FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Planning is easier when you know what to expect.
GROUP TRAVEL
CRUISE PLANNING
2. How much does a cruise cost?
3. What identification or travel documents do I need?
4. How do I get started and book my trip?
5. What deposit is needed, and how late can I wait?
6. Do I need travel insurance?
7. I found a cheaper price online. Can you book it for me?
CABINS & TRAVEL COMPANIONS
8. Will you find me a cabin mate? Can cabin mates pay separately?
9. Can we have more than two people in a cabin?
10. What if I want to cruise solo?
BEFORE THE CRUISE
11. Will there be a pre-cruise meet-up or reception?
12. Will you make my flight reservations? When should I fly in and out?
13. What happens if I have to cancel my cruise?
GETTING ONBOARD
14. What is a Boarding Pass and an onboard card?
15. What happens when I arrive at the cruise terminal?
16. What do we do once onboard? What is “muster”?
LIFE ONBOARD
17. Is there Wi-Fi onboard, and can I use my cell phone?
18. Is there a dress code? What should I wear on Elegant Night?
19. What kinds of activities are available onboard?
20. What is a shore excursion? Do I have to book one?
21. Who should I tip, and how much?
22. Can the cruise line accommodate food allergies or special diets?
COMING HOME
23. What happens when it's time to get off the ship?
Traveling on the same ship and being booked with the group are not the same thing. To participate as a member of a group set up by The Travel Maven, your reservation must be booked through The Travel Maven as part of our group booking. Simply booking the same cruise or trip on your own does not make your reservation part of the group. The cruise line determines our group size by the number of guests actually booked within our group reservation, and that number is used to determine the meeting and event space allotted to us.
If you book directly with the cruise line, through an online travel site, or through another travel advisor, I cannot manage your reservation, and it generally cannot simply be added to our group afterward. You are welcome to travel on the same sailing, but you may not be eligible to participate in private group events, reserved meeting space, group amenities, group dining, or other activities arranged specifically for our booked members.
If you want to be part of the group, please contact me before you book.
2. How much does a cruise cost?
Cruise fares vary depending on the cruise line, itinerary, sailing date, length of the cruise, and the type, category, and location of the stateroom you choose.
As a general starting point, you can expect many cruises to cost approximately $175–$250 per person, per day. This gives you a useful range for initial budgeting, although some cruises will cost less and others considerably more.
The best way to know what your cruise will cost is to request a personalized quote. I'll help you compare the available staterooms, locations, and prices so you can decide which option works best for you.
For group cruises: Group rates may be held for a limited number of staterooms in selected categories. Once that allotment is filled, additional guests may still be able to join the group, but their reservations may be subject to the cruise line's current rates and availability.
Cruise fares and promotions can change based on availability and demand, and all pricing is ultimately determined by the cruise line.
Travel Maven Tip:
Stateroom location matters, too. Higher decks generally cost more than lower decks, even for the same type of stateroom. For example, a balcony stateroom on Deck 5 may be priced differently from a similar balcony on Deck 10. A quote is based on the specific category and location available at the time it is prepared, so moving to a different deck or category may change the price.
3. What identification or travel documents do I need for my cruise?
Travel document requirements depend on your citizenship, itinerary, departure and return ports, and every country your ship visits.
For some U.S. citizens traveling on qualifying closed-loop cruises — cruises that depart from and return to the same U.S. port — a passport book may not be required. However, “closed loop” does not automatically mean “no passport needed.” Your itinerary may include a foreign port with its own entry requirements, and the cruise line may have additional documentation requirements.
For example, an Alaska cruise may sail round-trip from Seattle but include a port in Canada. It is still international travel, and Canadian entry requirements apply.
Always verify the requirements for your specific sailing before you travel. Requirements can vary by citizenship, destination and itinerary and may change.
Travel Maven Tip:
I strongly recommend that my clients travel with a valid U.S. passport book whenever possible. Besides making international travel documentation much simpler, a passport book is particularly important if an emergency requires you to leave the ship in another country and fly home.
4. How do I get started and book my trip?
Getting started is easy. Complete the Start Planning form on this website with some basic information about the trip you're considering. I'll review your request and contact you to discuss your options and prepare a personalized quote.
Once you've selected the trip and accommodations you want, I'll collect the information needed to make your reservation. Payment information is never submitted through the website or planning form. Credit or debit card information is provided to me directly by phone and is used to submit your payment to the travel supplier.
