Cruise FAQs: Everything You Need to Know Before You Book

Most cruise fares include your accommodation, main meals in included dining venues, entertainment, many onboard activities and access to the ship's facilities. Port taxes and government fees are generally included in the advertised cruise fare.

What's not included varies between cruise lines and fares. Drinks packages, Wi-Fi, speciality dining, shore excursions, spa treatments and some activities may cost extra. Some cruise lines and premium fares include more, such as gratuities, drinks, Wi-Fi or shore excursion credits.

Always check the inclusions for your specific cruise before booking.

Ocean and river cruises offer very different ways to see the world. Ocean cruises are generally larger and offer more onboard entertainment, dining, activities and facilities, while visiting a wider range of coastal destinations and islands. They can be a great choice for families, couples and travellers who enjoy having plenty to do onboard.

River cruises are smaller and more destination-focused, sailing along rivers such as the Rhine, Danube, Seine, Douro and Mekong. Ships typically dock close to the heart of cities and towns, making it easy to explore local culture, history and attractions. River cruises also tend to include more in the fare, such as selected excursions, drinks and gratuities, depending on the cruise line.

Neither is necessarily better — it comes down to how you prefer to travel.

Compare river cruises and discover your next river cruise →

Yes. Your cruise fare normally includes a wide range of meals in the ship's main dining room, buffet and selected casual dining venues. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are generally included, along with snacks and selected drinks such as water, tea and coffee at included venues.

Speciality restaurants, premium dining experiences and some room-service items may cost extra depending on the cruise line.

Some drinks are usually included in your cruise fare, such as water, tea, coffee and selected beverages at included dining venues. Alcohol, soft drinks, bottled water and premium coffees often require an additional charge or drinks package.

However, inclusions vary significantly between cruise lines and fare types. Some cruise fares and promotions include drinks packages, so check what is included before purchasing a separate package.

The cruise fare covers a lot, but you may want to budget for extras such as:

• Drinks and drinks packages
• Wi-Fi
• Speciality restaurants
• Shore excursions
• Spa treatments and salon services
• Casino spending
• Some onboard activities
• Shopping
• Photos
• Transfers
• Flights and hotels if you are booking a cruise-only holiday
• Gratuities, where these aren't already included

The good news? You don't necessarily need to pay for all of these. There are plenty of included dining options, entertainment and activities on most cruise ships.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Your spending will depend on what you want to do onboard and ashore.

If your cruise fare includes gratuities and you don't purchase drinks, Wi-Fi, speciality dining or excursions, you can spend relatively little onboard. If you enjoy shore excursions, cocktails, speciality restaurants and shopping, you'll need a larger budget.

A good starting point is to look at what's already included in your fare and then budget separately for the extras you actually want.

Many are. Swimming pools, fitness centres, entertainment, live music, trivia, games and other activities are commonly included in your cruise fare.

Some activities and experiences may cost extra, particularly speciality attractions, spa services, certain classes, premium entertainment or activities operated for an additional fee. What is included varies by ship.

Inside: The most affordable cabin type, with no outside window.

Oceanview: Has a window or porthole providing a view of the ocean. Some oceanview cabins may have partially obstructed views.

Balcony: Includes a private outdoor balcony, giving you your own space to enjoy the sea views and fresh air.

There are also suites and other cabin categories offering more space and additional benefits.

Usually, no. An oceanview stateroom generally has a fixed window or porthole that cannot be opened.

If having fresh air or outdoor space is important to you, consider booking a balcony stateroom instead. Cabin features vary by ship, so check the specific stateroom description before booking.

Yes. Balcony staterooms generally have a door leading from the cabin to the private balcony. The balcony door is not designed to be left open while the ship is sailing, and cruise lines have rules around balcony use.

That depends on your priorities and budget.

An inside cabin is great if you plan to spend most of your time exploring the ship and ports. An oceanview gives you natural light and an outside view, while a balcony gives you private outdoor space.

For longer cruises, scenic itineraries or cruises where you'll spend more time onboard, upgrading to a balcony can be particularly appealing.

Cruise cabins are generally compact and designed to make good use of the available space. Cabin sizes vary considerably between cruise lines, ships and categories.

If space is important to you, look at the cabin's square metre size before booking. Suites and some newer or premium ships offer considerably more living space.

A Guarantee Grade room allows you to choose your preferred cabin category — such as inside, oceanview or balcony — without selecting a specific cabin number.

