You have several options when it comes to booking a cruise: You can do it yourself online, directly through the cruise line or use a travel advisor who has booked thousands of cruises.

There are a wide range of fares based on the experience, the length, the cruise line, the type stateroom, the category (see What’s a Stateroom Category? for more on this confusing topic), and date of sailing. The “price” is comprised of several different components and can be misleading is not fully understood. First, there is the “fare”, then the “port charges” and, of course, the taxes and fees. These, all added together, make up the total cost to get you onboard.

When you see an advertisement that says “fares starting at….” this fare normally does not include the fees and taxes AND more importantly may be a restricted fare (i.e. non refundable deposit) or a stateroom you really aren’t interested in (think bunk beds). Fares are based on double occupancy, but some staterooms will accommodate more than two people, or you can sail solo. Staterooms that are on a lower deck, forward and aft are less expensive than mid ship upper level decks. Some staterooms are described as “obstructed view” which means while there is a window or a balcony there is also something in the way. There are connecting staterooms, adjoining staterooms, family staterooms, private area staterooms and more. Payments are made in stages and usually there is an option date, deposit date, final payment date and penalty date which is based on the booking date.

Cruise line pricing is confusing. This is where the Travel Advisor comes in. There is no added cost to you to use an advisor and they can wrangle their way through the details to find you the best fare to match your needs.

And -
The Advisor has access to all the advertised fare promotions and programs.

The Advisor handles all aspects of your trip’s administrative needs saving you time.

The Advisor has likely been where you are going and has ideas, suggestions and answers to your questions.

• Value - One price buys your accommodation, dining, entertainment and transportation.
• Variety - So many ships, so many ports.
• Activities - Sightseeing, sports activities, lectures, or simply relax by the pool or on deck.
• Simplicity - Cruises are hassle free, do what you want when you want.
• New Horizons - Fall asleep in one destination and awake in another.
• Families - Families love cruising. Structured children’s activities for them; time alone for you.
• Cuisine - So many options from the very fancy to grab a slice of pizza and go.
• Romance - Weddings on board, honeymoons, special anniversaries.
• Pampering - Regardless of your budget you will be taken care of by an attentive crew.

You are in close quarters with thousands of people and I imagine you have all heard about virus outbreaks and “sick ships”. While I know this should go without saying, wash your hands often. Don’t become complacent about hand washing or reliant on hand sanitizers as they are ineffective on many germs. Don’t touch your face. Use a tissue to open doors and think more about washing hands after touching common areas like a handrail, an elevator button, a slot machine… Being sick is not fun and being sick at sea is even worse.

The short answer here is YES. Since most cruises visit the ports of many countries, proof of United States citizenship is required to not only allow you to visit these countries, but allow you to reenter the United States. While a passport may not be required, it is advisable. While you can cruise the Caribbean without a passport you cannot return to the US via airplane. Should something unforeseen happen a passport makes it much easier to get home.

Make a 2 photocopies of the front page of your passport and store one away from the original as a precaution should yours be lost or stolen. Then use the second copy when you head into port. You can lock your passport in your cabin safe and keep the copy with you. You’ll have identification without risking your passport being stolen or lost while in port.

Another smart idea is to take a scan of your passport and email it to yourself. This way no matter where you go, you will have a digital copy that you can access from anywhere with Internet.

You can read all the current passport regulations at https://travel.state.gov/passport.

Photos and applications for passports are available at AAA.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, please be sure to bring the correct documentation for all the countries you will be visiting.

For those countries requiring visas, your cruise line may or may not notify you. It is your responsibility to ensure you understand EXACTLY what is required.

I strongly recommend trip insurance to protect your investment and provide peace of mind, since cruise line penalties for cancellation apply as your trip date approaches. Trip protection coverage also can provide medical coverages and transportation home in the case of an accident. This coverage could save you thousands of dollars in the event of an unfortunate accident. Coverage is offered by the cruise line or can be purchased from an independent source. One advantage of an independent source is the coverage can be customized if you have special requirements and usually is more comprehensive than what is offered by the cruise line. Make certain you clearly understand what is covered.

All the cruise lines have websites with a wealth of information specific to their ships and your trip. Please reference the Cruise Lines page for links to these sites.

