From packing and passports to Wi-Fi and sea days, these are some of the cruise questions I'm asked most often.
This is probably the number one fear first-time cruisers have, and the good news is that most people are pleasantly surprised by how little motion they actually feel onboard modern cruise ships. Today’s ships are enormous, highly stabilized, and designed to keep the ride as smooth and comfortable as possible. Many guests — even people who are prone to motion sickness in cars or airplanes — end up cruising without any issues at all.
Cabin location can also make a difference. Midship cabins on lower or middle decks tend to feel the most stable, and many travelers find that fresh air and a view of the horizon from a balcony or open deck help them feel even more grounded. While you may occasionally notice a gentle rocking sensation, especially in rougher weather, most people describe it as mild and even relaxing.
If you’re concerned, it’s easy to come prepared. Motion-sickness wristbands, ginger chews, Bonine, Dramamine, or prescription patches can provide extra peace of mind, and cruise ships often have remedies available onboard as well. The reality is that most first-time cruisers spend far more time thinking about seasickness before the trip than they do once they’re actually sailing. Between the food, entertainment, ocean views, and activities, most people quickly forget they were ever worried in the first place.
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Some cruises that begin and end at the same U.S. port — called “closed-loop” cruises — allow U.S. citizens to travel with a government-issued ID and a certified birth certificate instead of a passport. However, cruises that start in one country and end in another, as well as many international itineraries, require a valid passport with no exceptions.
Even when a passport isn’t technically required, I strongly recommend having one. If you miss the ship, have a medical emergency in port, or need to fly home unexpectedly, a passport makes the process dramatically easier and less stressful. Think of it as peace of mind tucked into your carry-on — and once you have one, it opens the door to even more travel adventures for years to come.
This is one of the most common questions first-time cruisers ask, and honestly, most people are surprised by the answer. Modern cruise ships are much more like floating resorts than simple ships. Between pools, live entertainment, restaurants, spas, activities, lounges, fitness classes, and quiet places to relax, there’s usually far more to do than most people can fit into one sailing.
Cruises are generally made up of two kinds of days: port days and sea days. Port days are when the ship docks somewhere and you head ashore to explore. That might mean a beach day in Mexico, a wildlife excursion in Alaska, wandering through a historic town, shopping, sightseeing, or simply finding a great place to eat and enjoy the scenery before heading back to the ship.
Then there are sea days, when the ship is sailing between destinations. Some people fill those days with activities, shows, live music, trivia, specialty dining, or pool time. Others use them to slow down, unplug a little, and simply relax.
The best part is that there’s no “right” way to cruise. Some travelers stay busy from morning to night, while others are perfectly happy reading by the pool and watching the ocean go by. Most people end up doing a little of both.
For most people, not at all — and for a lot of cruisers, sea days actually end up being their favorite part of the trip.
A sea day is simply a day when the ship is sailing and not visiting a port. Some people spend those days relaxing by the pool, reading, enjoying the spa, listening to live music, or taking an afternoon nap with an ocean view. Others stay much more active with swimming, water slides, sports courts, fitness classes, walking tracks, or even surfing simulators and rock climbing on some ships. And then there are all the in-between activities — trivia, karaoke, game shows, shopping, art auctions, meetups, comedy shows, specialty dining, and plenty of little events happening throughout the day. There’s usually something happening somewhere onboard, whether you want a busy day or a quiet one.
One of the things I personally love about cruising is that sea days can be whatever you want them to be. You can stay busy from morning to night, or you can do absolutely nothing without feeling guilty about it — which honestly feels pretty rare in normal life.
I also think sea days are when people really start to settle into “vacation mode.” There’s something surprisingly relaxing about nowhere to be and
One of the best things about cruising is how much is already included in your fare. Your cruise price covers your stateroom, daily housekeeping, meals in the main dining venues and buffet, snacks and casual dining options, entertainment, pools, hot tubs, fitness centers, and most onboard activities. On Royal Caribbean and Celebrity, you’ll also find live music, theater productions, comedy shows, trivia, games, and plenty of places to relax and enjoy the ocean views.
Food is a huge part of the experience, and there’s far more included than many first-time cruisers expect. You can enjoy multi-course dinners in the Main Dining Room, casual poolside meals, buffets with endless variety, pizza, pastries, coffee, tea, lemonade, and other basic beverages without paying extra. Celebrity also offers fares that often include drinks packages, Wi-Fi, and gratuities, while Royal Caribbean allows you to add those options if you’d like them.
There are a few things that cost extra, including specialty restaurants, alcoholic beverages (unless included in your package), spa treatments, shore excursions, casino gaming, and souvenirs. The nice part is that these extras are completely optional. You can absolutely step onboard, enjoy everything already included in your fare, and still have an amazing vacation.