The cruise line guarantees that you will receive the category booked or a higher category, but you can be allocated anywhere on the ship.

A Guarantee Grade cabin isn't ideal if you need an accessible cabin, want cabins close together, or have a strong preference for a particular location.

Yes, where a specific cabin is available for selection. You can usually choose the location and cabin number during the booking process.

If you book a Guarantee Grade cabin, the cruise line selects the cabin for you.

Yes, if suitable cabins are available. If you're travelling with family or friends, tell us that you need cabins close together before booking.

Guarantee Grade cabins cannot be relied upon for specific locations or adjoining rooms.

Yes. Some cruise ships have dedicated solo or single staterooms, while others price a standard cabin with a single supplement.

The availability and type of solo accommodation varies significantly between cruise lines and ships.

Yes. Many cruise ships have cabins designed for three, four or sometimes more guests, although the maximum occupancy varies by stateroom.

Family cabins, suites and connecting cabins can also be available on selected ships. If you're travelling with children or a multi-generation group, it's worth checking the cabin configuration carefully before booking.

Cruise fares generally include breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus snacks and additional food options throughout the day.

Many ships also have casual dining, buffets, cafés or other included food venues available outside traditional meal times.

No. Most cruise ships offer several included dining options, such as buffets and casual restaurants, alongside the main dining room.

Some cruise lines also offer speciality restaurants for an additional charge.

Many do. Speciality restaurants can include steakhouses, Italian, Asian, seafood and other premium dining experiences.

These usually cost extra, although some cruise fares, packages and promotions include speciality dining.

Cruise lines have specific rules about bringing food and beverages onboard. Alcohol policies in particular vary considerably, and some cruise lines allow limited quantities while others have stricter restrictions.

Always check the rules for your specific cruise line before packing anything.

A drinks package allows you to pay a set amount for selected drinks rather than purchasing each drink individually.

Packages vary widely. They may cover alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, bottled water, speciality coffees or a combination of these.

Whether a drinks package represents good value depends on how much you expect to drink and what's included. We recommend checking the package terms and doing the maths before purchasing one.

It depends on the cruise line and fare. Some fares include Wi-Fi, while others offer it as an optional package.

Wi-Fi packages can vary by ship and by the number of devices or services included.

Cruise ship Wi-Fi can be surprisingly expensive. As a general guide, expect to pay around US$15–$40+ per device per day, depending on the cruise line, ship, Wi-Fi package and whether you purchase it before sailing. Premium streaming packages and multiple-device plans can cost more.

Some cruise lines and cruise fares include Wi-Fi, which can represent excellent value when you're comparing the total cost of a cruise. Packages may bundle Wi-Fi with other inclusions such as drinks, dining or gratuities.

If Wi-Fi is important to you, don't just compare the headline cruise fare — check whether Wi-Fi is included and how many devices are covered. The inclusions for your specific cruise will be shown during the booking process where available.

You can use your phone onboard, but connecting to a ship's maritime mobile network while at sea can result in significant roaming charges.

To avoid unexpected costs, check your mobile provider's cruise roaming information and consider using Wi-Fi with your phone set to airplane mode while at sea.

Yes, but you'll need to be careful when the ship is at sea. Cruise ships can connect to maritime mobile networks, and using mobile data, making calls or sending messages over these networks can result in significant roaming charges.

To avoid unexpected charges, switch your phone to airplane mode before the ship leaves port. You can then turn Wi-Fi back on and connect to the ship's Wi-Fi when you need internet access. When you're ashore, you can switch airplane mode off and use your normal mobile service if your plan covers the destination.

Check with your New Zealand mobile provider before your cruise to understand what's included in your plan and whether cruise or maritime roaming is covered.

Yes, if you have a suitable internet connection. WhatsApp messages and calls may work over the ship's Wi-Fi, depending on the Wi-Fi package and network restrictions.

Remember that using your mobile network at sea can result in roaming charges.

Activities vary by ship but can include swimming pools, fitness centres, live entertainment, trivia, cooking demonstrations, sports, kids' clubs, movies, games, dance classes and more.

Larger ships often have additional attractions such as waterslides, surf simulators, race tracks, rock-climbing walls and other activities.

Most ocean cruise ships have at least one swimming pool, although the number and type of pools varies.