Each cruise line has varying degrees of website access for their travelers. You should register for an account on the website and make sure you are familiar with all the information they provide. You will find information on what to pack, what is not allowed on board, what you may bring and countless other things to help you plan the perfect cruise. Many cruise lines require you provide them information prior to departure to fulfill various government regulations. You will need your booking number which your travel advisor can provide. It is common practice for the cruise line to provide your “tickets” electronically and they are downloaded by the traveler from the cruise lines’ website.

An air/sea package includes the airline tickets and sometimes the ground transportation, called transfers, to get you to the ship or airport. When using this package, the cruise line will, at their discretion, fly you on either a scheduled airline, or a charter flight. You can also sometimes book a hotel prior to the cruise or after through the cruise line. The benefit in doing this is convenience and many times, price. When you have booked through the cruise line a representative of the cruise line will be at the airport to meet and guide you to the ground transportation.

Once you have the perfect fare you need to budget for additional costs. Your cruise fare covers the ship as transportation, accommodation, meals, entertainment, and social activities on board. Your cruise fare will not typically cover costs such as, WiFi, alcoholic beverages, laundry, specialty coffees, dry cleaning, shore excursions, gratuities, specialty restaurants and optional onboard activities such as bingo or casino gambling.

For a single sailing there can be hundreds of fares that change frequently. Fares are based on the category of the stateroom, number of occupants and deck position. Cruise ship staterooms are not like hotel rooms and have an occupancy restriction. Cabins are designated for 2, 3, 4 and sometimes 5 passengers.

Staterooms on most cruise lines are functional and designed for efficiency. There are a wide range of stateroom types available on today’s ships. The basic categories are:

Ocean View or Outside Stateroom with a porthole or picture window, depending on your ship’s design.

Interior or Inside Stateroom with no window or porthole expect sometimes there is a porthole.

Balcony or Verandah Stateroom where you will be able to enjoy your own private outside area.

Suites which are larger and more luxurious and generally have a balcony. Some suites come with special services such as priority boarding, private dining rooms and butlers.

Studios which are on a few ships, are staterooms expressly designed for the single traveler.

Staterooms are priced according to type and location on the ship. Some cruise lines offer what is called a “guarantee”. You choose the type and they choose the location. If location is not important to you this can be a lower priced option. However, you could end up below or above the disco dance floor; not a problem if you dance the night away but if you turn in early you should consider what is on the deck above and below.

Your stateroom choice should be based on the duration of the cruise, the destination and your own personal preference. If you choose an interior stateroom, almost always the best price, it will be dark as a cave all day and all night. A fellow travel taught me a trick. When you go to bed at night tune your TV to one of the channels with a deck camera and mute the sound. When it is daylight your TV screen will turn from dark to light – like a faux window.

Your stateroom will be attended to by a steward who is there to make your stay comfortable, whether to change the bed configuration to your desires, or to bring you extra towels, pillows, or blankets if needed. Most ships also have safes in your room, and TVs that play current movies, give you casino instructions, general cruise information, deck cameras, music, navigational information and more.

