The cruise price usually includes:

• accommodation in the cabin of your choice;
• full board in the main restaurants and the self-service buffet restaurant;
• entertainment events and shows;
• use of most of the ship’s public areas: pools, gym, relaxation zones.

Additional charges usually apply for:

• drink packages;
• shore excursions;
• SPA services;
• internet access;
• specialty restaurants;
• some entertainment options;
• mandatory gratuities, unless it is stated that they are included in the cruise price.

Yes. Many cruise ships offer kids’ clubs, play areas, water parks, family entertainment and special programmes for children of different ages.

Yes. Cruises are one of the most convenient ways of travelling for older people, as there is no need to frequently change hotels or arrange transport between cities.

Yes, and this is one of the biggest myths about cruising – many people still believe cruises are only for seniors. In reality, today’s market offers a wide range of cruise lines targeting very different audiences. Modern cruise ships resemble floating resorts where you can choose anything from active holidays to romantic or gourmet experiences.

Mandatory gratuities (also known as Hotel Service Charge, Crew Appreciation, Gratuities) are a fee set by the cruise line, intended to reward the ship’s crew and cover service charges.

Some cruise lines include gratuities in the cruise price, for example, MSC Cruises, AIDA Cruises, Mein Schiff / TUI Cruises. Others allow you to add gratuities at the time of booking or choose to pay them on board, for example, Costa Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Princess Cruises (except for the Plus or Premier packages).

The amount of gratuities depends on the cruise line, but usually ranges from EUR 11 to 20 per person per day.

Cash is not used on cruise ships. All expenses are recorded on the passenger’s electronic onboard account and settled at the end of the cruise.

The amount is charged to the payment card you provide when checking in for the cruise, or deducted from a cash deposit you make. The deposit is made via special machines on board and can be topped up at any time according to your needs.

During embarkation, each passenger is issued a ship card. It serves several functions: cabin key, personal identification on board, onboard payment method, and a disembarkation and embarkation card in ports.

You will usually need:

• a valid passport or ID card – depending on the cruise itinerary;
• visas, if required;
• cruise documents;
• travel insurance – recommended.

Most cruise lines recommend that your passport remains valid for at least 6 months after the end of your trip.

Although not always mandatory, travel insurance is highly recommended. It can cover medical expenses, trip cancellation, luggage loss and other unforeseen events.

It is prohibited to bring weapons, ammunition, explosive and flammable materials, illegal drugs, dangerous electrical appliances and other items that could pose a threat to the safety of passengers or crew on board cruise ships.

Please note: dangerous electrical appliances include irons, electric kettles and/or heating coils.

You must arrive at the port / terminal at the time specified in your documents.

Important: cruise lines usually recommend arriving in the port city at least 6 hours before the cruise. It is safer to arrive in the port city one day before the cruise.

If you arrive earlier than the time specified in your documents, you may be asked to wait until your assigned time.

If you arrive after your assigned check-in time, the cruise line has the right to deny you boarding. In such cases, no compensation is paid for the missed cruise.

Upon arrival at the terminal:

1. checked luggage is handed over;
2. documents are checked;
3. a security / immigration check is carried out;
4. a ship card is issued. On some cruises, you will find your ship card left in your assigned cabin;
5. the passenger boards the ship.

Luggage allowances depend on the cruise line, but the restrictions are usually far more flexible than in air travel.

Yes. Hand luggage with your essentials is recommended, as checked luggage may take several hours to reach your cabin.

We recommend packing items you may need within the first few hours in your hand luggage: toiletries, essential medication, phone chargers and a change of clothes. If you plan to visit the SPA or pool, pack your swimwear as well.

Yes. It is recommended to keep medication in its original packaging and to carry a doctor’s note if you take prescription medicines.

The most commonly offered cabin types are:

• interior cabins;
• ocean-view cabins (with a window);
• balcony cabins;
• suites.

Usually within the first few hours after embarkation.

Yes. On most ships, cabins are serviced every day.

Yes, most cabins are equipped with safes for storing valuables.

Hairdryers are provided in cabins on almost all cruise ships.