Before I can complete your reservation, I'll need the following information for each traveler:
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Full legal name exactly as it appears on the government-issued identification or passport that will be used for travel
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Complete date of birth — month, day, and year
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A valid emergency contact who is not traveling with you
Please review your booking confirmation carefully when you receive it. Names and birth dates must match your travel documents exactly. Contact me promptly if you notice anything that needs to be corrected.
For Travel Maven group trips, all group reservations must be booked through The Travel Maven in order to be included as part of the group. (See FAQ #1 for more information.)
5. What deposit is needed to book a cabin, and how late can I wait?
Most cruises require a deposit at the time your stateroom is reserved. A typical deposit is approximately $150–$250 per person, depending on the cruise line, length of the cruise, current promotion, and type of stateroom selected.
Certain accommodations, including some suites and staterooms for three or four guests, may require a larger deposit. I will let you know the exact amount required before your reservation is made.
Your cabin cannot be booked without the required deposit. Until the reservation and deposit are processed, the price and stateroom you are considering remain subject to availability.
After your initial deposit, you may make additional payments at any time before the final-payment deadline. Simply contact me with the amount you would like applied to your reservation.
For group cruises: Group rates apply to the stateroom categories and inventory available within our reserved group allotment. Once that inventory is filled or released, you may still be able to join the group, but the cruise line's current rates and available staterooms will apply.
You can wait to book, but availability generally becomes more limited as the sailing approaches. If you know you want to go, booking earlier gives you the best opportunity for your preferred stateroom type, location, and price.
6. Do I need travel insurance?
Travel insurance is optional, but I strongly recommend it.
Even the best-planned vacation can be affected by the unexpected. Depending on the policy you purchase, travel insurance may provide coverage for situations such as trip cancellation or interruption, medical emergencies while traveling, travel delays, missed connections, and lost or delayed baggage.
This can be especially important when traveling outside the United States. Your regular health insurance may provide limited or no coverage outside the country, and Medicare generally provides very limited coverage outside the United States.
The cost of travel insurance varies based on factors such as your age, trip cost, length of travel, and the coverage selected.
I can arrange travel insurance for you and provide confirmation of your coverage and policy information. If you need to make a claim, I can also provide the cruise or travel documentation I have available, such as your booking confirmation and other reservation records that may be needed to support your claim.
Insurance claims, however, must be filed directly by the traveler with the insurance company. The insurance provider determines what documentation is required and whether a claim qualifies for reimbursement under the terms of the policy.
Travel Maven Tip:
Travel insurance should be considered when you book your trip, not after you think you might need it. Some benefits or coverage options may only be available when insurance is purchased
within a specified period after your initial trip deposit.
7. I found a cheaper price online. Can you book it for me?
Possibly! Send me what you found before you book it yourself.
Online fares can look different for many reasons. They may be based on a different stateroom category or location, have different deposit or cancellation terms, be restricted to certain travelers, or include different amenities and promotions.
If you find a cruise, resort, tour, or other vacation offer that interests you, send me the details. I'll be happy to look at it and determine whether I have access to the same or a comparable offer through one of my travel suppliers.
If I can book it for you, you get the benefit of the available offer plus a personal travel advisor who knows your reservation and can assist you along the way.
For Travel Maven group trips, remember that an independently booked reservation is not part of the group, even if it is for the same sailing or trip. See FAQ #1 for details.
8. Will you find me a cabin mate? Can cabin mates pay separately?
Finding the cruise is my job. Finding your cabin mate is yours!
Neither the cruise line nor The Travel Maven will choose or assign a roommate for you. If you're looking for someone to share your cabin, ask a friend, family member, or someone you know and trust. For some Travel Maven groups, I may also be able to let the group know that someone is looking for a roommate.
But the final choice is yours. I cannot be responsible for roommate compatibility — including snoring, thermostat wars, bathroom schedules, or someone who thinks 5:30 a.m. is a perfectly reasonable time to turn on all the lights.
Cruise fares are generally advertised per person, based on two people sharing a cabin. For example, if the fare shows $800 per person, the total cruise fare for two people would be $1,600, plus any applicable taxes, fees, gratuities, or other charges.
If you haven't found your cabin mate yet but want to book now to secure the cabin at the current rate, you need to pay the full deposit required to hold the cabin, rather than only one person's share. Don't worry — that additional deposit isn't lost. It is applied toward your cruise fare balance.