1. Purchase trip protection coverage. Really. It’s not only about not being able to go it’s about having an accident during the trip. It can cost tens of thousands of dollars if you have an accident and require care or need to get home. Kate has several “horror” stories she will share if you need more convincing.
2. Check with your Travel Advisor, cruise line or government agency to understand requirements for, passports, visas, proof of citizenship and government issued IDs. Make sure everything is valid for at least 6 months after your return. Do not wait until the last minute to renew documents as it may be too late and or will become costly to get them in time. If you do not have the correct identification the cruise lines will not let you board and will not refund your money.
3. Advise your Travel Advisor of any medical conditions that they should be aware of such as dietary restrictions or the need for a sharps container.
4. Review all documentation for accuracy - the correct ship and sailing date; the correct cabin category and cabin number; the correct itinerary and the like. Double check to make sure your names are shown as they appear on your passport. Notify your travel advisor with any corrections.
5. Complete, usually on-line at the cruise line’s website, any forms that cruise line requires such as the pre-registration for the cruise. This is also a good time to join the frequent traveler program offered for future perks. You can also plan shore excursions, spa services and specialty dining. Cruise lines also have online stores where you can purchase items to be waiting for you in your stateroom such as liquor, wine, bottled water, flowers, and more.
6. Make a note on your calendar for the final payment date – usually 60 to 90 days before sailing.
7. Prepare an essential packing list and a packing list for each person traveling. Begin to plan your wardrobe. Try things on to make sure they fit and are in good repair. Set things aside in your closet. If you need to shop, start now so you have time to find just the right things.
8. See your physician for any medical requirements and/or prescriptions for additional medication to cover you until you return from your cruise. Create a summary your medical history and current drugs and pack it; make sure your travel companion knows where to find it.
9. Notify your credit card company(s) that you are traveling out of your normal area. Learn which cards are accepted where and if there is a foreign exchange fee charged.
10. Make two photocopies of your passport, ID and credit cards. Leave one copy with a relative or friend and carry the other separately from the originals.
11. Obtain a supply of small US dollars bills for tipping. You can use your ATM card at your destinations should you need foreign currency for tipping.
12. Leave a copy of your full itinerary with a relative or friend, which should include, the cruise line, the name of your ship and your stateroom number and information on how to reach the ship.
13. Put a card with your name, address, and itinerary inside each suitcase in case your luggage gets lost.
14. Fill out your luggage tags and follow the instructions in your cruise documents regarding attaching them.
15. Check, check double check your passport, other IDs and credit cards are with you.

Your passport, casual shorts outfits, a floppy hat, a bathing suit and cover up, a tote bag, evening attire, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sun-screen, a camera, bug repellent, a collapsible shopping bag, a rain poncho or small umbrella and reading material are all things to consider.

I suggest you also travel with a copy of your medical history, your prescription drug list and you eyeglass prescription.

Some cruises have theme parties such as white night or toga night and you may want to check to be sure you bring appropriate attire to participate in special activities.

Going to Hawaii and renting a car? Gas in Hawaii is ridiculously expensive; take your Costco card if you have one and save many cents per gallon.

Cruise lines have restrictions on what beverages, adult and otherwise, you can bring on board. You should familiarize yourself with these policies as items that do not comply will be confiscated. For example, currently Carnival Cruise Lines does not allow bottled water and limits each adult to 1-750ml bottle of wine or champagne. No liquor may be brought aboard at embarkation or from a port. Liquor purchased in port will be collected and returned the morning of debarkation. All allowed beverages MUST be packed in your carry-on luggage. You should check out what can be purchased prior to sailing such as water, liquor and soda packages. If you do choose to carry on wine be aware a corking charge could apply.

Candles are not allowed nor are any other heating devices such as a mug warmer, iron or other open flame items. Fire is the biggest safety concern at sea and any item, even remotely incendiary, will be confiscated.

Do not bring any item restricted by TSA regulations.

Some islands do NOT allow camouflage clothing so best idea – leave it at home – you’re cruising not hunting anyway.

And please do check the cruise lines website for other specifics.

First of all do not over pack. Staterooms are spacious but not immense and hauling stuff around you don’t need is just a plain hassle. Unless you are going to some exotic remote destination chances are if you can’t live without it and you don’t have it you can buy it. I suggest you start a packing list that you use each and every time you travel. Scratch off the stuff you don’t use; add the stuff you do; that said, here’s a list of things I have found handy to have over the years.

Always pack more of your prescription medications than you think you may need. Things happen and you don’t want to be without. It is also a good idea to either leave your prescriptions in the actual pharmacy bottle or bring a copy of the prescriptions with you in case you are questioned about the drugs.

Almost! When you arrive at the pier there will be places to pay and park or you can be dropped off. There are luggage porters to take your bags with the tags you have printed or received. It is customary to tip the porter. These tags will cause your luggage to magically appear in your stateroom leaving you free to board and explore the ship. You will enter the terminal and follow the process to check in and then board. Expect a line but it will not be as bad as it first looks. It is CRITCALLY important you understand what proof of citizenship and identification is needed for your cruise. This information is available from your cruise documents and on the cruise lines’ website. If you do not have the proper documentation you will be denied boarding and will not receive a refund.

