Cruise booking FAQ

Start by deciding the features and destinations you want. Generally, the simpler the cruise experience, the lower the cost — an inside cabin without a view, for example, saves money without giving up any of the fun on board. Tell us your budget and we will look across every line we book with.

It varies by destination and cruise line. Caribbean cruises tend to be more affordable in late summer and early fall because of hurricane season. Booking several months ahead, or grabbing a last-minute deal if your dates are flexible, can both lead to real savings.

Six to twelve months ahead usually gives the best balance of availability and price, and for a group it means cabins near each other are still open. Last-minute deals exist too if you are flexible on dates and destinations.

We are travel agents, reachable seven days a week, and we book with every major line. You get a person who compares the options for you, watches your booking, and — because we also arrange tours in the ports — can set up your days ashore as well. Booking through an agent costs you nothing extra.

Think about your interests, travel style and the time of year. Beach relaxation or cultural exploration? Many ports, or more sea days to enjoy the ship? Look at each itinerary's ports of call and decide which experiences matter most — then tell us, and we will narrow it down.

It depends on the destination. The Caribbean is good year-round, with hurricane season from June to November to watch. Alaska is best May through September. The Mediterranean shines from April to October. Shoulder seasons often mean better prices and fewer crowds.

Cruises combine transportation and accommodation, so you visit several destinations and unpack once. With entertainment on board, sea views and a different port to explore most days, it is a travel experience like no other.

For families, lines like Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean have extensive kids' programs, water parks and family entertainment. For couples, lines such as Celebrity or Princess offer romantic dining, adults-only areas and couples' spa treatments, and Virgin Voyages is adults-only on every sailing (18 and over).

River cruises are intimate and take you through the heart of places ocean ships can't reach, usually with all-inclusive pricing, small passenger counts and a relaxed pace. If you enjoy scenic landscapes and historic cities, they are well worth considering.

The Caribbean remains the most popular, with warm weather year-round. The Mediterranean is loved for its history and culture. Alaska draws nature lovers with glaciers and wildlife, while Hawaii and the Mexican Riviera offer tropical adventures — and the Mexican Riviera ports are the ones our own local teams work in.

Most fares include your cabin, all meals in the main dining rooms and buffets, entertainment, pools and fitness centres, and the sailing itself. Specialty dining, alcoholic drinks, shore excursions, spa treatments and gratuities are usually extra.

Not hidden, but the extras add up: gratuities (often $15–20 per person per day), specialty dining, drinks packages, Wi-Fi, shore excursions and spa services. Knowing them up front makes budgeting accurate.

It can be, if you would use what is bundled. If you enjoy premium drinks, specialty dining and excursions, a package can cost less than paying à la carte. Estimate what you would spend anyway and compare.

It varies by cruise line and fare type. Generally you can cancel with a full refund up to about 90 days before departure on a standard booking; closer to sailing, the penalties increase. We recommend travel insurance to protect the investment. Royal Caribbean's schedule is on our Royal Caribbean page.

For most cruises, a valid passport with at least six months' validity beyond your return date. Some closed-loop cruises that start and end at the same U.S. port accept government-issued ID plus a birth certificate. Always confirm the requirements for your cruise line and the countries you will visit.

It is not mandatory, but strongly recommended. It can cover cancellations, medical emergencies at sea, missed connections and lost luggage — valuable peace of mind for what a cruise costs.