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The Vacationer • Cruises • Cruise Guides

Cruises Without a Passport: Here’s Everywhere You Can Cruise Without a Passport in 2024

When you think about cruises, you probably think of international travel. After all, most cruises departing from a U.S. port are headed into international waters, whether you’re sailing from Florida into the Caribbean or from Boston up into Canada. And when we think of international travel, we often think of one key requirement: a passport. 

However, despite this, you don’t actually need a passport to go on every cruise. No, that doesn’t mean you’ll be stuck on New England small ship sailings or taking a river cruise down the Mississippi. You can take a wonderfully warm, tropical Caribbean cruise away from the States without the hassle of acquiring or renewing a passport .

Here’s how it works.

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Table of Contents

Cruises That Do Not Require a Passport

Certain cruises do not require cruisers to present a passport when boarding which is good news for the many Americans suffering from long passport processing times .

These include cruises that fall under the guidelines of an international agreement referred to as the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative and which start and end at the same U.S. port (known as a closed-loop itinerary). The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative dictates where you can and cannot sail without a passport, but most Western Hemisphere destinations are approved. 

A note on closed-loop itineraries 

Understand that when the government says “closed-loop itinerary” — they mean it! If you plan to take a cruise that visits foreign locales, it must start and end at the exact same U.S. port. 

If you leave Miami, you have to return to Miami. You cannot leave Miami, visit a few Caribbean islands, go through the Panama Canal and Mexico, and then hop off the ship in California. While, yes, you would have started and ended your journey in the United States, that’s still not good enough. You have to start and end at the exact same destination.

Examples of Cruise Destinations That Do Not Require a Passport

Photo: pixabay

The Caribbean

Of course, there are places in the Caribbean that you can go without any sort of special documentation whatsoever beyond what you would typically use to fly within the mainland United States. These destinations include:

• Puerto Rico

However, thanks to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, you can travel to many other islands throughout the Caribbean via a cruise. There’s no passport required. You will have to book a closed-loop sailing. However, that’s easy enough, as that’s the primary option you’ll find when booking most cruises anyway. 

Caribbean islands that you can visit during a closed-loop sailing without a passport include: 

• Antigua and Barbuda
• The Bahamas
• The British Virgin Islands
• The Cayman Islands
• The Dominican Republic
• The Netherlands Antilles
• St. Kitts and Nevis
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Turks & Caicos

Click Here to See Commonly Booked Caribbean Cruises

Caribbean islands that you cannot visit during a closed-loop sailing without a passport include:

• St. Martin 
• Trinidad & Tobago 

Before booking your Caribbean cruise, thoroughly review the itinerary. You want to ensure that the ship will not stop at any of these islands. 

Otherwise, as you can see from the list above, most popular Caribbean destinations are fair game. Just ensure that you have the requisite documents in place of your passport, including a government-issued photo ID and an original or copy of your birth certificate. 

Whether you want to cruise along Mexico’s Caribbean side or the Pacific coast, you can do so without a passport, so long as your cruise starts and ends in the same port city in the United States. On these closed-loop itineraries, you only need to present a government ID and birth certificate (or a passport card).  

Click Here to See Commonly Booked Mexican Riviera Cruises

You won’t need a passport if you want to cruise up either side of Canada. This includes cruise itineraries that go to Alaska and that make stops in Canada along the way. 

This is also the one example of where you can take a cruise without a passport and without adhering to the closed-loop itinerary rule. You can technically take a cruise to Canada and not return to the same U.S. port, just as long as you don’t try to fly anywhere. The amicable relationship between Canada and the U.S. means you can cross Canada-U.S. borders via sea or land (not air) without a passport, if you have other valid identification, such as a NEXUS card or FAST card. 

That said, to be honest, gathering up other valid types of identification might be more troublesome than just getting a passport. For the most convenience possible, consider getting a passport if you don’t want to book a closed-loop itinerary cruise to Canada. 

Otherwise, on closed-loop itineraries that travel to Canada, you only need to present a government ID and birth certificate (or a passport card).  

Click Here to See Commonly Booked Canada & New England Cruises

Don’t forget about Hawaii! When most travelers think of cruises in sunny, sandy locales, they think of the Caribbean or South Pacific. However, Hawaii is right there, and since it’s a U.S. state, there’s no worry about passports.

You can choose to either fly out to Hawaii and take an inter-island cruise, or you can take a cruise all the way from California to Hawaii and back.

Click Here to See Commonly Booked Hawaii Cruises

Before cruising, read our Guide to Bringing Food, Alcohol, Water, & Snacks on a Cruise Ship as well as our guide on the Best Credit Cards for Cruises .

What Documentation Do You Need for a Cruise if You Don’t Have a Passport? 

According to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, when traveling on a closed-loop cruise without a passport, other valid documentation that you can present during cruise ship boarding includes:

• A government-issued photo ID (for everyone over the age of 16)
• PLUS an original or copy of your birth certificate from the Vital Records Department 
• OR a consular report of birth abroad
• OR a certificate of naturalization 

Note that the government-issued photo ID must show your photo, name, and date of birth. A driver’s license is valid; however, a social security card is not. 

Additionally, the birth certificate must be from the Vital Records Department, not the hospital, with the only exception being if the individual in question is so young that the Vital Records Department has not issued a birth certificate yet (so, basically a newborn). 

You can also get a passport card , which is like a lower-cost, limited version of a passport book (which is what a traditional passport is). This will work as valid identification for sea and land travel. However, it will not be accepted as a valid form of ID for air travel unless you’re flying domestically. 

Some U.S. citizens may also be able to use an “EDL” or an Enhanced Driver’s License, which can be used in place of a passport when re-entering the United States after traveling from Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean. However, at this time, EDLs are only available to citizens in certain states. 

Likewise, another potential option that’s valid on some cruises and in some destinations (though not all) is a Trusted Travel card. Trusted Traveler cards include Nexus, SENTRI, and FAST cards.

Still looking to get a passport? Learn How to Take Your Own Passport Photo at Home .

What happens if I don’t have the right documentation? 

Don’t have the right documentation to cruise, according to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection? Then don’t even bother trying to board the ship. You’ll be turned away at the cruise port.

Is it Worth Trying to Cruise Without a Passport? 

Let’s remember that just because you can do something doesn’t always mean that you should. For some travelers, trying to cruise without a passport just isn’t worth it.

For example, if you don’t have a copy of your birth certificate or any of the other accepted forms of documentation that you’ll need to cruise without a passport, you’ll still have to do a fair amount of paperwork and waiting to get that documentation. At that point, you could just get a passport.

Additionally, if you choose to go the passport card route, you’ll find it quite limiting. If you have any future plans of traveling internationally, paying the extra cost for a passport book is worth your time. 

There are also accidents and unforeseen emergencies to consider. While not common, it’s certainly not out of the realm of possibility for a cruise ship to need to make a sudden, unplanned stop at the nearest port. If that place happens to be somewhere that requires a passport, you may find yourself in a bad spot. 

Or, what if you’re in an accident or there’s an emergency at home? If you had a passport, you could just leave the cruise during its next stop and hop on a flight from the nearest airport. However, you always need a passport to fly internationally, so if you don’t have one, you’d be out of luck.

The same thing could happen if you accidentally don’t make it back to your ship in time for departure, following a day out at one of the itinerary’s destinations. While normally, you could meet back up with the ship on the next island over, if you had a passport, again, if you don’t, you can’t. 

All that said, though, if you don’t plan on traveling internationally at any other point, and you already have a copy of your birth certificate handy, then go ahead and book that cruise — just realize that there are some associated risks. 

Have a Passport? You Might Not Necessarily Be in the Clear

If you’ve given it some thought and plan to use your passport for an upcoming cruise, don’t just assume your trip will be all smooth sailing from here. 

Most destinations require that your passport be valid for six months after your departure date, and the same is true for most cruise lines. Before you book your cruise, ensure your current passport will still be valid six months from the cruise’s end date.

If you do have a passport, read our guide to the Best All-Inclusive Cruise Lines . Explore options for ocean and river cruises across the world.

You Should Always Check with Your Cruise Line

All of the above considered, you should always check with your cruise line regarding what documents you may need for an upcoming cruise. The cruise line will be able to inform you of its policies, as well as requirements that will apply to your specific itinerary. Most cruise lines, however, do greatly encourage travelers to bring a passport as their primary form of ID.

If your cruise begins and ends at the same port in the United States, stays within the Western Hemisphere, and does not visit certain Caribbean countries, then you can travel using other accepted documents.

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection: “U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises will be able to enter or depart the country with proof of citizenship, such as an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL), a government-issued birth certificate (issued by the Vital Records Department in the state where he or she was born) or passport, and if 16 or older, a government-issued driver’s license, picture ID, denoting photo, name, and date of birth.”

If your cruise itinerary does not necessitate a passport, you must show other valid documentation. If your cruise itinerary does require a passport, and you don’t have one, you will be turned away from the ship and not allowed to board.

Caribbean countries that you cannot cruise to unless you have a passport include Barbados, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Martinique, St. Barts, and Trinidad & Tobago.

No, in most cases, you will not need to go through customs every time you leave a cruise ship. The cruise line will record your information upon boarding and then will provide that information to the destinations you visit on your behalf, so you don’t have to spend hours standing in long customs lines every time you want to disembark for a shore excursion.

Editorial Disclosure:   Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.  

By Holly Riddle

Holly Riddle is a freelance travel, food, and lifestyle journalist who also dabbles in ghostwriting and fiction. Her work appears in publications ranging from Global Traveler to Golf Magazine, Mashed to Forbes, and Bloomberg. When she’s not writing, you can find her exploring the mountains near her home in the Adirondacks. Her favorite travel destinations include Chicago and New Orleans.

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The Best Cruises for Non-Cruisers

“I am not a cruiser.” That's the phrase that Captain Dan Blanchard, CEO of UnCruise Adventures , says he hears often from passengers onboard his company’s nine small ships.

That works, because Blanchard doesn't see UnCruise as a traditional cruise line , either. Instead, he sees his 22- to 90-passenger ships more as providing a soft adventure experience that happens to be on water. In that floating vacation market, UnCruise is not alone. A bevy of cruise companies—some you may never have heard of—cater to a subset of seagoing travelers who don't love the idea of big cruise ships with casinos, show productions, and crowds. Yet they still want to travel to places most accessible by water.

Some are sailors who want to watch the sheets flapping in the wind, some are excited about beyond-the-norm experiences such as traveling on ships that also carry cargo. Others are looking for intimate cultural experiences or itineraries where you pretty much stay in the wilderness . These “non-cruisers” tend to put destination first, well ahead of modes of transportation. They aren’t looking for anything too fussy in terms of shipboard accoutrements—but they are willing to shell out for an extraordinary experience that happens to involve getting on a ship.

For those who want adventure—with a side of luxury

Luxury expedition ships are part of a growing trend that appeal to an adventurous set who also want the finer things in life, like suites with butler service. Lindblad Expeditions is something else entirely. “It’s not a cruise; we want to curate something,” says Sven Lindblad, CEO and founder of the line, which in partnership with National Geographic operates more than a dozen small ships in destinations including Antarctica and the Arctic, Galapagos , and the Mediterranean. “The ship is secondary, a place to shower, breathe, hang out," says Lindblad. "It is comfortable and the service is great. But the main show is outside of the ship.”

“You are closer to areas you want to see, whether it’s a wildlife area, natural history, or a cultural area,” says Lindblad fan Judy Pool of Denver. Her favorite itineraries include seeing the penguins and other animals in the Antarctic and South Georgia, and the culture and natural history in the British Isles. Then there was the time in Indonesia when the captain got word that a volcano was erupting. “We went off course and watched the volcano and the lava coming down into the ocean for at least two hours, and this was at 11 p.m. at night,” Pool says. “That kind of flexibility appeals to me.”

Small adventure ships tend to have a convivial atmosphere, partly because there are few public spaces to mingle in beyond an open-seating dining room, the outdoor deck, and a lounge where everyone gathers for cocktails. Passengers bond over shared experiences (excursions often are included in the cruise fare). Cabins are comfortable but may be sparse, the atmosphere casual . “You might bring a nice pair of pants or blouse or something, but other than that it’s khakis and shorts and hiking boots or tennis shoes, and layers, depending on where you are,” Pool says. “Most people carry cameras and binoculars. It’s part of the uniform.”

Blanchard of UnCruise says about 60 percent of his guests are the same folks who backpacked in Europe and are looking for that kind of experience at sea. “The rest tell us they just can’t handle the numbers on the big ships, and what is now being called ‘overtourism’ in the places where the big ships go,” he says.

The majority of UnCruise’s itineraries, in places such as Alaska , Latin America, the Sea of Cortez, and Hawaii, don’t visit big ports. After embarking you stay mostly in the wild, doing things like hiking and kayaking. “Our clients are well-heeled, have an adventuresome mindset, and want to stop in the forest and suck it in," says Blanchard. "Sit in a kayak and hear the distant whale blows. If you do stop, it is in very small villages and for cultural sights.”

Sailing ships such as the Sea Cloud allow passengers to feel closer to the water.

