Frequently Asked Questions

Interior: No windows, typically the most budget-friendly option.
Oceanview: Includes a window or porthole with a view of the ocean.
Balcony: Private balcony with outdoor seating, offering fresh air and views.
Suite: Larger cabins with separate living areas, enhanced amenities, and often extra perks such as concierge service.

Most Cabins have the following amenities:

Beds: Vary from twin to king-size, can often be configured based on preference.
Bathroom: Private bathroom with shower, toilet, and sink; suites may have bathtubs.
Storage Space: Closets, drawers, and sometimes under-bed storage.
Entertainment: TV with movies, news, and cruise-specific programming.
Additional Amenities: Mini-fridge, safe, hairdryer, and sometimes seating areas or work desks.

Restaurants

Main Dining Room: Multi-course meals with a variety of choices, included in the fare.
Specialty Restaurants: Themed dining experiences (e.g., steakhouses, sushi bars), often require reservations and an extra fee.
Buffets: Casual, all-you-can-eat dining with a wide range of options.
Casual Eateries: Pizzerias, cafes, grills, and other quick-service venues.

Seating

Fixed Dining Times: Early or late seating, with the same table and waitstaff each night.  Early dinner is typically 5:30-6:30pm and late dinner is 7:45 – 8:30pm.

Flexible Dining: Eat at any time within a set window, often with open seating.
Private vs. Shared Tables: Request your preference; shared tables can be a good way to meet new people.

Live Shows

Broadway-style Productions: Cruise lines often feature elaborate stage shows that rival Broadway productions, complete with professional actors, singers, and dancers. These shows might include popular musicals, original productions, or themed performances inspired by famous movies and plays. Expect dazzling costumes, impressive sets, and high-energy performances.
Musical Performances: Live music is a staple on cruises, with performances spanning various genres. You can find everything from classical concerts and jazz ensembles to rock bands and pop cover artists. These performances take place in theaters, lounges, and sometimes even on deck.
Comedy Shows: Many cruises feature stand-up comedians who perform both family-friendly and adult-only shows. Comedy clubs or lounges often host these events, providing a relaxed and intimate atmosphere for enjoying a good laugh.

Music Performances

Bands: Live bands perform a range of music styles, from rock and country to jazz and reggae. They often play in lounges, on deck, or in dedicated music venues, providing a lively backdrop for dancing or simply relaxing with a drink.
Solo Artists: Solo musicians, such as pianists, guitarists, and singers, often perform in more intimate settings like piano bars, atriums, or smaller lounges. Their performances create a cozy ambiance perfect for unwinding after a day of activities.
DJs: DJs keep the energy high with sets that include popular hits, dance music, and themed playlists. They typically perform at pool parties, nightclubs, and themed events, creating a vibrant atmosphere for dancing and socializing.

Themed Parties

Deck Parties: These large-scale events are held on the ship’s deck and often include live music, dancing, games, and special performances. Common themes include Caribbean nights, pirate parties, and tropical luaus.
Themed Nights: Many cruises organize special themed nights where guests are encouraged to dress up and participate in themed activities. Popular themes include:
80s Night: Guests dress in retro attire and dance to classic hits from the 1980s.
White Parties: Everyone wears white, creating a visually striking event often accompanied by special lighting and decor.
Masquerade Balls: Guests don masks and elegant attire for an evening of mystery and glamour.
Halloween Parties: Guests can enjoy costume contests, themed decorations, and spooky activities.

Movies

Outdoor Movie Screens: Many ships feature large screens on the pool deck, allowing guests to watch movies under the stars. These outdoor cinemas often include comfortable seating, blankets, and popcorn for a full movie-going experience.
In-Cabin TV: For those who prefer a quieter evening, in-cabin televisions offer a selection of movies, TV shows, and cruise-specific programming, allowing guests to relax in the privacy of their own cabins.
Dedicated Movie Theaters: Some larger ships have dedicated movie theaters showing the latest blockbusters, classic films, and sometimes even 3D movies. These theaters provide a traditional cinema experience complete with comfortable seating and surround sound.

Understanding the tipping policies on a cruise can help ensure you show appreciation for the excellent service you receive while avoiding any unexpected charges. Here’s an expanded look at the various aspects of tipping on a cruise:

Automatic Gratuities

Typical Charges: Most cruise lines automatically add a daily gratuity to your onboard account, usually ranging from $10 to $15 per person, per day. This amount can sometimes vary depending on the cruise line, cabin type, and cruise itinerary.
Family Considerations: Some lines may offer reduced rates for children.
Customization: Guests can often adjust the gratuity amount at the guest services desk if they feel the service warrants an increase or decrease.

Where do your tips go?

Housekeeping Staff: Includes cabin stewards who ensure your room is clean, tidy, and well-stocked with essentials.
Dining Staff: Covers waiters, assistant waiters, and headwaiters in main dining rooms and buffets who provide dining service.
Other Service Staff: May include behind-the-scenes crew members who contribute to your overall experience, such as kitchen staff and maintenance personnel.

