Hopefully you’ll never need it, but most cruise ships aren’t equipped to provide dental care on board. So if you have dental issues — like fillings, crowns, or bridgework — or you feel a toothache starting up before you set sail, it’s a good idea to see your dentist first.

Make sure to check the fine print, especially when it comes to food and drinks on a cruise. Specialty meals, fancy drinks, and even WiFi often aren’t included in your base fare. If you like to indulge on vacation, watch for those extra charges — particularly for alcohol — that can add up by the end of your trip.

Also, gratuities for the crew aren’t usually part of your fare, so bring some cash to show your appreciation.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you’re unsure whether something is included. That way you can enjoy yourself without any unwelcome surprises!

Nobody likes having to cancel plans, but sometimes life gets in the way.

Setting COVID aside — which temporarily changed some policies — cruise companies typically make it tough to get a full refund. Some require cancellations at least 120 days in advance, others need it in writing, and certain fees may be non-refundable.

If you’re booking a honeymoon cruise, be careful with name changes, too — a mismatch between your booking and your documents could cause trouble boarding the ship.

So if you’re unsure whether you’d get your money back in a pinch, it may be worth investing in travel insurance.

Thinking of booking a cruise with a large group? Great move. Many cruise lines offer discounts or free rooms as incentives when you book multiple tickets together, helping bring the price down for everyone.

Of course, you’re not expected to do everything as a group once you’re on board. Everyone is free to enjoy their vacation in their own way.

Figuring out the right amount to tip can be confusing, especially when you’re in a different country.

Some cruise lines handle it for you by adding gratuities directly to your account — often without much chance to opt out.

It’s worth checking if your cruise lets you prepay gratuities in advance.

One way or another, you’re expected to tip appropriately.

Drinks on a cruise ship can be pricey, which is why some people try to sneak their own alcohol on board. Bringing back a bottle of wine from a port might be allowed, but filling water bottles with tequila is a different story.

If you’re caught sneaking alcohol against the rules, security can kick you off without a refund — and you may have to figure out a way home on your own. Also, if you’re flying in with alcohol, it needs to be in your checked baggage and packed carefully.

If you want a good glass of wine on your cruise, buying a whole bottle is often cheaper than ordering by the glass.

Ship captains are used to people trying to get on their good side, but many cruises let you go “behind the scenes” and meet the crew — as long as they’re not busy maneuvering in or out of port.

Say hi and be friendly; you might bump into the captain or engineer later at the bar and score a free drink.

Just remember to be respectful and not a nuisance — they need a break from their duties, too.

Cruise ships can carry thousands of people, which means poolside seats fill up quickly. But many ships have adult-only areas that are less crowded — perfect if you’re looking for a quieter spot (those serene poolside photos you see aren’t entirely a fantasy after all).

Of course, while children aren’t allowed there, adults sometimes let loose and get a little rowdy once the kids are gone!

The earlier you get to specialty food stations — like the sushi bar — the better. These are the spots where food is made to order just for you.

As mealtime goes on, the lines grow and you may end up having to settle for the buffet instead.

First of all, plenty of people enjoy perfect cruises without a single hiccup — but there are nightmare cases, and you can’t always predict them.

Germs can spread easily on a ship with large crowds, shared spaces, and frequently touched areas.

Bring whatever you need to keep your immune system strong and practice good hygiene. If you do get sick — especially if you become feverish or contagious — you may be temporarily isolated to avoid spreading it to others. (And that’s a policy you’d appreciate if it were someone else sick nearby!)

If you’re trying to be buddy-buddy with the crew by spotting them at the bar, you may be waiting a long time.

The crew usually has their own private bar on board, where drinks are cheaper and they can unwind away from passengers’ eyes.

It’s a running joke among crew members and veteran passengers to refer to the most oblivious people on board as “traffic cones.”

These are the folks who stop in busy walkways, unsure of where to go, and expect everyone else to maneuver around them.

To avoid becoming a “traffic cone” yourself, simply step aside if you need a moment to get your bearings. Everyone will appreciate it!

As mentioned earlier, the crew has its own bar — and that’s where the party starts once their shift is over.

Like any service workers who deal with difficult people all day, they need a chance to let off steam.

So when the crew bar closes, you might find them letting loose on deck, in stairwells, or in a friend’s cabin. If you spot a few nursing hangovers the next day, cut them some slack — they’re human, just like everyone else.

It may seem obvious, but when you’re on a ship at sea with thousands of people, tensions can rise quickly.

If you get into a physical fight or even make a threatening remark — toward anyone — the captain has the power to put you off at the next port without a refund or a way home.

Anything can happen at sea, and your best protection is travel insurance. It can reimburse you for unexpected expenses that come up during your trip — from medical emergencies to cancellations.

