While it is our hope that you never encounter this situation, it’s important to note that most cruise ships do not have dental care facilities onboard. If you have multiple fillings, crowns, or bridgework, and you sense a toothache approaching prior to your departure, it is advisable to consult your personal dentist before setting sail.

When it comes to meals and drinks on board a cruise ship, it’s crucial to carefully read the fine print. Special meals and fancy drinks may not be included in the base fare that is advertised as “all-inclusive.” Additionally, it’s not uncommon for Wi-Fi to come with an additional charge.

If you tend to indulge during vacations, it’s advisable to remain vigilant regarding any extra fees that may be added to your bill, particularly in relation to alcohol.

Gratuities, such as tips for wait staff, are typically not included in the cruise package. It’s wise to have cash on hand to provide appropriate tips.

It’s always a good idea to ask questions if you’re offered something special but have concerns about the associated costs. By doing so, you can enjoy your experience without unnecessary worries.

No one enjoys canceling plans, but sometimes unexpected circumstances arise.

Setting aside the impact of COVID, which occasionally led to modified rules, obtaining a full refund from cruise companies is generally quite challenging. Some companies require cancellations to be made at least 120 days prior to the scheduled trip, accept cancellations only in written form, or consider certain fees as non-refundable.

If you have planned a honeymoon cruise, be cautious about name changes that do not match the ship’s documentation, as it may result in an unexpected cancellation. In such cases, it is advisable to consider investing in comprehensive travel insurance to safeguard your funds in the event of emergencies or unforeseen issues.

Are you planning to embark on a cruise with a large group? That’s fantastic! Most cruise liners offer discounts and free rooms as incentives for booking multiple tickets, which helps lower the overall cost. However, it’s important to note that being part of a group does not require you to participate in all activities together once you’re onboard.

Understanding the appropriate gratuity amounts can be confusing, especially when visiting different countries. Some cruise ships automatically charge gratuities to your account, often accompanied by an agreement that makes it difficult to decline this option. It would be helpful to inquire whether the cruise line offers the ability to prepay gratuity amounts in advance. Nevertheless, proper tipping is expected and should be adhered to.

Drinks on cruise ships can be quite expensive, which tempts some individuals to bring their own alcohol onboard. While purchasing wine in a port town may be acceptable, it’s important to be cautious about resorting to low-quality tricks like filling water bottles with tequila.

Attempting to sneak alcohol onboard against the rules, which should be thoroughly reviewed, can result in security removing you from the ship if caught.

In such instances, refunds are unlikely, and you may also face the challenge of transporting the alcohol to your departure destination (which must be packed carefully in checked baggage for the plane ride).

As a general rule, if you desire a good glass of wine during the cruise, it is often more cost-effective to purchase the entire bottle.

Ship captains are often accustomed to passengers seeking their attention (since it is a common occurrence), but many cruise ships allow guests to go “behind the scenes” and interact with the crew when the ship is not maneuvering in or out of port. So, feel free to say hello and introduce yourself. You never know, you might even encounter the captain or engineer at the bar later, and they might offer you a complimentary drink.

Just remember to be polite and avoid being bothersome, as they also need a break from their work when off duty..

Cruise ships can accommodate a large number of passengers, which often makes it challenging to secure poolside seats. However, most ships have designated adult-only areas that are generally less crowded. These spots offer a quieter environment as children are not allowed. Nevertheless, even in child-free zones, some people can still get rowdy!

If you want to enjoy specialty food areas like the sushi bar, it’s best to head there as early as possible. These stations prepare made-to-order items, but the lines can become incredibly long as mealtime progresses. If you find yourself waiting for an extended period, you might have to settle for the buffet instead.

It’s worth mentioning that many people have perfect cruise vacations without encountering any of these issues. However, there are also those unfortunate nightmare cruises that can’t be predicted. Due to the high volume of people in relatively confined spaces, the presence of numerous high-touch areas, and shared amenities like pools, germs can easily spread during cruises.

Remember to bring immune system boosters and practice good hygiene. If you happen to fall ill and exhibit signs of a contagious illness, you may be isolated from the rest of the passengers to prevent further spread.