When your cabin mate is later added to the reservation, the cruise line will recalculate the reservation for two guests. Your cabin mate will then be responsible for their portion of the remaining cruise fare, while the deposit you've already paid remains credited toward your portion of the reservation.
And yes! Cabin mates can pay separately. You may use different credit or debit cards and make individual payments toward the reservation.
Any financial arrangements between cabin mates, however, are between you. I'll apply the payments as requested, but I don't want to become the referee over who owes whom $47.23. Keep your confirmations and payment records and make sure everyone knows when the final payment is due.
If you want to reserve a cabin before you've found your roommate, talk to me first. Single-occupancy pricing and the rules for adding another guest later can vary, so we'll look at your options before you book.
9. Can we have more than two people in a cabin?
Yes! Many cruise ships have staterooms designed to accommodate three or four guests, and some ships have accommodations for even larger families or groups.
Cruise ships have fewer cabins that accommodate three or more guests, so these cabins can fill quickly. If you're traveling with three or four people in one cabin, booking early is especially important. Deposit requirements may also vary depending on the cruise line and stateroom category, with some cruise lines requiring a 50% deposit for these types of cabins.
Here's the part that sometimes causes confusion: the cruise fare is not simply divided equally by the number of people in the cabin.
Cruise lines generally price the first two guests at the regular double-occupancy fare. Third and fourth guests may be charged a different fare, plus applicable taxes, fees and other charges. Sometimes there are wonderful promotions for additional guests, but those rates depend on the particular sailing and promotion.
For example, the cruise line might price a cabin like this:
Guest 1: $800
Guest 2: $800
Guest 3: $550
That doesn't mean the three of you can't decide among yourselves to split the total cost differently. Your financial arrangement with your cabin mates is entirely up to you.
I can submit payments from different credit or debit cards in the amounts you request, as long as the required total payments are made by the cruise line's deadlines. However, you and your cabin mates are responsible for keeping track of how you've chosen to divide the cost between yourselves.
And one important caution: don't book a cabin for two assuming we can simply add a third or fourth person later. Even if the cabin appears to have enough beds, the ship's occupancy limits and available triple or quad inventory may prevent another guest from being added.
Travel Maven Tip:
Just remember: no matter how many people the cabin sleeps, there's still only ONE bathroom. You may want to start negotiating the shower schedule before you sail!
10. What if I want to cruise solo?
Absolutely! You do not need a travel companion to enjoy a cruise.
Most traditional cruise cabins are priced based on double occupancy, so a solo traveler staying alone in one of those cabins will usually pay what is called a single supplement. Depending on the fare, that can sometimes bring the cabin cost close to what two people would pay for the base cruise fare. However, you generally aren't simply charged “double” for every part of the reservation.
The good news is that some cruise ships now offer staterooms specifically designed and priced for solo travelers, and cruise lines occasionally offer reduced single-supplement promotions.
If you're considering traveling solo, let me know when we begin planning. I'll look for solo cabins, special fares, and other options that may help you get the best value available for your sailing.
Besides, traveling solo doesn't mean being lonely. Sometimes it just means nobody else gets a
vote on what time you go to bed!
11. Will there be a pre-cruise meet-up or reception?
There can be! A pre-cruise meet-up is a fun way for group members to get acquainted before everyone boards the ship.
For most groups, a pre-cruise gathering is optional and organized by the group leader. If your group leader would like to plan a dinner, casual meet-up, or other gathering before sailing, I'm happy to offer suggestions and help with the planning when needed.
For some larger groups, I may become more involved in coordinating pre-cruise arrangements depending on the needs of the group.
If a gathering is planned, details will be shared with the group before departure. And unless your group has something special planned, casual is usually the way to go — some travelers may be arriving straight from the airport with their luggage and their last nerve!
12. Will you make my flight reservations? When should I fly in and out?
Yes, I can often help with your flights. Some cruise lines offer air programs that allow airfare to be bundled or coordinated with your cruise reservation. When that option is available and makes sense for your trip, I'll be happy to discuss it with you.
My rule for cruise travel is simple: allow plenty of time. Always.
Cruise ports generally stop processing embarking passengers well before the ship's scheduled departure, often approximately two hours before sailing, for security and departure procedures. Your specific boarding deadline will be provided by the cruise line and should always be followed.
