Cruise Travel Tips
Traveling by sea is fun and adventurous but can also be unique to prepare for. Relaxing Vacations has provided a wealth of information below to help you set sail without a worry.
International Cruise Line Passenger Bill of Rights
The Members of the Cruise Lines International Association are dedicated to the comfort and care of all passengers on oceangoing cruises throughout the world. To fulfill this commitment, their members have agreed to adopt the following set of passenger rights:
Cruise Ship Travel Information from the U.S. Department of State- 1
The right to disembark a docked ship if essential provisions such as food, water, restroom facilities and access to medical care cannot adequately be provided onboard, subject only to the Master's concern for passenger safety and security and customs and immigration requirements of the port.
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The right to a full refund for a trip that is canceled due to mechanical failures, or a partial refund for voyages that are terminated early due to those failures.
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The right to have available on board ships operating beyond rivers or coastal waters full-time, professional emergency medical attention, as needed until shore side medical care becomes available.
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The right to timely information updates as to any adjustments in the itinerary of the ship in the event of a mechanical failure or emergency, as well as timely updates of the status of efforts to address mechanical failures.
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The right to a ship crew that is properly trained in emergency and evacuation procedures.
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The right to an emergency power source in the case of a main generator failure.
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The right to transportation to the ship's scheduled port of disembarkation or the passenger's home city in the event a cruise is terminated early due to mechanical failures.
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The right to lodging if disembarkation and an overnight stay in an unscheduled port are required when a cruise is terminated early due to mechanical failures.
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The right to have included on each cruise line's website a toll-free phone line that can be used for questions or information concerning any aspect of shipboard operations.
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The right to have this Cruise Line Passenger Bill of Rights published on each line's website.
Cruise Tips & Tricks
Make the most of every moment at sea with these insider tips from our cruise specialists.
Before You Book
A little research before you book can save you a lot of stress later. Confirm your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates, check whether your destination requires a visa, and review any travel advisories. Look into what’s included in your cruise fare versus what costs extra — gratuities, specialty dining, drink packages, and shore excursions can add up quickly.
Also consider travel insurance before you finalize your booking. Cruise itineraries can be affected by weather, mechanical issues, or port closures, and a good policy can protect your investment. Ask your travel agent about Cancel for Any Reason coverage if flexibility is important to you.
Arrive the Day Before
One of the best things you can do for your cruise vacation is arrive at your departure city the day before your ship sails. Flights get delayed, bags get lost, and traffic happens. If you miss embarkation day, the ship leaves without you — and no amount of rushing will bring it back to port.
Book a hotel near the cruise terminal the night before and enjoy a relaxed morning. Many port hotels offer park-and-cruise packages that include a night’s stay, shuttle service to the pier, and parking for the duration of your cruise — often at a better value than paying for port parking alone. Ask your travel agent about pre-cruise hotel options when you book.
Packing Specifics
Smart packing makes a big difference in a compact cruise cabin. An over-the-door shoe organizer hung on the bathroom door frees up counter space for toiletries and sunscreen. Magnetic hooks keep bags and lanyards off the floor. Pack a small nightlight for navigating the cabin at night, a reusable tote for port days, and a highlighter for marking your daily newsletter.
Most ships have one or two formal or “elegant” nights — check your cruise line’s dress code before you pack so you’re not scrambling. If you’d rather skip formal night in the main dining room, most ships offer casual alternatives like the buffet. Formal night is also a great opportunity for professional photos — photographers are stationed throughout the ship and you can purchase prints or digital downloads.
Medical & Seasickness
Even travelers who have never experienced motion sickness can feel the effects of rough seas. Come prepared: Sea-Bands (acupressure wristbands), Dramamine, Bonine, or ginger chews are all popular remedies. Lower and mid-ship cabins on a lower deck experience the least motion. The ship’s medical center can provide prescription patches if needed.
If you take prescription medications, bring more than enough for the entire trip plus a few extra days in case of delays. Keep medications in your carry-on, not your checked luggage. Travelers with pacemakers, insulin pumps, implanted devices, or other medical conditions should notify the ship’s medical staff upon boarding. The onboard medical center is equipped to handle most emergencies, but services are not free — travel insurance with medical coverage is strongly recommended.
Onboard Life
Life on a cruise ship is its own world. Download the cruise line’s app before you board — it works over the ship’s free Wi-Fi and lets you view daily schedules, make dining reservations, chat with travel companions, and check your onboard account balance. Each evening, a printed daily newsletter is delivered to your cabin listing the next day’s activities, entertainment, and port times. Read it before bed so you don’t miss a thing.
Cabin outlets are limited — usually just one or two near the vanity. Pack a non-surge-protector power strip (surge protectors are prohibited) to charge all your devices at once. Magnetic hooks are also a game-changer: cabin walls are magnetic, so hooks let you hang bags, lanyards, and hats without taking up counter space.
