Michelle's Destinations
CRUISE TIPS
PASSPORTS
Passports are required for international travel, but some closed-loop cruises (departing and returning to the same U.S. port) accept a certified state-issued birth certificate with government ID. Children should also carry a state photo ID, and non-certified or hospital copies are not accepted.
Even so, we recommend a passport book (or book and card). It’s valid for 9½ years, easier to use, and essential if you need to fly home unexpectedly.
Important: If traveling with children who aren’t yours, most cruise lines require written parental consent.
Check with us if this applies to you.
GETTING ON THE SHIP
Health & Insurance:
Cruise lines require health questionnaires, and you can be denied boarding if you’re sick. If recovering, bring a notarized doctor’s note. Travel insurance protects you if you must cancel.
Boarding:
Boarding usually starts around noon. Arrive 11 a.m.–12 p.m., expect lines, and wear comfortable shoes.
Luggage & Check-In:
Porters handle large bags (tip $1–$2 each). Keep small bags for security. At check-in you’ll get your keycard, ship map, and photo ID. Once onboard, drop bags in your room and enjoy lunch.
LUGGAGE
After porters take your luggage, you may not see it until later in the evening, sometimes not even before dinner. That’s why we recommend packing essentials in your carry-on. If your bags still haven’t arrived by bedtime, let the purser’s desk know and they’ll assist you.
The first dinner onboard is casual, so no need to change unless you’ve been at the pool. Swimsuits are permitted only in the buffet, pizza, and deli areas, and a cover-up must be worn.
EMERGENCY PRACTICE (AKA Muster Drill)
This takes place either as the ship begins to sail or just before, depending on the captain. You’ll need to proceed to your assigned meeting point—ask a crew member if you’re unsure. This is a mandatory drill and all passengers must attend. I like to find out the location ahead of time and get there early since elevators aren’t available during the drill. Safety information is also reviewed during this time.
PACKING
Porters will help with large bags, but keep essentials in your carry-on—like a change of clothes, swimsuit, one nicer outfit, medications, and other necessities.
If you’re flying to your port, remember airlines have stricter baggage rules. Currently, cruise lines allow at least two large bags, one carry-on, and one personal item. Most airlines now charge for checked bags, while a carry-on and personal item (purse, backpack, laptop case) are usually free. Always confirm with your airline, as policies change often.
WHAT TO PACK
Most people choose a 7-night cruise, which usually includes two formal nights. Shorter cruises (5 nights or less) typically have one. If you’d rather not dress up, you can dine at the buffet or order room service.
Dress codes:
Men: No open-toed shoes, ball caps, or t-shirts in the formal dining hall. A full suit isn’t required, slacks with a polo or collared shirt are fine.
Women: Dressy sandals (not casual flip-flops), a summer dress, pantsuit, or blouse with capris all work.
Packing tips: Bring a couple of swimsuits, tennis shoes, one pair of versatile dress shoes, and flip-flops. Add a light jacket or wrap for cool evenings. If you forget anything, onboard shops carry basics from clothing to toiletries.
FOOD & DRINK
Food: All meals are included, with some specialty restaurants available for an extra fee. Many ships also offer 24/7 snacks and occasional midnight buffets.
Drinks: Tea, coffee, water, milk, and juice are free. Sodas and alcohol cost extra, with a 15% gratuity per drink. Some lines offer soda or alcohol packages—ask us about your ship. Look for specials, like 2-for-1 drinks or beer buckets.
Tip: If driving to port, most lines allow one 12-pack of soda and one bottle of wine or champagne per cabin (bring your own corkscrew to avoid fees). Flyers can’t carry on soda due to airline rules. Onboard, only Coke or Pepsi is served, and liquor bought in port will be held until disembarkation.
PAYING FOR THINGS ON SHIP
At check-in you’ll link a credit card or cash deposit to your key card, which is used for all onboard purchases. You can track charges via your stateroom TV or the purser’s desk, and you’ll get a summary the night before disembarkation. If paying cash, most lines require a $250+ deposit per person. Don’t lose your key card, report it right away.
Your card covers drinks, shopping, excursions, and more. Children can have charging privileges if you allow. Some things still require cash, like the casino (though a few games can be charged) and self-serve laundry—no irons are provided for safety. And don’t miss bingo—some cruises even give away a free trip!
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KIDS PROGRAMS
Everyone in the kids’ club program is a certified professional, so you can relax knowing your children are well cared for. These programs are safe, engaging, and fun—many kids don’t want to leave!
