What is the best time to take a cruise?
Any time of year is a great time for a cruise, but it really depends on the destination. The Caribbean is perfect for cruising all year long, but some of the more exotic destinations may only be seasonal. Alaskan Cruises typically take place between May and September and cruises to Europe are usually between April and November.
When are cruises most affordable?
Cruises are typically the least expensive between September and Christmas, but not during Christmas as that is usually more expensive. Most people take vacations during the peak summer months, so if you wait until after summer there are some pretty good deals available.
How long are cruises?
Cruises can be for as long or as short as you would like! Some cruises are as short as three days and some are three months. We can help you create the perfect itinerary based on how much time you would like to spend cruising.
What travel documents do I need?
For information on travel documents, please visit our Travel Documents page.
Do I need cash on board the ship?
Most ships have a no-cash policy during the cruise. During the check-in process, you will be asked to set up an onboard credit account, if you have not already during your pre-cruise paperwork. This is most commonly done with a credit card but you may also use Traveler’s Checks or cash. Most ships will not accept personal checks.
You can charge all drinks and other services to your stateroom and pay at the end of the cruise. On most cruises you can check your balance any time using your room’s television.
What should I pack for a cruise?
Cruise lines allow you to bring as much luggage as you like. Keep in mind that checked luggage can take several hours to get to your stateroom, so it is a good idea to keep a carry-on bag with your travel documents, valuables and any other item you may want in the first few hours of the cruise (camera, medications, etc.)
- Some items you may not want to forget are:
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes for walking around the ship and in port
- Camera
- Chargers for your electronic devices
Are there dress codes on cruises?
Your ticket package or cruise line brochure will provide specific information on the cruise's dress style. Daytime attire is "resort casual" with shorts and jeans appropriate. There are three main categories for dinner attire in the main restaurants:
- FORMAL: For gentlemen, a tuxedo or suit is appropriate, for ladies, a long or short cocktail dress or dressy pantsuit.
- INFORMAL: Gentlemen will be asked to wear a jacket without tie and for the ladies, a dress or pantsuit is appropriate.
- CASUAL: For gentlemen, an open shirt and slacks are appropriate, for the ladies, casual dresses, or pants. No shorts and on some cruise lines, no jeans are allowed in the dining room for dinner.
Some ships also offer theme nights, so make sure to check your cruise itinerary to pack accordingly!
What will there be to eat on board?
All standard meals are included in the price of your cruise. Most ships will offer several choices for breakfast which may include a buffet and a full breakfast served in the dining room. You may also have the option of having continental or a full breakfast served in your stateroom. There are usually several choices for lunch and dinner: buffet, lighter fare on deck, and/or a full menu selection served to you in the dining room.
Some restaurants on board will offer a variety of different foods, 24-hour pizza, ice cream parlors, coffee and much more.
Soda and alcoholic beverages are not usually included in the price of your cruise.
*** If you are celebrating a special event (anniversary, birthday, etc.) please be sure to let us know. We will notify the cruise line and most will provide you with a complimentary cake. Be sure to reconfirm this request directly with the Maitre d’. If you forget to tell us, don’t worry - just give the Maitre d’ one day’s notice to comply with your wishes.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
All cruise lines are able to accommodate dietary needs and restrictions. If you require kosher, halal, gluten-free or vegetarian meals, please let us know at least 30 days prior to your departure and we will inform the cruise line of your needs. If you forget to do so, you can always see the Maitre d' and they will do their best to accommodate you but there is no guarantee they will have foods on board for every need.
What is the drinking age on a cruise?
You must be 21 years old to legally consume beer, wine and other alcoholic beverages on board.
What are the entertainment options?
From contemporary musical theater to Las Vegas-inspired productions, from live comedy acts to electrifying night clubs and casinos, you'll find an amazing and exciting array of complimentary onboard entertainment that will excite attendees of all ages and desires.
Cruise ships offer an incredible variety of absolutely amazing Broadway, Cirque, skating, or aquatic shows that are sure to wow everyone.
Enjoy an opportunity to dress up and have a "night on the town" with a nice drink at a specialty or piano bar, a terrific meal at the main or specialty dining rooms, and then take in a show. Still not ready to call it a night? There's dancing and late night comedy to keep you going. Don't worry about the kids as they will love taking advantage of the kids' clubs!
Want a quieter evening? Don't want to dress up? No worries--there are plenty of entertainment choices that will please everyone. That's the best part of a cruise ship.
Do I tip on a cruise?
Tipping is a personal matter and the proper way to compensate the staff for the excellent service you receive. Most ship staff work primarily for tips. Tips are generally $14 to $20 a day per person and added to your on board account automatically.
Some cruise lines allow for pre-paying your tips, and some even require it depending on your meal plan choices. If you haven’t pre-paid your tips, and would like to do so, please ask your Vacation Specialist if this is available for your vacation.
While at your discretion, we do recommend tipping room-service $1.00 per person being served. Tips for bar items are included in your charge. Spa and other personal services may have the tip automatically included. Where it isn’t, tipping is appropriate at normal levels for similar services in the US.
What is there to do in port?
There will be so much to choose from that your hardest problem will be figuring out what to do. You can go off on your own or take a guided tour. Every cruise will offer various excursions.
Cruising is a great way to see a number of different destinations -- perhaps ones that you will want to take a vacation to again in the future!
Is motion sickness a problem?
Motion sickness is not typically a problem, as the most popular cruise destinations often have some of the calmest waters in the world. Modern ships have stabilizers and access to accurate weather information. There are also many effective preventative medications, which are always a good thing to pack, just in case.
What if I have to cancel my trip?
TravelPerks offers a very comprehensive and competitive Trip Cancellation/Interruption protection program that is available exclusively to our valued customers. We highly recommend this protection. If you haven't already made the smart choice to protect your vacation investment, contact your Vacation Specialist or the first available agent at 541-349-0036.
Cancellation Penalties vary by supplier. Please see our Cancellation Policies FAQ for links to your supplier's terms and conditions.
Are there military discounts?
To thank you for your service many cruise lines offer special military benefits to you and your family members!
Whether you are a veteran or one of the country's active duty military personnel, National Guard, or reserve member you may be entitled to these special military offers by select cruise lines.
For full offer details please contact your Vacation Specialist. Military ID will be required on the day of cruise embarkation at the pier.