FAQs

It’s possible. Most large cruise ships are built with stabilizers to make the ride as smooth as possible. Even so, people who are prone to motion sickness can start to feel queasy onboard, but there are a few things you can do to help, like eating ginger biscuits or wearing travel ands which can be bought from any pharmacy.

The best deck on a cruise ship to avoid seasickness is the lowest passenger deck. This is because the top of a ship sways from side to side much more than the bottom. To avoid motion sickness, choose a cabin close to the waterline and as close to the middle of the ship as possible.

The traditional cruise dining experience means eating at the same time at the same table with the same people and same waiters every night. There is an early seating and a late seating. You can request your own table or be seated with other people. Select your dining preferences at the time you book your cruise. Alternatively, pick a more flexible option where you can eat when you are ready. This is called ‘Open dining’ , Freestyle dining’or ‘Anytime dining’ depending on the cruiseline.

With the exception of some adults-only ships, most cruise lines allow you to cruise with a baby who’s 6 months or older. On certain itineraries — usually exotic cruises and long ocean crossings — the minimum age for kids is one year or older. Check before you book.

Absolutely! If you’re enjoying a healthy pregnancy and have been given the green light from your doctor, cruise lines will generally accept pregnant passengers in their first or second trimesters.

Depending on the destinations and the time of the year. Casual clothing for daytime and casual smart and/or formal for the evening. Many cruise ships turn up the air conditioning at night. Pack a light sweater or dressy shawl to keep you comfortable in cool onboard restaurants and theatres.

Every cruise line have their own dress code that can be confirmed when booking the cruise. In genaral a casual to smart casual is suggested for the day time and for the evenings a smart casual to formal would be appropriate.

It depends on where you are sailing as to the best currency for each port of call. Different cruise lines take different currencies, however onboard transactions are charged to your cruise account and the balance is settled at the end of the holiday. You can use a debit/credit card so you don’t have to worry about exchanging cash.

There is no real limit on how much luggage can be brought on a cruise. Most cruise lines encourage passengers to limit luggage to around 2 suitcases. If you are flying to your point of embarkation, you will need to take into account the luggage restriction with your airline.

You don’t have to spend extra money while on a cruise if you don’t want to.  However, some special items and activities on a cruise come at an additional cost.

Yes, most cruise ships have their own kids pools and splash areas, as well as youth clubs and entertainment, family lounges, arcades and activity centres.

Begin by asking yourself the following questions to narrow down your options and hone in on the one that’s right for you: 1. How much time will I spend in the cabin? 2. Is saving money the priority? 3. Do I need a full view? 4. Do I need outdoor space? 5. What part of the ship will I visit the most? 6. Do any cabin categories offer additional amenities? 7. How mobile are those in my party? 8. Is there a way to save money once I choose? 9. Does it matter what side of the ship I’m on? 10. Do I get seasick easily? 11. How sensitive are we to noise? 12. If getting more than one cabin, how close do I want them?

The primary benefit of booking excursions through the cruise line is that they guarantee your return to the ship. This generally means that if you’re on a tour that’s scheduled to finish 30 minutes before sail-away and the tour is in some way delayed, the ship will wait until you’re safely back onboard to set sail.

Clothing irons and steamers aren’t allowed on cruise ships because they present a fire hazard. Almost every cruise ship in the world offers some sort of laundry service onboard if you need it.

Yes, usually at an additional cost for a limited time/day.

Guests are free to utilize their mobile data or connect to the onboard Wi-Fi on any ship. But, please be aware that mobile data used on the ship or in certain ports of call will result in charges from your mobile phone provider.

Most cruise lines require the passport be valid for at least six months following the completion of your travels. 

It depends on what passport you are holding and the port you are visiting. Before booking the cruise, please check the visa requirements.

Those with impaired mobility can still enjoy a cruise ship vacation. All of the cruise lines have accessible public areas, with large corridors, automatic doors, and special seating. Most cruise ships have a very limited number of wheelchair accessible cabins, so bookings must be made early to get availability.