Just make sure to keep all your receipts and find a policy that covers everything you need. It’s often a good idea to book through a travel agent instead of a deal site, so you have someone to help if things get messy.

After days surrounded by crowds on a ship, you might be eager to get off and explore — only to find the port is just as busy, and everything there comes at a price.

Instead, consider staying on board and making the most of the ship’s amenities while it’s quieter and less hectic.

Cruise ship lecturers were once treated like royalty, and while those days may be gone, there are still some nice perks if you’re a recognized expert in a field.

Lecturing can come with a better cabin, special dining, and other benefits — but you need to go through a talent agent to land these roles. So simply having a PhD isn’t enough; you’ll need proper representation to get in the door.

If you want to enjoy the spa without spending a fortune, wait until the ship docks at a port.

The spa typically drops its prices during port days, and it’s much less busy — perfect for some relaxation without the crowds.

Alcohol, soft drinks, and most juice usually come at an additional cost, so check what’s included in your package before you start ordering.

Bottled water — whether it’s in your mini-fridge or on a menu — typically isn’t free either. And many cruise lines no longer allow you to bring your own water on board.

One of the oldest tricks to ease seasickness is to focus on the horizon.

Looking at a fixed point — and the horizon is often the only one you have at sea — can help your body adjust to the ship’s movement and calm your stomach.

Another way to ease seasickness is to snack on green apples and plain crackers — many crew members swear by this trick, and you’ll often find bowls of green apples around the ship.

If that doesn’t help, you can always check in with the ship’s doctor for medication.

Remember how you can be put off the ship at the next port for causing trouble?

If you become a threat while you’re still at sea, you may find yourself locked up in the brig — the ship’s jail — for everyone’s safety. And from what we hear, the food there leaves a lot to be desired.

Most cruise ship doors aren’t designed to lock in case of an emergency, but there are ways to make them more secure.

Consider asking if your cabin has a deadbolt or adding a doorstop for peace of mind — just remember that in an emergency, this may slow down help from getting in if you need it.

It’s a bit morbid, but death is unpredictable — even on vacation.

Cruise ships have a small morgue on board to store bodies if a passenger passes away. Some are large enough to hold multiple people, especially on ships that cater to an older crowd.

Just trust it’s there if it’s needed, and resist the curiosity to go looking for it.

Cruise ships aren’t just pricey for passengers — they’re expensive to operate, too.

For example, simply crossing the Panama Canal can cost a ship more than \$300,000.

While some ships provide free WiFi, many still charge a premium for internet access.

Daily newsletters are delivered to keep you up to date on all the ship’s activities and events.

Some restaurants and events on the ship may have a dress code you need to follow.

If you plan to drink frequently, a drink package can be a cost-effective way to save money.

Ships are filled with hand sanitizing stations to help keep everyone healthy.

Popular port excursions fill up quickly, so it’s a good idea to book them in advance.

Mandatory safety drills are held before departure to make sure everyone knows what to do in an emergency.

Some ships use their own “ship time”—a clock that may differ from local port time—so make sure you check it to avoid confusion.

Cabin outlets can be scarce, so consider bringing a power strip (without a surge protector) if you need to charge multiple devices.

If you’re prone to claustrophobia, booking a balcony cabin can help you feel less closed in and give you some much-needed space and fresh air.

Some services, like spa treatments, may already include an automatic gratuity — so check your bill to avoid tipping twice.

Keep essentials — like medications, swimwear, and a change of clothes — in your carry-on, as your checked luggage may take a while to be delivered to your cabin.

Some ships are designed with families in mind, while others cater more to adults or specialized interests. Do a little research first to find the best match for you.

Many ships keep the fun going late into the night, with entertainment and food available well after dinner.

At many cruise ship restaurants, you’re not limited to just one appetizer, entrée, or dessert — you can order multiple if you’d like.

Bottled water on a cruise can be pricey, so consider bringing a reusable water bottle to fill up and stay hydrated.

Some ships have self-serve laundry facilities, while others offer laundry service for a fee if you need it.

The crew works long hours — often 10-14 hours a day — to make sure your trip is comfortable and enjoyable.

Even if you normally don’t get seasick, it’s a good idea to be prepared — rough seas can affect anyone.

Always bring your identification and cruise card with you when disembarking — you’ll need them to get back on board.

Prime deck chairs in desirable spots often get “claimed” early, so if you want a good spot by the pool, it’s worth getting up a bit earlier.

While crime on a cruise ship is rare, it’s smart to keep your valuables locked in your cabin’s safe.

Mistakes can happen, so check your final bill carefully before disembarking to avoid any surprise charges.

Some cruise lines automatically add a daily gratuity to your account, but additional tipping for exceptional service is always a nice way to show appreciation.