was the Sky Princess launched?

Q6 – Which three Carnival cruise ship names start with P? (Carnival P______)

Q7 – What is Princess Cruises’ loyalty program called?

Q8 – What three colours are on the Carnical funnel?

Q9 – Some men can cruise for free by spending their time dancing and socialising with guests, what is the name of this job?

Q10 – Where was Titanic sailing to?

Q11 – How much ice cream does Anthem of the Seas use per week (in gallons) 200, 1600 or 8000?

Q12 – If you visited Russia, Germany, Estonia and Finland on a cruise, which itinerary would you be on?

Q13 – Which cruise line brings puppies on board the ship on some Alaska cruises?

Q14 – How many inside cains are there (for passengers) on the Viking Ocean ships?

Q15 – What is the currency of Bermuda?

Cruise Trivia, Round 18 Answers

A1 – Sweden.

A2 – Pilot on board.

A3 – Emerald.

A4 – Viking.

A5 – 2019.

A6 – Pride, Panarama, Paradise.

A7 – Captain’s Circle.

A8 – White, Blue and Red.

A9 – Gentleman Host.

A10 – New York, New York.

A11 – 8,000.

A12 – Baltic.

A13 – Princess.

A14 – Zero.

A15 – Bermudan Dollar.

Cruise Trivia, Round 19 Questions

Q1 – The cruise ship I’m holding here represents cruise line?

Q2 – What is the least populated continent?

Q3 – Which animated movie about a vampire takes place on a cruise ship?

Q4 – Who is this man? Photo taken on P&O’s Britannia.

Q5 – Which cruise line provides a Northern Lights guarantee for Northern Lights cruises?

Q6 – The private island Labadee is owned by which cruise line?

Q7 – Which cruise line’s logo is a crown on top of an anchor?

Q8 – The artist Peter Max designed the hull art for a ship owned by which cruise line?

Q9 – On which cruise line will you find this restaurant?

Q10 – Princess’s Golden Princess was sold to P&O Cruises Australia in 2020, what is her new name?

Q11 – On which cruise line will you find the Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver restaurant?

Q12 – If you visited Ketchikan, Skagwat, and Juneau on a cruise, which itinerary would you be on?

Q13 – What is the daily schedule on a Princess cruise called?

Q14 – How many passengers does P&O’s Ventura hold? 2000, 3000 or 4000?

Q15 – Helsinki is the capital of which country?

Cruise Trivia, Round 19 Answers

A1 – P&O.

A2 – Antarctica.

A3 – Hotel Transylvania 3.

A4 – Marco Pierre White.

A5 – Hurtigruten.

A6 – Royal Caribbean.

A7 – Royal Caribbean.

A8 – NCL.

A9 – Costa.

A10 – Pacific Adventure.

A11 – Royal Caribbean.

A12 – Alaska.

A13 – Princess Patter.

A14 – 3,000.

A15 – Finland.

Cruise Trivia, Round 20 Questions

Q1 – Port Everglades is a cruise ship homeport in the USA that spans 3 cities including Hollywood, Dania Beach and where?

Q2 – Mayer Turku shipyard is located in what country?

Q3 – What Caribbean island has the two capital cities of Philipsburg and Marigot?

Q4 – What US city is served by two separate cruise terminals, Long Beach and San Pegro?

Q5 – What was the first shop operated by Royal Caribbean Cruise Line? A) Sovereign of the Seas B) Song of Norway C) Potato of the Seas?

Q6 – American Cruise Lines offers river cruises from New York on what US river?

Q7 – Aloha Tower was built as a lighthouse inside what city’s harbour?

Q8 – Which cruise line is launching with the world’s first roller coaster onboard?

Q9 – Which MSC cruise ship (still in operation for MSC) is the oldest?

Q10 – Which cruise line has recently announced the addition of a robot bartender called Rob?

Q11 – What is the Costa Firenze named after?

Q12 – If you visited Barcelona on a cruise, what cruise itinerary would you be taking?

Q13 – What is the daily schedule on a Royal Caribbean cruise called?

Q15 – Lisbon is the capital of which country?

Cruise Trivia, Round 20 Answers

A1 – Fort Lauderdale.

A2 – Finland.

A3 – St. Martin.

A4 – Los Angeles.

A5 – Song of Norway.

A6 – Hudson.

A7 – Honolulu.

A8 – Carnival.

A9 – MSC Armonia.

A11 – Florence.

A12 – Mediterrenean.

A13 – Cruise Compass.

A14 – 5000.

