10 First Time Cruise Questions
Cruising is the fastest growing travel segment in the United States. Why? Mainly because of the enormous amount of bang you get for your buck and because you unpack once and see several destinations. Veteran cruisers will tell you there is a learning curve for cruising and sometimes it can take a while to go from newbie to savvy. But no worries; I am here to help. Today I will answer 10 First Time Cruise Questions.
By Kavonda L. Rogers
Do I need a passport?
This is a yes and no question. There are two types of cruises: Open looped and closed looped. Let me briefly explain.
Open looped- When a cruise begins at one port and ends at a different port. For example a cruise starts in Seattle, Washington but ends in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Closed looped- When a cruise starts and ends at the same port.
If you are traveling on a closed looped cruise you DO NOT need a passport. You will need a copy of your birth certificate and a state issued id if you are over 16 years of age.
If you are traveling open looped you WILL be required to have a passport. In either case a passport is highly recommended.
What time should I arrive at the cruise port?
Most cruise lines require you to choose an arrival time so they can expedite their check in process. Most cruise lines close check-in anywhere from 1-2 hours before the cruise is scheduled to depart. SO, take your check in time seriously and don’t miss the boat!
What about paying for items on board?
Cruise ships are cashless societies. This means that you will need to apply a form of payment to your cabin (sometimes called staterooms). This will be in the form of a debit card/credit card or you can add cash when you board the ship. This will allow you to use your cabin key to make purchases all over the ship and have them charged to your room. Just make sure you keep track of your spending.
Can I bring my own alcohol onboard?
This is another yes and no question. It is also one of the most common first time cruise questions I get asked. If you are speaking in terms of liquors and spirits such as rum, gin etc. the answer is no. If you are a wine drinker most cruise lines will allow you to bring at least one bottle of wine per person on board. If you want to open it on your own, then don’t forget your wine bottle opener. Most cruise lines charge a corkage fee of at least $25 if thy open it.
Do I have to pay extra to exit the ship?
I always chuckle when I am asked this question. So, for that reason alone it had to make my common cruise questions list.
You do not need to pay any fees to exit the ship at a port. You have already paid for that right when you paid for the cruise. Now if you chose to take a shore excursion then those have an additional cost. I think that may be where some of the confusion arises. Please note that shore excursions are optional.
Do I have to get off the ship at the port?
No, you do not. Many times, you may go on a cruise and one of the ports is a place you have visited many times before. For me that port is Nassau, Bahamas. If I am out of my fave facial products I may jump off and go to Tresor Rare and other times I just hang out on the ship. If you stay onboard it is a great tie to enjoy a spa treatment or hang out by the nearly empty pool.
Do I have to eat in the main dining room?
The main dining room is also called the MDR. It is the main hub for dinner. You are not required to eat in the main dining room because there are so may options around the ship. Mainly there is a buffet available on the pool deck. If you are a first-time cruiser, then check out the main dining room once because it is a unique experience.
Do I have to follow the dress code in the Main Dining Room?
If this was ten years ago, I would have said a resounding yes. Now, the times have changed, and we have new generations who are not big on dressing up. So, to say the least the rules for dress in the MDR are lax or just overlooked. As long as you don’t walk in with your bath suit or swim trunks you might pass muster. Yet, most guests stick with business casual as the standard.
What are gratuities?
Out of all my first-time cruise questions this is the most controversial. Gratuities are the tips that are given to the people who clean and service your cabin, who serve you food whether at the buffet or in the Main Dining Room. The gratuity charges are based on your room category and the length of your cruise. The longer the cruise the larger the gratuity naturally. Lower room categories (interior, ocean view, and balcony) have the same gratuity rate and suites have a higher rate. Each cruise lines charges a different amount, but they all start at 13.99 per day per person and go up from there.
Should I use a travel agent or travel advisor?
If you have been a part of any travel forum you can see that this is a first-time cruise question that really sparks hot conversation. As a travel professional I urge people to use travel agents. Why? Because travel agents spend a lot of time, energy, and money to learn about travel and specific destination to be of service to their clients. We know the best resorts in an area. We know the best cruise ships for kids, we know the best cruise destination for honeymooners. We also know the best prices and the best ties to travel. We are like google but for travel. We go above and beyond to give our clients the best value for their money. Of course, you can book your own travel but if you have never cruised before or never visited the Bahamas; why not call a professional to help guide the way. I do not charge fees to my clients so there is no additional cost to you. #travelagentsrock
Wrap Up
I hope that by now you are well prepared to embark on the process of your first cruise or maybe the first cruise in a long time. If you are a first timer tell when your cruise is leaving and what cruise line you chose in the comments below. If you are a veteran cruiser tell me the first ship you ever cruised on. I can’t wait to hear from you.