For those who want a truly nautical experience

Fans of sailing also tend to consider themselves non-cruisers, attracted to ships where they can feel at one with the sea. On the real sailing ships of lines such as Star Clippers and German-owned Sea Cloud , passengers help pull the lines and dive right off the ship to cool off in the sea, in between visiting small ports popular with the yachting set.

On the three Star Clippers ships, sailing in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, or Southeast Asia , you can put on a harness and climb a small mast or choose to lounge in the bowsprit netting. The original 64-passenger Sea Cloud, built in the early 1930s by cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post, adds a touch of history. That ship is chartered part of the year by Lindblad in the Mediterranean and also sails in the Caribbean. There’s also a 94-passenger Sea Cloud II, and a third sailing ship debuts next year.

For those who want to visit the most remote locations

Sue Golding, a professor emeritus at the University of Queensland in Australia, took a big ship once while returning home from South Africa. It wasn’t her favorite trip. “I am not sure we actually detest large ships, but have no desire to travel on one unless absolutely necessary,” she says. Drawn by destination, she’s recently been sailing with casual Australian line Coral Expeditions to places such as remote West Papua, Indonesia —where an itinerary highlight was being greeted by bare-chested, grass-skirted “warriors” in dugout canoes.

Among Golding’s favorite ship experiences were cruises along the coast of Norway with Hurtigruten . The Norwegian company’s 11 coastal ships (they also operate five expedition ships) carry international travelers as well as locals (using the ships as public transport), in addition to cars, freight, and mail. Year-round they visit 34 ports, from Bergen to Kirkenes in the far north. On six- or 12-day itineraries you stay in accommodations that may or may not have double beds, and leave the ship for excursions (for a fee) to see such sights as the sheer rock cliff-lined Geirangerfjord and the North Cape, far above the Arctic Circle. Since your ship may only be in port a few hours, you may re-board at a different place on the itinerary.

The tropical equivalent to Hurtigruten is the Aranui 5, part cargo ship, part passenger vessel, which does a regular two-week circuit between Papeete, Tahiti, and the Marquesas —serving as a lifeline to the small, remote islands. The French-flagged ship has accommodations ranging from cabins with private balconies to small dormitories for the budget-conscious. The 254 passengers hear lectures about Polynesian culture and learn to make leis when not hanging out at the pool, dining on French-influenced and Polynesian cuisine, or explore on shore (excursions included). At the 19 stops, the muscular crew uses cranes and brawn to download the cargo. Half the village might come out to collect kitchen appliances, food, bikes, even coffins. It’s as much a real-life experience as cruise vacation.

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Places to Cruise Without a Passport

By Carnival Cruise Line

The Bahamas

New England and Canada

• The Caribbean

Baja, Mexico

As luck would have it, you’ve suddenly got a few open days in your schedule and a yearning to travel somewhere exotic. Don’t let your lack of a passport stop you. Consider a cruise . If you take closed loop cruises (meaning your trip begins and ends at a U.S. port), you can sail to a variety of dreamy destinations as a U.S. citizen without a passport.

For “closed-loop” cruises, U.S. citizens will need to provide:

• A boarding pass
• A government photo I.D. if 16 years of age or older
• And a certified birth certificate or certificate of U.S. naturalization

Starting and ending in Seattle or San Francisco, an Alaskan cruise takes you to charming waterfront cities and villages like Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. In Alaska, also known as the Land of the Midnight Sun, you can see spectacular, icy glaciers by boat or seaplane, watch for whales and try your hand at dog sledding.

A stop in Victoria, British Columbia offers a whole new set of adventures. Visit castles, take a ride on a horse-drawn trolley, stroll through beautiful Butchart Gardens or get your fill of shopping and dining downtown. When you arrive back in Seattle or San Francisco, take time to explore those cities for even more vacation fun.

You can cruise to The Bahamas from a number of U.S. ports along the Atlantic Coast. Located just southeast of Miami in the Atlantic Ocean, The Bahamas offers an ideal island getaway. With soft-sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and pastel-colored British colonial architecture , the Bahamian capital of Nassau makes a popular port of call for cruisers. In Freeport , you can shop till you drop at the Port Lucaya Marketplace or kayak through the mangroves at Lucayan National Park. At the south end of the island of Eleuthera, Princess Cays offers island resort living at its finest.

If you’re looking for cruises that don’t require a passport, take a round trip sail to Bermuda from New York City , Baltimore , Charleston or one of two Florida ports of call. As Britain’s oldest colony, Bermuda offers wonderful historic attractions and plenty of opportunities for fun in the sun. Pink-sand beaches, beautiful blue waters and colorful coral reefs deliver the perfect recipe for sunning, swimming, sailing and snorkeling. Cap off a day of adventure in Bermuda with a sunset rum-tasting cruise .

If you’re looking for a different kind of cruise, explore parts of New England and Canada with New York City as an exciting starting and ending point. Spend a day soaking up history in Boston, Massachusetts, and tour the Charles River aboard an amphibious duck vehicle. Experience lighthouses, lobster bakes and craggy sea cliffs in Portland, Maine, and enjoy a trip to Saint John, a beautiful city on the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick, Canada. A stop in the charming fishing village of Halifax, Nova Scotia offers beautiful gardens, more delicious seafood and double-decker bus tours . After you pull into port in the Big Apple, make sure to see a Broadway show, visit the Empire State Building and take a stroll through Central Park.

The Caribbean  

The Caribbean makes a popular destination for travelers considering a tropical cruise. For an easy round trip, you can begin and end in a number of U.S. cities including New York City, Galveston , Mobile , New Orleans and Tampa .

Western Caribbean locales in Mexico like Yucatán and Cozumel deliver exciting attractions, from ancient Mayan ruins to flamingo lagoons, and activities like swimming with dolphins, dune buggy rides, sailing, snorkeling, diving and zip lining.

In the Eastern Caribbean, find dream destinations like Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic and Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos archipelago. In Amber Cove, you can tour the Dominican outback, soak up the sun on Coconut Cove Beach, or ride the Waterfalls of Rio de Damajagua . On Grand Turk, enjoy swimming with stingrays, riding horses along the coast, or touring the island by ATV. The opportunities for adventure on a Caribbean cruise are endless.

When it comes to domestic cruises, nothing beats a trip to Hawaii . Explore beautiful spots spread across Maui , Kauai and the Big Island, and drink in the natural beauty only Hawaii delivers. On this exciting trip, you can deep sea fish for marlin, explore forest caves and waterfalls, soak up the sun on a black-sand beach and attend a traditional luau. U.S. departure ports for enjoyable Hawaiian cruises include San Francisco , San Diego , Long Beach and Honolulu .

Depart from the Californian cities of San Francisco, San Diego or Long Beach for a quick but memorable cruise to the Baja Peninsula in northern Mexico . Along the way, stop by Catalina Island for a day packed full of outdoor enjoyment . Kayak in and out of secret coves, zip line through the trees or try parasailing. In Ensenada , the “Cinderella of the Pacific,” you can ride horses along mountain trails, tour the wine country, shop for souvenirs and taste the local tequila.

When traveling outside of the U.S. a passport is always recommended, but cruises are the exception to the rule. As long as you book a closed loop cruise, you can travel to certain destinations without a passport. Because international cruises in Europe and Asia require air travel, these vacations also demand a passport. When embarking on adventures by sea that don’t require a passport, make sure you have the proper cruise documentation.

Note: Onboard activities, shore excursions, and dining options may vary by  ship  and destination.

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Top Places to Cruise Without a Passport

Did you know it's possible to cruise without a passport? Many people don't know that as a U.S. Citizen, you can take advantage of the benefits of no-passport cruises for itineraries that begin and end at a U.S. Port.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Although you do not need a passport to visit these destinations as a U.S. citizen, Norwegian Cruise Line strongly recommends all guests to obtain a passport for their cruise vacation.

Vacation planners are always wondering if you need a passport for a cruise. When sailing from and back to the same US port, there are a surprising number of cruise destinations you can visit with Norwegian. Our top places to cruise without a passport include:

Sporting one of the youngest fleets to sail along the spectacular coastline of British Columbia, Norwegian will take you in style as you cruise from Seattle to ports of call such as Glacier Bay, Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, and Victoria.

Think: whale spotting, dog-sledding or thrill riding on a jet-powered catamaran. Or maybe unprecedented photo ops, wildlife viewing, and glacier watching are more your thing. Whatever you're looking to do, Alaska is definitely nature at its best.

You’ll be living on island time in no time with the Bahamas' close proximity to the US mainland! You can sail from Port Canaveral or Miami on a 3-, 4- or 7-day cruise on board the newly refurbished Norwegian Sky .

You can visit Norwegian's pristine private island, Great Stirrup Cay , or destinations like Nassau. If you've got some extra time to spare, be sure to take advantage of available Florida pre- and post-cruise stays, because, after all, you're on vacation! So, why not make the most of it?

When you get to spend 3 full days on the beautiful, oh-so-British (and pink!) island of Bermuda , it's no wonder Norwegian was voted as having the Best Bermuda Itinerary !

You can cruise without a passport from Boston on board Norwegian Dawn , or from New York on Norwegian Escape or Norwegian Breakaway , to Bermuda where those gorgeous pink sands await you. And with 3 days to explore , you can cover the island at your leisure while visiting shops, restaurants and even golf courses ‘til your heart's content.

4. Canada & New England

See Mother Nature at her best when the autumn months turn seemingly ordinary trees into a striking array of crimson and gold. As an added bonus, a cruise to Canada & New England is a history lover's delight!

You can embark from Boston on board Norwegian Dawn or from New York on Norwegian Gem or Norwegian Escape , where highlights can include visiting the historical destinations of Quebec City, Halifax, and Charlottetown, along with Portland and Bar Harbour.

5. The Caribbean

With so many picture-perfect islands, a wide variety of ships to choose from, and multiple convenient departure points including Boston, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Port Canaveral, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Tampa, it's not surprising Norwegian has retained its title as the Caribbean's Leading Cruise Line for the past 10 years!

RELATED CRUISES: 10-Day Caribbean Cruise: Bahamas & Bermuda on Norwegian Joy 9-Day Alaska Cruise: Skagway & Juneau on Norwegian Sun 12-Day Hawaii Cruise: Kauau, Maui & Moorea on Norwegian Spirit

With so many choices, you'll be grooving to those alluring Caribbean island rhythms in no time! And of course, we can't forget the fantastic array of duty-free shopping and the delicious Caribbean cuisine . Oh, and the colorful tropical fish you'll see when snorkeling and scuba diving. And…okay. You get the idea.

6. Mexican Riviera

See more of Mexico and all it has to offer on a Mexico Cruise. Norwegian will take you from Los Angeles to a variety of ports that will offer you a combination of adventure and relaxation that you could not get anywhere else. Sail aboard some of our newest ships, including Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Joy .

Ports of call can include Ensenada, Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo, where you'll find that charming Mexican vibe, along with water sport and adventures galore.

Voted to be the Best Hawaii Cruise Itinerary, the Pride of America sails round-trip from Honolulu while offering 4 islands during her 7-day cruise, including 2 overnight stays, which means you'll be able to maximize your island time in port while visiting the Big Island, Kauai, Maui, and Oahu. Your tropical Hawaiian paradise experience awaits! And if you want even more from your vacation, consider adding a 4-day Land Tour in Oahu . Because why? That's right, you're on vacation!

Required Documents in Leau of No Passport

Even though you'll be sailing on a no-passport-required cruise, you're still required to carry the following 2 pieces of identification :

Proof of Citizenship (as outlined below) AND Government-issued photo ID

• State certified U.S. birth certificate
• (Baptismal paper, hospital certificates of birth, and Puerto Rico birth certificates issued prior to 7/1/10 are not acceptable.)
• Original certificate of U.S. naturalisation
• Original certificate of U.S. citizenship
• U.S. Consular report of your birth abroad

WHTI (Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative)-compliant documents (click here to for more information.)

*A U.S. citizen under the age of 16 does not require a government-issued photo ID.

Although you do not need a passport to visit these destinations as a U.S. citizen, Norwegian Cruise Line strongly recommends all guests to obtain a passport for their cruise vacation for the following reasons:

• If you miss your ship at its scheduled U.S. departure port and need to travel outside the U.S. to meet your ship.
• You unexpectedly need to depart the ship from a foreign port prior to the end of sailing, a passport would be required to leave or re-enter the U.S. by air.
• If you need to obtain a passport quickly, please contact VisaCentral at 844-834-5702 and reference account 75006 for discounted VisaCentral service fees. VisaCentral can obtain a passport in as little as 48 hours.

For more on required travel documents, visit our Cruise Travel Documents page .

EDITOR'S NOTE: This article was originally published on November 15, 2017. It has been updated to show related content and itineraries.

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6 Places to Cruise Without a Passport

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Table of Contents

1. Alaska-Canada

2. the bahamas, 4. u.s. northeast-canada, 5. other caribbean islands, book smart: get travel insurance, can you cruise without a passport.

If you thought you needed a passport to head overseas on every single trip, think again. Those long waits for passport applications or renewals , even if you finally secured an in-person appointment , aren't needed for some cruise vacations. 