Curbside porters are available at the pier during embarkation to take luggage to the vessel for delivery to your stateroom. Please be sure each piece of luggage is locked with a TSA approved lock and has the cruise line’s tag listing your name, ship and stateroom number. Curbside porters are not employees of the cruise line and it is customary to tip. Your luggage will be delivered to the door of your stateroom.

It could be several hours before your luggage arrives so use a carry bag for immediate needs and things of value or necessity such as medication. Once your luggage arrives and is unpacked store it under the bed.

If the cruise line allows you to carry on beverages, they must be in your carry-on bag.

On the last night of your cruise you'll be asked to put your luggage outside your cabin door in the late evening. There are standard jokes about the passengers who pack everything and leave the ship the next morning wrapped in a tablecloth. Be sure that you put out the clothes you plan to wear ashore the next day.

Some cruise lines offer a "carry off yourself option" to facilitate early debarkation provided you can carry off everything.

Some ports have a service that will transport your luggage to the airport. The cruise line will provide details in their daily newsletter.

Your luggage will be waiting for you in customs sorted according to colored/numbered tags. Your color/number for departing the ship will be announced, and until you are called, you'll be asked to wait in one of the public lounges. You will need to clear customs before departing the ship or leaving the pier.

Curbside porters are generally available at the pier during debarkation to take your luggage curbside or the parking garage. Curbside porters are not employees of the cruise line and it is customary to tip and many times using a port puts you in the “fast” lane for customs clearance. Claims for luggage loss or damage must be made in writing to the debarkation personnel prior to leaving the pier area. Make sure you know how many bags you have. I know this sounds basic but someone I know almost left one bag behind once. (yeah me).

Whether your flight was ticketed by the cruise line or independently, even if your plane is late, proceed to the pier. Your booking will contain an “in case of emergency” number that you should call to if you are delayed and in route. If you're part of a group, most likely the ship is waiting for you; if you're on your own there's still a chance that other cruisers have been delayed as well and the ship is waiting for them.

You’ve planned and planned and patiently waited and woohoo you are on the ship! And you are on a ship, not a boat. A friend of mine who was a seaman explains it like this. “If you are in a boat you are in trouble because it means the ship is sinking!” When you board the Lido deck will be hopping serving lunch and beverages. First thing to do is get a copy of the daily program to see what else is open. Perhaps the dining room and you’d prefer that to Lido? The other thing to make sure you have is deck plans. Get several so you can have one with you, one in your stateroom, one in your tote bag. Once you have access to your stateroom, drop off your carry-on luggage and take 30 minutes to pay attention. What I mean is, after all this is pretty exciting; you’ve waited for this vacation and now it’s here. But….figure out the ship layout, where the elevators and the places you will frequent are like the Spa, the Casino, the shops – whatever, but figure it out how to get there. I have cruised so many times but I still get myself turned around and if you take some time to pay attention early on you can save yourself from walking in circles later.

You will have a card or other device used like a credit card to pay for onboard purchases. Charges are posted to the credit card you registered when you checked in. You also have the option of putting cash on your account by going to Guest Services.

For your convenience your ship will normally have the following facilities. A Shore Excursion Desk, a Customer Service Desk, ATM, medical facilities, laundry and dry cleaning service, a casino, a library, duty-free shops, a beauty salon, a full service spa, a gymnasium, discos, piano bars, large theatrical showrooms, pools, hot tubs, internet café, coffee bar and ship to shore communications.

The daily program may inform you of dress requested for dinner some of which are: ELEGANT/FORMAL - you may get as dressed up as you wish; gentlemen may wear tuxedos or suits and ladies may wear long or short cocktail dresses. SEMIFORMAL - gentlemen will be requested to wear a jacket and tie, and for ladies a dress or pants suit is appropriate. CASUAL - slacks and sport shirts are appropriate for all.

Shorts, tank tops, hats and flip flops normally are not acceptable attire for dinner in the main dining room.

These guidelines are for the main dining rooms only and you will find a wide range of interpretation of these guidelines. If you prefer, you can dine, dressed as you please, in the buffet area.

During the day cruise comfort should be your guide. You should pack a light jacket or sweater as the air conditioning can make it chilly at times. If you plan to use the spa, pool or whirlpools rubber flip flops come in handy. Also think about what you will be doing in port when you pack. Hat for the sun? Comfy walking shoes? Beach cover up? Rain poncho?