If you’ve never cruised before, you might picture yourself staring out at the ocean wondering how you’re going to fill an entire day at sea. Then you step onto a Royal Caribbean ship and realize the bigger challenge is figuring out what not to do.
Royal Caribbean ships are designed for energy, activity, and nonstop fun, with something happening from morning until late at night.
Mornings can start quietly with coffee on deck and an ocean sunrise, or with a workout, a walk around the jogging track, or even an early climb up the rock wall before the crowds arrive. As the day gets going, the ship comes alive with pools, live music, trivia, game shows, mini golf, sports courts, water slides, and crowd favorites like the FlowRider surf simulator. On some ships, you’ll even find zip lines, bumper cars, and skydiving simulators. Families especially love how many activities are packed into every sea day.
Food is woven into the experience all day long. The Windjammer Marketplace serves endless variety, casual spots keep burgers, pizza, and snacks within reach, and there’s always somewhere to grab coffee or dessert between activities. If you’d rather slow things down, sea days are also perfect for lounging by the pool, reading on your balcony, or sneaking in an afternoon nap while the ocean rolls by.
Evenings are when Royal Caribbean really shines. Broadway-style productions, AquaTheater diving shows, ice skating performances, live bands, comedy acts, karaoke, and bustling lounges keep the energy going well into the night. And when everything finally winds down, there’s still something magical about grabbing a late-night slice of pizza and taking a quiet walk on deck under the stars.
The truth is, boredom is almost impossible on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Whether you want adrenaline-filled days or laid-back pool time with a frozen drink in hand, you’ll find yourself wishing sea days lasted just a little longer.
Celebrity Cruises takes a different approach to life at sea. Instead of high-energy thrills around every corner, Celebrity focuses on relaxation, beautiful spaces, elevated dining, live music, and experiences that feel a little more refined. The atmosphere is stylish but still approachable, and sea days tend to unfold at a slower, more luxurious pace.
Mornings on Celebrity often begin with espresso from Café al Bacio, breakfast with ocean views, or a peaceful stroll around the ship before the day fully wakes up. Guests might head to a yoga class, browse an art exhibit, attend an enrichment lecture, or simply settle into a quiet corner with a coffee and a book. Celebrity ships are designed with beautiful spaces meant for lingering, from the adults-only Solarium to the Rooftop Garden and the light-filled lounges found throughout the ship.
During the day, you’ll find wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, live acoustic music, spa experiences, poolside lounging, and thoughtfully designed entertainment scattered throughout the ship. Celebrity’s Oceanview Café and dining venues focus heavily on fresh ingredients and global flavors, and many guests find that meals become one of the highlights of the trip. Sea days on Celebrity feel less scheduled and more naturally relaxed — the kind of vacation where you lose track of time in the best possible way.
Evenings bring sophisticated theater productions, live jazz, martini bars, piano lounges, and immersive spaces like Eden on Edge-class ships. The nightlife exists, but the vibe is more elegant and intimate than high-energy. Many guests end their evenings with a cocktail, live music, and a quiet walk under the stars rather than a packed nightclub.
What makes Celebrity special is the balance. You can stay busy if you want to, but there’s also permission to simply slow down and enjoy the experience of being at sea. For travelers who love beautiful spaces, excellent food, relaxing sea days, and a more refined atmosphere, Celebrity Cruises makes “doing nothing” feel like one of the greatest luxuries in the world
Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises are sister brands, but they’re designed with slightly different vacation styles in mind.
Royal Caribbean tends to be more family-focused, with a huge variety of activities for all ages. You’ll find things like water slides, surf simulators, sports courts, Broadway-style entertainment, excellent kids and teens clubs, and plenty to keep active travelers busy throughout the day. At the same time, there are still lots of places to relax — pools, solariums, lounges, spas, and quiet corners to simply enjoy being at sea.
Celebrity Cruises leans more adult-focused and relaxed overall. Families are absolutely welcome, but the atmosphere is generally calmer and more refined, with fewer high-energy attractions and a stronger emphasis on elevated dining, beautiful design, live music, lounges, and laid-back sea days. Many travelers love Celebrity for its sophisticated feel, while others prefer Royal Caribbean for its wider range of activities and family-friendly energy.
Both cruise lines offer excellent service, beautiful ships, and wonderful vacations — it really comes down to the type of atmosphere and experience you’re looking for
Alaska cruise season typically runs from late April through September, and the “best” time really depends on the type of experience you’re looking for. Early season sailings in May and early June often bring cooler temperatures, beautiful snow-capped scenery, fewer crowds, and some of the best pricing of the season. Wildlife starts becoming more active, and many travelers love the fresh, crisp feel of Alaska in spring.
July and early August are the warmest and busiest months, with long daylight hours and peak wildlife viewing for whales, bears, and other animals. This is the most popular time for families traveling during summer break, and you’ll generally find the liveliest atmosphere onboard and in port.