A15 – Portugal.

Cruise Trivia, Round 21 Questions

Q1 – Which river passes through Serbia?

Q2 – How many pounds of potatoes does Oasis of The Seas use in a week? a) 2,700 b) 18,000 c) 27,000

Q3 – If a crew member on a cruise ship eats in the buffet, do they have to wear their uniform?

Q4 – Which is longer/taller, the Titanic or the Empire State Building?

Q5 – What is P&O Cruises newest cruise ship going to be called?

Q6 – In which ocean is Fiji?

Q7 – On which cruise ship did the ‘poop cruise’ of 2013 happen?

Q8 – What was the maximum number of troops that the Queen Mary transported at once? (Designed for 2,000)

Q9 – Which sea is Mykonos in?

Q10 – In 2022, a cruise on Carnival Pride leaves Tampa with an ‘out of the ordinary’ dress code, what is it?

Q11 – Which ship is bigger (gross tonnage) Brilliance of The Seas or Liberty of The Seas?

Q12 – Which cruise line recently released a Monopoly set available for purchase?

Q13 – Do you have to do a muster drill on a river cruise?

Q14 – Which cruise line has a bar called the District Brewhouse?

Q15 – Which country is the furthest East, Norway, Finland or Sweden?

Cruise Trivia, Round 21 Answers

A1 – Danube River.

A2 – 18,000.

A3 – Yes.

A4 – Empire State Building.

A5 – Arvia.

A6 – Pacific Ocean.

A7 – Carnival Triumph.

A8 – 16,000.

A9 – Aegean Sea.

A10 – Naked.

A11 – Liberty of The Seas.

A13 – No.

A14 – NCL.

Cruise Trivia, Round 22 Questions

Q1 – What is the newest Disney cruise ship going to be called? (Launching in 2022)?

Q2 – Which act means that foreign-flagged cruise ships cruising from the US have to dock in a foreign port?

Q3 – How long is the Panama canal? 51 miles, 78 miles or 108 miles?

Q4 – Which cruise line does this cruise ship belong to?

Q5 – Which ship is longest, the Titanic or the RMS Queen Mary?

Q6 – Which country is this? (A popular cruise destination)?

Q7 – Do Disney cruise ships have casinos?

Q8 – What is the poop deck on a cruise?

Q9 – At maximum capacity, which cruise ships holds more passengers, Explorer of the Seas of the Viking Sea?

Q10 – The new Carnival Radiance used to be called the Carnival what?

Q11 – Where will Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady be in the summer of 2021?

Q12 – Which celebrity has partnered with Celebrity Cruises to provide ‘Goop at sea’?

Q13 – To which cruise line does the cruise ship Arcadia belong?

Q14 – Silversea Cruises is owned by which cruise company?

Q15 – Where will Wonder of the Seas be sailing from when she launches next March?

Cruise Trivia, Round 22 Answers

A1 – Disney Wish.

A2 – PSVA, Passenger Services Vessel Act.

A3 – 51 miles.

A4 – RCL.

A5 – Queen Mary.

A6 – Bermuda.

A7 – No.

A8 – Farthest back open deck of the ship.

A9 – Explorer of the Seas.

A10 – Carnival Victory.

A11 – Southampton.

A12 – Gwyneth Paltrow.

A13 – P&O.

A14 – RCL.

A15 – China.

Cruise Trivia, Round 23 Questions

Q1 – Which cruise line’s logo is this?

Q2 – Which cruise line has a robot bartender called Rob?

Q3 – Which cruise line owns these crise ships? (It isn’t Norwegian Cruise Line)?

Q4 – Which cruise company has a wearable technology called the Queen Medallion?

Q5 – What is the most popular cruise port in Norway (by passenger numbers)?

Q6 – Which popular cruise port was the location used as ‘Kings Landing’ in the HBO show Game of Thrones?

Q7 – In the Simpsons cruise ship episode, what does Bart do to prolong the cruise?

Q8 – How much does it cost to use the ropes course on MSC cruise ships?

Q9 – The shape of the Pacific Dawn was modelled after which animal?

Q10 – Where was this photo taken?

Q11 – Alaska cruises are due to start again in the summer of 2021, where will the cruises depart from?

Q12 – Which cruise line is featured here?

Q13 – How much did Virgin Voyages Scarley Lady cost to build in millions of US dollars? 710, 760 ot 960.

Q14 – Which Princess cruise ship is the smallest (still in operation)?

Q15 – In which English county is Southampton located?

Cruise Trivia, Round 23 Answers

A1 – Celestyal.

