If you have never been on a cruise and are planning one or if you are undecided as to whether you should try a cruise, here is some general information that may help. Policies will vary by cruise line, so for specific questions, check the cruise line’s policies and frequently asked questions. This is not a comprehensive guide and is provided for informational purposes only.
Do I need a passport?
Where do I start?
What will it cost?
What are the dining options?
What should I pack?
What toiletries should I bring?
What about prescription medications and medical equipment?
Will I get seasick?
How do I check in?
What is security like at the terminal?
How do I pay for items on the ship?
What is a muster drill?
How big are the staterooms?
How will I depart and board the ship in ports-of-call?
How long will the ship be in port?
What are the packing options for departure?
How do I depart the ship on the last day?
Does the cruise line have a rewards system?
Thank you for reading.
Disclaimer
Do I need a passport?
If you are leaving the country on a cruise, I highly recommend getting a passport. You cannot fly back to the United States without one. However, if you are leaving from and returning to the same port, a birth certificate may suffice. Be sure to check with the cruise line or your travel agent for this information.
Regardless of whether you are traveling with a passport or birth certificate, I suggest making an extra copy or two and keeping them separate from the original items. That way, you have extra copies if the originals are lost or misplaced. I also suggest leaving a copy at home with a loved one.
Read my leaving the country blog for more information on this topic.
Where do I start?
If it’s your first time planning a cruise, you may be a little apprehensive. The choices and options can also be a little overwhelming.
- How many days do you want to be on the ship?
- Where do you want to go?
- From which port?
- Will you fly or drive?
- What do you need to pack?
For a first-time cruiser, I recommend a short cruise, say three to four days. You need to make sure you will like it before taking a longer cruise that you won’t enjoy. You also need to consider the time of year and the weather. These factors will affect the cost of the cruise and what you pack. In general, cruises can be purchased up to 18 months prior to departure and can be paid for over time, which is a great option for those individuals on a budget. Most cruises must be paid in full at least 90 days before departure. You can make a reservation directly with the cruise line or a travel agent. In addition to the base price of the cruise which covers your stateroom and food, additional expenses may be incurred; these options are discussed in more detail below.
What will it cost?
The total cost will depend on several factors. The base price of the cruise includes your stateroom and food. Most cruise lines offer specials throughout the year, so watch for them:
- The second guest may be discounted
- Children may sail free
- Onboard spending credits
The following options will cost extra but may be discounted if purchased online before departure:
- Specialty restaurants (reservations are required)
- Drink packages (prices will vary for soda, bottled water, and alcohol; note that some cruise lines permit limited quantities of bottled water and wine to be brought on board for consumption)
- Shore excursions
- Merchandise
- Internet packages
- Tips (check with the cruise line for the daily charge per guest; drinks purchased without a package may also incur gratuities)
Transportation to and from the port will also cost extra. Regardless of your chosen method of transportation, I highly recommend arriving in the port’s vicinity the day before departure and staying overnight. Why? Circumstances beyond your control. Flights can be delayed or rerouted; traffic jams also cause delays. I have read horror stories about individuals trying to get to the port on the day of departure and missing their cruise.
What are the dining options?
Most cruise lines have three dining options for the main dining room:
- Early seating
- Late seating
- My time dining
You will select a dining time while making the reservation. Depending upon how far in advance the reservation is made, you may be placed on a waiting list for the chosen time. If you are traveling with others, be sure to link your reservations so you can sit together. Dining can also be resolved on board the ship on the first day of sailing.
Depending on the length of the cruise, there will be at least one formal night. Ladies may wear anything from their Sunday-best to cocktail dresses; gentlemen may wear anything from a button up dress shirt and slacks to tuxedos or suits. The dining room staff, and the daily itinerary will notify you of the dress code for each evening.
Casual dining is also available.
What should I pack?
A little bit of everything, and don’t forget your bathing suit. Consider the destination and the weather. Shorts and t-shirts may be perfectly fine, or you may need to wear jeans and long-sleeve shirts. Even in the summer when the ship is in transit, it can get cold when the sun goes down, so pack a sweater or a light-weight jacket. You never know when you may need it.
If you plan to participate in the formal and business casual evenings on the ship, be sure to pack appropriate attire. Participation in these events is optional.
Do not pack towels. Towels are provided for use at the pools and may also be checked out for shore excursions. Just make sure you return them or your account will be charged.
What toiletries should I bring?
The short answer is everything. Pack soap, shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, toothpaste, etc. Also pack any over the counter medication that you may need including antacid and pain remedies. You may also want to pack band aids, especially if you are traveling with children.
Toiletry items are not readily available on the ship. The shops are not open while the ship is in port and have limited hours while in transit. It’s better to be prepared and take anything you might need than to do without, especially in case of an emergency.
What about prescription medications and medical equipment?
Like air travel, do not pack prescription medications in checked luggage; take them on board with you. If you are traveling with medical equipment that requires distilled water, check the cruise line’s policies or frequently asked questions. You may be permitted to take one gallon on board with you.
