Cruise Questions You’re Afraid to Ask (But Totally Should)

Let’s clear the salty air, shall we?

So you're thinking about cruising but you're too embarrassed to ask certain questions out loud? You're not alone — these questions come up way more than you think. And we’re not here to judge… we’re here to get you cruise-confident.

Here are some of the most common “I-feel-dumb-asking-this” cruise questions — answered, no shame required:

🛳️ 1. Will I get seasick?

Maybe — but probably not. Today’s cruise ships are massive and equipped with stabilizers that help reduce motion. If you’re prone to motion sickness, bring Dramamine or Sea-Bands just in case, and stick to mid-ship, lower decks for the smoothest ride.

🧳 2. What should I pack?

Swimsuits, dinner outfits, comfy shoes, sunscreen, and maybe a pirate costume (seriously, some cruises have theme nights). But don’t worry — we send our clients customized packing lists based on your ship and itinerary. No overthinking required.

🛂 3. Do I need a passport?

It depends. For most closed-loop cruises (ones that start and end in the same U.S. port), you can cruise with just a birth certificate and valid government-issued ID. But we strongly recommend a passport — because if something unexpected happens in a foreign port and you need to fly home, you’ll be really glad you have one. Better safe than stranded.

🚪 4. Do I have to dress up for dinner?

Not unless you want to. Most cruises have “optional” formal nights, but otherwise, you can totally get by with resort casual. Think sundresses, polos, or something you’d wear to a nice dinner — no ballgown or tux required (unless you’re feeling fancy).

🍽️ 5. Is the food included?

Yes! Your cruise fare covers most dining — and the options are plentiful. Think buffets, main dining rooms, and casual grab-and-go. Specialty dining (like steakhouses or sushi) may cost extra, but you definitely won’t go hungry.

📶 6. Will I have Wi-Fi?

Yes… but it might not be great. Cruise Wi-Fi has come a long way, but don’t expect lightning-fast speeds. If you need to stay connected, most cruise lines offer internet packages (some even include social media access only).

🚿 7. Are the rooms small?

Let’s just say they’re “cozy.” But really — you won’t spend much time in your stateroom unless you're napping between snacks. There are plenty of different room types to fit your style and budget, and we’ll help you pick the best one for your vibe.

🧾 8. Are gratuities included?

Not always. Some cruise lines include gratuities in your fare, others add them daily to your onboard account, and some leave it up to you. Either way, we’ll break it down for you so there are no surprise charges.

⚓ 9. Can I get off the ship in every port?

Absolutely — but how you spend your time is up to you. You can book excursions, explore on your own, or stay onboard and enjoy a (gloriously) empty pool deck.

🍹 10. Can I bring alcohol onboard?

That depends on your cruise line. Most allow you to bring a limited amount of wine or champagne — but hard liquor and beer? Not so much. Don’t try to sneak it, either (yes, they check). Many cruise lines offer drink packages if you're planning to indulge, and we can help you figure out if it’s worth it based on your sailing style. Bottom line: check the rules before you pack that bottle of rum like a pirate.

🙋 Still have questions?

That’s what we’re here for. No question is too silly — we want you to feel completely prepared (and excited) before you sail. Contact your Adventure Advisor or fill out our quote request form and we’ll help you cruise like a pro — no Googling in a panic required.