Whenever possible, I strongly recommend flying into your embarkation city at least one day before your cruise. Flight delays, cancellations, missed connections, weather, traffic, and lost luggage can all turn a same-day arrival into a very stressful beginning to your vacation.
And remember: the ship will not wait for a delayed airline passenger.
The same principle applies when you're going home. If your ship is scheduled to arrive at 8:00 a.m., that does not mean you can make a 10:00 a.m. flight. The ship must first be cleared for debarkation. Then you need time to get off the ship, retrieve your luggage, travel from the port to the airport, check in, clear security, and reach your gate.
Connections need breathing room, too. Saving a little money on a tight connection isn't much of a bargain if you're watching your next flight leave from the other side of the airport.
If you're using the cruise line's airport shuttle service, the cruise line will generally coordinate your debarkation time with eligible flight schedules. During online check-in, you may be asked to provide your flight information, which helps the cruise line plan your departure. If you need assistance while onboard, Guest Services can also help you understand your debarkation options.
But please don't use that as a reason to book an overly tight flight. Shuttle availability, eligible flight times, port clearance, traffic, airport distance, and other factors can vary. When in doubt, allow more time — not less.
Travel Maven Tip:
Allow time to arrive. Allow time to depart. Allow time for connections.
Travel is much more enjoyable when you're not racing the clock.
I can help you determine a sensible flight schedule based on your specific cruise, port, airport, and itinerary.
13. What happens if I have to cancel my cruise?
Sometimes plans change. What happens to the money you've paid depends on the cruise line, the fare you booked, and how close you are to your sailing date.
Some fares may be refundable before the cruise line's cancellation deadlines, while others may have a non-refundable deposit or other restrictions from the beginning. As your sailing date approaches, cancellation penalties generally increase, and eventually you may reach a point where most or all of the cruise fare is non-refundable.
I'll explain the applicable deposit and cancellation terms when you book, and your confirmation will include the cruise line's terms for your reservation.
If you are sharing a cabin and your cabin mate cancels, your fare may change. Cruise cabins are generally priced based on occupancy, so the remaining traveler could become responsible for a higher single-occupancy fare. Depending on the cruise line, fare, and timing, replacing the departing cabin mate may be an option — but it is not something we can guarantee.
If you need to cancel, contact me as soon as possible. The earlier we know, the more options we may have.
And this is another reason I strongly recommend travel insurance. If you're cancelling for a reason
covered by your policy, you may be able to file a claim for eligible non-refundable expenses. (See
FAQ #6: Do I need travel insurance?)
14. What is a Boarding Pass and an "onboard card"?
Your Boarding Pass is the document you'll use to check in and board the ship, much like an airline boarding pass. Before your cruise, you'll complete the cruise line's online check-in process through its website or app. That's where you'll provide required travel information and access your boarding documents when they become available.
Your online cruise account is also where you can usually review your reservation and explore things such as shore excursions, specialty dining, beverage packages, Wi-Fi, spa appointments, and other onboard purchases.
Once you board, you'll receive your onboard card (often called a SeaPass, Sail & Sign card, or similar name depending on the cruise line).
Think of this little card as your cruise ID, room key, and onboard credit card all rolled into one. You'll use it to enter your cabin, make purchases onboard, and identify yourself when leaving and returning to the ship in port.
During online check-in, you'll generally be asked how you want to fund your onboard account, such as with a credit or debit card. Cruise lines may also offer other options, including cash accounts, subject to their individual policies.
Keep your card with you. You're going to use it a LOT!
15. What happens when I arrive at the cruise terminal?
Before your cruise, you'll complete the cruise line's online check-in and receive an assigned arrival or boarding time. Plan to arrive during the time provided by your cruise line rather than simply showing up whenever you reach the port.
Allow plenty of time. Cruise lines stop accepting embarking passengers well before the ship actually sails. Your boarding documents will provide the specific deadline for your sailing, and you should never plan to arrive close to that cutoff.
*What about my luggage?
Before leaving home, print the cruise line's luggage tags for each bag you plan to check with the porters at the terminal. These tags contain the information the crew needs to route your luggage to the correct stateroom.
You can print multiple copies, so put a cruise-line luggage tag on every checked bag.
You can fold the printed tags according to the instructions and staple them around your luggage handles.
Travel Maven Tip:
I personally use reusable plastic cruise luggage-tag holders because they're inexpensive, easy to use, and much sturdier than paper when luggage is being handled.