There are also self-serve launderettes and laundry service on board.

Meals are included in the cost of your cruise. There are breakfasts or brunches served in the main dining room, as a buffet in a patio setting usually near the pool, or sometimes as a continental breakfast served in your stateroom. Lunch is also served as a choice between the buffet and a full course selection in the main dining room. Most ships also serve 24-hour options such as ice cream, cookies, room service or pizza. Dinner is served in the main dining room either at an assigned table and time or at time of your choosing. While options vary from cruise to cruise one thing is always the same – you will never go hungry on a cruise vacation!

Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are not included in the price of your cruise however soda cards that you buy at the beginning of the cruise for the duration are sometimes sold as well as Adult beverage packages. If you should have special dietary needs, please inform your travel agent when you are making your reservation or see you Maître d' while onboard. Dining times are set as early (5:30ish) and late (8:00ish). Generally you will find your dining time and table number printed on your room “key” card. I recommend the late seating; you don’t want to have to rush back to the ship from a great port and there’s no shortage of food to tide you over.

If for some reason your assignment is not to your liking, ask the Maître d' for a change. If the ship is full they may not be able to change your dinnertime or your table immediately, but rest assured, he will make a note of your request and by the next day will probably be able to satisfy you. Most ships are also offering spaces for “open” dinning. You should tell your travel agent your preference at time of booking.

You also likely will have options for specialty restaurants that offer themed dining, such as seafood, steakhouses, sushi, Italian, BBQ, Brew Pubs and more. These types of restaurants charge a nominal fee for their meals.

Most cruise lines offer free or nominal charge 24-hour room service with a limited menu for your convenience.

Effectively all staterooms and public areas are smoke free. Each ship will have a designated smoking area on an open deck and in the casino. Some ships, like certain Princess ships, have Cigar Lounges.

A daily program will be placed in your stateroom each day and will list all the activities that will take place, including the time and location of each. Many ships also have an app that you should download before you go. The program will have a wide variety of things to keep you occupied, tell you about entertainment, hours of operation of the various venues, daily specials, and more. Think of it as your morning newspaper read over coffee.

Most cruise lines offer children’s activities, especially during summers and holidays. Baby-sitting services may be arranged while on board, at an additional fee. You may inform your room steward that you are traveling with a child, and he will be sure to give you the child's activities sheet in your room each day.

Oh yeah – everywhere!

Every ship has a set of duty free shops that sell souvenirs, liquor, cigarettes, perfume and jewelry. Usually these shops have a price guarantee and offer some great bargains. Generally liquor purchased in these shops or in port is held until the end of the cruise.

Each ship will also have a shore shopping expert that will give talks regarding where to find what in the different ports and provide shopping maps and coupons. Pay attention to what currency is in use. For example, Grand Cayman sometimes prices in “Cayman Dollars” so it may not be the bargain you think. There are limits on what you can bring back duty free and these limits are governed by where you have visited. I have found that if you are over your limit by a “little bit”, while you must present yourself to the custom’s officer on debarkation day and properly declare what you have purchases, many times they will not collect money from you and instead just welcome you home

If you are shopping for liquor bargains, I always find excellent prices at the liquor store in the tender area in Grand Cayman. A plus here is they send it back to the ship for you. If you plan to stock up your bar think about bringing a luggage cart with you for ease in debarkation.

You will see pharmacies in the shops in the port area and may think it strange. However, know that some drugs and cosmetics you need a prescription for in the US can be purchased without one in the islands.

Make sure you pay attention to the instructions the ship gives you regarding the documentation you need to get off the ship and re-board. Any expenses incurred in port are not included in your cruise package however you may return to the ship for all your meals. If you call on the cruise line’s private island food is usually included and drink packages can be used but rules vary so make sure you find out.

Be sure to return to the ship at least 1/2 hour before departure and keep your watch on SHIP’S time. If you use your cellphone, make sure the time does not automatically reset to local time and I actually suggest bringing a good old-fashioned wristwatch – especially if you are traveling through multiple time zones.

