Frequently Asked
Questions

It depends on your itinerary. If your cruise departs and returns to the same U.S. port (called a "closed-loop" cruise), U.S. citizens can technically use a birth certificate plus government-issued ID — but Craig strongly recommends a passport regardless. If you need to fly home early due to a medical emergency, you can't board a flight without one. Always travel with a valid U.S. passport; it's not worth the risk.

Your base fare covers your cabin, all main dining (buffet, main dining room, room service), entertainment (shows, pools, fitness center), and transportation between ports. Not included: specialty restaurants, alcoholic beverages, shore excursions, Wi-Fi, spa treatments, and gratuities (typically $16–$20/person/day, usually auto-charged). Drink packages and specialty dining bundles can be worth it — Craig can help you run the numbers.

Better than most people expect. The main dining room serves a multi-course dinner every night with rotating menus. The buffet is open most of the day with international options, and most ships have free 24-hour options like pizza and a deli. Specialty restaurants (steakhouse, sushi, Italian) cost extra ($25–$60/person) but are genuinely good. Celebrity Edge in particular is known for exceptional food across every venue.

Key variables: location on the ship (mid-ship is smoothest at sea), deck level, and category — inside, oceanview, balcony, or suite. Craig recommends balcony cabins for Alaska and Mediterranean sailings where the scenery is the point. For a 3–5 day Caribbean cruise on a budget, an inside cabin is perfectly fine. He'll suggest specific cabin numbers based on what he knows about each ship's layout — avoiding spots above the nightclub or below the pool deck.

The sweet spot is 6–12 months out for the best cabin selection at a fair price. Last-minute deals (within 30–60 days) exist but you lose flexibility on cabin type and location. Wave Season (January–March) is when cruise lines push the most promotions — extra perks, onboard credit, and reduced deposits. Craig monitors pricing and will flag real deals when they come up.

For most Caribbean cruises, 4–6 months out gives solid selection without overpaying. For Alaska, book 9–12 months ahead — balcony cabins sell out fast and the season is short (May–September). For holiday sailings (Christmas, New Year's, Thanksgiving), a full year isn't too early. The earlier you book, the more cabin choices you have and the better your price lock.

Cancellation policies vary by cruise line. Most offer a full refund if you cancel 90+ days before departure, then shift to partial credit or forfeit closer to sailing. If you have Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) travel insurance, you can recover 75–90% of your trip cost regardless of reason. Craig reviews cancellation terms with you at booking and advises on when travel insurance makes the most sense.

Yes — especially if you're booking more than 90 days out or traveling internationally. A single medical evacuation at sea can cost $30,000–$100,000 without coverage. The most important coverage to look for: medical evacuation, trip cancellation for any reason (CFAR), and pre-existing condition waivers (which require purchasing within 14–21 days of your deposit). Craig can walk you through which policy fits your situation.

A good travel agent saves you time, catches mistakes, and gets you better value — not worse. Craig has access to group rates and promotions that aren't listed on Carnival's or Celebrity's public website. He knows which cabins to avoid, what add-ons are actually worth the money, and how to protect your trip if something goes wrong. And you pay the exact same price you'd pay booking direct — his commission comes from the cruise line, not from you.

Absolutely — group bookings are one of Craig's specialties. Most cruise lines offer free berths, onboard credit, or price reductions when you book 8+ cabins together. The pricing and perks are negotiated as a block — far better than everyone booking individually. Craig handles coordination, cabin assignments, dining reservations, and group shore excursions. Just fill out the inquiry form and mention it's for a group.

The Caribbean is the classic first-cruise choice — warm weather, clear water, frequent sailings, and competitive pricing. Alaska is Craig's personal favorite for scenery: glacier viewing, wildlife, and landscapes unlike anything else at sea. Mediterranean cruises are ideal for culture-lovers who want to hit multiple countries in one trip. The right answer depends on what kind of experience you're after — reach out and Craig will narrow it down for you.

Depends on your kids' ages. For children under 12, Disney Cruise Line is unmatched — character experiences and kids' clubs justify the premium. Royal Caribbean is best for families with teens and tweens: massive ships, rock climbing walls, surf simulators, go-karts. Carnival is the best budget option for families who want an energetic atmosphere without the premium cost. Craig will ask about ages before recommending a line.