Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about planning your perfect cruise vacation. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Our advisors are always happy to help.
Booking & Planning
Getting started with your cruise vacation.
Booking through a travel advisor like Extraordinary Adventures costs you nothing extra—we’re paid by the cruise lines, not by you. But you gain significant benefits: we have access to exclusive group rates and promotions not available online, we can often secure onboard credits or cabin upgrades, and we handle all the details so you don’t have to spend hours on hold. Most importantly, when something goes wrong (flight delays, itinerary changes, emergencies), you have a dedicated advocate working on your behalf rather than waiting in a call queue.
For the best selection of cabins and itineraries, we recommend booking 12–18 months in advance, especially for popular destinations like Alaska (May–September) and holiday sailings. However, cruise lines do offer last-minute deals if you’re flexible with dates and cabin types. Luxury and expedition cruises on smaller ships tend to sell out faster, so book those 18–24 months ahead. River cruises in Europe also fill quickly—12+ months is ideal for peak season.
Most cruise lines require a deposit of $250–$500 per person to secure your booking, with the balance due 60–90 days before sailing (120 days for luxury lines). Some promotions offer reduced deposits or even refundable deposits. We’ll explain all payment terms clearly before you book and send reminders as your final payment date approaches.
Some cruise lines offer courtesy holds for 24–72 hours, allowing you to lock in a price while you finalize details. Availability varies by cruise line and how close you are to the sailing date. We can often arrange holds for our clients—just ask, and we’ll check what’s possible for your specific sailing.
Cancellation policies vary by cruise line, but generally you’ll receive a full refund (minus any non-refundable deposits) if you cancel more than 90 days before sailing. Penalties increase as you get closer to departure, and cancellations within 14–30 days typically forfeit the full fare. We strongly recommend travel insurance to protect your investment—it can cover cancellations due to illness, family emergencies, and other unforeseen circumstances.
No, our services are completely free to you. We’re compensated by the cruise lines when you book through us, so you pay the same price (or often less, thanks to our group rates and promotions) as booking directly. There’s truly no downside to using a travel advisor.
Cruise Lines & Ships
Understanding the different cruise experiences available.
Mainstream lines (Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, MSC) offer the best value with large ships featuring extensive amenities—waterslides, rock walls, multiple restaurants, Broadway-style shows. They’re great for families and first-time cruisers.
Premium lines (Celebrity, Princess, Holland America) offer a step up in quality with more refined dining, larger cabins, and a more relaxed atmosphere. They appeal to experienced cruisers seeking better service without luxury prices.
Luxury lines (Regent, Oceania, Silversea, Seabourn) feature smaller ships, all-inclusive pricing, exceptional cuisine, and highly personalized service. Most include beverages, gratuities, and shore excursions in the fare.
Disney Cruise Line is purpose-built for families with exceptional kids’ clubs and character experiences. Royal Caribbean offers the most activities for all ages (waterslides, surf simulators, ice skating). Norwegian’s Freestyle Cruising gives families flexibility with no fixed dining times. Carnival is excellent value for families on a budget. For multigenerational groups, Princess and Celebrity offer programming that appeals to both kids and grandparents.
Viking Ocean Cruises is exclusively adult (18+) with a focus on destination immersion and elegant Scandinavian design. Virgin Voyages caters to adults with a hip, modern vibe. Luxury lines like Regent, Oceania, and Silversea attract predominantly adult guests. Among mainstream lines, Holland America and Azamara skew older and more refined. Celebrity offers sophisticated experiences that appeal to adult couples.
River cruises operate on smaller vessels (100–190 guests) that navigate inland waterways like the Rhine, Danube, and Seine. You dock right in the heart of cities and villages—often walking straight off the ship into town. Most excursions are included, the atmosphere is intimate, and there’s virtually no motion. Ocean cruises offer more ship amenities and visit coastal destinations and islands. See our River vs Ocean comparison for a detailed breakdown.
Expedition cruises visit remote destinations like Antarctica, the Galápagos, and the Arctic on small, ice-strengthened ships. They focus on wildlife encounters and adventure activities (Zodiac landings, kayaking, hiking) rather than onboard entertainment. Expert naturalists and scientists lead excursions. These cruises are more expensive but offer truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences in places few people ever visit.
Not necessarily. Newer ships typically have the latest technology, more dining options, and trendy features like virtual balconies or robot bartenders. However, older ships often have more traditional charm, larger cabins (shipbuilding has evolved), and loyal followings. Some travelers prefer classic ships for their intimate feel. The “best” ship depends entirely on what you value in a cruise experience.
Destinations & Itineraries
Choosing where to cruise.
