FAQ: Questions about Cruises

Considering a cruise honeymoon? Here's a list of questions you'll want to ask about your potential cruise line before making that all-important booking!

Are any extras—tips, drinks, port charges—included?

May we specify a double bed room?
This is an important question! You don’t want to be trapped in twin beds and remember on a ship you won’t be able to push the beds together.

Are there two-person tables in the eating area?

Are meal times set or may we eat when hungry?

Are port charges included?

Does the cabin have a porthole?

Does the porthole open to an unobstructed view or to a walkway?

Is the cabin near the disco? Children’s area? Elevator?

What shore excursions are available?

What is the cost of shore excursions?
Remember, you can always arrange your own shore excursions.

Can shore excursions be booked in advance?
Sometimes you’ll find that a limited number of passengers are permitted on a particular shore excursion.

Does the ship include specialty restaurants?

Is there a surcharge for these restaurants?

Are we allowed to book these restaurants a limited number of times during the cruise?

Does the ship dock or do passengers tender into port?
Some ports are not deep enough for large vessels so ships anchor a distance away and transport passengers by small boat or tender. You won’t be able to come and go at will and, when seas are rough, getting in and out of a tender can be difficult for people with mobility problems.

What evening entertainment is available?
Evening entertainment runs the gamut from themed Vegas-style shows on large ships to local musicians on small vessels.

Do you have any special themed cruises scheduled?
Theme cruises range from baseball cruises to nude cruises to birdwatching cruises. If you have a special interest, check with the cruise line for their schedule.

What is the average age of your passengers?
The average age of passengers can really influence the atmosphere on a ship. Often the average age depends heavily on both the time of year and the destination. Caribbean cruises generally have a younger clientele than Alaska cruises; river cruises also attract an older clientele.

Does the average age vary with the season?
You can expect to see younger passengers (including children) during the summer months, spring break season, and the holidays.

How many evenings are dress up occasions?
The dress code depends on the ship and can vary from "nice shorts" in the evening to tux and a long dress on formal night.

What is the recommended dress on formal nights?
For ships with extremely formal nights, are tux rentals available onboard?

Is there a ship’s doctor on board?
Long distance cruises typically have a doctor on board; river cruises often rely on medical service on land. Check with your cruise line if this is a concern.

Are spa treatments available?
Many larger ships have onboard spas; even smaller ships often offer massage.

More to read in this section:

• Where should we go?
• Top Honeymoon Destinations Around the World
• How do we decide?
• Caribbean Quiz
• Budgeting for Your Honeymoon
• High versus Low Tourism Season
• Tourism Seasons
• Savings Tips for Your Honeymoon
• Calculating the Cost of Your Honeymoon
• The Wedding Night
• How Long to Honeymoon
• Choosing a Honeymoon Home Base
• Emergency Situations on Your Honeymoon
• FAQ: Honeymoon Questions to Ask Each Other
• FAQ: Questions about Cruises
• FAQ: Questions for Each Other About Cruises
• FAQ: Questions About Resorts
• FAQ: Questions About All-Inclusive Resorts
• FAQ: Questions About B&Bs dominiums and Villas
• FAQ: Private Yacht Charter Honeymoons