Clubs are divided by age, with games, crafts, and activities for each group. Some ships also offer evening babysitting, giving parents time to enjoy a quiet dinner or show—check with us to confirm.
Teens get their own spaces too, with a dance club, arcade, group activities, and a “mocktail” bar serving non-alcoholic drinks. It’s a safe, social way for them to enjoy a little independence and meet new friends.
DAILY ACTIVITIES
If you’re ever bored on a cruise…something is not right. There’s truly something for everyone, from dancing, Pilates, and yoga lessons to pottery workshops and salsa-making classes! Each day, a full schedule of activities will be delivered to your stateroom by your cabin steward, so you’ll always know what’s happening.
Sing karaoke, test your knowledge with movie trivia, try your hand at blackjack, or simply relax with a good book by the pool. There are activities for adults only, kids only, and plenty for the whole family to enjoy together. And if you’re ever unsure, no worries—your cruise director regularly announces what’s happening around the ship to keep you in the loop.
ENTERTAINMENT
Two words: GO SEE. The onboard shows are a must—they can rival some of the top performances you’d find in Las Vegas, complete with talented singers, dancers, comedians, and even magicians. These productions are incredible and absolutely worth making time for in the grand theater.
If you’re seated at early dining, plan to catch the show afterward. For late dining, enjoy the show before dinner. With “My Time Dining,” you have the flexibility to choose whichever showtime works best for you. Performances are scheduled throughout the cruise, so you won’t have to miss out no matter what your evening plans look like.
DINING TIMES
Most all cruise lines now have three options: Early seating (6pm), Late Seating (8pm), or Your time (545pm-9pm). On your key card, it will show your dining room and your table number if you chose to have the early or late dining. If you chose My Time, you will not have an assigned table number. With this option it is more like a restaurant you visit daily and you may have to wait to be seated until a table opens up. The set dining times are great; you sit at the same table with the same people every night. I love this experience and have made some great long-time friends by choosing traditional cruise dining!
GRATUITIES
On most cruise lines, gratuities are now mandatory—and well deserved. Your cabin steward, waiter, and bus staff quickly learn your preferences and go above and beyond, while many behind-the-scenes crew also benefit from tips.
Gratuities are usually $10–$15 per person, per day (including kids) and can often be prepaid, which we recommend for convenience. If you have a baby who won’t use any services, you may want to skip prepaying. Either way, be fair—these hardworking crew members are a big part of what makes your vacation stress-free and memorable.
EXCURSIONS
Optional land excursions can be booked in advance (through the cruise line or Shoretrips for smaller groups) or purchased onboard via your TV portfolio. Some sell out quickly, so check the website for your sailing and ports of call.
After your final payment and confirmation number, you can start booking online. Need help or recommendations? Just ask us!
If you skip excursions, you can still get off the ship and shop—most ports have great stores near the dock. Be sure to carry your key card and a photo ID (driver’s license is best; keep your passport locked up), as both are required each time you leave or reboard the ship.
DEPARTING THE SHIP
The night before, you will have to put your large luggage in the hall since you will want the porters to take these off the ship for you (can you imagine hundreds or thousands of people trying to carry large luggage off the ship at the same time? It would be nuts!)
You will collect these larger bags in the customs/immigration terminal after you disembark the ship. This helps keep things as uncluttered as possible! You will also receive tags to put on these bags before you put them out.
*Don’t forget to grab an outfit for the next day and have some room in your carry-on for anything you keep with you before you put your luggage out.*
THE ACTUAL DEPARTURE
The departure is done in groups by the tags (which are either done by color or number) and group numbers they give you before your departure. Each luggage tag coincides with the passenger’s flight times, the later your flight, the later your actual departure of the ship will be. If you drove, they do have a “carry your own luggage off” tag as well, otherwise, you are some of the last passengers off. The purser can explain this in more detail, but they call the color/number that was on your tag in order and when your color/number is called, you may leave the ship! It’s easy once you start hearing the announcements!
MISCELLANEOUS
Most ships have laundry facilities, in-room hairdryers, and other amenities to make your stay comfortable. If you’re unsure what’s included on your ship, just ask us, we’ll be happy to check.
Worried about seasickness? Don’t be! Before you depart, ask your doctor what they recommend. Many travelers use prescription patches worn behind the ear, which provide a steady dose of motion sickness medication. You can also buy non-drowsy Dramamine and take it in the morning. Some guests even take it preventively if rough seas are expected.
If you have more questions about cruising, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re always glad to help. Most importantly, relax, enjoy, and have a wonderful time at sea!