The secret: closed-loop cruises. These are cruises that depart from a U.S. port, visit other countries, then return to a U.S. port of entry.

Instead of a passport, passengers will need to carry a valid U.S. driver’s license and proof of citizenship (a birth certificate or certificate of U.S. naturalization should suffice). Here are six cruises that don’t require a passport.

Wait a minute, you’re thinking. Alaska is a U.S. state. True, but Alaskan cruises can sometimes make stops in parts of British Columbia, like Victoria. If so, you can still visit as long as the cruise you take begins and ends in the U.S. 

Alaska is a popular vacation destination for its majestic scenery, glacier-filled landscape and outdoor adventures from dog-sledding to helicopter rides over the mountains. Seeing this part of the country by ship is one of the most convenient and beautiful ways to get around.

You can also find Alaskan cruises that start and end in Vancouver, British Columbia, which don't technically qualify as passportless cruises unless you cross the border from the U.S. into Canada by land using two pieces of approved government identification: an enhanced driver’s license (currently available to residents of Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington state only) and a U.S. birth certificate.

With those two approved documents and traveling overland into Canada, it is possible to do a one-way cruise starting or ending in Vancouver as an American without a passport. Note that flying across the border would require a passport, however.

Royal Caribbean’s seven-night Northbound Alaska & Hubbard Glacier cruise aboard Radiance of the Seas, for example, departs from Vancouver and disembarks in Seward, Alaska.

The Bahamas is a Caribbean nation of islands and a popular cruise destination. Because of its proximity to the U.S., there are often shorter three-night cruises from Florida that make it easy to snag a good deal on a whim. Plus, it qualifies as an option for cruises without passports.

For many people without or in between passport applications, it can be disappointing to have to ignore last-minute deals . That’s no longer the case when you take advantage of cruises you can go on without a passport.

There's excellent shopping, dining and water sports activities in many ports like Nassau and Freeport. Another popular option is buying a day pass to mega resorts like Baha Mar and Atlantis , both of which welcome cruise visitors for the day.

Three-day cruises aboard Carnival Conquest depart Miami for the Bahamas, but return back to Miami. This means U.S. passengers don't need a passport for this closed-loop sailing.

Cruises to Bermuda are almost always closed-loop sailings from a U.S. port, save for a few transatlantic trips. This means you can visit the British territory without the worry of having a valid passport.

Bermuda has beautiful golf courses, historic forts and excellent dining. Many cruises overnight here to give passengers time to get out and explore. 

There are sailings aboard Celebrity Cruise Line's Celebrity Summit and Celebrity Eclipse that don't require passports as they depart a U.S. port, travel to Bermuda for a few nights, then return to a U.S. port.

If you’re looking for culture and history in the northeast, cruises that depart New England for parts of Canada are a great option.

Closed-loop cruises that depart and end in the U.S. negate the need for a passport (despite stops in Canadian ports), and like Alaskan cruises, one-way sailings remain an option if you choose to drive across the U.S.-Canada border and hold an enhanced driver’s license to cross.

From urban destinations like Boston and Halifax to picturesque destinations like Bar Harbor, Maine, and Saint John, New Brunswick, cruises like these trade palm trees and sunscreen for evergreens and rain jackets. This itinerary on Celebrity's Celebrity Summit ship doesn't require a passport because of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.

» Learn more: Your guide to the U.S.-Canada border crossing

There are a lot of options when it comes to visiting Caribbean islands.

U.S. cruise ports line the coastline including places like:

Fort Lauderdale.

Port Canaveral.

Galveston, Texas.

Mobile, Alabama. 

New Orleans.

As long as your cruise departs and returns to a U.S. port, you won’t need to bring a passport.

Various cruises that depart locations like these visit several islands in the region, including:

Grand Cayman.

St. Maarten.

Aside from water sports and outdoor adventure, you can visit markets, explore historic sites, meander through the town center on some islands and discover what makes the Caribbean a diverse region.

If you are wary about taking advantage of this benefit (perhaps some people in your party have a passport and others don’t), consider a cruise to U.S. island territories instead. These include Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John). Traveling by plane or ship to these island paradise destinations is considered a domestic trip. 

Carnival offers many Caribbean cruise options including sailings that depart and return to U.S. ports like Baltimore, Norfolk and New Orleans. These don't require a passport as they are closed-loop sailings.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

You can find cruises from either U.S. coast to Mexico with its glittering beaches, historic landmarks and incredible cuisine.

As long as the ship you are taking departs and returns to a U.S. port, these are some of the cruises that don’t require a passport. Passport-free, you can visit ports like:

Cabo San Lucas.

Puerto Vallarta. 

This four-night departure aboard Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas makes a visit to Cozumel before returning back to Texas.

» Learn more: Is cruise travel insurance worth the cost?

Before you embark on any sort of trip, consider travel insurance, which can protect your nonrefundable deposit in case something derails your plans. Purchasing cruise travel insurance or booking your trip with a credit card that includes coverage can also mitigate the risks of travel emergencies.

Some travel cards also offer cruise benefits, so it can be a smart money move to book your trip with a card that offers these perks along with travel insurance. Here are some cards that offer cruise and travel insurance perks:

on Chase's website

on Bank of America's website

on American Express' website

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel.

Receive 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.

• Get 25% more value out of your points when you book cruises through Chase.

• Book with your card to get automatic travel protections for your cruise.

• Redeem miles as a statement credit to cover spending on cruises.

• Book with your card to get automatic travel insurance coverage for your cruise.

• Earn 2x points on travel spending, including cruises and some ship excursions.

• Book with your card to get trip delay reimbursement, trip cancellation coverage and other travel assistance services.

• Get American Express Cruise Privileges Program benefits when you book at least five nights with eligible cruise lines.

• Cruise program benefits include $300 credit redeemable toward dining and spa services plus amenities like wine, chocolates and champagne.

Terms apply.

There are many more credit cards that offer travel insurance so if you're thinking about relying on a card to protect your cruise, it can be a good step to get familiarized with your options so the your trip is covered.

You can also purchase a standalone travel insurance policy if you feel that the protections provided by the card aren't sufficient. Either way, being aware of your options can bring some peace of mind, and not having to bring a passport to one of these destinations can make going on the trip even simpler.

Yes, there are several cruises without passport requirements that you can book. This is welcome news for those whose passports may have expired, for families who want to opt out of buying short-term passports for children , or haven't had a chance to renew their passport. 

However, it is preferable to have a passport with you (in the event you need medical care and have to stay in the country, for example). Being aware of your travel insurance options can also be a smart money move. Also check if the credit card you already have offers travel insurance or consider getting a card that includes this coverage for free.

A cruise is an easy way to visit many new places without having to unpack and pack again. When you discover a place you want to return to, you can plan another trip, perhaps with a new passport in hand.

AMERICAN EXPRESS DISCLAIMERS

Insurance Benefit: Trip Delay Insurance

Up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.

Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Insurance Benefit: Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance

The maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5x-2x Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Receive 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

Where Can I Cruise Without A Passport? The Best Closed-Loop Sailings From US Ports.

By: Author Elaine Warren

Posted on Last updated: August 27, 2024

Categories CRUISE PLANNING , Travel Documents

Cruising with a passport will usually be the best option, if you have one. But, sometimes you can’t quite pull it off. Perhaps there is no time to get a new or renewed passport (or perhaps you forgot to bring them at all !). Or, perhaps there are other obstacles to timely acquisition of a passport . You may ask yourself, “Where can I cruise without a passport?” There’s no need to panic! You still have many options for a fabulous vacation! Read on for where you can cruise without doling out money for new passports.

Why You Don’t Need A Passport To Cruise To Some Countries

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) agreement entitles all US citizens to travel on closed-loop cruises to a limited amount of international destinations.

A closed-loop cruise is one that departs and returns to the same port U.S. port. So, for instance, all of those round-trip cruises out of Miami and Fort Lauderdale are closed-loop cruises. All closed-loop cruises embark accept any of the following WHTI-permitted forms of US identification: a passport card, Enhanced Driver’s License, Trusted Traveler Program ID (FAST, SENRI, and Nexus), or an I-872 American Indian ID in place of a passport book.

WHTI passport cards are convenient and affordable because you don’t have to travel with your birth certificate and ID. 

However, a passport card is only a valid form of identification for a closed-loop cruise. It may not be used for flights to foreign destinations like the Caribbean, Mexico, Bermuda, or Canada. So, if your vacation plans include flying to any of those destinations, you would need a valid US passport book.

Should you travel with your kids under 16 , they will only need an original or a copy of their birth certificate (preferably certified). Or other forms of identification like a Naturalization Document or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad document.

If you are planning on using any WHTI-approved forms of identification like a birth certificate and driver’s license. Please ensure that the full name on your cruise reservation is the same as your forms of identification. It could delay your boarding process if the variable names don’t correspond.

Most importantly, closed-loop cruise port entry requirements are not set in stone. So, review your travel itinerary in detail. Some Caribbean destinations like Guadeloupe and Martinique require valid US passport books or cards.

The Best Family Cruise Destinations Without A Passport

Now that you know how to conveniently travel to international destinations without the hassle of applying for passports, let’s look at the top travel destinations that are open to you.

Tropical Caribbean Cruises

With its sun-drenched platinum sandy beaches, aqua-hued balmy waters, fun water sports, and educational activities, the Caribbean is a prime family cruise destination .

There are numerous Caribbean cruise packages to choose from for 3-15 nights from several ports in Florida, Galveston (Texas), New Orleans (Louisiana), Charleston (South Carolina), and New York City, to name but a few.

Carnival cruises are ideal as they cater to families with budget-friendly rates. Although, should you be willing to spend a little bit more for better amenities and fun activities, consider booking a cruise on the Royal Caribbean or a Disney cruise. 

While you can use WHTI identification for cruising to most Caribbean nations, especially US islands like Puerto Rico, St Croix, St. Johns, and the St. Thomas islands, it is still advisable to check your itinerary’s port entry requirements. Some Caribbean islands such as St. Martin, Haiti, Guadeloupe and Barbados still have rules that require that visitors carry passports. Also, different rules apply to non-U.S. citizens, including green-card holders and lawful permanent residents.

Cruise To Mexico 

With its spectacular tropical beaches, delicious food, and abundance of cultural excursions to ancient Mayan ruins, our southern neighbor, Mexico, is an ideal family cruise destination.

Several 3-15 day closed-loop cruises depart from ports like Miami and Galveston to Mexico’s stunning Pacific and Caribbean coastal regions like Progresso and Cozumel. 

Many major cruise line operators like Carnival and Royal Caribbean, offer Mexican Riviera cruises departing from Los Angeles ports all year round.

There are also seasonal Mexico cruises on the Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess, Disney, and Holland America cruise lines that depart from the West Coast.

Cruise To Stunning Hawaii

Many of you may be wondering why we would include Hawaii in this post. Although it is exotic, it is one of the fifty United States and no passport should be required. A cruise that sails exclusively among the individual islands of Hawaii will not require a passport. But, the analysis changes if your ship stops at any non-U.S. ports.

With its outstanding natural beauty, pristine tropical islands, and laid-back coastal living, exquisite Hawaii offers visitors a plethora of fun and cultural family excursions. 

So, if Hawaii sounds like the perfect destination, you can choose between two closed-loop cruising options that vary in length.

If you have a limited time, you can fly to Honolulu and embark on a 7–10-night cruise on  Norwegian’s Pride of America cruise liner. 

A longer, 14-18-night Hawaiian cruise, is offered by Princess, Holland America, and Carnival cruise lines. They depart from ports in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego. These cruises are longer as they need time to cross the Pacifica Ocean from California.

Although, if you are planning on traveling with WHTI documents, tread with caution regarding 20-night closed-loop cruises to Hawaii with the likes of Viking, Princess, and Holland America. 

While they depart and return to the West Coast, their itineraries include South Pacific Island stopovers in locations like French Polynesia that require passports. 

Balmy Bahamas Cruises

With its all-year-round sunny tropical climate, friendly locals, and fantastic beaches, the Bahamas are the perfect destination for scuba diving adventures and brightly colored cocktails.

Due to the Bahamas’ proximity to the US East Coast and its popularity, several cruise liners travel from Florida’s eastern ports in Miami, Port Canaveral, Jacksonville, and Fort Lauderdale.

There are numerous 2-15 night closed-loop cruises to choose from. In addition, if you reside in Florida, you may get significant discounts or benefit from other promotional packages.

Most of the more extended Bahamas cruise options stop there on the way to the Caribbean. They depart from ports in Manhattan, Bayonne, Charleston, Baltimore, Galveston, New Orleans, and Tampa. 

You can shop around for Bahamas cruises at all the major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival, and Disney. In addition, Holland America, Celebrity, and MSC Cruise offer closed-loop cruises to the Bahamas as well.

Canada and New England Cruises

North America’s breathtaking East Coast cruises are steeped in history with panoramic views from Nova Scotia’s rugged cliffs and drenched in Quebec’s fabulously French culture.

