Cruise FAQ
Cruise Questions, Answered Plainly
Answers from Karen Stoner, cruise specialist, to the questions travelers ask most.
Planning
- How far in advance should I book a cruise?
- Book 9 to 18 months ahead for the best cabin choice and pricing, especially for holidays, Disney Cruise Line, Alaska, and European river cruises.
- When is the best time to cruise the Caribbean?
- December through April has the driest weather. Summer and fall can be good value, though hurricane season runs June through November.
- Do I need a passport to cruise?
- A passport is strongly recommended. Some closed-loop cruises from U.S. ports accept a birth certificate and ID, but a passport protects you if you need to fly home from a foreign port.
- How do I choose the right cabin?
- Consider who's sleeping where, your budget, and motion sensitivity. Midship, lower-deck cabins feel the least movement.
Cost
- What does a cruise fare include?
- Most fares include your cabin, main dining, many snacks, entertainment, and the pools. Drinks, specialty dining, excursions, Wi-Fi, and gratuities often cost extra.
- What hidden costs should I watch for?
- Daily gratuities, drink packages, Wi-Fi, port fees, excursions, and travel to the port. Karen gives you the full picture before you book.
- Is travel insurance worth it for a cruise?
- Usually, yes. It can cover cancellations, medical care at sea, and missed departures, which can be very costly otherwise.
Using a travel advisor
- Does it cost extra to plan a cruise with Karen Stoner?
- For most cruises, no. Karen is paid by the cruise lines, so her planning help typically costs you nothing extra. For more complex trips, such as multi-destination itineraries or large group logistics, she may charge a planning fee, and she will always explain it up front before any work begins.
- Does it cost more to use a cruise travel advisor?
- No. Cruise lines pay advisors a commission, so you pay the same fare as booking direct.
- Why use a cruise specialist instead of booking online?
- A specialist compares ships, cabins, and itineraries for you, spots promotions, and helps if anything goes wrong.
- Is Karen Stoner a certified travel agent?
- Yes. Karen is an ASTA Verified Travel Agent (VTA), certified with the major cruise lines, and has sold travel since 2008.
Families
- What is the best cruise line for kids?
- Disney Cruise Line is a top choice for young kids. Royal Caribbean is great for active kids and teens. Carnival and MSC offer strong value.
- How young can a baby cruise?
- Most lines require babies to be at least 6 months old; some longer itineraries require 12 months.
- Can a family of five share one cabin?
- Some ships have family cabins for five or more, but they sell out early. Connecting cabins are a common alternative.
River cruising
- What is the difference between a river and an ocean cruise?
- River ships are small and dock in town centers almost daily. Ocean ships are large with more onboard activities and sea days.
- Do people get seasick on river cruises?
- Rarely. Rivers are calm, so motion is minimal.
- Which river is best for a first river cruise?
- The Rhine and the Danube are classic first river cruises, with castles, vineyards, and famous cities.
- Are river cruises good for kids?
- Most river cruises are designed for adults, though some lines offer family-friendly summer sailings.
Have a quick question? Ask Karen
Send Karen a note and she'll reply personally, usually within one business day. Or skip the wait and grab a time on her calendar.
Your vacation time is too valuable to gamble on guesswork.
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