Our Expert Insights for Ocean Cruising
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With Expertise In Ocean Cruises
Not everything you need to know, but a good place to start.
The base fare for most ocean cruises includes your cabin, all meals in the main dining rooms and buffet, and access to a wide range of onboard activities and entertainment. You can expect to enjoy live shows, comedy acts, use of pools, and fitness facilities. However, beverages beyond water, coffee, and tea, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, and shore excursions are typically an additional cost and are charged to your onboard account. Premium and luxury brands will include more in their stated fares.
Ocean cruise ships come in a variety of sizes, from smaller ships with more intimate atmospheres to large “mega-ships” that feel like floating cities. Larger ships offer a vast array of amenities and entertainment, while smaller ships can access more unique ports of call. Consider what kind of experience you’re looking for—a lively, activity-filled vacation or a more focused, destination-rich journey.
The dress code on most ocean cruises is quite flexible. Daytime attire is always casual, with shorts, t-shirts, and swimwear being perfectly acceptable in most public areas. For dinner in the main dining rooms, a “smart casual” dress code is typically enforced, which means slacks and collared shirts for men and dresses or blouses for women. Many cruises also feature optional formal nights, where guests are encouraged to dress up in suits or cocktail dresses.
On most mainstream cruise lines, a daily service charge, or gratuity, is automatically added to your onboard account for each person in your party. These fees, which generally range from $15-$25 per person per day, are pooled and distributed to the crew. An additional gratuity is also automatically added to purchases of beverages, specialty dining, and spa services. While you have the option to adjust the daily charge at the Guest Services desk, it is meant to compensate the hardworking crew for their service.
For all international cruises, a passport is the recommended travel document, even if a particular itinerary may not technically require it. You should also bring a second form of photo identification. For closed-loop cruises (those that start and end in the same U.S. port), a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID are usually sufficient, but a passport is always the safest option. Be sure to check visa requirements for any countries you will be visiting.
Cellular service at sea is often satellite-based and can result in very expensive roaming charges, so it’s a good idea to put your phone in airplane mode. Most ships offer Wi-Fi packages for a fee, which can be purchased for the entire voyage or on a daily basis. The internet speeds can be slower than what you are used to on land, but many ships now offer high-speed internet access. Many guests choose to disconnect while at sea and use free Wi-Fi in port to check in with family.
The cruise industry has strict health and safety protocols, but it is important for you to take personal responsibility as well. Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating. If you feel unwell, contact the ship’s medical facility. Additionally, pay attention during the mandatory safety drill at the beginning of your cruise. For security, keep your stateroom door locked and store any valuables in the in-room safe.
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