A2 – MSC.

A3 – Dream Cruises.

A4 – Princess.

A5 – Bergen.

A6 – Dubrovnik.

A7 – He claimed that there is an epidemic outbreak.

A8 – Free.

A9 – Dolphin.

A10 – Rotterdam.

A11 – Seattle.

A12 – Aida.

A13 – 710 Million USD.

A14 – Coral Princess.

A15 – Hampshire.

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I’ve Worked on Cruise Ships for 10 Years—These Are 18 Mistakes Every Traveler Should Avoid

Cruise tips for the perfect trip.

F or more than a decade, I have worked on some of the best cruise lines , and for the last six years, I’ve been a cruise director. It’s a dream job: I am the face and voice of a 3,600-person-capacity ship, organizing entertainment around the clock for guests, creating the master schedules, coordinating excursions, hosting special events and so much more. I’ve been on  hundreds  of cruises and live on a ship for most of the year, so it’s safe to say that I know a few cruise tips you’ll find useful.

I also know a thing or two about the mistakes people make when it comes to cruises, whether they’re first-time cruisers or regulars, and whether they’re taking an  adults-only cruise , a singles cruise or a family cruise . From creating a smart cruise packing list to knowing the  things you  can’t do on cruises anymore to finding the best deals at sea, this insider information will ensure that you have the best trip possible.

*Danielle asked that we use her first name only and not identify the cruise line she works for.

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Booking too late

It is true that if you’re very flexible with your travel plans and/or you live near a popular port-of-call (like Miami), you can get some great bargains on cruises by booking at the last minute. But those opportunities are harder to come by these days, thanks to sophisticated computer algorithms that do a great job of adjusting prices to fill bookings earlier.

What to do inste ad: If you’re sure you want to book a particular cruise or your travel plans aren’t flexible, book as early as possible—as in, the date bookings open. Prices will be at their lowest then, but if for some reason they do drop, you can ask customer service to match the new lower price. Just be aware that price adjustments need to be made before the “final booking window,” when all rates are locked in, usually one to three months before departure.

Not asking for an upgrade

Post-pandemic , a lot of ships are sailing at low capacity, so there are often plenty of open rooms. People are often nervous to ask for an upgrade, but those rooms will just be left empty if they’re not filled by departure time. We love making guests happy, and as long as you’re polite and phrase it as a question, not a demand, we’ll do our best!

What to do instead: When you arrive, talk to any of the employees greeting guests about rooms available for upgrades. Different cruise lines have different policies, and the employees will know how to help you. And in case you were wondering, you can ask for an upgrade regardless of how you purchased your tickets. If you’re there for a special event, like a milestone anniversary or a honeymoon, definitely mention it—even if you can’t get an upgrade, they will find other ways to make your cruise special.

Some cruises also allow you to “bid” for an upgrade, meaning that you can offer an extra amount of money for that nicer cabin. This is still a good deal, since even with the extra fee, it’s still cheaper than if you had paid the original rate for that room.

Not packing a carry-on bag

This is one of those cruise tips you’ll really be glad you know before your next trip. Many people overpack their main luggage and don’t give enough thought to what they’re toting in their carry-ons. Remember: It takes several hours minimum to get your luggage to you. Luggage times can range from a couple of hours to half a day, depending on staffing levels and your cabin location. This is why it’s essential to have a day pack with anything you’ll need right away—and don’t forget the fun stuff!

What to do instead : Pack a roomy carry-on with medication, contact solution, a change of clothing, a swimsuit , sunscreen , sunglasses , sandals or other items you’ll want to have immediate access to.

Being rude or cold to the crew

We’re here to help you, but we’re not slaves. I’ve seen passengers have full meltdowns over everything from not being able to get prescription medication from the first-aid station, to the buffet not having a dish they ate on a different cruise line, to their towels being folded instead of shaped, like they saw on Instagram. Regardless of your demeanor with us, we’ll always do our best to help you, but we won’t be motivated to go above and beyond for you. Keep in mind that some events, such as dinner with the captain, are by invitation only or are not advertised, and having a crew member to help you get your name on the golden ticket could make your cruise experience something out of this world.

What to do instead: Be polite and kind to the crew. To be clear: You’re allowed to complain, and we definitely want to know if something isn’t right or if it could be better, but just remember that we’re people too—often operating on very little sleep.