Most 7-night closed-loop cruises along the US and Canadian coastline depart from ports in New York City, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Boston, Bayonne, and Baltimore, and infrequently from Norfolk, mainly during the fall, albeit some 8–10-night cruises operate during other times of the year.

There are also several cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival, Holland America, and Princess cruises, that also offer East Coast routes, so you can compare their rates to get a great deal. 

Why Cruising With A Passport Is Still A Good Idea

Even though you can legally cruise to several prime destinations without a passport, it’s essential in emergency medical evacuations or when your cruise ship is forced to stop over unexpectedly in a port that does not recognize the international WHTI agreement.

Another benefit of having a passport is if you miss your cruise embarkation, you can fly from the US to the ship’s first scheduled port stopover.

And in case of a family or business emergency, you will be permitted to disembark the ship earlier than expected and fly back to the US if you have a valid passport.

In stark contrast, should you not have a passport, you may be stuck in a foreign port and need to apply for a temporary passport to fly back home.

Frequently Asked Questions

So, now that you know the benefits and risks of traveling without a passport, the following information will address any lingering questions you might still have.

Do You Need A Passport For An Alaska Cruise?

Like all the previously mentioned travel destinations, you only need WHTI-certified forms of identification for close-looped cruises to Alaska from San Francisco and Seattle, including ports in Long Beach and Los Angeles, in southern California.

Although, should you travel without a passport, and book shore excursions between Alaska and Canada, like the Yukon Route and White Pass train rides, they will be limited to only 3 hours.

Do You Need A Passport To Go On A Disney Cruise?

Fortunately, you don’t need a passport book to travel to the previously mentioned international destinations on Disney cruises.

While you will need the WHTI-approved identity documents, reviewing your itinerary’s port entry requirements before departure is essential.

Do You Need A Passport To Go To Bermuda On A Cruise?

If you are cruising to Bermuda , you don’t necessarily need a US passport. Instead, you can use the following documents: a US passport card, a Trusted Traveler card (Nexus, SENTRI, or FAST card), or an enhanced driver’s license.

Do I Need A Passport For A Cruise To Cozumel?

Cozumel is one of the most accessible cruise destinations for US citizens. You don’t need a passport to embark on any round-trip cruise, and you can step on board with any government-issued proof of identity document. It’s as easy as that!

Do You Need A Passport To Go To Jamaica On A Cruise?

Even though a US passport is not required to take a cruise to Jamaica. The US embassy advises against traveling without one as it may delay your disembarking process upon your return.

Closing Thoughts

It turns out there are quite a few options for where you can cruise without a passport. Book a closed-loop cruise, and you can cruise to the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Mexico, to name a few. Of course, we always recommend confirming any travel plans and documents required with your chosen cruise line.

Elaine Warren

Founder & Crew Chief

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Class of 1999

The Year Tom Cruise Gave Not One but Two Dangerously Vulnerable Performances

Twenty-five years ago, the superstar starred in “Eyes Wide Shut” and “Magnolia,” and opened himself up for the camera in ways he rarely has since.

• Share full article

By Amy Nicholson

Amy Nicholson is the author of “Tom Cruise: Anatomy of an Actor,” examining 10 signature performances.

“Eyes Wide Shut” had a blunt sales pitch: Cruise. Kidman. Kubrick.

The poster didn’t need much more. Audiences already knew plenty. At the peak of his clout, having just earned his second Oscar nomination, for “Jerry Maguire,” and publicly launched his production company with “Mission: Impossible,” Tom Cruise and his wife at the time, Nicole Kidman, ditched Hollywood to quietly make a dirty movie in England with the legendary director Stanley Kubrick. The shoot was supposed to last six to eight months. It took 15.

‘’People say: ‘You’ve lost 40, 60, 80 million dollars. You’ve lost all this money. You’ve lost all this time,” Cruise told The New York Times a year before its anticipated release. “To have a chance to work with Stanley Kubrick,” he added, “that’s worth it for me.”

Talk about risky business. The second half of 1999 would prove to be the diciest period of Cruise’s career with the release of two back-to-back films that dared him to expose his private vulnerabilities. The first, “Eyes Wide Shut,” released 25 years ago this summer, was a cerebral and slippery tale about a husband named Dr. Bill Harford who wanders Manhattan for two nights as vague vengeance upon his wife for fantasizing about another man. It was hawked as Cruise after dark — the movie star and his spouse, the ascendant Kidman, inviting people into their bedroom to see how they slept, smooched and argued .

Cruise sacrificed a year and a half of his life for what he hoped would be his major contender, the film that might finally earn him an Academy Award. But ironically, it was the other role that got him an invite to the ceremony: an outrageous supporting bit as the seduction guru Frank T.J. Mackey in Paul Thomas Anderson’s ensemble drama “Magnolia” that Cruise had shot in just three weeks. Of the two performances, it’s by far the most personally revealing.

At that time, Cruise was a promiscuous director-gatherer, rarely working with the same filmmaker twice. He aimed for heavyweights: Martin Scorsese, Oliver Stone, Rob Reiner, Ron Howard, Brian De Palma, breaking his ronin inclinations only to make “Top Gun” and “Days of Thunder” with Tony Scott. On “Thunder,” he had fallen in love with Kidman and made another film with her, too — “Far and Away” — and neither had been critically acclaimed.

Cruise hoped Kubrick would change their ho-hum streak, disregarding the hard-won wisdom he’d learned more than a decade earlier when he dinged his post-“Risky Business” momentum to play a forest imp in Ridley Scott’s “Legend.” That flop also suffered from a metastasizing shooting schedule (four months turned into 12) and an auteur more focused on style than emotional substance. After returning from Britain, he told Rolling Stone that he felt like merely “another color in a Ridley Scott painting.”

“I’ll never want to do another picture like that again,” he vowed. Well, he had. He’d even gone back to Pinewood Studios in London.

KUBRICK WAS NEVER an actor’s director. His staggering filmography included only two performances nominated for an Academy Award: Peter Ustinov in “Spartacus,” and Peter Sellers in “Dr. Strangelove” (only Ustinov won). Kubrick’s genius was the star. On “Eyes Wide Shut,” a passion project since the 1960s, his casting priority wasn’t talent — it was convincing a married couple to enlist. (His first choice was Alec Baldwin and Kim Basinger.) Tabloid scrutiny was what Cruise and Kidman believed they’d gone to the great master to escape, only to have Star magazine allege that Kubrick had to hire on-set erotic experts to teach them how to make love. (Cruise not only denied the accusation, but sued over it.)

Fans expecting nudity should have known better. Despite earning the title People’s Sexiest Man Alive in 1990, Cruise disliked pitching himself as an object of desire, refusing to let marketers promote his first blockbuster, “Top Gun,” with shirtless photos of him playing volleyball. In four decades, he has filmed only one genuinely erotic scene — his first-date clinch with Renée Zellweger in “Jerry Maguire” — and a couple of giddy tone-benders that combine sex with death ( torturing a victim in “Interview With the Vampire”) or sex with musical comedy ( duetting with Malin Akerman in “Rock of Ages”).

But Cruise bore the blame when the peek into his life fans had been promised turned out to be a pent-up study of male insecurity. (At an early screening of “Eyes Wide Shut,” LA Weekly reported walkouts and one viewer huffing an expletive.) Critics expecting a charismatic performance at least were also disappointed, with many dismissing Cruise as flat and out of his depth.

“Stanley was not that specific about what he wanted,” Kidman told Time Out London. Yet, Cruise, who developed an ulcer during the film, never said a word against Kubrick, even after filming 95 takes of walking through a door. To this, let me add that it seems difficult for any actor to build a character when they’ve got no idea which one of a hundred versions their director wants — and there’s reason to question whether Kubrick was even using Cruise’s best takes. As the editor Gordon Stainforth said of splicing together “The Shining,” good performances were often rejected in favor of “the most eccentric and rather over-the-top.”

WHILE IN LONDON, CRUISE watched “Boogie Nights” and learned that its director, Anderson, also happened to be in town. Cruise invited him to the set and afterward, Anderson pledged to write him something “un-turn-downable,” as he explained to The New York Times. Six months later, Anderson sent him a script with another sexually frustrated character: a self-proclaimed “master of the muffin” who never even touches a woman onscreen (and the women he knows find him obnoxious). Humping the air for his rowdy male acolytes, Frank might just be a locker-room faker, a try-hard hysteric, an immature blusterer who tries (and fails) to impress a female TV journalist by vaulting into a mostly naked backward somersault with his pants bunched around his ankles.

Cruise was 36 and, for the first time in his career, he would be older than his director — a new-school ’90s Sundance darling. Still, he was determined to impress Anderson, too.

“He’s like, ‘Do you want me to stand on my head, do you want me to do back flips? I’ll do it, I’ll do anything you want,’” Anderson recalled to Rolling Stone .

Cruise’s Frank Mackey is an electric performance — a huckster Elvis roiling with hostility — and in my opinion it should have won him an Oscar. (I say this with zero offense to Michael Caine, who took home the supporting actor prize for “The Cider House Rules” and joked affectionately that the prestige would have lowered the mega movie star’s price tag.) Statuette aside, Cruise deemed it “the perfect character to play after Bill Harford.” Kubrick bottled him up; Anderson cut him loose.

Yet, Bill and Frank share key points of connection. Bill learns that sex is danger, with missed connections involving one sex worker with H.I.V. and another who ends up possibly murdered. Frank’s mission statement is “Seduce and destroy” — and he seems most passionate about inflicting pain. Neither character enjoys the raunchy thrills people imagine he’s enjoying, and both of them hide their real selves under masks (the wealthy doctor literally) as they set out to convince the world of their success and power.

Bill stalks the East Village believing he wants to even the score with his wife, but he’s just piqued there’s an even richer and more powerful crowd that hasn’t yet invited him to their secret orgies. And Frank has buried his entire past — the years caretaking for his late mother, the rage and hurt he feels toward his estranged father, his own last name — to resurrect himself as a carnal superhero whose mind-control powers appear to work only on other men.

The films even share two identical scenes. The first is a long, mute stare as Cruise’s characters discover themselves completely emasculated by women they’ve underestimated — a crucial pivot point in both movies. The second comes in a climactic collapse before the family member who cut them so deeply that they’ve dreaded coming home. Both men stumble toward the unconscious body of their bittersweet beloved — Bill’s sleeping wife, Frank’s dying father — struggling to keep their emotions in check. Then they burst into sobs.

Cruise’s own father, Thomas Cruise Mapother III, was “a bully and a coward,” he told Parade magazine in 2006. Like Frank, Cruise lopped off his dad’s surname to build his reputation on his own. The elder Mapother died of cancer just before his son flew to London for “Legend.” Cruise visited him on his deathbed. It was the first time they’d seen each other in years, but they didn’t talk about the past. Cruise just held his hand.

Not long after, he opened up about that last goodbye. “It cleared up a lot of kind of fog that I had about the man,” Cruise told Rolling Stone in that 1986 interview. “It’s all sort of complex. There wasn’t one thing I felt.”

“I don’t know what I would have done without my work,” he continued. “It gave me a place to deal with all those emotions.”

And “Magnolia” gave him a place to honor them. That two-minute take in which Mackey breaks down at his father’s bedside is the most naked Cruise has ever been onscreen — an authentically heart-rending moment of release.

I believe that the first two decades-plus of Cruise’s career, from that famous sunglasses-and-socks skid in 1983 to that infamous ( and overblown ) couch jump in 2005, is one brilliant, underestimated performance after another, a superstar dominion so dazzling that audiences missed the subtle acting underneath. Yet, even amid this rarefied winning streak, the films he released in 1999 stand tall as testimonies to his courage. Today, Cruise is more acclaimed for braving risky stunts, not risky roles. I hope he dares himself to bare it all for the camera again.

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15 Mistakes to Avoid on a Cruise, According to Experts

Here's how make sure everything is smooth sailing.

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While cruises might appear to be a pretty straightforward type of vacation, there's more to them than you might think. It can be fairly easy to make a misstep here and there — and some could easily ruin your entire trip. So, whether you're booking a cruise for the first time or you already have your reservations , check out this list of mistakes to avoid on your next sailing.

Booking Your Flights Too Close to Embarkation and Disembarkation

Always book a flight that gets you to your port city the day before your cruise — or even earlier. That gives you a buffer period to make it to the port on time if there are flight delays or cancellations . If you miss embarkation, you may have to pay extra to catch up to your ship, or you could miss your sailing entirely. Plus, keep in mind that your luggage may not make it even if you do, and an extra day in port means you have a higher likelihood of receiving your bags.

For your travels home, you can book a flight on the same day as disembarkation, but make sure it's not too early. Disembarkation can be a lengthy process, and the airport may be a far distance away. "It's a mistake to book a flight before 11 a.m. for an airport near the cruise port and before noon if there's a considerable drive, like at Port Canaveral," said Tanner Callais, founder and editor of Cruzely.com . "Sure, you might make an earlier flight, but it adds a lot of stress in making [it to] the airport on time, especially if there's any delay."

