Cruise FAQ's
The Cruise Company’s Cruise FAQ is a great resource for anyone with a cruise-related question, whether you’re new to cruising or a veteran cruiser. Learn about the advantages of cruising versus a land vacation. Find help determining what to pack. Read about various onboard activities and dining options. Discover ways to add even more value and make the most of your next cruise. Browse our most frequently asked cruising questions and call our expert cruise consultants at 1-800-988-6444 if you have additional questions.
Is cruising affordable and a good vacation value?
Yes and yes. Cruising is the best value for your vacation dollar and there are cruises suited for any budget. Cruise fares include your accommodations, meals, on board activities and entertainment, and sometimes more. The only additional expenses might be drinks, specialty restaurants, optional shore excursions or personal services such as spa treatments.
Where can I go?
Almost anywhere! Cruises sail to hundreds of ports throughout the world and depart from both convenient North American locations and exotic cities around the world!
Do I need a passport?
Sometimes. Your personal cruise consultant will inform you of any passport or visa requirements. You can also find the most current government regulations at the Department of State’s travel website: https://travel.state.gov
How long are cruises?
Cruises come in all lengths, ranging from one night to four months long. This makes it possible for us to find the perfect cruise vacation for any budget and schedule!
Are there different types of cruises?
Yes, there are cruises for nearly every interest and preference, from intimate river cruises to fun-filled, big ship vacations – and our consultants are great at matching you with the perfect option.
How do I book a cruise?
Call our expert Cruise Consultants at 1-800-988-6444. Our highly trained agents provide free guidance to match you with the perfect cruise. You can feel confident that our recommendations are based on personal knowledge and experience. Even if you prefer the “do it yourself” route, we still encourage you to call to take advantage of our non-published deals and make sure you have the best vacation possible.
Do cruise lines accept group bookings?
Most lines welcome groups – often with reduced rates and extra amenities (shipboard credit, private cocktail parties, etc.), depending on the size of the group. Be sure to ask your personal cruise consultant about group advantages.
Do cruise lines welcome families with kids?
Twenty-five percent of cruisers sail with children and a majority of cruise lines provide supervised youth activities. Ships even offer different types of age-appropriate activities, suitable for toddlers to teens. Plus, trained youth counselors ensure safety while keeping kids entertained.
Will there be people like me?
It’s hard to define the typical cruise passenger because cruisers come from all walks of life, but our experienced cruise consultants will find the best ship for you, based on your preferences and lifestyle.
Can singles have fun on a cruise?
Of course! Cruises are full of activities that make it easy to meet new people, and most ships host parties for singles early in the cruise. Many cruise lines even provide gentlemen hosts for dinner companions or dance partners. Some ships even have studio staterooms designed specifically for single passengers.
Can we celebrate a special occasion?
Certainly – and most cruise lines will even treat you to a complimentary cake to honor your special occasion. Inform your personal cruise consultant of the special occasion and they’ll help you arrange celebratory champagne, flowers and more.
Is cruising right for honeymooners?
Definitely! Cruises provide the perfect atmosphere for romance, from breakfast in bed and couples’ massages to beautiful sunsets and dancing under the stars. Some ships even offer special packages for performing a wedding ceremony or renewing your vows.
What should I pack?
Pack like you would if visiting a resort in your cruise’s destination. Cruise ships are casual during the day (whether you’re on the ship or ashore), but evening dress codes vary as attire is dictated by occasion. At a specialty restaurant or evening gala, for example, you may want to wear something more formal, such as a dark suit or cocktail dress.
Will I need a tuxedo?
No, but a dark suit and tie may be required on the more formal cruise lines’ dressiest of occasions. While many ships still offer tuxedo rental services, most lines now feature a relaxed “country club casual” approach to dress throughout the cruise.
Can I use my hair dryer or shaver?
Most staterooms feature 110-volt outlets, but it’s always safest to ask our experienced consultants for the most accurate information. Most ships also provide hair-dryers in each cabin.
How good is cruise ship dining?
Verrrry good. You’ll enjoy a fine selection of appetizers, entrees and desserts, and each day the options will be different. Plus, you can choose vegetarian or health-conscious options that are just as delicious. Best of all, most meals are included (except for some specialty restaurants on certain ships).
What about meal times?
Most ships offer multiple evening meal times in their main dining room, and many feature multiple restaurants with “anytime” dining. Smaller ships may seat all guests once per night. Ask your consultant for the specific meal times of any cruise line.
Can I get a special diet?
Yes, most ships will accommodate special dietary needs, including diabetic, low-carb, low cholesterol and salt-free preferences. Special diet requests should be made in advance, so make sure to inform our cruise consultants of any such needs.
What about dining companions?
Cruise lines usually assign guests to large tables and make every effort to seat groups together. It is also possible to request a table for two or four. If you wish to change dining companions, you can always speak with the maitre d’ who will be more than happy to find you more compatible tablemates.
What about gratuities and tipping?