Not taking advantage of flash deals

During booking or before boarding, many cruises offer limited amounts of “flash deals” for things like entertainment shows or drink packages. Many people wait, thinking they can just decide once they’re on board, but you won’t find those same deals on the ship. And these deals are worth it: Purchasing a flash deal ahead of time could get you half-off discounts for food and alcoholic beverages, an VIP excursion or priority seating at shows. Talk about an easy way to get perks and  save some serious money !

What to do instead : If they’re offering something you know you’ll use, it’s almost always cheaper to purchase it through a flash deal. Flash deals are publicized through a cruise’s site and via email, but the fastest way to be alerted is by installing the app for your cruise line and registering your trip. And be sure to purchase quickly, since many deals are available only for a short time and/or in limited quantities.

Using the internet a lot

Internet on cruise ships can be overpriced and unreliable. This is because ocean-going ships have to use satellite systems for internet, and they are slower and tend to lose service more easily. And expect to pay for the privilege of slower service—older ships still sell internet by the minute (50 to 75 cents), while state-of-the-art ships offer day passes. Day passes average about $25 per device, per day. This can add up faster than you realize. So while it’s technologically possible to stream a Netflix movie to your cabin, it may not be the best use of your time or money.

What to do instead: See it as a gift! My advice would be to switch off completely while at sea and save your money. Cruise ships are equipped for maximum entertainment, and you should take advantage of all the fun we have on board. (Plus, in a cruise tip that doubles as a life tip, it’s good for you to do a mini digital detox and take a break from social media every once in a while.) If you do need to use the internet—say, to check your work emails or contact family—it will be cheapest and fastest to wait until you’re at port and find a Wi-Fi hot spot. Otherwise, just plan to use the ship’s internet strategically; have a plan before logging on rather than just surfing.

Not signing up for the free loyalty program

All major cruise lines have loyalty programs that offer real perks, including discounts on tickets, free meals, free internet, priority embarkation and disembarkation, and even free cruises. If you don’t sign up, you’re missing out. While the perks will depend on what “tier” of the loyalty program you sign up for, top-tier loyalty programs are the best deal for serious cruisers. That’s where you’ll be treated like royalty, with upgrades, special events, free or heavily discounted tickets, priority booking and lots of other extras.

What to do instead: The base programs are free to sign up, and you’ll want to register for them as soon as possible because you can start earning points immediately. Higher-tier programs are fee-based, but they can be a great deal depending on what amenities you want and how often you plan to cruise. You will be offered the chance to sign up or upgrade during the booking process, but if you miss it, you can sign up at check-in or at any point during the cruise—even when disembarking.

Depending on the package and loyalty tier, some of your points will be available immediately for use on your current cruise. Some major cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean, have partnerships with major credit cards that allow you to use your card to rack up loyalty points throughout the year. (Editor’s note: Here are some Disney cruise secrets you’ll want to know about too.)

Sticking to the buffets

Yes, buffets are fantastic because they offer a wide variety of popular foods, and it’s all-you-can-eat around the clock. But if you’re only eating at the buffets, you’re missing some of the best food on the cruise! The restaurants are designed to give you a full dining experience and offer regional or specialty cuisines that can’t be found on the buffet. Plus, you can order according to your taste and special-order dishes if you have particular dietary concerns. Many restaurants offer extras like dining with the chef, watching the food be prepared or special entertainment events.

What to do instead: Ask your host about special dining events, like the chef’s table, or to help you get reservations for a specialty meal—for instance, a Brazilian steakhouse meal or a five-course tasting with wine pairings. These dining experiences usually cost extra, but they’re totally worth it. Try to book two or three if you can.

Not using room service enough

When you’re staying at a hotel, you might forgo room service because it can get pricey—or because you can’t order whatever you want, whenever you want it. That’s not necessarily the case on a cruise. Post-pandemic, you can order anything off the menu through room service, 24/7 … but not all the food is free. You may have to pay extra for that cheeseburger at 3 a.m.

What to do instead :  While what’s included in room service varies from cruise line to cruise line, as well as what package you’ve booked, breakfast will likely be free—no matter what. Make the most of this cruise ship secret , and you never have to leave your room for breakfast again if you don’t want to! One etiquette-based cruise tip, though: While tipping isn’t necessary, if you do order room service in the middle of the night, consider tipping the staff a few dollars when they bring it.

Not reading the ship’s insurance policy

If you enjoy doing adventurous activities like ziplining and surfing, make sure you know the risks and what you are covered for in case of an emergency. The ship’s insurance policy covers only the very basic things—those that are directly the cruise line’s responsibility, like canceled cruises or lost luggage. But anything related to your health or other travel issues won’t be covered, so you’ll need to rely on personal policies.