Some ships also have adults-only pools, children's pools, splash areas, waterslides and indoor or covered pools.

Most modern cruise ships have a fitness centre, often with cardio and weight-training equipment. Some also offer fitness classes, personal training and specialist wellness facilities for an additional fee.

Many family-friendly cruise lines offer supervised kids' and teen programmes, often divided into different age groups.

Facilities and minimum ages vary by cruise line and ship. Some cruise lines also offer childcare or nursery services for younger children, sometimes at an additional cost.

Many ocean cruise ships have casinos. They are generally open when the ship is sailing and closed while the ship is in port, subject to local regulations.

Cruise lines have different age restrictions and casino policies.

Usually, no. Shore excursions are generally an additional cost unless your fare or cruise line specifically includes excursions.

You can book excursions through your cruise line or book your shore excursions here with Shore Excursions Group. You'll find thousands of excursions in hundreds of cruise ports, including small-group and private tours. Booking independently can also give you access to experiences that aren't available through your cruise line, often with smaller groups and more personalised experiences. Shore Excursions Group also offers a guaranteed return-to-ship service on eligible excursions, plus 24/7 support.

Prices vary enormously depending on the destination and activity. A simple sightseeing tour may cost much less than a full-day adventure, private tour or specialist experience.

Some luxury cruise fares include shore excursions, while other cruise lines charge separately.

No. You can often explore a port independently or simply stay onboard.

However, if you're visiting somewhere for the first time, a shore excursion can be an easy way to see the highlights without having to organise everything yourself.

Usually, passengers can disembark during scheduled port visits, but this isn't guaranteed.

Weather, operational issues, local regulations and other circumstances can result in a port being changed or cancelled. Some ports also use tender boats rather than allowing the ship to dock directly at the terminal.

The ship operates to a schedule and will not normally wait for passengers who are late returning from an independently organised activity.

If you book an excursion through the cruise line, the cruise line generally manages the timing of the excursion in relation to the ship's departure. Always allow plenty of time to return to the ship.

The advertised cruise fare is the starting point, but the total cost of your holiday depends on what is included in your specific fare.

Your cruise fare may include accommodation, meals, entertainment, activities and port taxes. Depending on the cruise line and fare, you may need to budget separately for drinks, Wi-Fi, speciality dining, excursions, gratuities, flights, hotels and transfers.

This is why it's important to compare what's included, rather than simply comparing the headline cruise price.

It depends on the cruise line and fare.

Many cruise fares available through Cruise Deals include onboard gratuities, while some cruise lines or fare types charge gratuities separately.

Always check the inclusions of your specific cruise. Our Cruise Specialists can help explain what you'll need to budget for.

Cruise gratuities, sometimes called service charges or crew appreciation, are charges that contribute towards the service provided by your onboard crew.

The way gratuities are calculated and charged varies between cruise lines. They may be included in your fare, prepaid or added to your onboard account.

Most cruise ships operate using an onboard account rather than cash. You can generally link a credit or debit card to your account when you check in.

Your onboard purchases are then charged to your account and settled during or at the end of your cruise.

Onboard credit is money provided for you to spend on eligible purchases during your cruise.

Depending on the cruise line and promotion, it may be used towards things such as drinks, speciality dining, shore excursions, spa treatments or other onboard purchases.

The terms and eligible purchases vary, so check the conditions attached to your onboard credit.

There is no set timeframe that officially defines a “last-minute” cruise. Generally, it means booking a cruise relatively close to its departure date, when the cruise line has remaining cabins available.

Last-minute cruise deals can sometimes offer excellent value, particularly if you're flexible about your travel dates, cabin type or itinerary. However, availability can be limited and the cheapest fare isn't guaranteed to be available close to departure.

They can be, but there's no guarantee that booking last minute means you'll get the lowest price. Cruise fares are dynamic and can increase or decrease depending on demand, availability and promotions.

Cruise lines may reduce fares on selected sailings to fill remaining cabins, but attractive fares can also be available months or even years before departure. Booking earlier generally gives you a better choice of cabins, itineraries and departure dates.

Looking for a last-minute cruise deal? See our latest last-minute cruise offers →

Flexibility is key. Your choice of cabins and itineraries may be more limited, and you should consider the availability and cost of flights and accommodation if you're travelling overseas. Make sure you also have the required passport, visa and travel documents before booking.