Not Having a Valid Passport

Always check your passport's expiration date . You'll likely have three to six months of validity on your passport, meaning the expiration date must be three to six months after the end of your trip. "I’ve seen many mishaps when it comes to not having proper documentation, especially when it comes to expiration dates," said Jeff Rolander, vice president of claims at travel insurance company Faye .

Not Checking COVID-19 Restrictions

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"Some travelers may be under the false impression that the world is as open and vaccinated as their home country, but this may still not be the case. Checking the requirements with regards to vaccinations , mask specifications, and mask wearing in the various destinations you're visiting is essential, especially if your itinerary is multicountry," said Jeremy Clubb, founder of Rainforest Cruises .

Not Monitoring Prices After You Book

Cruise pricing is typically dynamic, which means it varies based on demand. Sometimes, the prices might actually drop after you've booked — and you may be able to get a price adjustment. "We have a tracking tool we use to watch sale prices, so if a price drops before final payment, we usually know about it before our clients and can proactively adjust the price," said Stephanie Goldberg-Glazer, owner of travel agency Live Well, Travel Often .

Skipping Travel Insurance

"This oversight can cost a traveler far more than just the price of the cruise. The fact is that most domestic health insurance policies do not cover the member, including standard Medicare, after a cruise ship reaches international waters," said Michelle Couch-Friedman, founder and CEO of Consumer Rescue . "The cost of medical treatment on board a ship is extremely high. Without travel insurance that includes a medical component, if a cruiser becomes ill or injured and needs treatment, they'll be on the hook for all the expenses. Worse, if a passenger needs to be medically evacuated and they don't have insurance coverage, they could end up owing tens of thousands of dollars."

Picking a Cabin at Random

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"Picture this: You've booked a beautiful cruise, but you end up in a cabin right under the all-night disco. That's the consequence of not researching the ship's layout and picking your cabin based on preferences," said Kristin Winkaffe of Winkaffe Global Travel . "To sidestep this dance-floor fiasco, take a deep dive into the ship's blueprint, cabin categories, and amenities, or consult with a travel advisor who can guide you to serene slumber."

Furthermore, if you're prone to seasickness, you should be particular about your cabin's location. "Stick to a mid-ship cabin — not too high of a floor and as mid-ship as possible," said travel advisor Ashley Les of Postcards From, an independent affiliate of Protravel International, Global Travel Collection. "And above all else, avoid the front of the ship, as it has the most movement."

Taking Only Ship-affiliated Shore Excursions

You're never obligated to take the shore excursions offered by a ship, and, in fact, you might even be able to get a great deal by booking with a third party. For instance, if you're on a cruise that stops at Bora Bora, you can book a day pass at luxury hotels like The St. Regis Bora Bora and use their pools, beaches, and amenities such as restaurants and spas. Or, you can simply choose to do your own thing at a port.

Arriving Late to the Pier After a Day in Port

"If you're out exploring the port on your own, get back to the ship well before the slated embarkation time," said travel advisor Christina Schlegel of Bluetail Travel . "We've all seen late passengers running down the pier at the last minute. Sometimes, they make it; sometimes, they don't. Check the boarding time for each port and add plenty of buffer time to that, even more if it's a tender port."

Waiting to Book Everything Until the Last Minute

On larger ships, specialty dining, spa treatments, and shore excursions can book up well in advance. Pay attention to when your cruise line opens bookings for these add-ons and reserve them ASAP. This also applies to booking third-party excursions. "Many people assume that when the ship docks, they'll immediately have entertainment and/or transportation options waiting for them. This is not always the case," said Alissa Musto, a traveling musician, singer, and performer with two years of experience working on cruises. "Especially in Central America, attractions are not accessible immediately off the ship and some sort of tour needs to be arranged ahead of time. By waiting until your cruise to get a game plan for your port days, you'll have to rely on ship Wi-Fi, which [can be] slow and expensive, to do research on what to do, or rely on the excursions the cruise line offers, which can sell out quickly."

Overpacking or Underpacking

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"Overpacking could lead to a wardrobe avalanche in your cabin, while forgetting essentials might have you hunting for sunscreen in a remote port," said Winkaffe. "To strike the perfect balance, create a packing list that includes versatile clothing that can be layered, your everyday and most common special-use toiletries, enough of your medications to last you a few extra days in case of delays, and any specialty gear for excursions." Winkaffe also advises checking your ship's dress code, as you may need to pack special outfits for formal or theme nights.

Not Keeping Essentials in Your Carry-on

Your checked bags will be delivered to your cabin by porters, but this process often takes hours. Always pack your essentials and valuables — medication, chargers, and electronics — in your carry-on luggage . And don't forget anything you might need for your first day on board. "Pack your swim gear in your carry-on. Your big luggage will be ported to your room, and you might not see if for a while, missing out on all the early swimming time on the first day," said Stephanie Shuster, founder and CEO of Walt Disney World Magazine and Disney Cruise Magazine .

Forgetting to Put Your Phone on Airplane Mode

"If you don't have an international plan that covers your destinations, put your phone on airplane mode and use Wi-FI so you’re not charged for using data when you shouldn’t be," said Rolander. Even if your plan does cover international data, it may not cover data at sea, so this advice still applies.

Thinking Everything Is Included

Most cruises are not truly all-inclusive — everything from alcohol to specialty dining to excursions typically costs extra. Read the fine print carefully, then set a reasonable budget for your onboard spend. "When you pay your cruise fare, you might think you're done spending, but that's a mistake. You really should think of the trip as two costs — the cost of the cruise itself and then the cost of things on board," said Callais. "We all want to save money, but onboard spending can enhance the trip greatly. Whether it's eating at a specialty restaurant versus the free buffet, or taking a shore excursion, these often turn out to be some of the highlights of the cruise. You just have to prepare yourself mentally for the extra spend."

Leaving Alcohol at Home

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"Most cruise lines allow passengers to bring their own wine and/or Champagne on board. Rules vary by cruise line, and limits and corkage fees often apply," said Pierre-Olivier Lepage, cofounder and CEO of Cruisebound . "Research your cruise line’s policy before deciding whether or not to book a drinks package. Drink your stash of alcohol in your cabin to avoid corkage fees at the restaurant."

Booking Your Next Cruise After You Get Home

If you love your cruise so much and are ready to book your next one, do so on board. "There are usually massive savings for doing this early," said Shuster.

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19 Things Not to Do on a Cruise

Last updated: June 4th, 2024

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Being out on the open sea, the different sights and sounds at each new port of call, exciting onshore excursions, and culinary delights both onboard and in port make cruising one of the easiest ways to vacation. Just like with any other vacation, knowing what not to do on a cruise is just as important as knowing what to do.

Cruise travel is different from other forms of seeing the world. Your accommodations travel with you, eliminating the need for booking multiple hotels, hurrying to catch that last train, or finding tour providers. For many travelers, a cruise simplifies the decision-making process while allowing you to maximize relaxation.

Follow these tips to learn the things not to do on a cruise.

1: Don’t choose just any itinerary.

Denali, Alaska

Dreaming of unwinding on a white-sand beach in a tropical location? Do you want to venture to far-off lands full of ancient landmarks and stunning natural wonders? Maybe you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure to the glaciers of Alaska or the icy landscapes of Antarctica.

Before you book your cruise, consider the type of vacation you’re looking for, then research itineraries that visit those destinations.

You’ll also want to consider how long the itinerary is. If it’s your first time cruising or you have limited vacation time, you might want to start with a three-day cruise . If you have a more flexible schedule, a longer cruise might be your best bet.

2: Don’t skip out on shore excursions.

Geiranger, Norway

A major part of the cruise experience is the shore excursions that are available at each port of call. Activities can range from hiking to a waterfall through rugged, mountainous terrain to taking a leisurely private motorcoach through a city’s most important landmarks.

Booking an excursion is an easy way to immerse yourself in each destination without the hassle of planning transportation and tours yourself. Not only that, but when you book an excursion, you’re guaranteed to get back to the ship before it sails to the next port.

3: Don’t pack the wrong outfits.

Packing the wrong clothing is one of the most important things not to do on a cruise. What you pack for your cruise will vary based on your destination, the time of year you sail, the local weather, and what you plan to do while in port.

Highland Park in Bridgetown, Barbados

If you’re planning on active adventures, bring a pair of sneakers, even if you’re cruising to the Caribbean . Bring something to cover your knees and shoulders if you are planning to visit religious sites. For Evening Chic nights, bring something dressier to wear to dinner. Packing a light jacket or cardigan is always a good idea when you’re outside at night or in air conditioning.

4: Don’t forget your essentials.

Paklenica National Park in Zadar, Croatia

Make you sure you have everything you will need for your carry-on, such as sunscreen, sunglasses, medications and water. A hat is also a great idea for sunny destinations.

5: Don’t leave your passport at home.

(Or anywhere else.) It’s a good practice to always know where your passport is both at home and during your vacation. Each cruise stateroom comes equipped with a safe where you can store valuables.

Read: Do You Need a Passport for a Cruise?

6: Don’t forget about pictures.

Capturing videos, photos, and memories is a critical part of the travel experience. Make sure to bring your favorite camera and all the accessories you’ll need to record those special moments.

When you want a shot of the whole group or want to leave your travel photos in the hands of an expert, our onboard photography team is there to help.

7: Don’t show up late or lose track of time.

San Jose Caves in Valencia, Spain

You want to get the most out of your experience. Show up early to maximize your time, and be mindful of how long you have to complete your activity. Remember: fellow passengers all rely on one another to make the cruise experience the best it can be. Plus, your guide is committed to making sure everyone gets back to the ship safely and on time.

8: Don’t be the last one onboard.

Missing your ship is the worst-case scenario (and can feel really embarrassing), but you also don’t want to be the last one onboard. Be mindful of which time zone the port is in.

Often the ship’s time will differ from the port’s if it is in a different time zone. Setting a timer on your cell phone if you’re on a self-guided tour of a destination or exploring solo is a good way to keep track of time.

9: Don’t just go to one restaurant or bar the whole time.

Tuscan Grille

Variety is the spice of life, and your entire dining experience is an influential part of your vacation. Foodies and picky eaters alike will find plenty of delicious options on their cruise.

There are multiple complementary and specialty restaurants on board where you can sample different styles of cuisine.

Taste delicious sashimi, head to the raw bar, or indulge in comfort classics like burgers and pizza. Why stick with just one thing you love?

10: Don’t be afraid to go solo.

Iconic Suite

Booking a solo cruise or trying out a shore excursion on your own can be a really empowering experience. There are thousands of new people to meet on a cruise, from your neighbors on your stateroom deck to the crew, which leads us to the next point.

11: Don’t be shy!

Martini Bar

Meeting new people is part of the fun of traveling. On a cruise, you can meet up with new friends for meals or cocktails onboard, join your group for games or entertainment, or go on shore excursions together.

It’s easy to strike up a conversation when you’re all traveling to the same incredible destinations on a cruise ship. Share your ideas for the next day’s itinerary, or reminisce about your favorite travel experience to date.

12: Don’t fill up on the bread basket.

With complimentary dining, you can choose multiple appetizers or entrees to sample for your table. Take the opportunity to try dishes you wouldn’t normally order back home instead of filling up on the bread basket before dinner even arrives.

Le Petit Chef

With a dozen specialty restaurants on board, each transports you to a different part of the world. Sushi and sashimi in Japan. An Italian trattoria at sea. A French boulangerie or a Paris bistro. Try exquisite dishes at Luminae, or watch as your interactive tabletop brings dishes to life with the help of a tiny, animated chef at Le Petit Chef.

13: Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Shore excursion concierge

The crew onboard your cruise ship is there to help. No matter how big or small your question is, they’ll have an answer. Want to know more about the destinations you’re visiting? Need a shore excursion recommendation or help making a restaurant reservation?

Tap into the knowledge of expert destination concierges, shore excursion specialists, maître d’s, stateroom attendants, and other crew members who are dedicated to making your vacation the best it can be.

14: Don’t forget about your friendly crew.

The onboard crew works tirelessly to make sure your cruise experience is everything you hoped it would be and more. They are often working behind the scenes, are usually unfailingly polite, and will honor whatever requests you might have (within reason, of course).

A smile and “hello” or “good morning” to a crew member goes a long way in showing your appreciation for the hard work they do to make your vacation enjoyable. If you want to go even further, you can always tip members of the crew.

15: Don’t miss the evening entertainment.

Onboard entertainment on Celebrity

Onboard entertainment has become somewhat of a hallmark for the cruise industry. Many ships now include state-of-the-art, full-sized theatres onboard, making you feel as if you’re in the opera in Milan or watching a show on Broadway in New York City.

Entertainment includes mainstage comedy shows, intimate acoustic performances, and Broadway-style shows featuring world-class entertainers.

16: Don’t take elevators if you don’t have to.

Celebrity Flora

Elevators can get crowded on cruise ships. If you only have to go up a deck or two, consider taking the stairs instead.

Waiting for the elevators can take more time than walking to the next deck, and there are people on the ship who actually need the elevators for getting around.

17: Don’t forget to exchange currency.

Naples, Italy

If you’re cruising to different countries, find out what currency they use before you travel. It’s good practice to bring some local currency with you, as some smaller shops, taxi drivers, and restaurants may not accept credit cards.