The Alaska cruise season runs May through September. Early season (May–early June) offers snow-capped mountains, fewer crowds, and sometimes lower prices, but weather can be cooler and rainier. Peak season (late June–July) brings the warmest weather, longest days, and best wildlife viewing. Late season (August–September) offers fall colors, potential Northern Lights, and salmon runs, but days are shorter. There’s no bad time—each period has its charms.
Eastern Caribbean itineraries typically visit destinations like St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and San Juan—known for beautiful beaches, duty-free shopping, and historic sites. Western Caribbean cruises visit Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Jamaica, offering more adventure activities like Mayan ruins, snorkeling, and zip-lining. Southern Caribbean (less common) reaches islands like Aruba, Curaçao, and Barbados with more diverse cultures and often calmer seas.
Western Mediterranean (Barcelona, Rome, French Riviera, Florence) is ideal for first-timers with iconic cities and easy access from major airports. Eastern Mediterranean (Greek Isles, Croatia, Turkey) offers stunning scenery, ancient history, and often fewer crowds. Many travelers do both over time. We can help you decide based on your interests—art and food lovers often prefer west, while history buffs and beach seekers lean east.
Roundtrip cruises are convenient—you fly into and out of the same city, which simplifies flights and means you can leave a car at the port. One-way cruises let you see more ports without backtracking, but require booking two different flights. For Alaska, one-way cruises between Vancouver and Seward/Whittier are popular because they include scenic Inside Passage cruising. Consider your priorities: convenience vs. variety.
Repositioning cruises occur when ships move between seasonal markets—like from the Caribbean to Europe in spring, or Alaska to Australia in fall. They’re typically longer (10–18 days), feature multiple sea days, and offer exceptional value. They’re perfect for travelers who love being at sea and don’t mind one-way itineraries. Popular repositioning routes include transatlantic crossings and Pacific voyages.
Both offer spectacular fjord scenery, but they’re quite different experiences. Alaska delivers massive glaciers, incredible wildlife (bears, whales, eagles), and untamed wilderness. Norway combines dramatic scenery with charming villages, Viking history, and European culture. See our detailed Alaska vs Norway comparison to help you decide.
Onboard Experience
What to expect once you’re sailing.
Your fare typically includes your cabin, all meals in the main dining room and buffet, room service (sometimes with a small fee), entertainment (shows, live music, movies), fitness center, pools and hot tubs, and kids’ clubs. Not usually included: specialty restaurants, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks (varies by line), shore excursions, spa treatments, casino, WiFi, and gratuities (though some lines include these). Luxury lines include most or all extras.
Dress codes have relaxed considerably. Daytime is casual—shorts, swimwear by the pool, comfortable clothing. Evenings in the main dining room typically call for “smart casual” (nice jeans or khakis with a collared shirt for men, sundresses or nice pants for women). Most ships have 1–2 “formal nights” per week where suits/sport coats and cocktail dresses are appropriate, though you can always dine at the buffet or order room service if you prefer to skip formal attire.
Modern cruise ships have stabilizers that significantly reduce motion, and most passengers don’t experience seasickness. If you’re concerned, choose larger ships (more stable), itineraries with calmer waters (Caribbean, Inside Passage, rivers), and a mid-ship cabin on a lower deck (least motion). Over-the-counter remedies like Dramamine or Bonine work well for most people. Prescription patches (Transderm Scōp) are highly effective for those prone to motion sickness.
Yes, all major cruise lines offer WiFi, though quality and pricing vary. Expect slower speeds than at home due to satellite connections, especially in remote areas. Packages typically run $10–$25 per day, with discounts for purchasing upfront. Luxury lines often include WiFi in the fare. Some lines offer social media-only packages at lower prices. Video streaming (Netflix, FaceTime) may work on premium packages but can be inconsistent.
Absolutely. Cruise ships are excellent at accommodating vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, halal, and allergy-related dietary needs. Notify the cruise line when booking, and remind your dining room staff on the first night. Chefs can prepare custom meals, and many ships have dedicated menus for common dietary requirements. The advance notice helps them prepare properly.
Sea days are for relaxation and enjoying the ship. Sleep in, lounge by the pool, attend trivia or cooking demonstrations, work out, get a spa treatment, catch a movie, read your book, explore the ship, enjoy leisurely meals. Many passengers love sea days as a chance to decompress. If you prefer more active days, choose itineraries with fewer sea days or pack activities that interest you (the daily schedule is always full of options).
At each port, you can explore independently or book organized excursions. Ship-sponsored excursions guarantee the ship won’t leave without you and offer convenience, but they’re often more expensive. Third-party excursions (we recommend Shore Excursions Group) can offer better value and smaller groups. Independent exploration works well in walkable ports. We’re happy to advise on the best approach for each port on your itinerary.