Late August and September bring a quieter, more relaxed vibe along with beautiful fall colors and another chance for good pricing. Temperatures are cooler and rain becomes more common, but many experienced Alaska cruisers love the dramatic scenery and smaller crowds during this part of the season.
There really isn’t a “bad” time to cruise Alaska — each part of the season has its own personality. One of the things I help clients with is matching them to the right sailing based on their priorities, whether that’s wildlife, weather, budget, fewer crowds, or simply the overall experience they’re hoping for.
The best time to cruise to Mexico depends a lot on which side of the country you’re visiting, because Pacific Coast itineraries and Caribbean itineraries have very different climates and experiences.
On the Pacific side, Mexican Riviera cruises from Los Angeles — usually visiting ports like Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, and Ensenada — are especially popular from late fall through spring. This time of year typically brings sunny weather, comfortable temperatures, lower humidity, and calmer conditions overall. Winter is also an incredible time for whale watching near Cabo San Lucas and along the Baja coast. Summer sailings are warmer and more humid, while late summer and early fall can occasionally bring tropical weather to the Pacific side of Mexico.
On the Caribbean side, cruises visiting ports like Cozumel and Costa Maya offer warm, tropical weather year-round. Winter and spring are especially popular because they combine beautiful beach weather with slightly lower humidity and comfortable temperatures. Summer brings hotter weather, warmer ocean temperatures, and a lively family vacation atmosphere. Late summer and fall overlap with Atlantic hurricane season, which is something worth considering when planning a Caribbean sailing, even though cruise lines monitor weather very closely and adjust itineraries when necessary.
The good news is that there’s really no bad time to cruise to Mexico — it just depends on the kind of experience you’re looking for. Some travelers want whale watching and mild weather, others want hot beach days and poolside margaritas, and some are focused on finding the best value or avoiding peak crowds. That’s where I come in — helping match you with the right itinerary, cruise line, and time of year for the kind of vacation you actually want
I strongly encourage every client to consider travel insurance. Cruises involve significant financial investment and a lot of moving parts, and unexpected things like illness, weather disruptions, travel delays, or emergencies can happen before or during a trip. For that reason, I take travel insurance seriously enough that clients who choose to decline coverage are required to sign a waiver acknowledging that decision.
I’m not a licensed insurance agent, so I can’t advise on the details of specific policies or coverage. What I can do is provide quotes from major travel insurance companies and help point you toward the right resources so you can make the decision that feels best for your situation.
For many people, absolutely yes — especially on scenic itineraries like Alaska. There’s something really special about having your own private outdoor space to enjoy morning coffee, sunsets, fresh ocean air, or simply a quiet moment away from the crowds.
A balcony also gives you easy access to the horizon and fresh air, which some travelers find especially helpful if they’re nervous about motion or just want a more relaxing overall experience.
That said, not everyone needs one. Some cruisers spend very little time in their cabin and would rather save the money for excursions, specialty dining, or a future trip. Interior cabins can be surprisingly cozy and are often a great value, especially for travelers who plan to stay busy around the ship all day.
There’s no universally “right” answer — it really depends on your travel style, budget, and itinerary. One of the things I help clients with is deciding where it makes sense to splurge and where it may not matter nearly as much.
Embarkation day is the official start of your vacation — the day you arrive at the cruise terminal, check in, and finally step onboard. It can feel a little busy and exciting at first, especially if it’s your first cruise, but cruise lines are actually very organized about the process. You’ll check in, go through security, show your travel documents, and before long you’ll be walking onto the ship wondering where to explore first.
Once onboard, most people grab lunch, wander the ship a bit, and start settling into vacation mode while waiting for cabins to open. In my experience, staterooms are typically ready around 1:00–1:30 p.m., though that can vary slightly depending on the sailing. Your luggage will arrive separately later in the afternoon. I’ve personally seen bags show up as early as 2:30 p.m. and as late as 6:00 p.m. — it really just depends on how busy embarkation day is and how quickly the crew can work through the mountains of luggage coming onboard. That’s why I always recommend keeping essentials like medications, passports, swimsuits, sunscreen, and chargers in your carry-on bag.
You’ll also complete a quick electronic safety briefing through the cruise line app or your cabin TV and then check in briefly at your assigned muster station before sail-away. Thankfully, the process is much easier and faster than the old-style drills people sometimes worry about.
My biggest advice? Don’t stress if embarkation day feels a little chaotic at first. Everyone is excited, the ship is buzzing, and there’s a lot happening all at once. But the moment you’re standing on deck watching the shoreline slowly disappear, drink in hand and ocean breeze hitting your face, everything suddenly shifts into vacation mode.