Wi-Fi & Staying Connected
Cruise ship Wi-Fi has improved significantly, but it’s still slower and more expensive than what you’re used to at home. Most lines sell tiered packages — social media only, basic browsing, or premium streaming — and prices are almost always cheaper when purchased before you board. If you only need to check in occasionally, the basic tier is usually sufficient.
The moment you board, put your phone on airplane mode and connect to the ship’s Wi-Fi network. This prevents your carrier from charging international roaming rates while the ship is at sea or in foreign ports. At ports of call, you can switch off airplane mode briefly to use local cell service or find free Wi-Fi at a café. Many travelers find they enjoy the digital detox and only connect once a day to check in with family.
Tipping & Gratuities Explained
Gratuities on a cruise can catch first-timers off guard. Most major cruise lines automatically add a daily gratuity charge per person to your onboard account — typically $18 to $22 per person per day — which is distributed among your room steward, dining room staff, and other service crew. This charge is separate from your cruise fare and is not optional on most lines.
Beyond the automatic gratuity, it’s customary to tip your bartender $1–2 per drink (though many drink packages include gratuity), your specialty restaurant server an additional $5–$10, and your room steward extra at the end of the cruise if they went above and beyond. Never remove the automatic gratuity to tip in cash instead — the pooled system ensures all crew members are compensated fairly, including those you never see.
Money & Extras
Almost everything onboard — drinks, specialty dining, spa treatments, shore excursions, and gratuities — is charged to your sea pass card. It’s easy to lose track of spending. Check your account balance daily via the TV in your cabin, the ship’s app, or a guest services kiosk to avoid a surprise bill on the last night.
Before purchasing a drink or dining package, do the math. Count how many drinks per day you realistically consume and compare to the package price. Dining packages can offer real savings if you plan to visit multiple specialty restaurants — but only if you’ll actually use them. Packages are usually cheaper when purchased before boarding. Most lines also add automatic daily gratuities per person — know what’s included in your fare so you can budget accordingly.
Book Early Onboard
Specialty restaurants, Broadway-style shows, character dining, and popular onboard activities fill up fast — sometimes before the ship even leaves port. Most cruise lines allow reservations 60 to 90 days before sailing through their website or app. Book your must-do experiences as soon as the reservation window opens.
If you miss the pre-cruise window, head to the reservation desk or open the app as soon as you board — cancellations do happen. For character dining on Disney Cruise Line, booking opens at 120 days for Castaway Club members and 75 days for new guests. Priority booking windows vary by cruise line and loyalty status — check your cruise line’s website for exact dates.
Port Days
Port days are the highlight of any cruise, but a little planning goes a long way. Research each port before you sail — know what’s worth seeing, how far the main attractions are from the pier, and whether you’ll need local currency or if USD is widely accepted. At tender ports, you’ll take a small boat to shore rather than docking directly. Tender tickets are often first-come, first-served, so get yours early in the morning.
Book shore excursions through the cruise line when possible — if a ship-sponsored excursion runs late, the ship will wait for you. Independent excursions offer no such guarantee. Always confirm the all-aboard time the night before each port day, as it can change due to weather or scheduling. Keep the ship’s emergency contact number and the port address saved in your phone just in case.
Reusable Water Bottle
Staying hydrated on shore excursions is essential, especially in tropical or hot climates. Bring a refillable insulated water bottle and fill it up on the ship before you head ashore — water is free onboard. Buying bottled water at ports can be expensive, and in some destinations tap water is not safe to drink.
A wide-mouth insulated bottle is ideal — it’s easy to fill at the ship’s buffet, keeps drinks cold for hours in the heat, and doubles as a carry-on item that won’t count against your liquids limit at the airport. Avoid glass bottles, which are often prohibited on pool decks and at some ports.
Never Miss the Ship
The ship will leave without you — this is not a myth. Every port has a firm all-aboard time, typically 30 to 60 minutes before departure. If you miss it, you are responsible for getting yourself to the next port at your own expense. Set two alarms, wear a watch, and always know your all-aboard time before you step off the ship.
Keep the ship’s emergency contact number and the port address saved in your phone. Book shore excursions through the cruise line when possible — if a ship-sponsored excursion runs late, the ship will wait. Independent tours offer no such guarantee. Confirm the all-aboard time the night before each port day, as it can change due to weather or scheduling adjustments.
Pre/Post Cruise Hotel & Parking
With many travelers utilizing ports of call or airports away from home to start their vacation, hotels and parking are often overlooked when planning the trip. Relaxing Vacations can help you find a hotel and parking close to your desired departure location to ensure you have a stress-free and easy start to your vacation.
Relaxing Vacations can include these options in any vacation package of your choosing or as a separate addition to a trip you have already booked — to ensure your vacation is worry-free and starts with an on-time arrival!
Cruise Vacation Packing Checklist
Don't leave home without the essentials. Download our comprehensive cruise packing checklist to make sure you're fully prepared for your voyage.
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