No luggage-tag holders? No problem. I've also “laminated” the printed tags with wide clear packing tape before folding and stapling them around the luggage handles. It works just fine!
Keep your medications, identification, travel documents, valuables, and anything you'll need during your first few hours onboard in your carry-on bag, because your checked luggage may not arrive at
your cabin until later.
*What should I have in my hand?
When you enter the terminal, have your boarding pass and required passport/identification readily accessible.
Do NOT pack these in your checked luggage.
After that, you'll go through the cruise terminal's check-in and security process and, once cleared, head onboard.
Once you're onboard, congratulations — vacation has officially begun!
1. Can I book the trip myself and still be part of the group?
16. What do we do once we get onboard? And what is “muster”?
First things first: complete your muster check-in.
“Muster” is the ship's mandatory safety procedure, and every passenger must complete it. Your onboard card, cruise-line app, or information in your cabin will identify your assigned muster station.
As soon as possible after boarding, go to your designated muster station and check in. Don't worry about finding it on a ship you've never seen before. Cruise lines have plenty of crew members stationed throughout the ship specifically to direct guests and help you find the correct location.
Depending on the cruise line, you may also be required to watch a short safety briefing on the cruise-line app or on the television in your cabin. Procedures vary, but you will still need to physically report to your designated muster station and check in.
Get it done first. Then you're free to start enjoying the ship!
Grab some lunch, explore, find a comfortable spot, or begin figuring out where everything is. Your cabin may not be ready when you first board, and your checked luggage may not arrive until later in the afternoon.
That's why medications, valuables, travel documents, and anything you might need during those first few hours should stay with you in your carry-on.
And now... go find lunch. Finding food is rarely a problem on a cruise ship!
Explore a little, find the sail-away party, and watch the shoreline disappear. Your cruise has officially begun!
17. Is there Wi-Fi onboard, and can I use my cell phone?
Yes! Your phone can actually be one of your most useful tools on the ship.
Most cruise lines have their own app, and I strongly recommend downloading it before you leave home. Once onboard, connect to the ship's Wi-Fi and use the app to check daily activities, dining information, reservations, shore excursions, deck maps, your onboard account, and other useful information.
Cruise lines also offer internet packages if you want access to email, social media, web browsing, messaging, or other online services. Packages, prices, and the number of devices allowed vary by cruise line.
Travel Maven Tip:
While you're at sea, I do not recommend using your regular cellular service for calls, texts, or data. Your phone may connect to a maritime cellular network, and those roaming charges can become very expensive very quickly. Ask me how I know!
My recommendation while you're onboard is simple:
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AIRPLANE MODE: ON
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WI-FI: ON
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CRUISE LINE APP: USE IT!
Stay in the cruise line's app and on the ship's Wi-Fi whenever possible. If you've purchased an internet package, you can use the ship's Wi-Fi for the online services included with your plan.
When you're in port, your regular cellular service may work depending on your carrier and destination. Before you travel, check with your cell-phone provider to find out what international coverage is included with your plan and what additional charges may apply.
Your phone is your friend onboard. An unexpected roaming bill is not!
Travel Maven Tip:
If your Wi-Fi was working and suddenly isn't after you've been ashore, don't panic. Sometimes your phone doesn't automatically reconnect properly to the ship's Wi-Fi when you return. Before heading to the Internet Help Desk, try logging out of the ship's Wi-Fi and logging back in manually. Many times, that's all it takes to get you connected again.
18. Is there a dress code? What should I wear on Elegant Night?
You're on vacation! Dress comfortably and enjoy yourself.
During the day, cruise ships are generally very casual. You'll see shorts, T-shirts, sundresses, swimsuits with cover-ups, sandals, and just about every version of vacation wear imaginable.
For dinner, the suggested dress depends on where you're eating and the cruise line you're sailing.
Main dining rooms and specialty restaurants may have guidelines asking guests to avoid things such as swimsuits, pool wear, or overly casual clothing. Your cruise line's app or daily schedule will provide the guidelines for your particular ship.
What about Elegant or Formal Night?
First, don't panic. You do not need a ball gown or tuxedo unless you WANT to wear one!
Cruise lines use different names for these evenings: Elegant Night, Formal Night, Chic Night, and others. You'll see everything from nice slacks and a collared shirt or a simple dress to suits, cocktail dresses, and occasionally someone who has been waiting all year to break out the sequins.
