Cruise FAQ's: 12 things you really need to know!
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
If you’ve ever thought about taking an ocean cruise, chances are you’ve had a few questions… and then a few more… and then suddenly you’re down a Google rabbit hole wondering if you need a passport, a motion sickness patch, or a completely different vacation.
Let’s clear everything up.
Here are the most common cruise questions I get, answered the way I’d explain them to a friend sitting across from me.
What is cruising like?
A cruise is like being at a resort that quietly moves you from destination to destination while you sleep.
You unpack once. Your room stays with you. And each day, you either wake up somewhere new or enjoy a relaxing day at sea.
There’s always something going on—live shows, music, activities—but you’re never required to participate. You can be social and busy, or find a quiet corner (or a pool), stare at the ocean, and call it a productive day.
Will I get sick on a cruise?
You might, if you're prone to motion sickness.
Modern ships are large and designed to minimize motion, so a lot of people are never affected by it. But if you’re someone who tends to get motion sickness:
Choose a mid-ship cabin
Go with a larger ship
Bring a backup remedy just in case
Most people are fine. But if you think you might feel the motion, be prepared and you'll have a great time.
What is included with my cruise?
Cruises bundle a lot together, which is part of what's so great.
Typically included:
Your cabin
Main dining room meals and buffet
Entertainment (shows, music, activities)
Pools, fitness center, and onboard basics
Usually not included:
Specialty restaurants
Shore excursions
Gratuities
WiFi
Most beverages beyond water, coffee, and tea
It’s not all-inclusive, but it's a great start!
Is a cruise right for me?
Cruising works beautifully if you:
Want to visit multiple places without constantly packing and unpacking (it's so easy!)
Like having a plan without having to create it yourself (but still room to create adventures along the way)
Want a vacation that feels easy and taken care of
It may not be the best fit if you:
Prefer complete flexibility and spontaneity (yes, there are schedules for being back on board)
Want to deeply explore one destination (if you want to spend more than several hours in one place)
Really don’t enjoy being around other travelers (because hello! you're on a cruise ship with other people)
The key isn’t just “should I cruise?”—it’s choosing the right cruise for how you like to travel.
Do I need a passport?
In many cases, yes. Even when it’s not strictly required, I strongly recommend getting a passport. It's definitely the easiest, no matter what.
Some cruises that begin and end in the U.S. allow you to cruise without a passport. But if anything unexpected happens (missed ship, travel delays, needing to fly home), having a passport makes everything SO MUCH easier.
When is the best time to book a cruise?
Earlier than you might think.
Booking 6–12 months in advance usually gives you:
The best cabin selection
Better pricing options
Access to early perks or promotions
Last-minute deals do exist, but they come with a lot more limited choices. If where you stay on the ship matters to you, earlier is better.
AND, bonus: book as early as you want, because if a better deal or promo comes along, I can still get you the better rate! (Ask me about that, & I'll give you all the details.)
Will a cruise ship leave me?
Yes. It will.
Cruise ships run on a fixed schedule, and they do not wait for late passengers.
If you’re on an excursion booked through the cruise line, they’ll take care of you if there’s a delay. If you’re exploring on your own, it’s your responsibility to return on time.
Do cruises feel crowded?
They can, but it depends on the ship and where you spend your time.
Popular areas like the pool deck during peak hours will feel busy. But most ships also have quieter lounges, outdoor spaces, and tucked-away spots where you can relax.
A little planning goes a long way in avoiding the busiest areas.
How is the WiFi onboard?
I'll be honest: it’s not perfect.
You can usually:
Check email
Use social media
Send messages
Streaming, video calls, and heavy work tasks can be hit or miss depending on the ship and location.
It’s enough to stay connected… but also a good excuse to disconnect a bit.
What’s the best way to book excursions?
You have two main options:
Through the cruise line:
Easy and convenient
Coordinated with the ship’s schedule
The ship won’t leave without you
Independent tours:
Often more customized or unique
Sometimes better value
Require more planning and time awareness
And, I recommend excursion companies that guarantee to get you back to the ship on time.
Both are good choices—it just depends on your preferences.
Should I prepay my gratuities?
I think so. I always prepay mine. It's the same cost either way.
Prepaying simplifies your trip and takes one more thing off your plate at the end of your cruise. Gratuities are an important part of how onboard staff are compensated, and handling them before you sail keeps things nice & easy.
What is included with dining?
Cruises are known for their food, but it isn't ALL included.
Included:
Main dining room meals (sit-down restaurant with a menu & multiple courses)
Buffet dining
A few casual or quick-service options
Not included:
Specialty restaurants (like steakhouses or chef-driven experiences)
You can eat very well without spending extra money if you don't want to. Specialty dining is a fun upgrade, not a necessity.
Final thoughts
Cruising can be one of the easiest, most enjoyable ways to travel—when it’s the right fit and planned well.
If you’re curious but still have questions (or you’re trying to figure out which cruise actually matches your travel style), that’s where I come in.
Because the difference between a good cruise and a this-was-exactly-what-we-needed cruise? It’s all in the details you don’t see online.