Cruise Vacation FAQs: Your Ultimate Planning Guide
Planning a cruise can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. From booking tips to onboard dining and dealing with seasickness, there’s a lot to consider. I’m breaking down the most frequently asked questions to help you feel confident and prepared. Whether you're sailing with Celebrity Cruises or another line, these insights will help you get the most out of your trip. Here’s what you’ll find in this guide:
- Key cruise terminology explained in simple terms
- The best times and ways to book a cruise for maximum value
- How cruise dining works and what to expect
- Tips for preventing and relieving seasickness
- What a SeaPass is (specifically for Celebrity Cruises guests)
Let's start with the basics! If you are a first-time cruiser, read up on the nautical terminology you may encounter when booking or experiencing your cruise.
Aft: The section of the ship behind the middle, towards the rear (stern) of the ship. When experienced cruisers refer to having an "aft cabin", many times they are referring to the balcony cabins at the far back of the ship where their balcony view overlooks the wake.
Deck: Use the terminology "deck" instead of "floor" so you don't sound like a novice cruiser. Each ship has a different number of decks depending how high they are. Interesting to note that like as in some buildings, many cruise ships do not have a Deck 13.
Disembarkation: The process of leaving a ship.
Embarkation: The process of boarding a ship to start out on a cruising adventure.
Galley: The kitchen on the ship where the food is prepared.
Deck: Use the terminology "deck" instead of "floor" so you don't sound like a novice cruiser. Each ship has a different number of decks depending how high they are. Interesting to note that like as in some buildings, many cruise ships do not have a Deck 13.
Disembarkation: The process of leaving a ship.
Embarkation: The process of boarding a ship to start out on a cruising adventure.
Galley: The kitchen on the ship where the food is prepared.
Virtual Hint: Find out when a Galley Tour is offered on your cruise. It's a fantastic chance to see the enormous galley and commercial appliances, as well hear about the vast amount of food that is consumed on a cruise. Even the youngest cruisers find this tour amazing.
OBC = On Board Credit: You may receive an OBC for a specific amount to be spent on board your cruise ship. This may be provided as an incentive by travel agents or as a special from a cruise line when booking directly. These can typically only be used on board.
Port Side: When looking toward the front port is the left side of the ship.
Starboard Side: When looking toward the front, starboard is the right side of the ship.
Veranda: The balcony outside of your stateroom.
Port Side: When looking toward the front port is the left side of the ship.
Starboard Side: When looking toward the front, starboard is the right side of the ship.
Veranda: The balcony outside of your stateroom.
The number one term to not forget on your cruise is...it's not a BOAT, it's a SHIP! People in the cruise industry are horrified when they hear a ship is referred to as a boat. This is how it was explained to me: A boat can fit inside of a ship, a ship can not fit inside of a boat.
Even though My Virtual Vacations focuses on cruise and travel information, I am not in the travel industry. When researching how to book our next cruise, I personally always go through the cruise line or hotel brand directly. I love the fact that once my itinerary is booked, or even on a hold status, you can view it on-line (a virtual benefit) and the excitement builds already. Contrary to belief, when you book through a cruise line, you can easily contact your vacation planner directly for any questions, advice, pricing, etc. at any time and then you will see the changes immediately on their website. I always feel it's best to go right to the source for the latest and greatest information. I've established many wonderful and on-going relationships with cruise line vacation planners when booking past cruises.
Cruise websites are full of great information and pictures (although don't forget us bloggers also for real experiences and hints for your specific situations...) and it's so easy to book direct. Click on each name below and take a look at some of my favorite cruise line's websites to visit for direct booking:
However, many people find it preferable to go through a travel agent. They will often be able to put packages together for you at a substantial savings. These might include airfare, rental cars, airport transfers, cruise, hotel for pre-cruise or post-cruise stays, and/or excursions. They will sometimes provide some type of reward for using them to book, such as an OBC to use during your cruise or a bottle of wine delivered to your hotel room or cruise cabin. And if you choose to book through a travel agent, you can usually view your booking directly on-line once it's made.