Personally, I enjoy dressing up. It's one of the few occasions when we get to put on something special, have a nice dinner, take pictures, and make an evening of it. But how dressy you want to be is entirely up to you.
What if I don't want to dress up?
That's okay, too!
There are casual dining options available onboard, so if dressing up isn't your idea of vacation, you can choose a more casual meal that evening.
Travel Maven Tip:
For shore excursions, think comfort and safety before fashion. Wear appropriate walking shoes, use sun protection, dress for the weather and activity, and keep your identification and other essentials secure.
It's your vacation. Pack what makes you comfortable — and maybe one outfit that makes you feel fabulous.
19. What kinds of activities are available onboard?
More than you will possibly have time to do!
Every day, the cruise line publishes a schedule of activities in its app. Many ships also make a printed daily schedule available at Guest Services if you prefer paper.
Depending on your ship, you might find trivia, bingo, live music, dance lessons, poolside games, movies, comedy shows, theater productions, demonstrations, contests, enrichment programs, fitness activities, and plenty more.
And then there's the spa. Ooh la la! Massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, salon services... if a little pampering is part of your vacation plan, you'll have options.
Of course, you don't have to participate in anything at all. Sitting by the pool with a book absolutely counts as a cruise activity.
What about our group activities?
Travel Maven groups may also have planned activities, gatherings, or suggested meeting times in addition to the cruise line's regular schedule. Details will be provided to group members as plans are finalized.
However, the cruise line's schedule always takes priority. Activities, showtimes, port schedules, and even Elegant/Formal Nights can change — sometimes after we've already boarded.
Travel Maven Tip:
Check the cruise line's app every day. Don't assume that something scheduled before the cruise will still happen at exactly the same time once you're onboard.
I've even had a cruise line change the scheduled Formal Night after we boarded. A few guests missed the update and arrived at dinner dressed to the nines on the “wrong” evening.
They weren't wrong — they just looked extra fabulous at dinner that night!
20. What is a shore excursion? Do I have to book one?
A shore excursion is an organized activity or tour you can book for one of the ports your ship visits. Depending on the destination, choices might include sightseeing tours, snorkeling, beaches, hiking, historical sites, food tours, wildlife experiences, adventure activities, and much more.
The cruise line will list available excursions for your sailing on its website and app. You can usually browse them by activity type, price, duration, and activity level, which is especially helpful if you have mobility concerns or simply prefer a more leisurely day.
Popular excursions can sell out, so if there's something you really want to do, I recommend booking it in advance.
Do I have to take an excursion?
Absolutely not!
You may decide to explore the port independently, shop, have lunch, take a taxi to a nearby attraction, or simply wander around the port area. Just be sure you know when you need to be back onboard and allow plenty of time to return to the ship.
And there's another perfectly acceptable choice:
You can stay on the ship! Port days can be wonderful times to enjoy a quieter ship while many passengers are ashore. The pools, lounges, spa, and other public areas are often much less crowded.
Travel Maven Tip:
If you're traveling with a group, you may want to see what your fellow travelers are planning before you book. Sometimes the excursion is even more fun when friends come along.
And whatever you choose, remember: you don't have to fill every minute of every port day. It's your vacation.
21. Who should I tip? Aren't gratuities already charged?
Most cruise lines charge a daily gratuity per guest, which is distributed among crew members who provide service throughout your cruise. I generally include prepaid gratuities when preparing your quote unless you request otherwise. The exact amount varies by cruise line and stateroom type.
Your regular gratuities generally include your cabin steward and dining-room service team. However, you may want to give an additional tip directly to someone who has provided exceptional service.
There are also people you'll encounter during your trip who may not be included in the cruise line's daily gratuities, such as luggage porters, shuttle drivers, excursion guides and drivers, and room-service delivery staff.
Many cruise lines also automatically add a service charge or gratuity to beverages, specialty dining, spa services, and certain other purchases. Check your receipt before adding another tip so you'll know whether gratuity has already been included.
Travel Maven Tip:
How Much Should I Tip?
These are my general recommendations, not required amounts:
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Luggage porter at embarkation: $10-$20
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Shuttle driver: about $5
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Room-service delivery: $2–$5
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Shore-excursion guide: $5–$10 per person for a typical excursion, more for exceptional service or a longer tour
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Excursion driver: a few dollars when appropriate
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Cabin steward: already included in your regular gratuities, but I often give an additional $40–$80 for exceptional service, depending on the length of the cruise
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Dining staff: already included, but an additional personal tip is always appreciated for exceptional service
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Luggage porter after the cruise: $10–$20 depending on the amount of luggage and assistance
Bring some $1, $5 and $10 bills with you. They're incredibly handy for tipping throughout the trip.