The ship normally does not wait for any passenger that is late returning, and it is your responsibility to make your way to the next port of call. One exception to this is if you are delayed on an excursion you booked through the ship. Normally if your group is delayed the ship will wait for you and if it cannot they will pay your expenses to get you to the next port. Check with the shore excursion desk on your ship for their exact policy.

If, God forbid, you do miss the ship the ship’s security officer will enter your stateroom and attempt to locate your passport, prescription drugs and any other items critical for an unplanned trip back to the ship. They will give these items to their port agent which is usually listed on the daily program. Make it a point to take the daily program with you when you leave the ship.

And back to the topic of shore excursions. Should you book through the cruise line or are there bargains to be had doing it yourself? My thought is if the ship will wait for you or get you to the next port at their expense, the premium they may charge is well worth it. It is a real blast standing on deck as you sail away watching people run down the pier to try and catch the ship! I will tell you, one time, and only once in many cruises, while I was aboard the Carnival Dream the Captain backed the ship up, dropped the gangway and allowed the late comers to board! Further, the tours that the ship promotes have been vetted by them so you can expect to have a quality experience and should you have an issue you have the cruise line to work with to resolve it. The last thought here is you are never guaranteed a port. If because of weather, social unrest or whatever the cruise lines deems an unsafe condition exists, ports can be skipped; cruises can be cancelled. If you have booked a private excursion will your money be refunded?

People worry about getting seasick. Reasonably so, it’s a miserable thing. Today’s ships however have state of the art stabilization systems and most times you cannot even tell you re underway. However, it is a moving vessel on the seas and if the seas are rough, the ship will rock. Stateroom locations to minimize motion are mid-ship choices on the lower decks. There are preventive medications you can get from your doctor such as a patch and over the counter medications such as “Bonine”. There is a doctor on board all cruise ships, if you are not feeling up to par but the services normally come with a premium price although sometimes returned through a claim to your medical insurance.

Avoid calling home except in an emergency from the ship’s phones. The meter begins ticking after the second ring even if no one answers, and the cost is extremely high. There are cellular at sea options that are available but also pricey. Make certain you understand how your mobile phone works so it doesn’t automatically connect and you come home to a huge bill. Check with your mobile carrier before you leave to find out what is available for the places you will visit.

Alternatively you can get online. If you bring your device there are a variety of options or there are a limited number of computers in the internet café. You buy “minutes” however there is no credit for unused minutes. Some lines now offer a package rate for the entire cruise. Read the daily program to see if they have any daily specials – like “minutes happy hour” or a BOGO.

Tipping is a personal matter and should reflect the service that you have received. The cruise line may provide a suggested tip amount to be shared by your dining room staff and stateroom steward. These rates are per person and can vary from ship to ship; usually around $13 - $20 per person per day. Considering the amount of meals you are served over the course of your cruise and the services provided by your stateroom steward these rates seem very reasonable. Gratuities can be paid before sailing if preferred and most cruise lines add this to your on-board account for your convenience. They can be adjusted on board if the situation warrants. Gratuities are normally added on to your bar checks at time of purchase. If you order complimentary room service a tip of a dollar or two is customary. You may also choose to tip the Maître d' or Headwaiter if they did something to make your cruise more enjoyable. Musicians are also tipped, and it is customary to include a tip when you when a special song.

The night before you return, you may place your luggage outside your stateroom, which will be taken away and inspected by customs officials before you are allowed to leave the ship. Be sure to keep a small carry-on bag with you to put your nightclothes in and be sure to leave out some clothing to wear home. Some ships allow you to carry off luggage yourself and this will expedite your departure. It is important for you to familiarize yourself with the debarkation process. The cruise line will provide information via the TV, printed materials or at a scheduled debarkation talk.

The morning the ship arrives in its homeport, breakfast will be served earlier than usual. Although the ship may now be in port, it will probably take about two hours or longer for the ship to clear customs. Since passengers may not leave the ship until the ship clears customs, use this time to enjoy a leisurely breakfast. You are usually required to vacate your stateroom around 8am and you can relax in one of the public rooms. When the ship clears customs, an announcement will be made and you then will leave the ship based on the cruise lines’ process which is be covered the day before the cruise ends. Most cruise terminals will have a porter and using a porter can get you in the “fast” line to clear customs.