If you find a cruise that suits you at a great price, don't assume waiting will make it cheaper — fares and availability can change at any time. For overseas departures, we also recommend arriving at the cruise port at least one day before your cruise where practical.

Absolutely. When you book online with Cruise Deals, you are assigned a Cruise Specialist who can assist with your booking and additional travel requirements.

You're not simply left to figure everything out yourself once you've clicked "book".

Our website currently requires rooms to be booked individually. If you're travelling as a group, your assigned Cruise Specialist can help ensure the bookings are linked where possible.

If having cabins together is important, tell us before booking. Guarantee Grade cabins cannot be relied upon for specific locations.

Where a no-obligation hold is available, the option will be shown during the booking process. Holds and their conditions vary by cruise line and sailing.

If you're unsure whether a particular cruise can be held, contact our Cruise Specialists.

Cruise fares are dynamic and can change as availability changes. Prices displayed on websites can also be cached or indicative until you complete a live search.

While many cruises on our website have live pricing and availability, some cruise lines do not provide live pricing through our online booking system. If you see an Enquire option instead of a live price, simply submit an enquiry for the cruise you're interested in. This will notify our Cruise Specialists, who will check the latest pricing and availability and get back to you.

Always check the current price and availability before making a booking.

Cruise Deals' Exclusive Savings are selected cruises where we have secured access to dedicated cruise inventory, often at an earlier or lower fare than the current market price.

Some Exclusive Savings cruises can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars cheaper than the current market fare, and selected sailings may also include bonus onboard credit.

These fares are limited and can disappear once the allocated cabins sell out.

No. Cruise fares are dynamic and availability can change at any time. Our Exclusive Savings are based on the market fare available at the time of comparison and are subject to availability.

Where a hold option is available, we recommend placing the cruise on hold if you're not quite ready to book. This can help secure the current fare and cabin availability for the applicable hold period, giving you time to make your travel arrangements before committing to the booking.

Hold options and timeframes vary by cruise line and sailing.

For international cruises, you should have a valid passport and meet the passport validity requirements for your itinerary.

Cruise lines and countries visited can have different requirements, so don't assume the requirements for one cruise apply to another.

For most international travel from New Zealand, we recommend having at least six months' passport validity remaining after your holiday, unless the specific destination requirements state otherwise. Check the requirements for your itinerary before booking.

Possibly. Visa requirements depend on your nationality, itinerary and the countries you visit.

Even if you don't plan to leave the ship, some countries may require passengers to hold the appropriate visa.

New Zealand travellers should check the requirements for every country on their itinerary before departure.

We strongly recommend travel insurance for every cruise and taking it out when you book. Cruise holidays can involve significant non-refundable costs, so make sure your policy covers cruise-specific situations as well as medical expenses, cancellation, delays and other relevant risks.

Some cruise lines, destinations or itineraries may also have specific insurance requirements.

Cruise Deals customers can get an exclusive 10% discount on travel insurance. Get a quote and see your Cruise Deals discount.

Most modern cruise ships have a number of accessible staterooms, but availability is limited and cabin layouts vary.

If you require an accessible cabin, tell us when you enquire or select the accessible option when searching online so our team can check the appropriate cabin type.

Many cruise ships can accommodate wheelchairs and mobility scooters, but there can be restrictions on size, storage and the number of mobility devices permitted onboard.

Mobility scooters generally need to be stored inside your stateroom rather than in the corridor. Requirements vary between cruise lines, so always advise us of your requirements before booking.

Cruise lines have strict pregnancy policies and restrictions vary between cruise lines.

Many cruise lines will not allow passengers to sail if they will reach a certain stage of pregnancy during the cruise. You must tell us if you are pregnant when booking, or if you become pregnant after booking, so the applicable cruise line policy can be checked.

Pregnancy policies can affect whether you are permitted to travel and may also affect cancellation arrangements.

Your packing list will depend on your destination and cruise line, but most cruises require a mixture of casual clothing, swimwear, comfortable walking shoes and smart-casual or formal clothing where applicable.

Don't forget your passport, travel documents, medication, chargers, toiletries and any items you need for excursions.

Always check your cruise line's dress code and prohibited-items list before you travel.

Cruise ships can have different electrical outlets depending on the cruise line and ship. US and European-style sockets are common, and many modern ships also provide USB or USB-C charging points.

If you're travelling from New Zealand, we recommend taking a suitable travel adaptor.