18: Don’t forget about beverage packages.

Adding a beverage package onto your cruise is a hassle-free way to enjoy yourself without worrying about an unexpected bill at the end of your vacation.

Different cruise drink packages cater to different needs, whether you’re planning to enjoy craft beers and cocktails, want premium coffee in the morning, or enjoy a soda with lunch.

19: Don’t pick the wrong cruise line.

Celebrity Eclipse

Before you book a cruise with a particular cruise line, decide what’s most important to you. Are you looking for a premium vacation? Do you expect a certain level of service? Are you a foodie looking for a world-class dining experience?

When you cruise with Celebrity, there’s a distinct difference. You can expect unforgettable destinations, intuitive service, premium accommodations, and culinary excellence on every cruise, every time.

Browse cruise itineraries on our website and explore all of the remarkable destinations we sail to around the world, or call one of our vacation specialists at 1-800-852-8086 for help planning your dream vacation.

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44 Things NEVER to Do on a Cruise Ship

Let’s get one thing straight at the start — this isn’t meant to be a list of rigid rules that you have to follow . Your cruise is your vacation. That means you can enjoy it however you want to… short of breaking the law.

Instead, our 44 things never to do on a cruise ship represent tips and advice on how to make your cruise more fun, more memorable, and a better experience. From things that you don’t want to forget to pack, to things that might get you kicked off the ship, we cover a full spectrum of “do-nots” that you’ll want to know before you take your trip.

Note: The links to Amazon used below are affiliate links. Should you make a purchase, we receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you.

Never arrive too early to port

These days, most cruise lines have moved to “staggered” check-in. Whereas you used to just show up at port anytime during the boarding hours (usually something like 12-4 p.m.), to make things smoother many lines now provide a 30-minute boarding window. While it’s tempting, don’t show up before it’s your time to board. If you do, you may asked to return at the appropriate time.

In addition, we think it’s smart to wait to board until later in the day anyway. That way the crowds have died down and once on the ship your room will already be prepared.

Never stand in front of the elevator doors

Elevators are the lifeblood of a cruise ship. Cruise ships can have 12+ decks (some have up to 20 decks!), which means you’ll be riding elevators several times a day to get around. If you are waiting for an elevator, wait to the side of the doors. Then, let them open and let anyone who is exiting go first so that there is more room for passengers to get on. Only after everyone has gotten off should you then try to hop on. Otherwise, you’re simply creating a traffic jam with those trying to get off.

Never book a flight too early to go home

If you are flying to the port for your cruise, then you need to be smart with your arrival and departure times. Due to having to go through customs and immigration, it can take significantly longer to get off the ship than it takes to board it (though facial recognition has made things move much faster). Then you have to deal with the flood of people trying to leave the port all at once. 

That’s why we suggest booking your flight for early afternoon at the earliest  (though you definitely can make earlier flights). This should give you plenty of time to debark and still make your flight without having to stress.

Never fly in the day of the cruise

Between weather delays, mechanical malfunctions, and computer shut-downs, there are always horror stories of air travel. That’s why it’s a smart idea to avoid flying in the day of the cruise. Even if things go well, you’ll likely be watching to clock to make sure you arrive at the port in time. Instead, scheduling your inbound flight for the day before gives you plenty of time should your flight be delayed and leaves you ready to cruise on the day of your trip.

If you do fly in the day of your cruise, be sure to never make it a connecting flight. We recently missed our entire cruise when a well-timed thunderstorm caused us to miss our connection.

Never forget a nightlight

Most people don’t bring a nightlight because it’s an unusual thing to pack. But having a little light in a cabin is a godsend — especially if sailing in an interior cabin. When you get up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom in an unfamiliar cabin, it’s your shins that pay the price. So instead of turning on a bright light and disturbing your partner, packing a cheap nightlight is much easier.

Never forget a outlet adapter

Another cheap item to not forget? An outlet adapter . Cruise cabins on older ships are notorious for having only one or two plugs that are supposed to handle all of your electronics. Instead, bring an outlet adapter that plugs in and provides several more outlets. Just remember to get one that doesn’t have a surge protector as they aren’t allowed on the ship.

Never forget that cameras are watching

They are relatively unobtrusive, but once you notice them, you’ll realize there are cameras all over the ship. If you’re in a public area, then expect to be recorded. 

Keep this in mind if your thinking about doing something against the rules. And yes, the cameras do work. We’ve personally been to the bridge of cruise ships and seen feeds from around the ship.

Never go topless (except for Virgin)

In the old days, many cruise ships had out-of-the-way decks far from prying eyes where tops were optional for adults. These days, that’s not the case. We know of no decks — even adults-only areas — where topless sunbathing is allowed on U.S cruises.

The one exception is Virgin Voyages. Since they are adults-only, they do have spot designated for topless sunbathing if you’re interested in that sort of thing.

Never forget your passport or birth certificate

As a rule, Cruzely recommends having a passport , but that’s not always practical. It can be expensive and take a long time to get one. For most cruises, you can get by with a birth certificate and photo ID . No matter what ID you decide to use, don’t even think about forgetting it. In fact, go ahead and put it in your luggage right now, just in case.

Never bring drugs on the ship

No matter where you are sailing — including states where marijuana is legal — avoid the temptation to bring drugs on a cruise. Since cruise ships follow federal law, drugs (even legal marijuana) aren’t allowed . Some lines have even taken to bringing in drug-sniffing dogs to check passengers. Even worse, there have even been stories of local authorities in ports of call busting passengers for possession. Just leave the stuff at home. CBD is also against the rules.

Never think ports are Disney World

The feel of a cruise can be a little sanitized; everything is fun, clean, and friendly. However, that doesn’t always extend into ports. While the area right near the pier is usually made to entice tourists, get away from the ship a little and you’ll often see the less idyllic parts of the area. Just remember that you are visiting a real place — not just a tourist mecca.

Keep your common sense and you’ll be fine, but petty crimes can happen. Use common sense and you should have zero issues.

Never eat at just one place on the ship

Ships come with a ton of places to eat — from buffets to the main dining room to specialty restaurants. But no matter how much you like the food at one of the restaurants, everything gets old if you eat it for a week straight. Be sure to try to eat at different places on the ship to keep your tastebuds from getting bored.

It may be tempting to avoid spots like specialty restaurants that cost extra, but they can be well worth the money as they are typically a step above the food you find elsewhere on the ship. We suggest at least one specialty restaurant for every 7-day cruise.

Never forget to explore

It can be all too easy just to hop off the ship and hang out in the touristy areas right near the ship. However, if you do this then you miss some of the unique aspects of the ports that you visit. Instead, look for excursions — or just head off on your own — to get away from the ship and see some of the unique culture of the area.

Never talk yourself out of doing that excursion

We know that the price tags on port excursions can seem expensive. It’s not crazy to spend more than $100 per person. So a family of four may drop close to $500. Don’t let the price tag scare you off. Excursions are often worth the money and provide you with an opportunity to experience things you’d never get to do on any other vacation. Of the cruises we’ve taken, excursions are typically what we remember the most vividly.

Never forget to wash your hands

An unfortunate side effect of having thousands of people all on one ship? It makes it a perfect place for spreading sickness. This is why you often hear about virus outbreaks on cruise ships. The best way to keep yourself from getting sick is to wash your hands regularly — especially right before you eat. As well, ships will have dispensers of hand sanitizer near all the eating areas.

Never miss the opportunity to get romantic on the balcony

A popular pastime in balcony cabins? Getting a little frisky out in the open air with a view of the water. It’s a poorly-kept secret that there is something about a balcony on a cruise ship that causes people to think of romance. Our advice? Just wait until it’s late at night and there aren’t as many people around so you can be more discreet. Balconies aren’t as private as you think .

Remember, sound can travel outdoors so you’ll want to keep it down.

Never go nude on the balcony

Are we really telling you not to go nude on a balcony right after mentioning the fun of being romantic there? If you want to get frisky on the balcony, we suggested waiting until it’s late, dark, and no one is around.

If you want to do some nude sunbathing on your cruise, keep in mind that the balconies aren’t all that private. Large gaps in the dividers mean prying eyes could see everything — even by accident — during the middle of the day.

Never stay on your phone the entire time

These days phones are part of our lives. Just like we wear a pair of shoes everywhere, we bring a phone everywhere. On cruises, wi-fi has become more accessible and faster meanings even in the middle of the ocean you can stay connected . In fact, the cruise line apps with menus, maps, and schedules practically mean you have to carry your phone around.

We suggest putting the phone down and unplugging for your trip when you can. Enjoy the relaxation that comes with being hundreds of miles away from you normal day-to-day.

Never forget to shop for parking

Yes, parking at the official port parking is always the most convenient. It’s right at the cruise ship, meaning you can park and walk to your cruise. But it’s also the most expensive. If you shop around for parking at your specific port , you can find independent lots near the cruise port that offer much cheaper prices (saving 50% is typical). These lots almost always have a free shuttle to the cruise port as well.

Never get back to the ship late

They are called “pier runners” — and those are the lucky ones. Pier runners are the people running to catch the ship before it leaves. Usually they make it. What you don’t see is the people that return to the pier after the ship has already left. They get left behind and have to find their own way home.

The time announced to be back on the ship isn’t a suggestion . If you don’t make it, you’ll be left in port.

Never skip the muster drill

Muster drill isn’t the most fun part of a cruise, but it is mandatory. This drill, completed before the ship leaves, is to show you where to assemble in case of an emergency. Thankfully following the pandemic the drill is much easier. Watch a video on the phone, check-in at the meeting station, and then watch a demonstration of putting on a life jacket. No longer does the entire ship shut down for muster.

You aren’t allowed to skip the drill and trying to avoid it may cause delays. Get onboard, get it done, and then enjoy the rest of your cruise.

Never be afraid to haggle in port

In the United States, haggling isn’t very common. If Caribbean ports, it’s much more common. While you won’t really do it in “American” style stores with clearly labeled prices, in the out-of-the-way souvenir shops and with taxi drivers, it’s ok to haggle a little bit. So go ahead, throw out a lower price. You might get a discount.

Never skimp on tipping

Tipping is somewhat of a controversial topic. Some passengers feel like the suggested tip amounts are too high and that cruise lines should simply pay the staff more. Others see a hard-working staff that is there to make your vacation more comfortable and deserve recognition. No matter your view, you shouldn’t skimp on tipping the staff. If you can afford to take the cruise, you can afford the automatic gratuity.

Never get too excited about cruise sales

Of course, everyone loves to get a good deal. Cruise lines use that to their advantage to constantly offers “sales” to entice passengers to book. The truth is that these sales are always happening. They may change slightly from time to time, but the price you pay likely won’t change much.

If a cruise line needs to fill a ship, they will adjust the pricing of that cruise, not offer a huge sale across the entire line.

Never climb or sit on the railing

Want that selfie on the ship’s railing? Don’t even think about it. Every year there are stories of people sitting on the railing and accidentally falling overboard . It’s dangerous. Don’t do it. Ever. Even if you are hanging onto a post and it’s just for a second. It’s not worth the potential of falling.

Never forget to bring (some) warm clothing

If you’re headed to the Caribbean, you know to pack a swimsuit and short sleeves. But what about a jacket and long pants? 

Truth is that the evenings on the cruise ship can be cool. Once the sun goes down things cool off — especially with the ship on the move to the next port. Even if you are inside the ship, the air conditioning can almost work too well making it chilly in places like the theater and the dining room. Bringing something to cover up is a must.

Never be a chair hog

Deck chairs near the pool are prime real estate. So prime that some people wake up early and head down to put a towel down to “reserve” their spot. Or maybe they put their towel down and go around doing other stuff around the ship. Meanwhile, the chair stays empty for hours even though others would love to sit there. Chair hogs are universally despised on cruise ships and the staff will often move your towel if you aren’t around for an extended time. Don’t be a chair hog.

Never be surprised by your bill at the end of the cruise

Cruise lines make it easy to spend on the ship. Instead of cash, you put everything on your room card, which also serves as a credit card for your onboard account. It’s up to you to check in and keep tabs on your spending. You want to be sure to know how much you are spending so you aren’t taken by surprise at the bill at the end of your cruise.

The last thing you want is a sour taste from having to spend way more than you planned. You can view your spending account via the cruise line app on your phone.

Never throw things overboard

It shouldn’t have to be said, but don’t throw trash overboard on the ship. Even in the middle of the ocean, it’s litter and can harm the wildlife in the area. It can also get you in trouble with the cruise staff if you are caught doing it. Just don’t do it.

Never smoke in your room (or balcony)

Are you a smoker (or a vaper)? Then you are likely used to rules about where you can smoke. It’s the same on a cruise ship. The ships have designated areas where you are allowed to light up, and it never includes your cabin, even if you have a balcony. You can get into serious trouble for smoking in the room as fire is a major worry on a cruise ship. Instead, keep it to the specific designated spots on the decks and the casino.