What to do instead : Make sure to read through the insurance policy and ask your cruise host or travel agent if you have questions. Check with your personal insurance provider to see exactly what they cover for cruises and/or out-of-country trips. And it’s never a bad idea to purchase separate travel insurance .

Going to Medical for seasickness

Cruises are required to have a certified doctor on the ship, but it costs money to get medical care onboard . Doctors bill an hourly rate—often around $100 per hour—plus fees for any services or extra supplies. Cruise-ship medical bills can range from $50 to thousands of dollars if you end up needing to be helicoptered out. However, many medical items are available for free through the customer concierge, so save those medical trips for illnesses or injuries that really require a doctor’s attention.

What to do instead: Seasickness pills and other over-the-counter meds, such as ibuprofen and Tylenol, are free through guest services, as well as things like Band-Aids, heating pads and wraps. Stop by the host station, ask any staff member or call directly from your cabin. Pro tip: If you’re prone to seasickness, ask for a cabin on a low deck and mid-ship, since they pitch the least in relation to the rest of the ship.

Not tipping your waiter

It’s true that tipping isn’t the same on cruises as it is in other places—after all, most cruises are all-inclusive. But there are different levels of “all-inclusive.” Luxury all-inclusive cruises don’t require or expect tipping at all, while “regular” all-inclusive cruises don’t require tips for basic services … but it’s a nice gesture, particularly if the staff member went above and beyond to help you.

What to do instead: It’s still polite to tip your waiter $5 and your bartender $1 per drink at the restaurants. You can add it to the check or to your room tab, but cash tips are preferred. Bring at least $100 in cash with you onboard for tips and incidental expenses.

Taking sketchy DIY excursions

This really depends on the location, but in lesser-known areas, it is generally wise to stick to the ship-sponsored excursions as opposed to relying on sales pitches from locals, taking internet advice or just winging it. After all, you want to make sure you don’t get taken advantage of, you’re safe and the ship doesn’t leave without you if the excursion runs late!

What to do instead: Stick to reputable excursions. Your cruise director will have a list of ship-sponsored excursions and will also be able to advise you on local companies that the cruise line has worked with. It also never hurts to do research before setting sail, looking up your particular ports-of-call and seeing what excursions you might want to ask about.

Going too far from the ship

It’s fine to go ashore independently and find your own adventures, but I’ve seen too many guests end up losing track of time or distance, and then end up waving the ship goodbye from shore. If this happens, you’ll have to find your own travel to the cruise ship’s next port of call.

What to do instead: Instead of driving yourself, find a local taxi driver who knows the area well. Just be sure to negotiate the price and time before hopping in. If you do decide to go it alone, stay fairly close to port, watch the clock and build in extra time for things like traffic jams. Make sure to get back to the boat at least 30 minutes before boarding time.

Underestimating how windy it gets at sea

Anytime you’re outside on the ship, make sure to secure all your belongings. Hold on tightly if you’re walking around, and if you’re putting your items down, place them in a zippered bag attached to a chair or table, or tether larger items (like blankets) to furniture. It doesn’t take much wind to launch your cellphone, hat or glasses into the ocean. This happens far more often than you might think!

What to do instead: I recommend that guests always bring towel clips for securing towels, clothing, flip-flops and other flighty items. Your ship may come equipped with some anti-wind protections like special shelters by the pool, lockers or wind breaks—just one of the hidden cruise ship features you may not know about.

Not honoring cruise traditions

Ships, cruise lines and even cruising culture in general have their own traditions. The most popular one on all cruise lines is the “ Cruising Duck .” Never heard of it? Guests bring a rubber duck and hide it around the ship to be discovered by others. But there are many more traditions based on individual cruise lines, travel routes or themes (say, a Disney cruise), and part of the fun is getting to discover them. You can read up about them on online forums or just wait to be surprised.

What to do instead : Participating in these little traditions will make it more fun for you on your trip, and it’s a great way to integrate yourself into the cruising community. It’s especially fun if you’re doing a themed cruise .

Not following current health protocols

Health protocols change often, especially post-pandemic. For instance, most cruise ships now require proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Some are still doing rapid tests before boarding. Most prefer (but don’t require) you to wear a mask if you develop any symptoms of illness while aboard. If you test positive for an infectious illness, you’ll be quarantined. And remember, it’s not just COVID they’re concerned about: Outbreaks of norovirus and influenza are common in the close quarters of cruise ships.