It's also ideal to book through a travel agent if planning a group cruise. They may be able to provide a discounted group rate if you have enough people cruising, as well as set up a personalize booking website you can share with your group. Either way, once your vacation is booked, the hardest part will be waiting for the date to arrive!
Virtual Hint: If you are not currently working with a travel agent, contact me and I'm happy to recommend a few terrific ones who will understand your specific needs.
One of my favorite things about planning a cruise vacation is that you can usually book well over a year in advance. This gives you plenty of time to anticipate and plan for all the things you want to do on your vacation. When you initially book your cruise, only a small deposit will be due in order to secure the cabin of your choice. Then, you'll have until three months before the cruise departs to pay the balance in full. If your plans change before this date, you will receive 100% of your cruise deposit refunded.
Finally, if you have a vague idea of the next cruise you want, book it while you are on your current cruise. The perks (sometimes include drink packages, free gratuities, free internet and/or OBC) are usually terrific. They'll even sometimes run specials on-board for discounted or no deposit required. Most of the time, these perks are transferable. If your plans change and you want to move your cruise to another date, ship, or cabin, the on-board booking perks transfer with it. Also, when your onboard vacation planner books your next cruise, just ask and the booking information can be automatically transferred to your "land based" cruise vacation planner. Just think...when your vacation ends, you already have another cruise to start getting excited about in your future!
First thing to cover when talking about dining on a cruise is the most asked question...YES! You CAN order more than one entree, appetizer or dessert. Sounds silly, but this is something to keep in mind when comparing your expenses for a land based vs. cruise vacation. Try as much as you'd like on a cruise and it's still all included.
Virtual Hint: Cruising is the perfect way to travel with growing teenagers. Besides the cost factor, it expands their palate and gives them the opportunity to try new foods. Encourage them to order and it forces new social skills too. A cruise can be a great educational experience!
When first booking your cruise, make sure to choose your preferred dining option right away. All cruise lines have different ways they offer dining, but these are the most typical. Basically...
You will be given the choice for Traditional Dining or Select/Anytime Dining. If you choose Traditional Dining, you will pick either Early or Late seating. Typically, early seating is around 5:30 PM or 6:00 PM and late is around 8:00 PM or 8:30 PM. Many cruise lines are starting to move away from Traditional Dining. However, I am a traditionalist and prefer this type of dining. To me, it's part of the ease and glamour of cruising. No choices to have to make ahead of time, just get ready to be pampered. Also, Traditional Dining is terrific for when you have kids. You will arrive every night to your assigned table and the same wait staff will get to know the preferences for your entire family and may even bring favorites to the table each night without you even asking.
Which is Better, Early or Late Dining?
Choosing your dining time is important when you book your cruise, although it's a commitment that does take a bit of thought. Here are some advantages to think about when deciding on early or late dining:
Early: If you have young children, you may want to get them to bed at a reasonable time so they are fresh for the next day. You will have plenty of time after dinner to enjoy the show in the theater, take in a relaxed visit to a lounge for drinks and dancing, or hit the casino. Even though early dining may be earlier than you are used to, you can always explore a late-night snack in the buffet or room service if you get hungry.
Late: For very port-intensive cruises, especially overnight docked cruises, you may want to experience all the destination has to offer. In this case, you don't want to have to rush back to the ship to dress for dinner. Also, when I've had late seating, one of my favorite things to do is find where the special cocktail of the day is featured (usually at a discounted cost...this will be listed the prior night in your daily program) and sit, listen to live music and have a delicious tropical drink before dinner.
Select/Anytime Dining: Or, on many cruise ships, you have the option of dining whenever you want. This may be referred to as Select Dining (Celebrity Cruises), Anytime Dining (Norwegian Cruise Lines), just to name a few. They all work differently. Basically, if you choose select/anytime dining, arrive at your convenience and be seated upon your arrival. If you are in a suite or level with a separate designated dining room (i.e. AquaClass on Celebrity Cruises) it's only this type of dining that is available. In all cases, here are a few tips:
- You can request to share a table with others or have a table with only your family, either request will try to be honored.
- You may even have the option to request the same wait staff each night if they are available.
- Be prepared to possibly wait a few extra minutes for your table, especially if you have distinct preferences. Some ships even offer "beepers" so you can visit a bar, shops, or the casino while you are waiting.
