Cruise Questions People Also Ask
Search engines surface a specific set of questions again and again when people research cruising for the first time - here are straightforward answers to the ones we hear most often from our own callers.
These tend to be broad, general questions rather than ones tied to a specific cruise line, so the answers below reflect common industry patterns. For anything specific to one cruise line's policy, check that line's dedicated page instead.
If your question isn't covered here, call +1-800-406-8495 and one of our advisors can answer it directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a cruise cost?
Pricing varies enormously by cruise line, ship, cabin type, and itinerary length - budget-friendly Caribbean cruises can start relatively low per person, while luxury or longer itineraries cost significantly more. Our advisors can pull current pricing for specific dates.
Is cruising safe?
Yes, cruising is generally considered a safe way to travel, with ships following strict international safety regulations, mandatory safety drills, and onboard medical staff.
What is included in a cruise price?
Your stateroom, main dining room and buffet meals, entertainment, and access to most public areas are typically included. Drinks, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and excursions are usually extra.
Do you need a passport for a cruise?
For closed-loop cruises departing and returning to the same US port, it's not always legally required, but it's strongly recommended in case of an emergency requiring independent travel home.
What happens if you get seasick on a cruise?
Modern ships have stabilizers that significantly reduce motion, and the onboard medical center typically stocks remedies if you do feel seasick.
Can you get off a cruise ship whenever you want at a port?
Yes, once the ship has cleared local customs at a port, passengers are generally free to disembark and explore on their own schedule, as long as they return by the ship's posted all-aboard time.
Do cruise ships have Wi-Fi throughout the whole ship?
Most modern ships offer Wi-Fi fleet-wide, though connection speed and reliability can vary by location onboard and by cruise line.
Can I bring my own alcohol on a cruise?
Policies vary by line - some allow a limited amount of wine or champagne (often with a corkage fee if consumed in public areas), while others prohibit bringing alcohol onboard entirely.
What currency is used onboard a cruise ship?
Most cruise lines operating from the U.S. bill onboard purchases in U.S. dollars, charged to a card linked to your onboard account.
Do cruise ships have laundry facilities?
Yes, most ships offer either self-service laundry rooms, full-service laundry for a fee, or both, depending on the ship and cruise line.