And remember, these are guidelines, not rules. Tip according to the service you receive and what feels comfortable to you.
22. Can the cruise line accommodate food allergies or special dietary needs?
In most cases, yes. Cruise lines are accustomed to working with guests who have food allergies and special dietary needs, including gluten-free and other dietary requirements.
Please tell me about any dietary restrictions or food allergies when we make your reservation. When the cruise line allows dietary needs to be noted in advance, I can make sure the appropriate information is included with your booking or help you follow the cruise line's procedure for submitting the request.
Once onboard, don't assume that noting an allergy on your reservation is enough. Tell your dining staff about your allergies or dietary restrictions, especially when ordering meals. Depending on the cruise line, you may also be asked to speak with dining staff or a dining manager so they can help you make appropriate selections.
For severe or potentially life-threatening allergies, please let me know well before sailing so we can review the cruise line's current procedures and determine what arrangements need to be made in advance.
What if I need to bring a special food item onboard?
Cruise lines and ports have rules about bringing food onboard. If you have a medical or dietary need that requires you to bring a particular food item, let me know before you sail so we can check the cruise line's current requirements.
From experience, I also recommend having a doctor's note explaining the dietary or medical need when traveling with special food. It may make the security process much easier, although the item will still be subject to the cruise line's and port's rules.
Travel Maven Tip:
Tell me before you sail. Tell them again when you're onboard.
When it comes to a food allergy, I'd much rather you repeat yourself than assume everyone already knows.
And if you need to bring your own special food, don't surprise security with it. A little preparation before the trip can save a lot of explaining at the terminal.
23. What happens when it's time to get off the ship? (Debarkation)
Sadly, all cruises eventually come back to port!
The day before your cruise ends, the cruise line will provide debarkation instructions through the app, your cabin television, printed information, or a combination of these. Read the instructions carefully because procedures and times vary by ship and port.
When the ship arrives, you cannot simply walk off at the scheduled arrival time. The ship must first be cleared by the appropriate authorities before passengers are permitted to leave. Once debarkation begins, guests will leave according to the cruise line's procedures and assigned times.
What do I do with my luggage?
You'll generally have two choices:
Self-Assist: You keep all of your luggage with you overnight and carry it off the ship yourself the next morning. Self-assist guests are often among the earlier groups permitted to leave.
This can be helpful if you need an earlier departure, but remember — you must be able to handle ALL of your luggage yourself. That means through hallways, elevators, ramps, gangways, the cruise terminal, and possibly some long lines. If you packed it, you're carrying it!
Checked Luggage: The other option is to place your larger luggage outside your cabin the night before, according to the cruise line's instructions. You'll receive special luggage tags identifying your departure group.
The crew collects the bags overnight, and you'll retrieve them in the cruise terminal after leaving the ship. This option makes for a much easier final morning — you can have breakfast and leave the ship without wrestling several suitcases through the hallways.
IMPORTANT: If you check your luggage the night before, keep a small carry-on with everything you'll need overnight and the next morning, including medications, identification/passport, valuables, travel documents, toiletries, and a change of clothes.
Otherwise, you may discover that your clean underwear and tomorrow's shoes left the ship before you did.
Porters are often available in the terminal to assist with luggage. This is another reason I recommend keeping some tipping cash handy.
What if I have a flight home?
ALLOW PLENTY OF TIME.
A ship scheduled to arrive at 8:00 a.m. does not mean you'll be standing outside the terminal at 8:05. The ship has to be cleared, you have to debark, retrieve your luggage if it was checked, complete the required arrival procedures, travel to the airport, check in, clear airport security, and reach your gate.
If you have an earlier eligible flight, the cruise line may offer procedures such as self-assist debarkation or airport shuttle arrangements that can help. Guest Services onboard can explain the options available for your particular sailing.
But don't build your travel plans around everything going perfectly.
Travel Maven Tip:
Give yourself breathing room.
I would much rather have you sitting comfortably at the airport with time for a cup of coffee than standing in a cruise terminal watching the clock and wondering whether you're going to miss your flight.
Allow time to get off the ship. Allow time to get to the airport. Allow time for the unexpected.