Gratuity charges vary by cruise line, but are generally around $12 per person, per day. Additional tipping is at the passengers’ discretion. Some cruise lines maintain a “no tipping” policy, while others include gratuities in the price. Our cruise consultants can answer any questions regarding your cruise line’s specific tipping policy.
Will I be bored at sea?
Doubtful! Cruise ships are like floating resorts featuring something for everyone. You can find a lounge chair, catch some rays and enjoy the ever-changing views or, for more activity, head to the pool, join an exercise class, hone your golf swing and go for a jog. There are also enrichment opportunities with films, exhibits and lecture series!
What can I do in port?
Tons! You can join a guided tour (known as a shore excursion) or explore on your own. Discover the culture, taste local cuisine, search for wildlife and hunt for shopping bargains. Go horseback riding on a beach, climb a waterfall and sail, snorkel or SCUBA dive. Cruising is a great way to try new things in wonderful destinations, all while under expert supervision!
What’s there to do at night?
Cruise ships really come alive at night with live entertainment, dancing, nightclubs, feature films and casino games. Many cruise lines also have their own special events like cocktail parties, scavenger hunts, talent contests, Broadway-style shows and more.
Is there a charge for entertainment?
Most on board entertainment is included in the cruise fare.
Do I have to participate in the activities?
Of course not – it’s your vacation! You can do everything or absolutely nothing. The choice is yours.
Are there any special educational programs on board?
Many cruise lines offer extensive on board enrichment programs hosted by experts. These programs focus on a variety of interesting topics, from relevant ports on your itinerary to culinary secrets. You could learn about editing digital photography, arts and crafts, environmental conservation and more.
Are all ships fairly similar?
Actually, no. Cruise ships range from intimate yacht-like vessels to enormous mega-ships, meaning you could sail with fewer than 100 guests or more than 5,000. On board entertainment, activities, dining and accommodations also vary from ship to ship. We’ve partnered with several great cruise lines so that we can offer the best cruise ship for every type of cruiser.
Are there different classes of service?
Most of today’s cruise ships provide one class of service for all guests. With the exception of a few exclusive suite villas on select ships, everyone can use all of the ship’s facilities. The price of your cabin is based primarily on its size and location, not the service associated with it. Regardless of the category and cabin booked, you’ll enjoy the same great service, menus and entertainment as everyone else on board.
Are there non-smoking areas?
Most of the space on any ship is non-smoking, but there are a few smoking sections in the public rooms and on deck. Almost all dining rooms, in fact, are completely smoke-free. If this is a concern of yours, remember to ask your cruise consultant about the smoking regulations of the ship you’re interested in.
Are there meeting rooms on board?
Most large ships have conference centers or public rooms to offer as meeting spaces for private or corporate groups. Many even offer dedicated meeting facilities. To plan an event at sea or make meeting or incentive travel arrangements, contact our Cruise Consultant’s at 1-800-988-6444. They’ll help you coordinate schedules and arrange for any special requirements or services.
Can we stay in touch with the outside world?
Of course! Almost all staterooms have TVs and satellite phones. Most ships provide cell service so you can even use your own cell phone, just be prepared for additional charges. While at sea, you can sometimes make calls to shore through the ship’s radio officer. Many ships also provide wireless internet. The speeds won’t blow you away, but you’ll be able to check your e-mail and perform other basic internet activities.
Are there medical services on board?
Yes. Most ships provide round-the-clock medical care (operating under the American College of Emergency Physicians’ guidelines). While cruise ships aren’t exactly hospitals at sea, they can provide adequate care until guests can be transferred to an on shore facility. We recommend that all cruisers have medical insurance and pack extra supplies of all prescription medication. It’s also smart to disclose any pre-existing medical conditions prior to cruising.
Do cruise lines provide laundry services?
Yes, most cruise ships offer laundry and dry-cleaning service while others have self-service laundromats. Check with your consultant to verify any costs associated with these services.
Will I get sea or motion sickness?
Probably not. Cruise ships have stabilizers to reduce motion and modern navigation equipment allows them to navigate around rough seas. There are also plenty of preventative medications that ease or prevent motion sickness.
How can I stay healthy on board?
Wash your hands often and use hand sanitizer. It’s also smart to pack extra supplies of your basic medication in case you ever feel a little under the weather. But you really shouldn’t worry – cruise ships follow very stringent guidelines to maintain the healthiest possible shipboard environments.
What’s an air/sea cruise package?
These packages typically bundle free or reduced-cost airfare with your cruise fare. These cost-effective packages are offered from many major airports and often include ground transfers between the airport and cruise ship. Ask your consultant about available options.
Can I extend my cruise vacation?
Definitely, we actually encourage it! Many cruise lines offer pre- and post-cruise vacation packages (sometimes called “cruisetours”). Ask our cruise consultants about these add-ons when you call.
Who should I contact if I have additional questions?
Your personal Cruise Consultant at The Cruise Company, of course! You can contact us at 1-800-988-6444 with any questions!