What to know before booking a cruise

Who can not go on a cruise?

Most everyone can book a cruise, but there are a few exceptions to this. Most cruise lines welcome guests who are up to six months pregnant, although some require a doctor’s note that says you are cleared for travel. 

While children under one can go on the majority of cruises, most cruise lines require infants to be at least 6 months old on embarkation day. For transatlantic and other various exotic/lengthier itineraries, the standard tends to be that they are at least 1 year (12 months) old. Check with your cruise line for their specific rules before you book.

If you have committed or been convicted of a crime, you may not be allowed into certain countries. Canada is the most common place for this to happen, but if you fall in this category, please make sure to look up the rules for the countries you will be visiting on your cruise. 

Do I need a passport?

While it is not a requirement for every cruise line or every cruise, it does make the trip run smoothly. You can sail on a closed-loop cruise (a cruise that begins and ends at the same US port) with birth certificates in lieu of passports, but if something happens during the cruise and you need to fly home, you will not be able to do so without a passport.  Some cruise lines such as Virgin Voyages do require a passport for all sailings, so make sure to check the cruise line you are sailing for their rules. 

If I’m flying, when should I schedule my flight?

I highly recommend booking a flight the day before your cruise is scheduled to depart. Airlines have delays for a variety of reasons, and the ship will not wait for you to arrive before leaving.  For disembarkment day, scheduling a flight for after 12 pm will generally be safe, but make sure to check your itinerary to see what time you can get off the ship and the distance to the airport (and be sure to add an extra hour if you’re going to be flying internationally). 

Will the price of my cruise change? 

Cruise prices can go down if a discount is released, and I will apply it for you if it saves you money. The only way the rate would increase is if you change anything such as adding gratuities and insurance or changing room categories.

Can I make payments for the cruise?

If you are booking your cruise before the final payment is due, you can usually choose to book with only a deposit.  You can then make payments before the final payment is due.  Just let me know when you would like to do so and I will send you a payment authorization form.  If you plan to make a large payment with your credit or debit card or your booking exceeds your daily spending limit, please let your bank know in advance.

If you have additional questions, please contact your Living With The Magic Vacations travel advisor.