What to Ask before Booking an Ocean Cruise

Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas

Planning an ocean cruise is exciting, but before you sail away, it pays to ask the right questions. Here’s a handy guide to help you navigate the booking process and make sure your vacation is smooth sailing from start to finish.

1. What’s Included—and What’s Not?

• Fare inclusions: Does the quoted price cover meals, onboard entertainment, gratuities and port fees?

• Beverage packages: Are soft drinks, specialty coffees or alcoholic drinks included? If not, what do the drink packages cost?

• Shore excursions: Are any excursions bundled in, or do they all cost extra? Can you book independently once you arrive?

• Wi-Fi and connectivity: Is basic internet access free, or do you pay by the minute, day or cruise?

• Specialty dining or upgrades: Are there extra charges for upscale restaurants, dinners with the captain or in-room dining?

  
  

2. What’s the Itinerary Like?

• Port days vs. sea days: How many days will you actually spend ashore, and how much time at sea?

• Overnight stays: Does the ship offer any late-night departures or overnight port stays for evening exploration?

• Route highlights: Which destinations are “must-see,” and will you have enough time on shore?

• Tide and logistics: Are there any ports where tender boats are required, and could that be affected by weather?

  
  

3. Ship and Stateroom Details

• Ship size and vibe: Are you boarding an intimate boutique ship or a mega-ship with thousands of guests?

• Stabilizers and Smooth Sailing: Will it be a rough voyage with days at sea? For smaller ships, are there stabilizers that help make it a calmer ride?

• Cabin categories: Do you want an interior room, an ocean-view, balcony or suite? What’s the square footage and layout?

• Accessibility: If mobility is a consideration, what staterooms and public areas are wheelchair-friendly?

• Noise levels: How close is your cabin to elevators, nightclubs or kitchens?

  
  

4. Dining and Dietary Needs

• Seating options: Is dining free-flow (anytime) or fixed-time with assigned tables?

• Cuisine variety: How many complimentary venues are there, and what kinds of international or local menus do they offer?

• Special diets: Can the chef accommodate gluten-free, vegan, kosher or medically restricted diets?

• Kids’ menus: If you’re traveling with little ones, is there a kid-friendly buffet or children’s dining room?

  
  

5. Onboard Activities and Entertainment

• Daily programming: What kinds of classes, workshops, fitness sessions and enrichment seminars are included?

• Show schedule: Do you have to pay extra for Broadway-style performances or comedy shows?

• Pools, spas and fitness centers: Are heat pools, hot tubs, fitness classes and sports courts complimentary?

• Kids and teens clubs: What’s the age split and are those programs included in your fare?

  
  

6. Shore Excursions and Independent Exploration

• Official tours vs. DIY: How comfortable do you feel exploring on your own? Are local taxis readily available?

• Private guides: Does the line offer private-group excursions, and how do those prices compare?

• Safety and reputation: What do past guests say about the quality and reliability of the tours?

  
  

7. Gratuities, Fees and Hidden Costs

• Automatic tips (if gratuities are not included): Is gratuity auto-added to your account? If so, how much per guest, per day?

• Service fees: Could there be resort fees in port or government taxes not included in your fare?

• Onboard credits: Do you get any booking incentives—spa or bar credit, free specialty dinner, or discounted Wi-Fi?

  
  

8. Travel Insurance and Health Requirements

• Cancellation policies: How far in advance can you cancel or change your booking without penalty?

• Medical facilities: What level of care is available onboard (e.g., clinic hours, doctor on call)?

• Vaccinations and visas: Does the cruise line require proof of specific vaccinations or visas for any ports?

  
  

9. Ship’s Reputation and Guest Reviews

• Star ratings: What overall score does the ship or line have on major cruise-review sites?

• Recent refurbishments: Is the ship newly renovated, or does it show signs of wear?

• Demographics and atmosphere: Will other passengers be mostly families, retirees, couples or singles?

  
  

10. Environmental and Social Responsibility

• Sustainability practices: Does the line use shore power, wastewater treatment or recycling programs?

• Local engagement: Are tours operated by locally owned companies? Does the line support community projects?

• Carbon offsets: Can you add on an environmental fee to offset your cruise’s emissions?

By asking these questions in advance, you’ll avoid surprises at sea and ensure your cruise matches your budget, interests and travel style. Bon voyage!