Cruising comes with a lot of questions—especially when you’re planning your first cruise.
Below are answers to some of the cruise questions travelers commonly ask me. Cruise-line policies and government travel requirements can change, so always verify current requirements for your specific sailing (and your citizenship and itinerary).
And if you don’t see your question here?
Just ask me. That’s what I’m here for.
It depends on your specific cruise.
Cruise documentation requirements can vary based on citizenship, itinerary, departure port, destinations, and whether the cruise begins and ends at the same U.S. port.
Some U.S. citizens may be permitted to travel on certain closed-loop cruises using other acceptable citizenship and identification documents. Other itineraries may require a passport.
Even when a passport isn’t required for a particular sailing, having one can be helpful if an unexpected situation requires international air travel.
Always verify the official documentation requirements for your specific cruise before traveling.
Yes.
Children still need the documentation required for their particular sailing. The exact requirements depend on factors such as citizenship, itinerary, and cruise line.
Additional documentation may also be needed when a minor is traveling without one or both parents or legal guardians.
Ask me about your situation, and I’ll help point you toward the appropriate official requirements.
There isn’t one standard price.
Cruise pricing can depend on:
Cruise Line • Ship • Destination • Sailing Date • Stateroom • Number of Travelers • Promotions • Taxes & Fees
That’s why I recommend comparing the overall value (what you get for what you pay) rather than choosing a cruise based solely on the lowest advertised price.
Not necessarily.
Many cruise reservations allow you to secure your booking with a deposit and pay the remaining balance by a specified final-payment deadline.
Deposit requirements, payment schedules, and cancellation policies vary by cruise line, fare, and reservation.
I’ll explain the applicable payment requirements before you book.
A lot of it usually is!
Cruise fares commonly include access to certain dining venues, such as the main dining room and buffet, along with other included options depending on the ship.
Cruise ships may also offer specialty restaurants or premium dining experiences for an additional charge.
What’s included varies by cruise line and ship.
Some beverages may be included with your cruise fare, while others may cost extra.
Cruise lines commonly offer optional beverage packages. Package prices, rules, included beverages, and purchasing requirements vary considerably.
A drink package isn’t automatically the best choice for everyone.
If you’re considering one, we can look at the options available for your sailing and what makes sense for how you actually travel.
Possibly—but be careful.
Cruise ships may offer onboard Wi-Fi packages, and cellular service at sea can work differently from your normal cellular service.
Using cellular voice or data at sea can potentially result in additional charges depending on your carrier and plan.
Before sailing, check your mobile carrier’s current cruise/international policies and your cruise line’s Wi-Fi options.
Sometimes, but not always.
Depending on the cruise line and fare you purchase, gratuities may be included, prepaid, or added to your onboard account.
I’ll help you understand how gratuities work for the cruise you’re considering, including what to budget for ahead of time.
No.
At many ports, you may choose to book an excursion, explore independently, stay near the port, or even remain onboard the ship.
However, destinations vary considerably, and travelers should research local transportation, safety, documentation requirements, and the ship’s all-aboard time before exploring independently.
Don’t be late.
Your ship operates on a schedule, and passengers are responsible for returning by the required all-aboard time.
Always pay close attention to ship time, local time, and the instructions provided onboard.
This is one reason it’s important to understand the terms associated with whatever shore excursion you choose.
Whenever practical, I recommend arriving in your cruise departure area at least one day before sailing.
Flight cancellations, weather, traffic, and other unexpected problems happen.
Giving yourself additional time before embarkation can reduce the risk of a travel disruption causing you to miss your ship.
Depending on the destination and available booking options, I can help explore pre- and post-cruise accommodations and other travel arrangements.
If you’re traveling a significant distance to your departure port, ask about arriving early.
Policies vary by cruise line.
Cruise lines may provide recommendations or restrictions concerning luggage size, quantity, and prohibited items.
Before packing, review the current luggage policy for your specific cruise line.
Cruise lines maintain prohibited-item lists, and the rules aren’t identical across every company.
Common restrictions can involve certain electrical appliances, heating devices, weapons, illegal substances, and other items considered unsafe onboard.
Always check your cruise line’s current prohibited-items policy before packing.
If you’re unsure about a particular item, ask before putting it in your suitcase.
Travelers can generally travel with legitimate medications, but rules can vary based on the medication and destinations visited.
Keep necessary medication accessible and appropriately packaged, and research destination-specific restrictions when applicable.
For questions involving controlled medications or international destinations, verify the requirements with appropriate government authorities before traveling.
Cruise lines generally offer accessible accommodations and services, but the availability and type of accommodations vary by ship.
Accessible staterooms can be limited, so travelers with accessibility needs should discuss those requirements before booking whenever possible.
Let me know about accessibility considerations early in the planning process so we can explore appropriate options.
Cruise lines have specific pregnancy policies, including limits based on how far along a traveler will be during the sailing.
These policies vary and can change.
Always review the cruise line’s current pregnancy policy before booking and discuss travel plans with your healthcare provider.
Usually, you don’t need to spend your entire cruise dressed formally.
Cruise lines may have casual evenings as well as designated elegant, formal, or dressier nights. Dress expectations vary by cruise line and venue.
I’ll help you figure out what to pack for your particular cruise.
Absolutely!
Cruises are popular for:
Birthdays • Anniversaries • Honeymoons • Graduations • Retirements • Family Reunions • Weddings • Group Celebrations
Depending on the cruise line, optional celebration packages or other arrangements may be available.
Tell me what you’re celebrating when we’re planning!
Sometimes—but they are not guaranteed.
Certain travel suppliers may offer promotional rates to eligible first responders, military members, veterans, residents, or other qualifying travelers on selected trips.
Eligibility requirements, verification, availability, and savings vary.
As part of planning your vacation, I’ll check available promotional rates for which you may qualify.
Yes!
Beyond the Shift Travel Co. has a special interest in helping public-safety groups travel together.
Whether it’s your:
911 Center • Police Department • Fire Department • EMS Crew • Corrections Team • First Responder Organization
—or simply a group of coworkers and their families who want to get away together—contact me and we can explore group options.
Families and non-first-responder friends can absolutely be part of the trip too.
Whether to purchase travel protection is a personal decision.
Travel-protection plans can differ significantly in covered reasons, benefits, exclusions, limitations, and eligibility requirements.
When travel-protection options are available, you should review the actual plan information carefully to understand what is and isn’t covered before making a decision.
There really isn’t a “stupid” cruise question.
I’ve been a cruise passenger too, and I know how many questions can come up between “I think I want to take a cruise” and actually walking onto the ship.
That’s one of the reasons I’m here.
Jonathan Spradlin
Beyond the Shift Travel Co.
An Affiliate Agent of Cruise Brothers