How do gratuities work?

Most cruise lines add an automatic daily gratuity per person to your onboard account — typically $18-20/day on lines like Royal Caribbean and Celebrity. This covers your cabin steward, dining staff, and other service crew. Some lines like Virgin Voyages include gratuities in the fare. I’ll walk you through exactly what to expect before you book.

When is the best time to book a cruise?

Book 6-12 months out for the best cabin selection and early pricing. Sailing during the school year (avoiding summer, spring break, and holiday weeks) is cheaper anOften, yes. Agents sometimes have access to group rates, promotions, or onboard credits not available on the cruise line’s website. And if prices drop after you book, Emily can rebook you at the lower rate — something most people don’t know to ask for when they book on their own.Yes, completely. Travel agents are paid commission by the cruise lines — the same way a buyer’s agent works in real estate. You get personalized expertise, help navigating cruise line policies, and someone in your corner if anything goes wrong, all at no extra cost to you. The price you pay is the same whether you book through Emily or directly.

d less crowded. Wave Season (January-March) often brings the best deals from cruise lines. I’ll alert you to sales and price drops so you never leave money on the table.

What is the difference between a river cruise and an ocean cruise?

Ocean cruises sail open water on large ships packed with onboard entertainment, dining, and activities. River cruises use smaller boats on inland waterways, docking right in city centers — ideal for travelers who want immersive cultural experiences with less time at sea. Emily covers both on the Creeds on Cruising blog and can help you figure out which style fits you better.

What should I pack that I might not think of?

It dependMost fares include your cabin, meals in the main dining room and buffet, entertainment, and basic activities. What typically costs extra: specialty restaurants, alcohol, spa, shore excursions, Wi-Fi, and photos. Some lines offer packages that bundle those extras in. I’ll help you understand exactly what’s covered before you commit to anything.

Is a drink package worth it?

Depends on your habits. Generally, if you’re having 5+ drinks a day it pays off — most packages run $80-100/person/day. The math varies by cruise line and package tier. Emily reviewed the Margaritaville at Sea drink package in detail on the Creeds on Cruising blog. She can help you run the numbers for your specific sailing before you decide.

Should I book excursions through the cruise line or independently?

s on your itinerary. For closed-loop cruises (same US port departure and return), US citizens can use a government-issued ID and birth certificate. But a passport is always the smart call — if you miss the ship or have a medical emergency abroad, you need one to get home. International sailings require a valid passport.