Question 1

When should I book my cruise?

Accepted Answer

The earlier the better — especially for popular sailings, holiday departures, and Alaska or Europe itineraries. Booking 6–12 months in advance gives you the best cabin selection and often the lowest fares. That said, last-minute deals do exist if your schedule is flexible. Marsha monitors pricing and promotions year-round, so reach out and she'll help you decide the right time to lock in your trip.

Question 2

How much does a cruise cost?

Accepted Answer

Cruise fares vary widely depending on the destination, ship, cabin type, and time of year. Short Caribbean cruises can start as low as $200–$300 per person, while longer voyages to Alaska, Europe, or Hawaii typically range from $800 to $3,000+ per person. Keep in mind that the cruise fare is just the starting point — gratuities, specialty dining, drinks, and excursions are usually extra. Marsha will help you understand the full picture and find the best value for your budget.

Question 3

When is the best time to cruise?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the destination! The Caribbean is great year-round, though hurricane season runs June through November. Alaska cruises operate May through September when the weather is best and wildlife is most active. Mediterranean sailings peak in summer (June–August) but shoulder season (April–May and September–October) offers fewer crowds and lower prices. Marsha can help you find the sweet spot between weather, pricing, and availability for your chosen destination.

Question 4

Can I cruise solo?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Solo cruising is growing in popularity. Many cruise lines now offer dedicated solo cabins (studio staterooms) with no single supplement, plus solo traveler meetups and social events onboard. Norwegian Cruise Line is especially well-known for its solo-friendly Studio cabins. If you're traveling alone, Marsha can point you toward the lines and ships that make solo travelers feel most welcome.

Question 5

What's included in my cruise fare?

Accepted Answer

Your base cruise fare typically includes your stateroom, all main dining room meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), most onboard entertainment (shows, live music, pools, fitness center), and port fees and taxes. What's usually NOT included: specialty restaurant dining, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, shore excursions, spa services, gratuities/service charges, and Wi-Fi. Some cruise lines offer all-inclusive packages that bundle drinks and gratuities — Marsha can help you compare and decide if a package makes sense for your trip.

Question 6

How does dining work on a cruise?

Accepted Answer

Most ships have a main dining room with set menus and a buffet-style Lido deck restaurant — both included in your fare. You'll typically choose between traditional dining (assigned table and time) or flexible dining (eat when you want). Beyond that, ships offer specialty restaurants (steakhouses, sushi bars, Italian trattorias) for an extra charge, usually $20–$60 per person. Room service is often available 24 hours, sometimes free and sometimes with a small fee. The variety and quality of food onboard has improved dramatically in recent years.

Question 7

What are gratuities and how much should I expect to pay?

Accepted Answer

Cruise lines typically charge a daily gratuity (also called a service charge or crew appreciation) that covers your cabin steward, dining staff, and other crew members. Rates generally run $16–$20 per person per day, depending on the cruise line and cabin category. This is usually added automatically to your onboard account. Some lines include gratuities in the fare or offer promotions where they're waived — Marsha will always flag this when comparing options for you.

Question 8

Do I need a passport?

Accepted Answer

For most international cruises — including Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska, and European itineraries — a valid U.S. passport is strongly recommended and often required. For closed-loop cruises (departing and returning to the same U.S. port), U.S. citizens can technically sail with just a government-issued ID and birth certificate, but a passport is always the safer choice. If your ship has to divert to a foreign port unexpectedly, you'll need a passport to fly home. Passports should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates. Visit our Resources page for passport application links and tips.

Question 9

Do I need travel insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Marsha strongly recommends it. Travel insurance protects you from trip cancellation, medical emergencies at sea (your regular health insurance often doesn't cover you internationally), medical evacuation (which can cost $50,000+), lost luggage, and travel delays. You can purchase insurance through the cruise line or through a third-party provider — third-party policies typically offer broader coverage at a better price. The key is to buy within 14 days of your initial deposit to qualify for pre-existing condition coverage. Ask Marsha for guidance on what to look for in a policy.

Question 10

Do I need a visa for my cruise ports?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your citizenship and the ports you're visiting. U.S. citizens generally don't need visas for Caribbean, Bahamas, or most Western European ports. However, some destinations — including certain Mediterranean ports, Russia, and parts of Asia — may require visas. Your cruise line will provide a list of visa requirements for your specific itinerary. Marsha will flag any visa requirements when planning your trip so there are no surprises at the gangway.

Question 11

Can I stay connected at sea?

Accepted Answer

Yes — virtually all modern cruise ships offer Wi-Fi packages, though speeds and pricing vary. Expect to pay $15–$30 per day for a basic plan, or $25–$50/day for a premium streaming package. Many cruise lines now offer Starlink-powered internet, which has dramatically improved speeds and reliability. If you just need to check email and stay in touch, a basic plan works fine. For video calls or streaming, go premium. Some lines include Wi-Fi in their packages — Marsha will let you know when that's available.

Question 12

What if I get seasick?

Accepted Answer

Modern cruise ships are massive and equipped with stabilizers that minimize rocking — most people are surprised by how smooth the ride is. That said, rough seas do happen. Over-the-counter remedies like Dramamine or Bonine work well for mild motion sickness. Scopolamine patches (prescription) are very effective for those prone to seasickness. Ginger candies, acupressure wristbands, and staying on lower, midship decks also help. If you're concerned, talk to your doctor before sailing and ask Marsha about itineraries that stay in calmer waters.

Question 13

What should I wear on a cruise?

Accepted Answer

Casual daytime wear — shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, and swimwear — is perfect for sea days and port days. Most ships have a smart casual dress code for the main dining room in the evenings (collared shirts, sundresses, slacks). Some ships have formal nights (1–2 per 7-night sailing) where guests dress up — think cocktail attire or suits. Ultra-casual lines like Carnival are relaxed; luxury lines like Viking or Silversea lean more formal. Marsha will give you a packing guide tailored to your specific ship and itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Booking & Planning

What's Included

Documents & Requirements

Life Onboard

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