This is a very common question, especially for first-time cruisers, and the short answer is yes — cruises are generally a very safe way to travel. Modern cruise ships operate under strict international safety regulations and have extensive security, medical, and emergency procedures in place. Ships are monitored constantly, crew members train regularly for emergencies, and cruise lines take passenger safety very seriously.
Most cruises feel much more like staying at a large resort or hotel than anything risky or dangerous. You’ll see security when boarding, keycard access throughout the ship, medical centers onboard, and crew members everywhere. In reality, the vast majority of cruises sail without any major issues at all.
I also think it’s important to keep perspective. Cruise stories that make national news tend to stand out precisely because they’re unusual. Millions of people cruise safely every year without incident. Like any vacation, it’s still smart to use common sense — be aware of your surroundings in port, drink responsibly, follow safety instructions, and keep an eye on your belongings — but for most travelers, cruising ends up feeling surprisingly comfortable, secure, and easy once they experience it for themselves.
Absolutely. Solo cruising has become much more common over the years, and many people end up loving the freedom and flexibility that comes with traveling on their own. Cruises can actually work very well for solo travelers because once you’re onboard, so much is already organized for you — dining, entertainment, activities, transportation between destinations, and plenty of opportunities to be social if you want to be.
That said, I also like to be honest with people about the pricing side of solo travel. Cruise fares are still largely built around double occupancy, which means solo travelers often pay more per person than couples or families. Cruise lines are slowly improving this by adding more solo cabins and occasionally offering reduced solo supplements, but in my opinion, the industry still has a long way to go in this area.
The good news is that there are strategies for finding better solo pricing, and certain ships, sailings, and cabin categories tend to work much better for solo travelers than others. Helping people navigate those options realistically — without sugarcoating the costs — is part of where my guidance can really help.
Absolutely. A lot of people are surprised to learn how many adults cruise without kids — couples, solo travelers, groups of friends, and multigenerational families all cruise regularly.
Cruises can be as active or as laid back as you want them to be. Some people spend their days exploring ports, seeing shows, trying specialty restaurants, or enjoying live music and nightlife. Others are perfectly happy sitting by the pool with a drink and watching the ocean go by.
The biggest difference is choosing the right cruise line and ship for the kind of atmosphere you want. Some ships feel more lively and energetic, while others feel quieter and more relaxed. That’s one of the reasons I specialize in Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises — because between the two, there’s a great fit for a wide range of travel styles and personalities.
Yes — but there are a few important things to understand before you sail so you don’t come home to a surprise phone bill.
When you’re in port, your phone will often work much like it does at home depending on your carrier and international plan. But while the ship is at sea, your phone may connect to the ship’s cellular network, which can be extremely expensive if you’re not careful.
Most people either:
The good news is that cruise ship Wi-Fi has improved a lot in recent years. You can usually text, browse social media, check email, and even make Wi-Fi calls depending on the ship and internet package you choose. Just don’t expect perfect streaming-quality internet in the middle of the ocean all the time.
I always recommend spending a few minutes checking your carrier’s cruise and international policies before your trip. It’s a simple step that can save a lot of stress later.
Not usually — at least not full internet access like you’d have at home. Most cruise lines charge extra for internet packages if you want to browse the web, use social media, stream videos, or regularly text and call through apps.
That said, most cruise lines do offer limited free Wi-Fi access for their app. On Royal Caribbean, for example, you can connect to the ship’s guest Wi-Fi and use the Royal Caribbean app for free without purchasing an internet package.
That free access is actually pretty useful. You can:
The onboard chat feature on Royal Caribbean is complimentary and works through the app while connected to the ship’s Wi-Fi.
If you want regular internet access for things like Instagram, email, FaceTime, or streaming, you’ll still need to purchase a Wi-Fi package. My advice is usually to think about how connected you actually want to be on vacation. Some people love unplugging for a few days, while others prefer staying fully connected the whole trip.
Most people pack too much for their first cruise — and then realize halfway through the trip they wore the same few favorite outfits over and over anyway.
Cruise ships are generally pretty casual during the day, so comfortable vacation clothes, swimsuits, sandals, and a couple pairs of shoes are usually the main things you’ll use. For evenings, some people enjoy dressing up a bit more for dinner while others keep it simple and casual depending on the cruise line and restaurants they choose.
One thing many first-time cruisers don’t realize is that cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Celebrity do offer laundry service for a fee. So unless you really love having lots of outfit options, you usually don’t need to pack an entirely different outfit for every single day of the trip.
I usually tell people to focus less on packing “just in case” items and more on packing for the climate and region they’re actually sailing in. A Caribbean cruise and an Alaska cruise are very different vacations, and your packing list should reflect that. Focus on versatile, comfortable things you know you’ll actually wear — and honestly, nobody onboard knows or cares if you repeat an outfit on vacation.
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