If your goal is to befriend the ship’s staff and catch them at the bar, you may have to exercise patience. Crew members typically have their own designated bar where they can enjoy affordable drinks away from the prying eyes of passengers.

It’s common for crew members and those familiar with cruise culture to refer to oblivious passengers as “traffic cones.” These individuals have little awareness of their surroundings and expect others to navigate around them while they make decisions or simply stand in busy areas. Remember to be considerate and avoid blocking pathways if you need to gather your bearings.

As mentioned earlier, the crew has their own bar, which becomes the center of their after-work socializing. Similar to any group of service employees who deal with entitled individuals demanding freebies throughout the day, the crew needs to unwind and blow off some steam. When the crew bar closes for the night, you might encounter them having a lively time on the deck, in stairwells, or in each other’s quarters.

If you notice crew members nursing hangovers the next day, show them some understanding.

This point may seem obvious, but it’s essential to remember that being on a ship with thousands of strangers in the middle of the sea can lead to tense situations and short tempers. If you find yourself involved in a physical altercation or become angry to the point of making threats (against anyone), the captain has the authority to remove you from the ship at the next port without offering a refund or a means of getting back home.

It’s always a good idea to be prepared for any unforeseen emergencies while on a cruise. Purchasing travel insurance can provide coverage for unexpected costs that may arise during your trip. Make sure to choose a comprehensive insurance policy and keep all receipts for documentation.

Consulting with a travel agent can be helpful in finding the right insurance coverage and ensuring assistance is available if needed, rather than solely relying on deals like Groupon.

After spending a considerable amount of time on a crowded ship, it can be refreshing to have some space once you disembark. However, be aware that crowded ports can sometimes be overwhelming and often require payment for various services. As an alternative, you may choose to stay back on the ship and take advantage of the amenities while enjoying a quieter environment.

Cruise ship lecturers used to enjoy special treatment, but those days have changed. Nevertheless, if you possess expertise in a particular field or have an interesting experience to share, you may still have the opportunity to secure desirable benefits as a lecturer. This can include perks like better accommodations, improved food, and enhanced service.

It’s important to note that securing these opportunities typically requires working through a talent agent rather than simply grabbing a microphone in the ship’s lounge based on your credentials.

To enjoy the spa without spending a fortune, consider waiting until the ship reaches a port. During this time, the spa often offers discounted treatments and is less crowded, allowing for a more affordable and relaxing experience.

It’s important to be aware that alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and most juices are typically not included in your package and come at an additional cost. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the inclusions of your beverage package before ordering refreshments. Additionally, cruise lines usually charge for bottled water, whether it’s found in your mini-fridge or listed on the menu. Bringing your own bottled water on board is generally not permitted anymore.

When dealing with seasickness on a ship, a tried and true method is to fix your gaze on the horizon. Focusing on a stable point in the distance (which is often the only constant when at sea) can help alleviate the discomfort caused by the boat’s rocking motion and alleviate nausea.

To alleviate seasickness, many crew members swear by eating green apples and plain crackers. You might even notice bowls of green apples placed around the ship. If these natural remedies don’t work for you, you can always visit the onboard doctor to obtain seasickness medication.

In the event of a threat or danger at sea, the ship’s crew may take precautions to ensure the safety of all passengers. If you pose a threat, you may be confined to the brig, which is essentially a sea jail. It’s important to note that the conditions in the brig are not ideal, and the food provided may not be of high quality.

While most doors on cruise ships don’t lock in case of emergencies, there are ways to secure them to prevent unwanted entry. You can inquire about the security features of your cabin door, such as a deadbolt. Additionally, using a doorstop can offer an extra layer of security, but be mindful that in case of an emergency, it may impede access for others trying to provide assistance.

Onboard cruise ships, there is a morgue facility available to store deceased individuals if such unfortunate circumstances arise. These facilities are typically designed to accommodate multiple bodies, particularly on cruises that cater to older passengers. However, it’s best to refrain from seeking out the morgue out of respect for privacy and sensitivity.

Apart from the costs borne by passengers, cruise ships themselves come with high maintenance expenses. For instance, simply crossing the Panama Canal can cost the ship a significant amount, often exceeding $300,000 in fees. This highlights the substantial financial commitments associated with operating and maintaining cruise ships.