Typically included: your stateroom, most dining in main venues, theater shows, kids’ clubs during standard hours, pools, and basic activities—plus port fees/taxes in the fare shown. Extras vary by line and may include specialty dining, alcoholic beverages and specialty coffees, Wi-Fi, spa/fitness services, babysitting/late-night programs, shore excursions, and automatic gratuities/service charges. We can bundle add-ons so you only pay for what you’ll use.

Interior = best value; Oceanview = natural light; Balcony = private outdoor space; Suites = extra room & perks. For motion sensitivity, choose mid-ship on a lower deck. Light sleepers may avoid decks under pools or near theaters/elevators. Families can request connecting rooms or 3–4-guest cabins; we can confirm cribs/pack-’n-plays and bath/shower setups. Accessible cabins feature wider doors, roll-in showers, and grab bars—ask us to verify availability early.

It depends on the line and fare. Some fares include gratuities, basic Wi-Fi, or a beverage credit; others sell packages (alcoholic/non-alcoholic drinks, specialty dining, Wi-Fi) that can be cheaper than paying à la carte. For families, kids’ soda/juice packages can be good value. We’ll compare “perks included” vs. base fares for your habits to avoid overbuying.

Passports are strongly recommended for all cruisers. On some closed-loop sailings (depart/return to the same US port), adults may board with a government-issued photo ID plus original/certified birth certificate; children under 16 can usually present a birth certificate. However, if you must fly internationally during the trip (e.g., emergency or missed ship), a passport book is required—passport cards aren’t valid for international air travel. Some ports/countries still require passports/visas even on closed-loop itineraries. For minors traveling with one parent/guardian, a notarized consent letter is recommended to avoid delays. Complete the cruise line’s online check-in, upload IDs, select an arrival time, and print/download boarding passes and luggage tags as instructed.

Deposits hold your cabin; final payment due dates vary by line/itinerary. Penalties escalate closer to sailing; non-refundable fares are cheaper but less flexible. We monitor promotions and—where allowed—can reprice or request upgrades before final payment. Travel insurance is recommended for medical, interruption, and supplier issues. We’ll show your exact deadlines and terms before you pay.