Most major cruise lines do not require guests to be vaccinated unless they’re traveling from or to a destination that requires it. Still, there are exceptions. Some cruise lines encourage vaccination even though they don’t require it. Some may also require pre-board testing for unvaccinated people.

Cruising is mostly back to normal and the pre-cruise testing has been almost entirely abolished, ships are sailing at full capacity. In case of any changes in the test requirements, the customer will be informed prior to sailing.

Cruise ships have a hospital or medical centre on board and this is the best place to go for medical treatment or advice if you feel unwell whilst you are on a cruise. You will be charged for any medial treatment, so taking travel insurance for your trip is essential.

A muster drill is a mandatory safety exercise with the objective to familiarize all guests and crew with the location (muster station) where they are to assemble in the unlikely event of an emergency. During this drill, additional safety information (i.e., how to put on a life jacket) is presented.

Cruising is one of the safest forms of travel, and the vast majority of cruises pass without incident. But just like on a land-based vacation, it’s worth taking a few basic precautions to stay safe. Travel Insurance is vital for any travel at sea.

You can choose to pay gratuities (tips) at the time of booking with some cruiselines. By paying the charge at the same time you pay your cruise, it’s one less cost that will hit your onboard account while you are cruising. Another advantage is that cruise lines regularly raise gratuity amounts. With the ultra luxury cruiselines, they include gratuities with your cruise fare.

Cruise apps are another example of how cruise lines are using the latest digital technology to improve and personalise your holiday experience. They are evolving all the time, with more features being added to make things quicker, easier and better before and during your holiday. Currently, it is not compulsory to use the apps.

Most people say one of the highlights of a cruise is the food. In fact people say you join a cruise as a passenger and leave as cargo! Your cruise fare always includes food for breakfast, lunch and dinner on a cruise ship. However, not all venues that offer food will be free. The main dining room and cruise ship buffet will always be included in your cruise fare, though a few specialty items might cost extra. Most upscale or sit-down specialty restaurants incur an extra fee, either a flat cover charge or a la carte pricing per item.

The drinking age for all cruise ships within US waters is 21.  Across the rest of the world, the drinking age varies from 18 to 21 years old.

At most lines, all onboard purchases are paid for using your cruise card, which doubles as your room key. This card is set up before boarding and serves as your ID to get on and off the ship, provides you access to your cabin and makes for easy swiping when you decide you need a pina colada. You register your credit/debit card at the time of boarding so no cash is needed whilst you are onboard.

Most cruise lines have some kind of TV/monitor/smartphone app that guests can use to access their onboard spending accounts.

Some cruise lines allow you to buy a beverage package. These all-you-can-drink packages allow passengers to pay a set fee up front for unlimited drinks (of a certain type, as outlined by the package’s fine print), rather than pay per drink once onboard the cruise ship. They are offered because many cruise lines, with the exception of the most expensive luxury lines, charge extra for most beverages (including soda and alcohol) onboard. These beverage packages can be a good deal, depending on how often you plan to buy drinks on your holiday.

The best time to book a shore excursion is pre-cruise, through Cruise Planner. This ensures the greatest selection and availability for all shore excursions.

Cruise ship cabins are generally split into four categories. These are as follows:

Inside – This is the standard, smallest-sized room and doesn’t contain a window with an outside view.
Outside – An outside cabin can sometimes be referred to as an ‘Oceanview room’. Outside cabins are usually similar in size to an inside cabin or a little bit larger and they have a window looking out to sea. On most ships there are outside cabins with an ‘obstructed view’, this means there is a window, but it may be partially covered by exterior structures e.g. Life Boats. Obstructed View cabins can sometimes cost less than those for which the view is unobstructed.
Balcony – These cabins have a balcony that allows you to step outside of your cabin without having to go up to the public deck area. Balcony cabins are an attractive option if you prefer to have a little more privacy when sunbathing or simply if you want to enjoy a coffee outdoors before heading for breakfast in the morning. Not all balcony cabins have a sea view. Some ships are designed with balconies overlooking outdoor areas in the centre of the ship.
Suite – This is a larger cabin, often with a separate living and sleeping area. These are generally more luxurious and have a wide variety of extra amenities and services.