Never forget your allotment of drinks to bring

Cruise lines don’t let you bring on hard alcohol of beer, but most do allow for a bottle of wine/champagne and to bring on non-alcoholic drinks when boarding. We suggest never forgetting to bring what’s allowed as it can save some serious money. For example, soda on a cruise can cost $3 each, so that 12-pack you can bring on is worth nearly $40 on the ship. 

Never buy art without doing your homework

Art auctions are common on cruise ships. You should do your homework before you purchase anything, however. There are a number of stories of upset customers who feel they didn’t get a good deal on their purchase. If you see a painting you like and are ok with the price, then by all means, buy it. But if you are looking for a steal, be sure to do your homework first.

Never think the ship is your babysitter

Cruises are great for families as there is something for everyone. Kids areas on the ship are happy to watch your children while you relax and enjoy your cruise… and it’s included in the cost of the fare. What you shouldn’t do is just let them run wild on the ship on their own, unless they are responsible enough to do so. The ship itself isn’t your babysitter and you don’t want your kids ruining someone else’s vacation or getting into trouble.

Never put the wrong things in your carry-on

Your carry-on should include everything you 1) can’t live without for the first day and 2) don’t want to be lost or broken. So that means you want to pack things like medicines, passports, wallets, a change of clothes, and any champagne or wine you bring on. Don’t make the mistake of putting things you might need into your checked luggage. While it’s rare, there is the risk that it could get lost on the way from the terminal to your cabin.

Never try to tough out seasickness

If you get even a hint of being seasick, don’t try to tough it out. Take a remedy right away. It doesn’t take much nausea to make you feel terrible. There’s no sense in not doing something about it when you could be feeling better. Pills and patches are available just a few bucks and can mean all the difference in enjoying your cruise and being miserable.

Never let your baby swim if they aren’t potty-trained

Taking a small child on a cruise ? That’s a great idea. Cruises are great for family vacations as there is something for everyone.

One place to avoid if your kiddo isn’t potty-trained is the pool. Kids that aren’t potty-trained aren’t allowed in, even if wearing swim diapers due to the obvious health reasons. The good news is that some ships have splash pads just for the little ones, or else you can wait until you hit the beach.

Never stomp in the cabin

Cabins in cruise ships are extremely close together. And not only is there not a ton of space, but you will have cabins on either side, plus a cabin above and a cabin below. In other words, it’s nice to be considerate of others nearby. Don’t stomp around a cabin, which may be heard in the room below you. 

Never play loud music

While stomping in a cabin may only bother those below you, loud music radiates out in all directions. It’s nice to keep it down and don’t disturb other passengers. You never know who is trying to get some sleep — no matter the time of day.

Never take the elevators to only go a floor or two

You’ll notice quickly on your cruise that elevators are the highway of the ship. They are almost always busy with people going up and down decks. If you’re able, you should use the stairs if you plan to go only a deck or two. Not only is it faster, but it means there’s less traffic on the elevators for everyone else.

Never forget to turn your phone off or on airplane mode

There are horror stories of cruise passengers forgetting to turn their phones off or placing them in airplane mode. Then, the phone accidentally connects to foreign towers and racks up huge roaming charges. If you want to use your phone, connect to the ship’s wi-fi. Otherwise, we suggest using it in airplane mode to avoid any accidental charges.

Never forget travel insurance

There seem to be two groups of travelers when it comes to travel insurance — those who always buy it and those who never do. We’re in the camp that it’s always a good idea to purchase travel insurance.

When you’re in the middle of the ocean or if there is a serious accident when in port, then costs to get help can quickly soar. Travel insurance also protects you from things like getting sick and having to miss your cruise and if you lose your bags. You can read more about the benefits of travel insurance here .

Never stay a hotel without a parking deal

Are you driving to the port? If so, then you need a place to park your car. If you plan to stay at a hotel near the port before your cruise, look for one with a parking package . Instead of having to pay separately for parking at the port, many hotels will let you park for free or at a discounted rate. It’s a great way to save some cash versus parking right at the ship, which is more expensive. 

Never get upset if things aren’t perfect

A spilled drink or even a port that gets skipped due to weather? It happens. Not every single thing will go perfect on your cruise. Don’t let it get you upset. Roll with the punches and know that the cruise line wants to keep passengers happy. If you have a legitimate complaint, then let someone know. But don’t let a small incident ruin an entire cruise.

Have more things that cruise passengers should never do? Let us know in the comments below!

Popular: 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of)

Read next: park & cruise hotels for every port in america, popular: 107 best cruise tips, secrets, tricks, and freebies.

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Can you work remotely while on a cruise here’s everything to know (from someone that does it), 8 things definitely worth it on a cruise…and 3 places to save your money, complete guide to using your phone on a cruise (carnival, royal caribbean & more), 12+ questions & answers about food on a cruise ship (is it good), explained: duty-free shopping on a cruise (is it worth it), carnival gratuities (tips): full guide to cost & how they work.

Never hang a hanger on the ceiling sprinkler system to dry a pair of socks 🙁 They just get wetter. Princess cruise ine & crew are very kind and forgiving. Also, very fast and efficient in drying out the bedding, carpet & room They even offered us another room (which we declined) to wait in, while they worked tirelessly to fix this passengers stupid mistake. They never made me feel bad. Thanks Princess!

Wow! What a story. Thanks for sharing. We doubt you’ll ever forget that cruise.

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How to Watch Football on a Cruise (NFL and College Games)

Carnival says it watches alcohol consumption of all guests (and what to do if someone has too much), cruise line drink package calculator, hotels with cruise shuttles for every major port in america, 107 best cruise tips, tricks, secrets, and freebies, 39 useful things to pack for your cruise (including 17 you’d never think of).

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To Cruise, or Not to Cruise?

The cruise industry carried more than 23 million passengers in 2015, and nine new oceangoing ships will debut this year. But if you’re among the millions of Americans who have never cruised, here’s a primer on what’s happening on the high seas.

What’s new in the cruise industry?

Ships from mainstream lines continue to break size barriers as they compete against megaresorts on terra firma, with giant slides, skydiving simulators,   and cooking classes.

If you enjoy Orlando’s Disney World or Nassau’s Atlantis resort, megaliners such as the 5,479-passenger Harmony of the Seas   can dazzle. Increasingly, major lines enlist outside brands to sell their experience: Royal Caribbean offers Starbucks, Carnival offers Guy Fieri burgers, and Norwegian lures with Broadway shows like Legally Blonde .

But size isn’t everything. There also is action on the boutique and luxury side, most notably with the arrival of Viking Ocean Cruises   in 2015. “Viking already has 50 percent of the river cruise business, and now they’re really shaking things up with their oceangoing line,” explains Gene Sloan , travel and cruise editor for USA Today .

“They’re catering to an underserved niche with more intimate smaller ships,” Sloan says.   “Viking is more upscale than the big mass-market lines, yet not as expensive as the superluxury lines.”

Virgin Cruises, due to launch in 2020, may prove to be another game changer.

The industry also is capitalizing on the solo cruiser market. Cunard , Norwegian, Royal Caribbean,   and Holland America are building (or adapting existing) ships with a few smaller cabins for single occupancy.

I think I’m prone to seasickness. Are cruises a bad idea?

Most modern ships are well stabilized, but if you’re concerned, such over-the-counter meds as Dramamine are remedies for mild cases, while Transderm Scop , a prescription patch, is another solution.

Another tip: Book a cabin closer to the middle of the ship, where rocking and rolling will be less pronounced.

Also, consider cruising the calmer waters of Alaska’s Inside Passage or the fjords of Norway . The Caribbean is more placid outside of hurricane season; during those months, captains can steer clear of major weather systems.

Is a balcony worth springing for?

Almost everyone covets a private veranda. Such demand means balcony cabins cost considerably more than an identical “ocean view” cabin with a window. But note that verandas are shrinking: The newer ships from Princess and Norwegian have balconies that are less than four feet deep. If you’re headed on an itinerary where port days will be long and intensive, you’ll have little time to spend on the balcony.

The bottom line: If cost is a concern, decide whether your cruise is about the destination or the seagoing experience.

“Inside” cabins are also evolving. A new option on several Royal Caribbean ships is “virtual balconies”—a floor-to-ceiling, high-definition screen (instead of a window) that displays real-time views of the sea. Inside cabins aboard Disney’s Dream and Fantasy feature faux portholes offering virtual sightings of animated Disney characters.

Are cruises all-inclusive?

Most amenities that were included in a cruise fare a few decades ago are still there, but opportunities for spending money have multiplied. Tipping—once optional—is now mandatory, with per-person, per-day costs of $12 or more often added to the checkout bill, plus service charges of 15 to 18 percent for all drink orders.

With most mass-market cruise lines, anticipate add-ons for Internet, drinks, upgraded coffee, and such specialized exercise classes as spinning. Some ships boast a dozen or more dining options, but most will incur a surcharge of $20, $40, or more.

Carnival and Norwegian rocked the boat last year when they began charging for room service meals—long a standard of cruising. Several lines have designated some outdoor deck areas as fee-added options, meaning we now pay for elbow room.

“On the low end, there’s definitely more nickel-and-diming in recent years,” says Sloan. “And the gratuity charges have really gotten out of control.” High-end cruises waive most or all of these add-ons, though fares can easily top $500 per person per day.

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Yet if you avoid the add-ons, cruising can be an excellent value, especially for families.

If you’re not too fussy with dates or itinerary, and book close to the time of departure, it’s possible to find an ocean-view cabin in summer on a Mediterranean cruise for not much more than $100 per night per person, including meals and entertainment. And how many resorts in the Med can compete with that in high season?

What new geographical areas are cruise lines exploring?

Cruises to Asia, Australia, and New Zealand are on the rise.

Ships also are venturing north of the Arctic Circle; the National Geographic Explorer   offers the “Epic 80°N” cruise to Baffin Island ,   Ellesmere Island , and Greenland.

Multicontinent cruises also have become popular, often selling out many months in advance. For sheer value, though, such tried-and-true regions as the Caribbean, Europe, and Alaska may prove the best bet for the best deals.

More exotic cruise itineraries tend to draw experienced passengers who are willing to pay a premium to enjoy new vistas and experiences.

Related: 21 Best Cruises in the World

This piece, by David Swanson , appeared in the February/March 2016 issue of National Geographic Traveler magazine.

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14 Kinds of People Who Should Never Go on a Cruise

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Is a cruise right for you? Start by asking yourself these 7 questions

If you've landed on this page, you're probably thinking about taking a cruise for the first time. But you're also wondering if a cruise is really right for you.

You're now in a precarious position — one where you might be unduly influenced by friends, family or even strangers with thoughts on cruising that might not necessarily be helpful.

If you ask a cruising fan whether you should go on a cruise, the chances are she or he is going to tell you just one thing: "All cruises are stupendous. There's no way you won't love it."

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter.

The world of cruise fans is like that. It's a bit of a cult .

On the flip side, if you ask a non-cruiser whether you should try a cruise, you might get the opposite response: "Why would anyone want to go on a cruise?"

Non-cruisers are non-cruisers for a reason.

The truth is, neither response is what you need to make an informed decision.

The answer to whether a cruise is right for you is much more nuanced. It depends a lot on what sort of traveler you are. Do you like trips that are well planned out in advance or trips that start with no plan at all? Are you a fan of resort environments? Do you like group travel? Do you love being pampered above all else?

And, perhaps most important: What do you like to eat when you're away from home?

The answer to whether you will like a cruise depends on stuff like that — and much more.

As a travel writer who has specialized in cruising for more than two decades, I've been on a lot of cruises (more than 200 on nearly 170 distinct ships), and I've met thousands of cruisers. I've talked to many of them about what they like and don't like about cruising.

What I've learned during all these conversations is that, indeed, a cruise is not for everyone – even if it can be a wonderful experience for a lot of people.

Related: The 5 best cruise lines for families

When people ask me personally whether they should try a cruise, I start by telling them that it depends. And then I tell them to ask themselves the seven questions below. Call it my "should-I-cruise" litmus test.

In answering such questions, you'll start to get a sense of whether you're ready to join the ever-growing cruising cult — or if you'd rather leave the high seas (and rolling rivers) behind.

Do I prefer trips that are heavily planned out in advance or left up to serendipity?

There are some people who like to head off on vacation with no idea of where they will be or what they will be doing from day to day. They like the flexibility that comes with not having too much planned ahead of time. Others like to have their travel schedules much more mapped out in advance.

Cruising is best suited to the latter group.

Sure, you will have some flexibility in what you can do on any given day of a cruise. But the broad outline of your trip is pre-planned and set in stone. As with motorcoach tours, it's an "if it's Tuesday, it must be Belgium" kind of vacation.

Related: A beginner's guide to picking a cruise line

If you're sailing for a week in the Western Mediterranean, for instance, you'll probably get eight hours in Rome (after docking in the nearby port of Civitavecchia). If you're so blown away by the city that you want to stay over an extra night (and we bet you will be), you're out of luck. You'll be due back at the ship by the late afternoon for the sail-away to the next port — probably Livorno, Italy (the gateway to Florence and Pisa) or Naples, Italy.

Once at that next port, you'll get another eight hours to explore before needing to be back on board for the sailing to the next destination. It's all been arranged in advance.