- The dress code for Select/Anytime Dining is the same as the attire for the evening (i.e. formal, smart casual)
Where Will You Dine?
If you are booked in a traditional cabin, you will be assigned to dine in the main dining room. Depending on the ship and cruise line, it may have one expansive, gorgeous main dining room (for example, Celebrity Cruises), where others have multiple smaller, intimate main dining rooms located throughout the ship (for example Princess Cruises.) Don't worry if you don't know the name of your assigned dining room before you board the ship. It will most likely be on your onboarding documentation or found in your stateroom.
Virtual Hint: Have a small child? They may not voluntarily offer it, but any dining room will have a "Children's Menu". Ask for it and you will find the usual favorites such as pasta, chicken tenders, pizza, etc. And keep in mind, they can also tailor any entrée to your child's liking as well (i.e. sauce on the side, chicken instead of shrimp.)
If you are traveling on Celebrity Cruises, cruise over to the dining page to see which dining room you'll be reserved in. You will also find main dining room and specialty menus here too.
If cruising on Celebrity Cruises, this section is for you. When you first check-in, each member of the family will receive a SeaPass. As of 2023, these are typically waiting for you in your stateroom. Not only is this your room key, but think of it as your credit card and passport as well. Do not lose this! For younger children, a lanyard is the best way to keep this safe. The Guest Relations desk will be happy to punch a hole in the card to string through a lanyard for your convenience. On Celebrity Cruises, it's a "SeaPass" however, the same concept is used on most all cruise lines so it's seamless for cash-free spending on board, a room key, identification, etc.
Guests traveling under the age of 16 will not be able to use their SeaPass card to charge in the shops or specialty venues. In order to give your older child more flexibility to purchase a souvenir, gelato, etc., you will need to visit the Guest Relations desk and they will have you sign an authorization for your child.
Virtual Hint: You'll notice that guests under 18 years of age will have a different color/design SeaPass card. While your card color will designate the type of cabin you are in, all children's SeaPass will designate they are under age. For security purposes, under age SeaPass cards also make a different tone when using it to exit and enter the ship at ports. Additionally (to ease your mind if it's lost!) the SeaPass card does not list the cabin number.
Each Celebrity SeaPass will have a different color to designate the type of cabin you are in. These have been known to change, but they are currently as listed below:
Inside, Ocean View or Veranda Cabin: Dark Blue
Concierge Cabin: Gold
AquaClass Cabin: Aqua
Suite: Grey
Under 18: Dark Blue with Star Design
Inside, Ocean View or Veranda Cabin: Dark Blue
Concierge Cabin: Gold
AquaClass Cabin: Aqua
Suite: Grey
Under 18: Dark Blue with Star Design
Even the most seasoned cruisers have experienced seasickness. If you are prone to seasickness, your stateroom location on the ship is important. See tips in Which Cabin is Best for Me? Ironically, typically adults experience seasickness the most and kids are least affected.
If you are onboard and start to feel a bit queasy, here are some easy things to do:
- Head outside. Always best to feel the ocean breeze and focus on the horizon.
- Ginger. Fantastic remedy for any kind of motion sickness. Check out the closest bar or lounge and get a ginger ale. The ginger along with the carbonation are sure to help you feel better.
- Green apples. Now you know why cruise ships provide green apples as a bountiful display on the buffet or in gift baskets for your cabin. The tartness will definitely tame that queasy feeling.
- Assume the worst and bring products to prepare ahead of time. I always bring Bonine (I even take it one hour before sail-away), a few types of ginger candy, and SeaBands. SeaBands work by applying consistent pressure on the inside of your wrist. They don't contain any kind of medicine so they won't interact with anything you may already be taking (or drinking!) Plus, they really work. Confession...yes, I wear SeaBands. I wear them from the moment I get up to when I go to sleep. My family laughs at my SeaBand "jewelry" on formal nights. But I don't get seasick, so I'm not changing a thing.
Keep in mind with today's technology, a cruise ships stability is fantastic and unless you are faced with adverse weather conditions, you typically shouldn't feel heavy vibrations or rocking during your cruise.