Pricing & Value
Understanding cruise costs and getting the best value.
Yes, cruises often represent excellent value. Your fare includes accommodation, all meals, entertainment, and transportation between destinations. Compare that to paying separately for hotels, restaurants, and flights between cities. A 7-day Caribbean cruise might cost $1,000–$2,000 per person including meals, while a comparable week at a resort with dining could easily cost more. The value increases further on all-inclusive luxury lines.
Beyond your cruise fare, budget for: gratuities ($14–$20 per person per day unless included), shore excursions ($50–$200+ each), beverage packages or à la carte drinks, specialty dining ($25–$75 per person), WiFi ($100–$200 per cruise), spa treatments, casino, and souvenirs. You can cruise on a tight budget by skipping extras, or splurge on premium experiences. A realistic budget adds 30–50% to your cruise fare for extras.
Gratuities (tips) are automatically added to your onboard account at $14–$20 per person per day, depending on the cruise line and cabin category. This covers your cabin steward, dining staff, and other crew members. You can adjust gratuities up or down at the guest services desk, though we encourage honoring the standard amount as crew depend on these earnings. Some luxury lines include gratuities in the fare.
We strongly recommend travel insurance for any cruise. It can cover trip cancellation (illness, family emergencies, job loss), trip interruption, medical expenses abroad (your health insurance may not cover you internationally), emergency evacuation, lost luggage, and travel delays. Given that cruises represent a significant investment, insurance provides peace of mind for a relatively small additional cost (typically 5–10% of your trip cost).
For many travelers, absolutely. Luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas and Silversea include virtually everything: premium beverages, gratuities, shore excursions, WiFi, and sometimes even airfare. When you add these extras to a mainstream cruise, the price gap shrinks significantly. You also get smaller ships, higher staff-to-guest ratios, exceptional cuisine, and more spacious accommodations. See our Oceania vs Regent comparison for more details on luxury value.
Book early for the best cabin selection, or book late for last-minute deals if you’re flexible. Work with a travel advisor (like us!) who has access to exclusive group rates and promotions. Consider repositioning cruises for exceptional value. Be flexible with dates—sailing mid-week or during shoulder season often costs less. Watch for sales during Wave Season (January–March). And always compare the total cost including extras, not just the cruise fare.
Travel Logistics
Getting to and from your cruise.
Yes, we strongly recommend arriving at least one day early. Flight delays, cancellations, and lost luggage happen—and the ship will not wait for you. Arriving early eliminates stress, gives you time to recover from travel, and lets you explore the departure city. The cost of an extra hotel night is far less than the cost of missing your cruise. For international embarkation ports, consider arriving two days early to adjust to time zones.
For cruises departing and returning to the same US port (closed-loop), a US passport is strongly recommended but not technically required—a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID suffice. However, if you need to fly home from a foreign port due to an emergency, you’ll need a passport. For any cruise visiting foreign ports or departing/returning to different countries, a passport valid for 6 months beyond your travel dates is required. Some destinations require visas—we’ll advise you on specific requirements.
Most ships begin boarding between 11am and 1pm, with all passengers aboard by 4–5pm. You’ll check in at the cruise terminal (bring your passport and cruise documents), pass through security, and receive your cruise card—your room key, ID, and onboard payment card. Your cabin may not be ready immediately, but public areas are open. Luggage is delivered to your cabin within a few hours. We recommend carrying essentials (medications, swimsuit, change of clothes) in your carry-on.
On the final morning, you’ll place your luggage outside your cabin the night before (keep a carry-on with essentials). Disembarkation typically begins around 7–8am and can take 1–3 hours depending on ship size and customs procedures. Self-assist disembarkation (carrying your own bags) is faster if you can manage it. Don’t book flights before early afternoon to allow buffer time for disembarkation, customs, and airport travel.
Yes, most major cruise ports offer parking facilities ranging from $15–$30 per day. Port parking is convenient but adds up on longer cruises. Many travelers prefer off-site parking lots (often cheaper with shuttle service) or rideshare/taxi services. For popular ports like Port Canaveral, Miami, and Galveston, we can recommend parking options based on your specific terminal.
This is why we recommend arriving a day early. If you do miss the ship, you’ll need to make your own way to the first port of call at your own expense—potentially involving international flights and significant costs. The cruise line is not responsible for flight delays. Travel insurance that covers trip interruption can help reimburse these expenses. If you book flights through the cruise line’s air program, they take more responsibility for delays.
Still Have Questions?
Our cruise advisors are here to help with any questions not covered above. No question is too small—we love talking cruises!