The advantage of such a pre-planned vacation, of course, is that it takes away a lot of the hassle that comes with traveling. Your cruise line has done all the heavy lifting of figuring out an ideal, multi-day getaway for you. The cruise line is selling you a complete package of travel needs including a room, food and entertainment, and it'll deliver you almost daily to someplace new to explore. On some cruises — particularly river cruises and so-called expedition cruises (voyages to very remote places on small, hardy ships) — the lines even pre-arrange all of your daily tours. You basically just show up.

Do I enjoy travel experiences that revolve around a single resort that offers lodging, meals and activities?

Cruise ships will take you to multiple destinations on a single trip. But at their core, what they offer is closer to what you'll find at an all-inclusive resort on land than any other sort of travel experience. At least, this is the case for the bigger cruise ships that account for the majority of all cruise travel.

Even during a very port-intensive itinerary on most ships, you likely will spend the vast majority of your vacation hours on board your vessel. Unless you book a rare overnight excursion, you will spend all of your nights on board your ship, and you'll probably eat most of your meals on the vessel, too. On most ships, all or almost all of your evening entertainment also will be ship-based.

Many people just love this sort of vacation. It's a lot like going to Disney World near Orlando or to an all-inclusive Sandals resort, where you can spend a wonderful week without ever leaving the property.

For others, it's too much vacation time devoted to a single, contained resort environment that doesn't leave enough time for exploring the outside world.

Am I OK with crowds?

There are plenty of small cruise vessels that are like boutique hotels, with just 50 or 100 rooms. But the ships that the vast majority of cruisers sail on today are far bigger than that, and they generally are packed with a lot of people.

The world's biggest cruise ships, such as the Oasis-class vessels operated by Royal Caribbean , often sail with more than 6,000 passengers apiece. And that's not including the 2,000 or so crew members that are aboard the biggest cruise vessels. If you book one of these vessels, you could be sharing your vacation with more than 8,000 other people.

These are very big ships, mind you, with lots of room to spread out. Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas — the world's largest cruise ship — has 18 passenger decks, quite a few of which are devoted to a seemingly endless array of family-friendly attractions, restaurants, lounges, bars and other venues that can absorb huge numbers of vacationers.

Related: The 6 classes of Royal Caribbean ships, explained

But if the idea of vacationing at a resort where you are one of thousands doesn't appeal to you, you probably should stay away from most of the vessels operated by the major cruise lines. You might be better off with a land-based trip — or a sailing on one of the lines such as Windstar Cruises or Ponant that specialize in more intimate sailings on very small ships.

Am I comfortable touring as part of a group?

In some respects, cruises are very similar to group tours on land. You will be traveling for your entire voyage with one (very big) group of people, and you may find yourself in a group setting for some or all of your touring in ports.

Just how much of a group-tour feel your cruise has will depend a lot on which ship you are on and how you arrange your port activities. On river cruises and expedition cruises, in particular, off-ship activities often are generally done as a group. Group tours in ports are part of the package for which you have paid in advance. On traditional ocean-going ships, you generally have more flexibility to tour on your own in ports versus joining a group.

Related: Which cruise brand is best for you? A line-by-line guide

On traditional ocean-going ships, many ship-organized shore excursions will be group outings where you will join as many as 30 or 40 of your fellow cruisers with a guide. Often, these tours involve traveling with your group on a motorcoach to reach whatever sight or sights you are touring. In short, they often have the feel of a bus tour.

This is the case even with some upscale and luxury lines, though they sometimes put fewer people on a single motorcoach for tours.

That said, when sailing on many traditional ocean-going vessels, you can arrange for private tours with a guide in ports for just you and your family (sometimes the ship will do this for you; other times, you will have to find an outside vendor). You also can just head out into a port on your own and do your own exploring — at least in most cases.

Is 'eating local' critical to me when traveling?

For some people, eating local is a critical part of the travel experience. Whether it's the locally famous pesto over trofie pasta in the trattorias of Genoa, Italy, or the pad thai on the street corners of Bangkok, they want to savor the local flavors as often as they can. For others, having access to the familiar dishes of home when traveling is just as important — or more.

Cruise ships typically appeal more to the second category of people.

Cruise ships typically offer cuisine in their onboard restaurants that is in keeping with what their customers will find at home. You'll find American-style steakhouses on many bigger ships and often Italian restaurants, usually serving an Americanized style of Italian food. There are also American-friendly Asian eateries and main restaurants that offer a mix of classic international cuisine. Plus, there are usually fast-food options, including burgers and pizza.

Often, these eateries and the dishes they offer have little to do with the destination to which you're sailing. But they do offer a lot of things that you probably know and love.

If that sounds just right to you, a cruise is probably a good choice for a vacation. If you're such a foodie that you couldn't imagine visiting Barcelona without spending a night hopping between tapas eateries or visiting Rome without a dinner at La Pergola, a cruise might not be the best choice.

Related: The 9 best restaurants at sea

You can try out the local foods in the destinations your ship visits during port calls, of course. But the reality of cruising is that many ships only visit ports during the daytime and sail away to their next destination before dinnertime. That means that your opportunities to eat locally will be restricted on many itineraries to lunchtime outings.

When it comes to dinners — the main sit-down meal for many travelers — your options on many cruises will be limited to what's available on board your ship.

How important is being pampered on vacation to me?

Are you all about being pampered on vacation? A cruise might be a great choice. One reason that people who cruise once often get hooked, and do it again and again, is that cruise ships offer a level of pampering that you just don't often see at comparably priced land-based resorts.

Even on the most mass-market, lowest-cost cruises, you'll have a room attendant who is likely to get to know you by name and offer help with anything you need on board. She or he typically also will make up and clean your room at least once and sometimes twice every day — unless you request otherwise. There aren't many entry-level-priced land hotels anymore where that happens, as many land hotels have stopped daily room cleaning.

Cruise ship restaurants also are known for wait staff that will get to know you by name within a day or two of your arrival (if you dine at the same table every night) and make a real effort to go above and beyond to meet your every need. They'll often get to know your favorite drink or dessert and have it ready to go before you even say something.

Even on low-cost, mass-market ships, you'll probably have more than one waiter serving your table, with a third person on call just to handle your drinks. Plus, there will be a restaurant manager and often deputy managers who hover in the background to make sure everything is just right. It's like a small army of service staff there to make sure you have a perfect experience.

In short, there is a level of service on cruise ships that is relatively rare in the travel world — at least if you look at like-for-like properties and ships at similar price points. An entry-level cruise ship is likely to have a higher level of service than an entry-level hotel. A luxury cruise ship is likely to be even more over-the-top than a luxury hotel.

Do I worry a lot about costs when traveling?

A cruise is also a great option if you're the type of person who wants or needs to know how much your vacation will cost long before it occurs.

As we mentioned above, cruises are a little bit like all-inclusive resorts. Your ship will be providing a big chunk of all the services you will need on your vacation, including your room, your meals, your evening entertainment and part of your transportation (to wit, they'll get you from place to place on your trip at no extra charge). If you're traveling with kids, the ship also often will offer all-day kids programs for no extra charge.

For all of this, you pay one price far in advance of when you travel. You thus know what it's all going to cost you – and have already paid it off – long before you leave your home for the ship. That's wonderful peace of mind for many people.

Of course, not everything on your cruise will be included in the pre-paid fare. On mass-market ships, you'll pay extra for drinks with your meals, to dine at some higher-end restaurants, for shore excursions and for the automatic gratuities that many lines add to final bills. These things can add up and result in some hefty extra charges on your credit card before you leave your ship.

But the good news is that, even here, more lines are bundling things like drinks packages and gratuities into a booking package as part of promotions. You often can find a package deal from even mass-market lines where many of the "extras" on your cruise are included in the price you pay up front.

Bottom line

Cruising isn't for everyone. But there are a lot of reasons why you might like it. Before you commit to giving it a try, you should ask yourself the questions above to find out if cruising is right for you.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

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We sold our homes to go on £27k-a-month cruise – it’s 13 WEEKS into ‘round the world’ trip but ship has not left Belfast

• Harry Goodwin
• Published : 10:11, 30 Aug 2024
• Updated : 14:39, 30 Aug 2024
• Published : Invalid Date,

WORLD cruise passengers have told how they sold their homes for £27,000-a-month trip - but ship still hasn't left Belfast 13 weeks in.

The Odyssey was supposed to take passengers on an epic three-year tour of Europe , Asia and the Americas.

But the ship has been stuck in Belfast for three months after crew discovered problems with its rudders and gearbox.

Some of The Odyssey's passengers had sold all their possessions to pay between £75,000 and £700,000 for a cabin.

They now have to disembark from the ship at night and stay in local hotels.

Swedish pensioner Johan Bodin, 54, told the Mail : "We've had a good time but we didn't sign up for a ship to stay in one port."

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Johan has kept himself busy touring Belfast's pubs, visiting Giant's Causeway and trying fish and chips.

Holly Hennessy, 67, from Florida, told the Telegraph : "It hasn't felt like summer.

"It has been winter as far as I'm concerned. I'm used to the Florida sunshine. I had to go out and buy vitamin D tablets."

The Odyssey was built in 1993 and can hold more than 900 passengers.

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Operator Villa Vie Residences has sold cabins both for unlimited cruises and shorter ones lasting between 35 and 120 days.

Nine out of ten passengers reportedly plan to stay on board for the whole world cruise.

David Austin, from the US state of Georgia , said: "I was committed, having sold my house right before my arrival.

"I've stayed committed to this adventure with every delay."

Villa Vie Residences boss Mike Petterson said: "We came into Belfast from Edinburgh on our own power.

"We were confident that our beautiful Odyssey would fly through class surveys.

Cancelled cruises - know your rights

Heading on a cruise? Here's what to do if it gets cancelled and your rights for refunds and compensation.

How do I find out if my cruise has been cancelled?

Cruise liners should let you know as soon as possible if your cruise has been cancelled.

If it's cancelled on the day of the trip, you should be informed no later than 30minutes after the time you're scheduled to leave.

P& O is contacting all passengers who were due to visit the area.

What if my cruise is cancelled and I'm at the port?

If your trip has been cancelled and you're already at the port then the operator should provide you with free snacks, meals and refreshments, even if the reason it's been cancelled is due to bad weather.

What you're entitled to depends on how long the delay is.

The Department for Transport recommends that tea and water are appropriate refreshments for a delay of over four hours, followed by a snack or light meal.

If the delay goes over eight hours then a hot meal should be provided.

But food and drink will only be provided if the operator can get them to you reasonably, says ABTA.

This will depend on the facilities available at the port terminal or on board the ship, the time of day and how close the port is to local amenities.

The operator should also offer you free accommodation if the cancellation means you need to stay somewhere overnight, either on board the ship or ashore.

But it's also free to look at other options, such as paying for your trip home or asking you to make your own arrangements and offering to reimburse expenses.

The only time the ship does not have to offer this service is when the cruise has been cancelled due to bad weather, where the conditions might endanger the safety of the ship.

Can I get a refund or compensation if my trip doesn't go ahead?

If your cruise has been cancelled the operator should offer you the choice of either an alternative trip or a refund.

Unlike EU regulations that protect passengers from airline cancellations, there is no fixed amount of compensation owed to you in these kinds of situations.

You may be entitled to compensation through the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangement Act 2018.

You'll only be able to claim the cash if the tour operator is unable to put the trip right again.

And you won't get a payout if the cruise was cancelled due to extraordinary circumstances.

Will I get a refund if I cancel the cruise?

If you cancel your trip then you won't be able to claim compensation and you may have to pay a cancellation fee.

You might be able to claim your travel insurance depending on the policy, so it's worth checking the small print.

"We have since then been quite humbled by the scale of what it takes to reactivate a 30-year-old vessel from a 4-year layup.

"After the lapse of all classifications of class, we are now considering a new ship where all machinery and equipment must work as if new.

"We are having to do major works such as the rudder stocks, major steelwork and engine overhauls."

He claimed the ship was now in its last stages of departure, with sea trials coming next week.

He added: "We expect a very anticipated successful launch next week.

We've had a good time but we didn't sign up for a ship to stay in one port Johan Bodin Villa Vie Resident

"We will head to Bremerhaven, Amsterdam, Lisbon, then across the Atlantic for our Caribbean segment.

"We are extremely grateful for our residents who have stood by our side through the tough times.

"We have worked with our residents to provide hotels, cruises, shore excursions, trips to Tenerife and Liverpool.

"We are welcoming them for onboard visits where they can get their rooms ready and connect with crew and fellow residents.

"It is great to see the relationships building and the community bonding as we are looking forward to the next 15 years of discovery."

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Founding partner Sebastian Stokkendal added that holidaymakers had access to shuttles to visit the ship during the day.

He said: "We have been serving food and drinks and offering some entertainment as well. "Additionally, we will rejoin our original itinerary as soon as we launch. While we will miss most of the Northern European segment due to being at the tail end of summer, we will add Northern Europe to the 2027 schedule. "The support we’ve received has been incredible, and it’s really fueling our excitement for what lies ahead. We’re counting down the days until we can finally launch and kick off this exciting adventure."

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