I highly recommend taking a list of medications, serious medical conditions, and allergies with you in case of a medical emergency. Include the following information:
- Medical condition
- Medical professional providing treatment and contact information
- Name of medication
- Dosage
- List of allergies and reactions
Will I get seasick?
I can’t answer this question, but this is the number one excuse I hear from individuals who have never been on a cruise. For my husband and me, this is not an issue, but others may not be so fortunate.
If you are prone to motion sickness when riding in a car or other forms of transportation, it’s possible that you will get seasick, so be prepared. There are numerous motion sickness medications and patches that can be purchased over the counter. Bear in mind that cruise ships are big. It’s not like being on a small boat or even a large yacht in the ocean. In fact, I recall being on a fishing boat in Myrtle Beach one time, in very rough waters, and we weren’t that far from shore. I was fine when the boat was moving. But, when it stopped to allow fishing and started rocking back and forth-well, let’s just say I couldn’t wait for it to be over and back on land.
Cruise ships vary in size, but all of them have stabilizers that keep them level on the water. While on board, unless you are outside, you don’t really even know that the ship is moving. In general, the maximum speed for a cruise ship is twenty-two knots (approximately 25 MPH), so it’s not traveling that fast.
How do I check in?
I can only speak for Royal Caribbean, which has a two-step process for checking in.
Online Check In: You are required to complete the online check-in process and have a boarding pass. You will be notified by email when online check-in becomes available, approximately 90 days before departure. Complete your personal information, and add passport information, if applicable. You can also setup your onboard spending account (cashless system is discussed below) and upload your picture. Completing these steps will streamline the check-in process at the terminal.
As a side note, Royal Caribbean has an application available for download to a smartphone. Your boarding pass will be available in the application, which can also be used on board some of its ships at no additional cost.
At the Terminal: After clearing security, you will check in with your boarding pass and identification.
What is security like at the terminal?
Security at the terminal is similar to an airport. Have identification and your boarding pass ready.
How do I pay for items on the ship?
Cruise ships use a cashless system for all purchases. This system is tied to your room key, so always have it with you. Your account may be guaranteed with a credit card during online check-in or onboard the ship, or you may settle it with cash before departing the ship at the end of the cruise.
You will, however, need cash and/or credit cards, for any purchases made in ports-of-call. Most destinations in the Caribbean and Mexico accept U.S. dollars though you may receive change in the local currency.
What is a muster drill?
All cruise ships are required to have what is called a muster drill before initial departure. The purpose of this drill is to direct passengers to a specific location on the ship in the event of an emergency. Your muster drill station is identified on your room key as well as the door in your room.
How big are the staterooms?
Not very big, and there is limited storage space, so bear this in mind when packing. You can check the square footage of your stateroom online.
How will I depart and board the ship in ports-of-call?
Instructions will be provided. You need your room key to leave and return to the ship along with a photo ID. You will have to go through security each time you board the ship.
How long will the ship be in port?
For most destinations, the ship is only in the port for a day (eight hours, give or take), but this can vary by destination. You will have to pick and choose what you want to do because your time is limited. The ship has a schedule to keep, and it is your responsibility to be back on the ship before it leaves for the next port. Stay on the ship’s time and be sure to read the daily itinerary left in your room. You may be left behind if you are not on board. For this reason, I highly recommend traveling with a passport and not a birth certificate. As noted, you cannot fly back to the United States from a foreign country without a passport.
What are the packing options for departure?
The cruise line has a couple of options for your luggage to depart the ship on the last day.
Night Before: You can set your luggage outside your door the night before and report to a designated waiting area on the morning of departure. Be sure to keep a change of clothes and other necessities needed for the morning.
Self-Assist Departure: You can keep your luggage in your room and take it with you when departing the ship. Generally, for self-assist departure, you must be in line to leave no later than 8 AM. For individuals with a flight leaving before 12 noon, I highly recommend this option.
How do I depart the ship on the last day?
The ship will arrive at the port from which it left very early on the last day. Unfortunately, this is the one day that you will not get to sleep late. The cruise line needs everyone off the ship by mid-morning so it can begin boarding for the next cruise leaving later that day.
If you did not use self-assist departure, follow the instructions provided with your luggage tags and report to the designated waiting area. Do not leave the ship until your number is called.
Security will be present in the terminal as you leave the ship. Follow their instructions. You may be directed to a different line depending upon whether you are traveling with a passport or a birth certificate. If you did not use self-assist departure, you will also collect your luggage at this time.
Dogs may be present in the terminal and are working. DO NOT PET THEM.
Have a safe trip home.
Does the cruise line have a rewards system?
Some cruise lines, if not all of them, have reward accounts that one can join. For example, Royal Caribbean’s is called the Crown and Anchor Society. There is no cost to join, so it’s worthwhile to sign up, which can be done online. The more you cruise, the more points you will earn. At certain levels, perks may be available such as cruise discounts or a free spin in the casino.
Thank you for reading.
Thank you for reading. I hope the information was useful.
Disclaimer
This blog is provided strictly for informational purposes only and is not a comprehensive guide. Policies will vary by cruise line. For specific questions, check the cruise line’s policies and frequently asked questions or contact your travel agent.