Be careful. Many cruise lines prohibit power boards, particularly those with surge protection.

Items that are prohibited can be confiscated at embarkation. Always check your specific cruise line's prohibited-items policy before packing electrical equipment.

Cruise lines commonly prohibit irons and other heating appliances in passenger cabins because of fire safety.

Some ships provide laundry or pressing services, and some have self-service laundry facilities. Check your cruise line's rules before packing one.

Absolutely. Family-friendly cruise lines can offer kids' clubs, pools, waterslides, entertainment and activities for different age groups.

Some cruise lines also offer excellent value for families travelling in the same stateroom, while others have promotions for children.

The best cruise for your family will depend on the ages of your children, itinerary, budget and the type of onboard experience you're looking for.

Yes, but minimum-age requirements vary between cruise lines and individual sailings.

Some cruise lines have dedicated facilities for babies, toddlers, children and teenagers, while others are more adult-focused.

Always check the age requirements before booking.

Yes. Cruises can work particularly well for couples because you can combine dining, entertainment, relaxation and sightseeing without having to unpack and move hotels.

There are cruise lines and ships ranging from lively and activity-packed to intimate, sophisticated and adults-focused.

Yes. Solo cruising has become increasingly popular, and some ships offer dedicated solo staterooms and solo traveller facilities.

However, solo fares can vary significantly because some cruise lines apply a single supplement to standard cabins.

Yes. Some cruise lines and ships are specifically adults-only, while others offer adults-only areas or venues onboard.

If you're looking for a quieter, child-free cruise, we can help you compare the options.

Many cruise lines offer a welcoming and inclusive environment for LGBTQIA+ travellers, with some featuring LGBTQIA+ social events, Pride celebrations and inclusive onboard facilities. Cruise Deals has selected some of our favourite LGBTQIA+ friendly cruise lines, including Virgin Voyages, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Azamara, Norwegian Cruise Line and Ambassador Cruises.

These aren't necessarily dedicated LGBTQIA+ cruises, but they offer inclusive onboard experiences and a welcoming atmosphere.

Yes. New Zealanders have a range of options for cruising from home, although the choice of itineraries and departure ports varies by season.

Auckland is New Zealand's main cruise port and has selected departures each season, including cruises to Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. Most Auckland sailings are one-way or longer itineraries rather than short roundtrip cruises. Carnival Adventure is offering a limited season of 4–10 night roundtrip cruises from Auckland in winter 2027, visiting destinations including Norfolk Island, Fiji, Vanuatu and New Caledonia.

You can also find cruises that depart from or visit other New Zealand ports, depending on the itinerary and season. For many New Zealanders, another popular option is to fly to Sydney or Brisbane and cruise from Australia, which opens up a much wider choice of itineraries.

Cruise options from Auckland change from season to season. There are selected departures from Auckland with cruise lines including Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Azamara, Holland America, Oceania and others, with itineraries ranging from New Zealand and Trans-Tasman cruises to longer voyages across the Pacific.

Most Auckland departures are not short roundtrip cruises. You'll find many one-way cruises between Auckland and Sydney, as well as longer New Zealand, Australian and Pacific itineraries.

One of the exceptions is Carnival Adventure's 2027 Auckland season, which includes 4–10 night roundtrip cruises to Norfolk Island, Fiji, Vanuatu and New Caledonia, as well as selected Auckland-to-Sydney sailings.

Browse all cruises from Auckland →

Not necessarily. If you choose a cruise departing from Auckland, you can start your holiday in New Zealand without flying overseas.

However, many cruises available to New Zealand travellers depart from Australia or overseas, giving you a much wider choice of ships, itineraries and departure dates. Sydney and Brisbane are particularly popular options for Kiwis looking for an easy cruise holiday without travelling too far from home. Carnival, for example, offers year-round cruises from Sydney and Brisbane, alongside its limited Auckland season in 2027.

If your cruise departs overseas, you can book the cruise on its own or combine it with flights and accommodation to create a Fly, Stay & Cruise holiday.

For overseas departures, we generally recommend arriving at least one day before your cruise where practical.

This gives you some protection against flight delays, cancellations and other disruptions that could otherwise cause you to miss the ship.

For longer or more complicated international itineraries, adding a pre-cruise hotel stay can also make the holiday much less stressful.

Yes. Cruise Deals offers Fly, Stay & Cruise options, and you can also build your own cruise package where available by combining a cruise with flights and pre- or post-cruise accommodation.

