Cruise FAQ
New to cruising or just want clearer answers? Trip and Cindy Sturtridge — founders of Premier Travelers, with 80+ personal cruises between them — answer the questions they hear most often from clients.
What is a cruise?
A cruise is a vacation aboard a ship that sails to multiple destinations while you unpack only once. Your fare typically covers your stateroom, meals in the main dining room and buffet, onboard entertainment, and most shipboard activities.
How much does a cruise cost?
Mainstream cruise lines like Carnival and Norwegian typically run $100–$200 per person per night all-in. Premium lines like Celebrity and Princess run $150–$300. Luxury lines like Silversea and Regent run $500–$1,500+ per person per night and include nearly everything.
What is included in a cruise fare?
Standard inclusions are your stateroom, all meals in main dining venues, 24-hour buffet, entertainment, use of pools, fitness center, and most onboard activities. Not included: specialty restaurants, alcoholic beverages, spa treatments, shore excursions, gratuities, and Wi-Fi.
Do I need a passport for a cruise?
For closed-loop cruises departing and returning to the same U.S. port, a government-issued photo ID plus birth certificate is technically sufficient. However, we always recommend a passport book — it is the only document that lets you fly home quickly in an emergency.