Service Charges

Additional Fees: Specialty restaurants often have a cover charge or à la carte pricing, which includes a service charge. This fee ensures the staff in these premium venues are compensated for their higher level of service.
Example Charges: A specialty restaurant might charge $25-50 per person for a dining experience, with a portion of this fee allocated as a gratuity.
Automatic Gratuities: Services such as massages, facials, and room service often include a built-in gratuity, typically ranging from 15-20% of the service cost.
Billing: These gratuities are automatically added to your bill, so there’s no need to tip separately unless you want to acknowledge exceptional service.

Extra Tips

Exceptional Service Recognition: While automatic gratuities cover the basics, extra cash tips are appreciated for outstanding service. If a staff member goes above and beyond, a small additional tip can be a meaningful gesture.
Personal Touch: Handing a cash tip directly to the person who provided excellent service can create a personal connection and show your genuine appreciation.

Tip Guidelines

Porters: It’s customary to tip $1-2 per bag to porters who assist with luggage at the beginning and end of your cruise.
Cabin Stewards: In addition to the automatic gratuity, consider an extra $5-10 for cabin stewards who provide exceptional service, such as fulfilling special requests or maintaining your cabin impeccably.
Dining Staff: If you have a dedicated waiter or assistant waiter who has provided excellent service throughout your cruise, an additional $5-10 at the end of the voyage is a nice gesture.
Bartenders and Baristas: While drink packages and service charges cover the basics, tipping bartenders and baristas $1-2 per drink can ensure prompt and attentive service.

Guided Tours

Cultural and Historical Tours: These excursions are led by knowledgeable local guides who provide insights into the history, culture, and architecture of the destination. Examples include walking tours of historic cities, visits to ancient ruins, and guided museum tours. They are perfect for travelers interested in learning about the places they visit in depth.

Adventure Activities

Snorkeling and Diving: Explore underwater life and coral reefs. These excursions often include gear rental and professional instruction.
Zip-lining: Experience the thrill of flying over treetops and through canopies in exotic locations.
Hiking: Guided hikes through scenic trails, mountains, and national parks.
Water Sports: Activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing. These are great for those seeking adrenaline and outdoor adventure.

Cultural Experiences

Museums and Landmarks: Visits to significant cultural sites, art galleries, and historical landmarks. These excursions often provide deep insights into the local heritage and art.
Local Markets: Tours of local markets where you can experience the local culture, cuisine, and crafts. These excursions are ideal for those who love shopping and trying local foods.

Beach Clubs

Perfect Day at CocoCay: Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas features the Thrill Waterpark, Oasis Lagoon pool, and several beach clubs with cabanas and exclusive dining options.

The Beach Club at Bimini: Virgin Voyages’ beach club offers a relaxing retreat with luxurious pools, private cabanas, and a range of water sports activities, all complemented by curated food and drink experiences.

Cruise ship dress codes can vary by cruise line and occasion, but they generally fall into three main categories: Casual, Smart Casual, and Formal. Understanding what to wear in each category can help you pack appropriately and feel comfortable in different settings onboard.

Casual

Daytime Attire: During the day, casual wear is the norm. This includes shorts, t-shirts, swimwear, cover-ups, and comfortable shoes.
Activities: This attire is suitable for most daytime activities, such as lounging by the pool, participating in onboard activities, or exploring ports of call.
Pool Areas: Swimwear is a must for the pool. Swimsuits, bikinis, and swim trunks are standard. When moving around the ship, it’s courteous to wear cover-ups or sarongs and flip-flops or sandals.

Smart Casual

Evening Attire: In the evenings, especially for dinner, many cruise lines suggest smart casual attire. This typically includes dresses, skirts, pants, blouses, collared shirts, and closed-toe shoes.
Dining: Smart casual attire is often required in the main dining rooms and specialty restaurants.
Restrictions: Generally, jeans, shorts, and t-shirts are discouraged in the main dining rooms during dinner hours.

Formal

Women: Formal nights call for cocktail dresses, evening gowns, or elegant pantsuits.
Men: Men are expected to wear suits, tuxedos, or dress pants with a jacket and tie.
Special Events: Formal attire is typically required for special events such as “Gala Nights” or “Captain’s Dinners,” where a more sophisticated dress code is observed.

Cruise Line Specifics

Luxury Lines: Lines like Cunard and Celebrity Cruises often have stricter dress codes with multiple formal nights.
Family-Oriented Lines: Lines like Disney Cruise Line and Carnival are more relaxed, with fewer formal requirements and more emphasis on casual and smart casual attire.
Freestyle Cruising: Norwegian Cruise Line promotes a “Freestyle Cruising” experience, where there are no strict dress codes, and guests can dress as they please.
Specialty Restaurants and Lounges: Some upscale restaurants and exclusive lounges onboard may have their own dress codes, regardless of the general ship wide policy.