🚢 Questions About Cruising
Have questions? You're in the right place! Here are the answers to some of the most common inquiries we receive.
Your cruise fare almost always includes your stateroom (cabin), all primary meals (at the buffet and in the main dining rooms), select beverages (like tap water, basic coffee, and tea), and most onboard entertainment (such as live shows, pools, and fitness centers).
Items that typically cost extra include specialty restaurants, alcoholic beverages and sodas, spa treatments, shore excursions, and onboard gratuities.
This depends on your itinerary. For “closed-loop” cruises (those starting and ending in the same U.S. port), a government-issued photo ID and an official birth certificate are often sufficient.
However, I strongly recommend traveling with a valid passport on all cruises. A passport is the only document that will allow you to fly home from a foreign port in case of an emergency and is essential for any international air travel.
A shore excursion is a tour or activity you can take when the ship is docked in a port. This can be anything from a historical walking tour or a beach day to a zip-lining adventure. You can book these through the cruise line, directly with my Viator booking engine, or with other third-party companies.
This is a common worry! Modern cruise ships are massive and equipped with advanced stabilizers to ensure a smooth ride. Most passengers do not experience seasickness. If you are prone to motion sickness, I recommend booking a cabin in the middle of the ship on a lower deck, where motion is least noticeable. There are also many effective over-the-counter remedies available.
🛎️ Questions About My Services
Have questions? You're in the right place! Here are the answers to some of the most common inquiries we receive.
When you book online, you're on your own. As your travel advisor, I provide personalized service and expert advice that a website algorithm can't.
I add value: I have access to special promotions and a deep knowledge of different ships and destinations to make your vacation truly special.
I save you time: I do the research to find the perfect ship and itinerary for your specific needs.
I'm your advocate: If something goes wrong, you have one person to call—me. I handle the long hold times and work to resolve any issues on your behalf.
My planning services are typically compensated by the cruise lines and travel suppliers I book with after you travel. This means there is no extra cost to you for my services. For highly complex or custom-designed itineraries, a planning fee may be discussed upfront, but for most cruise bookings, my expertise is complimentary.
Absolutely! I am a full-service travel planner. I can arrange your pre- and post-cruise hotel stays, your flights, travel insurance, shore excursions, and any other travel components you need to make your vacation seamless from start to finish.
đź’ł Questions About the Booking Process
Have questions? You're in the right place! Here are the answers to some of the most common inquiries we receive.
It's a simple, stress-free process:
- Consult: We'll start with a free consultation (over the phone, video, or email) to discuss your travel dreams, budget, and needs.
- Research: I'll use that information to research and present you with a few curated cruise options that are a perfect fit.
- Book: Once you've made your choice, I'll handle the entire booking, secure your deposit, and send you a detailed confirmation.
- Support: I'm here for you! I'll manage your booking, send payment reminders, and be available to answer all your questions until it's time to sail.
Travel insurance is crucial for protecting your vacation investment. It provides coverage for unforeseen events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies in a foreign country, lost luggage, and travel delays. A vacation is a significant expense, and I highly recommend insurance for peace of mind.
A deposit is a partial payment required by the cruise line to reserve your stateroom. Deposit amounts and refund policies are set by the cruise line and vary based on the cruise length and how far in advance you book. I will always make sure you understand the specific terms for your booking before any payment is made.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Questions About Group & Family Cruising
Have questions? You're in the right place! Here are the answers to some of the most common inquiries we receive.
This is my specialty! It's the number one challenge for family planners, and the exact problem I solve. I focus on cruise lines like Royal Caribbean that are specifically designed to have a wide range of activities—from Broadway-style shows and relaxing spas for adults to rock-climbing walls, surfing simulators, and teen-only clubs for the kids. My job is to match your family's unique mix of ages and interests to the perfect ship.
I handle all the logistics. We can book adjoining rooms for parents and kids, cabins on the same deck for the whole family, or mix-and-match staterooms (like a balcony for you, an interior room for the teens) to fit everyone's budget. I manage the entire group reservation to ensure everyone is linked together, which is essential for dining.
Absolutely. If you're celebrating a milestone birthday, anniversary, or graduation, we can arrange for onboard celebrations, from a simple cake at dinner to booking a private space for a cocktail party. I can also help coordinate group shore excursions so you can all explore a port together.
This is a major stress-point I take off your plate. Each family or room can pay for their portion individually. I'll set up the booking so that I can send a secure payment link directly to each party, and I keep track of who has paid and when their final payment is due. You don't have to worry about collecting money from anyone.
Yes, and this is a key reason to book with an advisor. I will link all your family's reservations together and work with the cruise line to request a large, shared table in the main dining room. Whether you prefer a set dining time (traditional) or the more flexible “My Time” dining, I'll coordinate it so your group can enjoy those important meals together.
This is a major stress-point I take off your plate. Each family or room can pay for their portion individually. I'll set up the booking so that I can send a secure payment link directly to each party, and I keep track of who has paid and when their final payment is due. You don't have to worry about collecting money from anyone.