What to do instead : Stay up to date on the current rules, and do your best to follow them. This information should be given to you the week before your cruise, via email or your online portal. You can also check the website, call customer service or talk to a host during the boarding process. But please don’t argue with us—we don’t make the rules. If you need clarification or an exception, speak to the ship’s doctor.

Not booking your next cruise while you’re still on the ship

This may sound crazy, but it’s one of the smartest cruise tips. Booking your next cruise while on your current cruise is a terrific way to make the most of free onboard credit and loyalty points. Once you leave the ship, the deals they’re offering will be gone.

What to do instead: Ask your host about what deals they are offering before you disembark. This is the best time to get a great deal on your favorite cruises —and ones that won’t be available at a later date. Cruise lines really want you to book your next cruise while you’re still there and excited, so they may offer you a cheaper upgrade to a higher tier of the loyalty program and/or nicer perks on your next cruise. If you can book at this time, you definitely should.

MSC Cruises drink packages: Prices, inclusions and how to save money on onboard beverages

A sailaway from port doesn't seem quite as celebratory without a glass of Champagne or cocktail in hand. But if you don't have a drink package for your cruise , ordering these sailaway glasses of bubbly every day — and a glass of wine at lunch and dinner — can add up quickly during a weeklong vacation.

If you're sailing with MSC Cruises , the line offers five options for all-inclusive drink packages, with two for nonalcoholic beverages. If you know you'll be imbibing daily, it might be worth purchasing a drink package rather than buying cocktails a la carte. Also, bottled mineral water, soft drinks, specialty coffees and soft-serve ice cream on some ships (gasp!) are not included in your cruise fare, so you'll have to factor in the additional cost of those beverages — and the beloved frozen treat — along with any alcohol you plan to consume.

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We've broken down the list of MSC Cruises' drink packages to explore which refreshments are (or are not) included and the cost per person, per day. We've also answered the most frequently asked questions to help you determine whether or not a drink package will save you money on your next cruise.

What's included in MSC Cruises' drink packages?

Here are the details of MSC Cruises' five drink packages. If one passenger books a drink package, all guests traveling together in the same cabin and dining at the same table must also book a package. Beverage packages are not transferable, and you cannot use them to buy drinks for friends.

None of the drink packages include items purchased at the signature venues, which include Venchi 1878 (chocolate, coffee and gelato), Lavazza (coffee), Jean Philippe (chocolate, coffee, crepes and gelato), Starship Club (robotic bartender on MSC Virtuosa) and Hola! Tacos & Cantina.

Related: What is the best cruise ship cafe? I spill the tea on the best cups of joe at sea

Minors Package

The Minors Package is for children ages 3 to 17 on European itineraries and ages 3 to 12 in the Caribbean and North America. It must be purchased when underage guests are traveling with adults who've purchased a beverage package.

This package covers a wide variety of nonalcoholic beverages. They include mocktails, fresh fruit and protein cocktails, energy drinks, flavored water, sodas by the glass or bottle, hot beverages (think regular coffee and tea) and soft-serve ice cream. (Note that soft-serve ice cream is complimentary only on MSC ships sailing from the U.S.)

Related: Which cruise ice cream is the best? I ate dozens of scoops to find out

Guests can use the package to purchase drinks in the self-service buffet; the main restaurant; on Ocean Cay , the line's private island; and at bars on the ship. Kids can only use the package in the specialty restaurants if the adults traveling with them have purchased an Easy Plus or Premium Extra package.

Alcohol-Free Package

The Alcohol-Free Package includes the same beverages as the Minors Package, but it's available to purchase for adults (or anyone 13 and older in the Caribbean and North America).

The same restrictions apply regarding where you can (and cannot) use the package on and off the ship.

Easy Package

MSC's Easy Package offers both alcoholic and nonalcoholic options for adult passengers. The list of covered beverages includes select classic or international cocktails; a variety of spirits (vodka, gin, rum, tequila, brandy and whisky); house wines (white, red, rose and sparkling); Heineken on draft or in the bottle (the brand of beer may vary); nonalcoholic cocktails and mixed drinks; fountain or canned soft drinks; fruit juices by the glass or in the bottle; bottled mineral water; and hot drinks such as espressos, cappuccinos, lattes, hot tea and hot chocolate.

You can use the package in the bars, the main restaurant and the buffet, and on Ocean Cay, but not in the specialty restaurants or signature venues.