The best cruise depends on where you want to go, how long you have and whether you want to fly. Auckland departures are ideal if you want to cruise from New Zealand, although options are seasonal. Sydney and Brisbane offer a much wider choice of cruises and are easy options for a Fly & Cruise holiday. You can also cruise around New Zealand, explore the South Pacific or fly further afield for cruises in Asia, Alaska, Europe and beyond.

Sydney and Brisbane are generally the easiest Australian cruise ports for New Zealanders, with frequent flights from New Zealand and a wide choice of cruise itineraries. Sydney offers everything from short getaways to South Pacific and New Zealand cruises, while Brisbane is particularly well placed for Queensland, the Great Barrier Reef and South Pacific itineraries. Melbourne is another option for selected Tasmania, Australia and New Zealand cruises.

Cruise ships have comprehensive safety procedures, trained crew and emergency systems designed to protect passengers and crew. Every passenger is required to take part in a safety or muster briefing before the ship departs, so you know what to do and where to go in an emergency.

Cruise lines also have procedures covering situations such as severe weather, medical emergencies and other unexpected events. As with any holiday, it's important to follow the ship's safety instructions and take reasonable precautions with your belongings and personal safety.

Before booking or travelling, we recommend checking the New Zealand Government's SafeTravel advice for every country on your cruise itinerary. Travel advice can change, so it's a good idea to check again before you depart.

SafeTravel provides current advice on safety and security risks, entry requirements and other important considerations for New Zealand travellers. It also uses four travel advice levels, ranging from exercising normal safety precautions through to Do Not Travel.

Check SafeTravel's advice for your cruise destinations →

It's also important to check that your travel insurance covers all the countries you're visiting and any activities you plan to do ashore. SafeTravel specifically recommends checking that your cruise insurance covers each destination and medical evacuation.

Most ocean cruise ships have an onboard medical centre staffed by qualified medical professionals who can treat many common illnesses and minor injuries. Medical services onboard generally come at an additional cost, which is one reason we strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers cruise holidays.

If you need treatment that isn't available onboard, the ship's medical team can assess your situation and arrange appropriate care, which may include treatment at a medical facility ashore or, where necessary, medical evacuation.

Most large ocean cruise ships have an onboard medical centre and qualified medical staff available to treat illness and injury. The facilities and services available vary between cruise lines and ships.

Cruise ship medical centres are not a replacement for a full hospital, and more serious conditions may require treatment ashore or evacuation. Medical treatment onboard is generally charged separately, so make sure your travel insurance provides appropriate cruise and medical cover.

Cruise ships have established emergency procedures and trained crew to respond to a range of situations. Before departure, passengers are required to complete a safety or muster briefing so they know their emergency procedures and assembly point.

If an emergency occurs, follow the instructions from the crew and ship's announcements. The ship may change its route, return to port or arrange assistance from emergency services depending on the circumstances.

Yes, you can generally bring prescription and essential medication on a cruise. We recommend keeping medication in its original packaging, carrying it in your hand luggage and taking enough for your entire holiday, plus some extra in case of unexpected delays.

If you take prescription medication, it's sensible to carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor, particularly when travelling internationally. Some medicines have restrictions in certain countries, so check the requirements for every destination on your itinerary before you travel.

If you need refrigerated medication, medical equipment or other special arrangements, let your Cruise Specialist know before booking so the cruise line's requirements can be checked.

In many cases, yes. Cruise lines accommodate passengers with a wide range of accessibility and medical requirements, and many ships have accessible staterooms and facilities.

However, requirements and restrictions vary between cruise lines and ships. If you have a medical condition, mobility requirement, use a wheelchair or mobility scooter, require accessible accommodation or need medical equipment, tell us before booking so we can check the specific requirements for your cruise.

Some conditions may require medical clearance before you travel, and cruise lines can have restrictions relating to certain medical conditions or stages of pregnancy.

We strongly recommend travel insurance for every cruise and taking it out when you book. Cruise holidays can involve significant non-refundable costs, and your policy should cover cruise-specific situations as well as medical expenses, cancellation, delays and other relevant risks.

Some cruise lines, destinations or itineraries may also have specific insurance requirements.

Cruise Deals customers can get an exclusive 10% discount on travel insurance. Get a quote and see your Cruise Deals discount.