Is it worth bringing your own? It depends on your needs. The hairdryers provided in cabins are usually sufficient for everyday use. If you have long or thick hair, or use a professional hairdryer, it may be more convenient to bring your own.

Many standard cabins have a minibar, but not all. If your cabin has a minibar, the drinks and snacks in it are usually charged separately and are not included in the cruise price.

Important: even if you have purchased an unlimited drink package, it usually applies in bars, restaurants and lounge areas, but not to the cabin minibar. It is always worth checking the rules of the specific cruise line.

Yes. Meals in the main restaurants and self-service buffet restaurants are usually included in the price.

In most cases, perishable food products, homemade food, fruit and vegetables are not allowed on board.

Drinks in the self-service buffet restaurants are usually free of charge: water, tea, brewed coffee, and some soft drinks.

If you plan to regularly enjoy coffee, soft drinks or alcoholic beverages, a drink package can often help you save money.

No, most cruise lines restrict or prohibit bringing spirits, beer, wine and champagne on board.

No. You can buy excursions from the cruise line or arrange them independently.

If the excursion was purchased from the cruise line – usually yes. If you are travelling independently – no.

Yes. Cruise ships comply with international safety requirements and are inspected regularly.

Yes. Participation is mandatory for all passengers.

On some ships, the safety briefing can be watched on the TV in your cabin, after which you must go and check in at your assigned muster station. It is indicated on your ship card and on the inside of your cabin door.

Yes. Every cruise ship has a medical centre staffed by qualified personnel.

The medical staff will provide assistance. If necessary, the passenger may be disembarked at the nearest port for treatment.

In the cruise industry, the term “eco-friendly ship” is not strictly defined, but it usually refers to ships that use more advanced technologies to reduce CO₂ emissions, air pollution, fuel consumption and their impact on marine ecosystems.

The main signs that a ship is more eco-friendly:

• it runs on LNG (liquefied natural gas) instead of traditional marine fuel;
• it can connect to the onshore power grid (shore power) while in port, so it emits no pollutants while docked;
• it has advanced wastewater and waste management systems;
• it is fitted with energy-saving technologies:
  1. an optimised hull;
  2. more efficient engines;
  3. LED lighting;
  4. heat recovery systems.
• it uses batteries or is prepared for alternative fuels in the future: green methanol, hydrogen.

The ships currently considered the most eco-friendly are:

• MSC Cruises: MSC Euribia, MSC World Europe, MSC World America;
• Costa Cruises: Costa Toscana, Costa Smeralda;
• AIDA Cruises: AIDAnova, AIDAcosma;
• TUI Cruises (Mein Schiff): Mein Schiff Relax, Mein Schiff Flow;
• Royal Caribbean Group: Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas, Utopia of the Seas.

Yes, but internet services are usually subject to a fee.

Internet quality depends on the ship, cruise line, itinerary and the internet package you choose. In recent years, many cruise lines have switched to Starlink satellite internet, so connection quality has improved significantly. However, speeds may drop during peak hours due to the large number of users.

Yes, but high roaming charges may apply at sea, so we usually advise our clients to switch on flight mode.

With most cruise lines, the cabin must be vacated at around 8:00–8:30 in the morning, regardless of when you will disembark from the ship. Exact information is provided on board during the last days of the cruise.

After vacating the cabin, passengers can:

• have breakfast;
• wait for their disembarkation in the ship’s common areas;
• use some of the public areas until disembarkation.

On most cruises, checked luggage is left outside the cabin door on the last evening with special luggage tags. These are delivered to your cabin on the final evening of the cruise.

The crew takes the luggage to the terminal, where passengers collect their suitcases after disembarkation according to the colour or number of the tags. Those who wish to leave the ship faster can choose self-assisted disembarkation and carry all their luggage themselves.

Recommended: keep your documents, medication, valuables and other essentials in your hand luggage.

On the last day of the cruise, passengers disembark according to a set schedule.

It is recommended to choose a flight departing no earlier than 5–6 hours after the ship’s scheduled arrival in port.

Yes, but the cancellation conditions and fees set by the cruise line apply.

Usually yes, but administrative fees and deadlines may apply.

Contact your travel agent immediately and check the cancellation and insurance conditions.