Easy Plus Package

The next upgrade in MSC Cruises' drink packages is the Easy Plus option, which covers drinks up to $10. The included beverages with the package are a selection of classic and frozen cocktails; protein shakes and fresh fruit cocktails; well spirits, liqueurs and cordials; a variety of bottled and draught beers; mocktails and all nonalcoholic beverages; bottled mineral water; and the hot drinks included in the Easy Package mentioned above.

The Easy Plus Package also provides a selection of wines by the glass and a 10% discount on bottles of wine. You can use this package in the main restaurant, at the bars, in the buffet, on Ocean Cay and in the specialty dining venues. It is not available to use in the signature venues.

Related: 8 best drinks to order with a cruise ship beverage package (and 3 to avoid)

Premium Extra Package

If you enjoy Champagne, fine wines and premium spirits, you'll want to splurge on MSC's Premium Extra Package for your cruise vacation.

This package covers drinks up to $16; a wide selection of international and premium cocktails; mocktails and nonalcoholic drinks; premium spirits, liqueurs and cordials; fresh fruit and protein cocktails; a wide variety of draft and bottled beers; bottled mineral water; and classic or specialty hot drinks (Irish coffee, anyone?).

You can also purchase bottles of wine and Champagne at a 25% discount and order fine wines and Champagne by the glass (up to $16). You can use the package everywhere except for the signature venues.

If you've reserved accommodations in the MSC Yacht Club, the line's ship-within-a-ship private enclave, you will automatically receive the Premium Extra Package as part of your cruise fare. You may use it to purchase beverages at the Top Sail Lounge and exclusive restaurant in the Yacht Club and at any of the complimentary or specialty dining venues around the ship.

What are the MSC drink package prices?

MSC's package pricing is based on the length of the cruise, with longer voyages having a lower price per day. You'll save at least 15% on the price if you purchase the package online before your cruise rather than on board. (The current prices listed below come in at even higher savings.) All gratuities are included in the prices.

The following package prices are per person, per day.

• Advance purchase: One- to six-night cruise, $21; seven-night or longer cruise, $19
• Onboard purchase: One- to six-night cruise, $25; seven-night or longer cruise, $22
• Advance purchase: One- to six-night cruise, $30; seven-night or longer cruise, $28
• Onboard purchase: One- to six-night cruise, $35; seven-night or longer cruise, $33
• Advance purchase: One- to six-night cruise, $49; seven-night or longer cruise, $46
• Onboard purchase: One- to six-night cruise, $60; seven-night or longer cruise, $57
• Advance purchase: One- to six-night cruise, $64; seven-night or longer cruise, $61
• Onboard purchase: One- to six-night cruise, $76; seven-night or longer cruise, $72
• Advance purchase: One- to six-night cruise, $88; seven-night or longer cruise, $85
• Onboard purchase: One- to six-night cruise, $104; seven-night or longer cruise, $100

You can also take advantage of MSC's special promotions on select sailings that include a beverage package. For example, a current promotion online has 40% off cruise fares and includes a drink package (the Easy Plus Package), Wi-Fi and up to $400 of onboard credit per cabin, depending on the category booked. You can upgrade the drink package before you sail (at a discounted price) or once on board the ship for full price.

Related: How to get free or cheap drinks on a cruise

MSC cruise drink packages FAQ

What happens if I want to purchase a drink that costs more than the package allowance price?

If you want to order a cocktail, glass of wine or spirit that's not included in the package you've purchased, you will only pay the difference in price between the package allowance and the price of your beverage.

Are the drink offerings the same on all MSC Cruises?

You'll find a variety in the selection of beverages and ingredients used to make cocktails, depending on the destination of your MSC cruise and the time of year. If you thoroughly enjoyed one type of wine during your summer cruise in the Mediterranean, you might not be able to order the same wine on board your Caribbean cruise during the holidays.

Related: 17 best cruise ship bars

What is the best time to buy MSC Cruises drink packages?

As I mentioned above, it's best to purchase your drink package online before your cruise for the lowest price. The MSC Cruises website advertises discounts of up to 15% when you purchase in advance of your sailing rather than on board the ship. Once your cruise is booked, you can select the package of your choice for your voyage under the "Manage Your Booking" section.

Are drink packages available on MSC Cruises ships?

Drink packages are available on all MSC Cruises ships, except for vessels sailing to South Africa or China.

Is a drink package included if I book a world cruise?

The line's Dine & Drinks package is included if you're embarking on a world cruise with MSC. The package covers house wines, draft beer, soft drinks and mineral water at the buffet and in the main restaurant during lunch and dinner. This package is only available to guests sailing on the world cruise; it is possible to upgrade the package.

