How far out can you book a cruise vacation ahead of its sailing date?

Most cruises can be booked anywhere from 24 months to one week ahead of sailing. In fact, several cruise lines are already booking for sailings for early 2024. Keep in mind that if you book a cruise far enough in advance, you will only be required to pay the initial deposit at the time of reservation. After that, the final payment will not be due until about 90-days before sailing.

How does the pricing work on cruises?

For most cruises, pricing includes your cabin, most meals, non-alcoholic beverages and most entertainment. Travelers may opt to pay for additional things like drink packages (alcohol), crew gratuities, Wi-Fi, shore excursions, dining in specialty restaurants, fitness classes and spa treatments. Pricing for trips aboard premium and luxury cruise lines tend to be more inclusive and may include many of these add-ons.

What is the ideal cruise length and the best type of cruise for a first-timer?

If you have never cruised before, AAA recommends trying a three-night weekend cruise to start. This is just the right amount of time to see if cruising is right for you and gives you the best of both worlds. A little time at sea and a little time to explore a port of call or two. Everyone’s cruise preferences vary with some people who enjoy being out at sea for long periods of time to relax and enjoy onboard activities, while others prefer more ports of call to experience land excursions. Most three-night cruises sail from Florida to the Bahamas or from Southern California to Mexico and Catalina.

What are the differences between cabin categories?

Cruise lines offer a variety of cabins, also known as staterooms, for every style and budget. They range from inside staterooms (with no windows) to grand two-story suites. The most popular staterooms have a private balcony, which allows guests to sit outside to enjoy the fresh air and scenery. Inside staterooms offer the lowest price yet are still spacious with all the same amenities as staterooms with windows or balconies.

What is a sea day?

A sea day is when there are no scheduled stops as the ship moves from one port to the next. For some travelers, these are the most popular days on a cruise. You have a full day to relax and enjoy all the ship has to offer at your own pace. Also, cruise staff will typically offer special programs and events like lectures, dance classes, pool volleyball, art auctions, movies or cooking classes.  

What should a first-timer know about shore excursions?

A shore excursion is a full or half-day trip organized by the cruise line in each port and is available for an additional cost. Some examples include guided tours to see the main sights of a port, sailing at sunset on a catamaran, a zip line adventure in the jungle or an immersive cooking class. Shore excursions offer something for everyone and may be with a large group with other passengers or something arranged just for your party with a private guide.     

What are some of the biggest myths about cruising?

1. I will be bored. A cruise can be as active or relaxing as you would like. For people who like a lot of activity, the cruise staff plans a full calendar of events while you’re on board. There are also courts for a game of basketball or pickleball and some ships even have features like rock climbing walls, surfing simulators and ice skating rinks. While there are many daytime activities to choose from, cruise ships offer a busy nightlife with Broadway-style shows, solo acts, movies, casinos and nightclubs. And for those who just want to relax, you can lounge by the pool or find a cozy corner to enjoy a good book.
2. I will get seasick. Cruise ships have stabilizers to minimalize the motion of the ship as much as possible. But even then you may still get seasick. To lessen the chance of that happening, travelers can take medications like Dramamine, use acupressure bracelets or wear seasickness patches behind the ear.
3. I will have to wear formal attire. The days of wearing a tuxedo or cocktail dress in the evening are over – unless you want to. Most cruise lines have dropped formal nights and adopted a resort casual dress code, however, you still can’t wear shorts, t-shirts or baseball hats to dinner in the main dining room.  
4. The only activities on a cruise are eating and drinking. It’s no secret that cruises are known for buffets, room service, all-day pizza bars and burgers by the pool. But there are plenty of other things to do like hanging out at the pool, going on offshore excursions, watching live entertainment, taking a fitness class and treating yourself to a spa service.
5. Cruise ships are only for older crowds. Today’s cruises are popular with people of all ages and offer a fantastic vacation for multi-generational families. Kids have their own dedicated space and activities to keep them entertained while young adults can enjoy the endless sports and activities onboard. Parents can enjoy a wine tasting or spa treatment and all ships offer quiet corners for reading, relaxing and even napping. At the end of each day, the family can gather together at dinner and share their adventures.

When is the best time to fly out when traveling to your port of origin?

AAA recommends flying into your port of embarkation the day before your cruise to avoid airline delays, missed connections or lost luggage. Arriving a day early also takes some of the stress out of traveling and lets your vacation start early. You’ll have extra time to take in the sights and tastes of the homeport that you are sailing from.

When is the best time to book a cruise?

The best time to book is generally during what’s known as Wave Season (January – March) since this is when cruise lines offer some of their best promotions. It is a myth that you can find better pricing if you wait to book at the last minute. As staterooms fill up, cruise lines raise pricing because they have less inventory to sell. Another tip, if you have a specific itinerary, sailing date or stateroom category you want, you should book it as soon as you can as popular sailings and staterooms fill up early.

Are some sailings better at certain times of the year than others (due to weather for example)?

Caribbean cruises in the fall are generally lower priced due to hurricane season, which can impact your itinerary if the ship has to be diverted due to a storm. Early and late season Alaskan cruises (April and September) also have lower pricing but that’s because the weather could be cold and rainy.    

Should travelers download the cruise line app?

Yes! You can use this to check-in and store your electronic boarding pass but also access other features like:

• Information on daily programs and onboard venues
• Deck maps
• Making reservations for dining and shore excursions
• Opening the door to your stateroom door
• Sending texts between you and your traveling party
• Once on board, use the app for free by connecting to your ship’s Guest Wi-Fi network

What impact will the Ukraine/Russia conflict have on European cruising?

Travel providers have made adjustments that can affect plans for some travelers. This includes suspending offerings in Russia including tours and cruises. More than 400 cruise sailings with planned stops in St. Petersburg, Russia are being paused until further notice. At this time, it is not clear if these interruptions will extend into other parts of Europe. AAA recommends working with a trusted travel agent when planning your next vacation. They can advise on any potential disruptions and work with you if you need to make adjustments to your plans.

What impact has COVID-19 had on days in port and offshore excursions?

Depending on restrictions set by local authorities, you may experience some port substitutions or cancellations while on your cruise. This may include how much you are allowed to explore a port on your own and in some cases, you may be required to take a ship organized shore excursion. Your vaccination status may also be a factor of where you can go off the ship while in port.  

Are cruises still sailing with reduced capacity?

Yes, but ships are gradually increasing their capacity and expect to be at 100% capacity by the second half of 2022.

How has the onboard experience changed with regards to entertainment, nightlife, buffets/dining, etc.?

Cruises are still offering a variety of live entertainment, arts and crafts, fitness classes and spa services to name a few. In some cases, there may be reduced capacity to allow for social distancing or masking requirements if the activity is indoors. Buffets are open but are now staffed by the crew who will serve guests versus it being self-service. Larger group events including indoor dancing, nightclubs, karaoke and behind-the-scenes tours may not be offered right now due to COVID-19.

What happens if someone tests positive for COVID while onboard? What if I test positive?

Generally, if anyone reports or exhibits COVID-19 symptoms they are evaluated by the onboard medical staff as well as tested. These individuals are treated either in their stateroom or in a designated area of the Medical Center.

Travelers who test positive and do not require admission to the ship’s medical center, or medical disembarkation, will most likely be moved to a different stateroom so they can isolate. Any family members, traveling companions or others who have been in close contact with that person will also be tested and potentially quarantined in a stateroom if needed. Some cruise lines offer guests who test positive for COVID-19 complimentary amenities like Wi-Fi and room service, along with regular visits or teleconsultations with medical staff to monitor their wellness.