17 Frequently Asked Questions by Cruise Travelers

Choosing to cruise has many advantages over flying overseas or getting in the car and taking a road trip. If you have not been on a cruise before, you might have some questions. If you are a veteran cruiser, you can anticipate these questions from your friends.

1. Will I need a passport? If your ship is sailing outside US waters, yes. Your cruise line will specify this in advance as you complete your pre cruise online registration. If you do not have a passport, plan a couple of months in advance.
2. What if I need a passport quickly?There is a business for everything. The US Passport service may offer expedited service. You pay extra for faster processing. There are expeditors in the private sector. Getting something done quickly will cost you.
3. My passport expires a month after the cruise. Is that OK? This is a serious problem. Many countries require your passport to be valid for six months beyond your scheduled return date. Check this out online. Call your cruise line. Don’t leave this until the last minute.
4. What about visas? Some countries require a tourist visa in addition to your US passport.  In some cases, it’s an online process and you pay your fee by credit card. In other cases, you need to fill out paperwork and have to manually processed. Check with your cruise line.
5. Amenities to expect in cabin. This can vary by cruise line, but here is what we have found with Cunard. There should be pump bottles of shampoo, conditioner and liquid soup in the bathroom. There should be slippers and a bathrobe for each person. You should have plenty of towels in three sizes.You should get a daily program and a request form for in cabin breakfast if you choose that option.
6. Moving around ship in swimsuit. You might not use a robe and slippers at home, but you are on vacation! When you go to the pool, you usually arrive in your swimwear. You might have a coverup, but robes are provided for this eventuality. The pool should have plenty of large towels, but most people prefer covering up when heading to or from the pool and their cabin. Ideally this is done on one of the decks lined with cabins instead of the decks with the public rooms.
7. Water safe to drink? Generally speaking, you should be fine. The water from the taps, soft drink dispensers and the ice should not be a problem. When you go ashore in certain ports, that might be a different story. The ship’s staff might suggest bringing bottled water or have it available for you on the pier.
8. What beverages are free? On Cunard, the Lido (buffet) restaurant has fountain service for juices like cranberry and lemonade. There are chilled water and ice from another dispenser. Coffee and tea are free and always available. Specialty coffees and sodas cost extra and are ordered through the waitstaff.
9. Setting the clocks back. This is another Cunard reference. When crossing the Atlantic westbound, you have five 25 hour days. This aligns you with the five-hour time difference between England and the US. That extra hour is added while you are asleep, probably at 2:00 AM. It’s 1:59 AM and a minute later, it is 1:00 AM. Moving the clocks ahead on the Eastbound crossing is done differently. About 1:00 PM in the afternoon, there is an announcement. Suddenly it is 2:00 PM. Cruise lines try different times of day to make these adjustments. They give you plenty of notice.
10. The case for professional photos. Most photos we take are “on our phones.” You can get great pictures! However, professionals use techniques not commonly known by amateurs like me. They have certain backgrounds. They control the lighting. People are often glammed up on formal nights. They take the photos and you can view them online, then decide if you want to buy one or more. They can be in printed on loaded onto a flash drive. I have found this is a good way not get an updated portrait for my LinkedIn profile.
11. Is duty free liquor worth it? (cigarettes) You need to know your prices.  ou also need to do some shopping onshore, especially in the Caribbean. Some ships might have a price match guarantee. Find it cheaper in port (with proof, like a photo) and the ship will match it. I tend to find liquor is not a good deal, bearing in mind you need to carry it home. Cigarettes might be a different story.
12. Booking shore excursions. You might assume this is a “closed loop” operation. Ship staff take a group of passengers on a tour. This was our experience on Swan Hellenic, when we sailed from Athens to Istanbul. Ship personnel accompanied you. On larger ships serving the mass market, you might find you can book the same tour (or a similar) tour through your travel agent or online. Ed. Note: Also see Shore Excursions – Ports, Day & Weekend Trips
13. Driving in port. Logically, this is possible. You might book a car online through a major car rental company. It might be a different story in smaller ports. You will need to buy insurance. Unless you  have a destination at a distance you really must visit, I would not think it’s worth the trouble.
14. Is language an issue? On your ship, that should not be a problem. On Cunard transatlantic crossings, I recall they usually have a few hosts on staff. There is often German speaking host along with one fluent in Spanish and another in French. The dining room staff tries to sit people speaking the same language together. Generally speaking, this should not be a major concern.. In port, people in the business of selling you something – They tend to speak English.
15. Should I bring cash?We do. It’s useful for tipping people on the pier helping with your baggage. You might need it for a taxi on your arrival or departure date. US currency is good for onboard tipping. The Purser’s Office (reception desk) can usually make change.
16. Sundries? If you forgot tooth paste, suntan lotion or deodorant, there should be a shop onboard. If you are in port, you can get these essentials at a pharmacy or department store.
17. Will I get bored? You might wonder. You are confined by the railing of the ship. If you have multiple port days or visit the cruise line’s private island, that should not be a problem. On sea days the ship should have many activities, all listed in your daily program.

Cruises are a great way to vacation. It’s a floating resort, providing the chance to unwind and relax. You need to take your first cruise before you decide if this form of vacation travel is for you.

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cover photo Norwegian Sun & flower garden downtown Ushuaia, Argentina by Dennis Cox ©Dennis Cox/WorldViews