Can you upgrade an MSC Cruises drink package?

Yes, all passengers have the option to upgrade their packages. Before your sailing, upgrades are only available if the package is included in your cruise promotion; the upgrade will be available at a discounted price. Otherwise, you can upgrade your beverage package once you board the ship, but it will be at full price.

Is there a limit on drinks with an MSC Cruises drink package?

The all-inclusive packages do not put a limit on the number of alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, bottled mineral waters or other drinks you can order each day.

Is an MSC Cruises drink package right for you?

If you enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail or aperitif, have a glass of wine (or two) at dinner and possibly even splurge on a chocolate martini for an after-dinner drink at the show, a drink package could be a worthwhile investment for your cruise.

Many people also prefer bottled water over the free water available at the dining venues and lattes or cappuccinos over regular coffee in the morning. If that's you, the cost of the individual nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages can add up quickly during a weeklong cruise. And you could pay a lot more for purchasing a la carte drinks than you would with a beverage package, especially if you plan on ordering fancy wines and specialty cocktails.

For example, if you're on a four-night cruise, the Easy Plus Package will cost you $64 per person, per day, which includes gratuities, for a total of $208. There is no limit to either the nonalcoholic or alcoholic beverages you consume, so if want one or two lattes to start your day, have a glass of wine and bottled water at lunch and have a few bottled waters by the pool, you're probably already at about half of the daily price (or more) of the package if you were purchasing the items individually.

Add to that a pre-dinner drink, a glass of wine or two at dinner with bottled mineral water, and then maybe a cocktail later in the evening, and you're easily past that $64 per day — and you've had to pay gratuities on the bar bills.

Related: Are cruise line drink packages worth the price? What to know before you buy

An advantage of buying one of the two higher-tier packages is the discount on bottles of wine. If you enjoy ordering bottles of fine wine at dinner, then this could be a plus if you have one of the more expensive packages.

If you're cruising in the Middle East, you should know that MSC Cruises will not serve alcohol due to Saudi law while the ship is docked in a Saudi Arabian port. Alcohol will be served again once the ship is sailing in international waters. But if you have a few days in Saudi Arabia, that's something to consider when purchasing a beverage package.

Bottom line

Doing the math is the best way to determine if a drink package makes sense. If you think you'll want all the beverages that come at an extra cost on the ship, then the best option is to purchase a package pre-cruise online. Buying the package beforehand affords the most significant discount and will save money over waiting to purchase it on board the ship.

Also, if you're traveling with someone in the same cabin (or you plan to dine with them) and they want a drink package, you won't have the choice to purchase a package — you'll have to spring for one, too.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

UConn, Duke open as betting favorites to win 2025 NCAA title

A heavy betting favorite -- both in the odds and for the public -- throughout March Madness, UConn  is the first back-to-back NCAA men's basketball champion since Florida in 2007. But it's uncertain if the Huskies can make it three in a row in a highly volatile college basketball landscape.

UConn is the favorite to win the 2025 national championship at ESPN BET and Caesars Sportsbook, opening with +900 and 10-1 odds, respectively. However, DraftKings (10-1) and FanDuel (11-1) have Duke favored to take home the top prize next season, with the Huskies coming in at second (14-1) and sixth (18-1) on those respective odds boards. BetMGM has Kansas and Duke tied at the top (11-1), with UConn right behind (12-1).

The long odds at the top speak to the difficulty of winning the tournament, as well as the highly dynamic nature of modern men's college basketball, especially in the era of NIL and unlimited transfers.

"It really is tough with the transfer portal these days. Guys move schools like the wind blows," Caesars college basketball trader Grant Tucker told ESPN. "This landscape is totally different than anyone could've ever imagined even three, four or five years ago. The amount of money, the amount of pull that these athletes have or maybe think they have, it really is a totally different world."

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"We'll see who goes and stays," DraftKings director of race and sportsbook operations Johnny Avello said. "I don't think college basketball is a runaway sport like Connecticut's doing this year. It normally hasn't been that way where there's just one dominant team. To me, it's been a wide-open affair for the last quite a few years now."

While there's a high degree of variance across the market, Houston (10-1), Alabama (13-1), Arizona (15-1), North Carolina (15-1) and Kentucky (18-1) are consensus top-10 teams on odds boards (odds shown via ESPN BET).

NC State , whose run to the Final Four was the feel-good story of March Madness, is a long shot for 2025, with ESPN BET's 80-1 odds actually representing the shortest across major sportsbooks.

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