Support Hub > Frequently Asked Questions
Cruise holidays can often raise a lot of questions around booking, on-board packages, dress codes and more. We've tried to cover as much as possible in our below frequently asked questions, including some of the most popular questions we receive.
Got a question we’ve not covered? Speak to us via live chat or call our team today and they will be happy to assist.
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By Phone via Our Customer Service Team 0808 250 0913
Monday-Friday 9am-6pm
Saturday 9-5.30pm
All guests must register their own account on https://my.ambassadorcruiseline.com/. As a sustainable cruise line, all cruise information and documentation will be available through our ‘My Ambassador Sailing’ page on the website or through the Ambassador App. You will need an email address to be able to:
Check in on My Ambassador can be complete within 90 days of sailing but must be done no later than 24 hours prior to departure. Any guest who does not provide Ambassador with their information within this set timeframe, will be charged £75 per person on arrival at embarkation.
You can register for your Azamara cruise by creating your own individual account on https://www.azamara.com/gb/login here you can:
The Azamara check in process has been introduced as a ‘Easy Check-in’ process, ensuring that when you arrive at the port everything is taken care of. For more information on the Easy Check in Process, please visit: https://www.azamara.com/gb/booked-guests/before-you-board/easy-checkin
To register for Carnival Cruise Line, you can visit https://www.carnival.com select create account. Here you will be able to:
Online Check-in can be accessed within 14 days prior to sailing and no later than midnight (eastern time) prior to the sailing date. To complete the Online Check-in and retrieve your final documents, guests must click on Manage My Booking at www.carnival.com/Onlinecheckin
Access your Celestyal Cruise here: https://celestyal.com/gb/manage-my-booking/ where you can do the following:
Your final cruise documents will be emailed to you from Cruise 118 around 7-10 days prior to departure.
You can access and register for your cruise line here https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/login where you can do the following:
Boarding passes are available from 50 days prior to departure from your cruise personaliser.
You can access your P&O Cruises booking on https://my.pocruises.com/mycruise/login where you can do the following:
Boarding passes are available from 50 days prior to departure from your cruise personaliser.
You can access and register for your cruise line here: https://book.princess.com/manage-booking/index.page where you can do the following:
Boarding passes are available up to 75 days prior to departure from your cruise personaliser. You will also be able to access these through the medallion class app. You can download the medallion class app and manage your booking through your phone, you will have the same functionality as you do on the cruise personaliser plus your tickets will be digital. For more information visit: https://www.princess.com/en-uk/ships-and-experience/princess-medallionclass
You can plan your cruise in advance, by registering on the Royal Caribbean already booked section on their website using the following link: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/gbr/en/booked here you can:
Royal Caribbean final documents including luggage labels are issued by Cruise 118 via email around 7-10 days prior to your departure. You can complete the online check in with royal to retrieve your set sail pass which will speed up your embarkation process.
Celebrity cruises pre cruise planner allows you to pre plan your holiday right after you have confirmed your booking on https://www.celebritycruises.com/gb/booked by registering here, you can:
Your Celebrity Cruises final documents including luggage labels are issued by Cruise 118 via email around 7-10 days prior to your departure. You can complete the online check in with Celebrity avoid the queues on embarkation day.
The Virgin Voyages App also known as Sailor can be downloaded on the Apple App store or Google Play. Here you will be able to do things like:
For more information on the Virgin Voyages App visit: https://www.virginvoyages.com/app
Virgin Voyages and Cruise 118 do not issue any physical final documents prior to departure, you just simply arrive to the terminal with your passport, and they will check you in at the port. To speed up the process at the terminal, please complete all required information via the Virgin Voyages app.
To register for your Fred Olsen cruise visit: https://www.fredolsencruises.com/my-cruiseshere you can:
Cruise 118 and or Fred Olsen require all guest’s passport information / next of kin and travel insurance details prior to departure, this will allow Cruise 118 to issue your final tickets 7-10 days prior to departure via email.
To access your Holland America cruise, you can register your account by visiting: https://www.hollandamerica.com/en/gb/my-account here you can:
Once you have completed your online guest registration form with Holland America you will be able to access your travel documents and luggage labels for your upcoming sailing on the Holland America website or alternatively you can use the Navigator App. For more information visit: https://www.hollandamerica.com/en/gb/onboard-experiences/activities/holland-america-line-navigator
Before you travel with Marella, you can access your booking by visiting the Marella Cruise Control page: https://marellacruisecontrol.tui.co.uk/login on here you can:
Your final documents will be available on the Marella Cruise Control page 48 hours prior to your departure. Do not panic if you cannot print these, as your booking is connected to your passport which will automatically show up upon check-in.
To view your MSC booking prior to departure and enhance your cruise experience, you can visit https://www.msccruises.co.uk/manage-booking/manage-your-booking or by downloading the MSC BY ME app. You can log in using your MSC cruises booking reference or by creating your own account. On here you can:
Cruise 118 and or MSC require full passport information, next of kin and travel insurance information to be inputted to the MSC web check in, to retrieve your final cruise documents. All final documents will be issued 7-10 days prior to departure via email and can also be access via the app.
You can access and create your Norwegian Cruise Line personaliser on https://www.ncl.com/uk/en/shorex/login where you can do the following:
Boarding passes are available from 50 days prior to departure from your cruise personaliser.
Your flight details will be confirmed by your concierge when you book. The following information can also be found on your booking confirmation:
You can find your flight locator/PNR on your invoice. You will need this in order to access your booking with the airline and complete your check in, prebook seats etc.
P&O
When booking a P&O Cruises’ chartered flight (to/from Valletta, Malta, or Bridgetown, Barbados), you can pre-purchase your seats via P&O Cruise Personaliser.
The Flight Seat Booker will open approximately 14 weeks prior to departure and closes approximately one week prior to departure. Meanwhile, cruisers in the Baltic or Ligurian tiers of the Peninsular Club get a 2-day window for priority booking in order to pre-purchase seats before the general sale is released.
Log in to your Cruise Personaliser in order to go to the Flight Seat Booker using your First Name and Surname, Date of Birth, and P&O cruise reference (this is a 6-character reference made up of letters and numbers and can be found on your Iglu Booking Confirmation).
Once logged in, select "Getting There and Back" and then "Flights". This shows your flight details. If your flight has reservable seats, you’ll see a "Book Seats" button from which you can choose to purchase your preferred place.
Click on ‘Manage My Booking’, Select the ‘Other Tour Operator’ option, then using the drop-down menu, select ‘P&O Cruises”. Your booking number will be your P&O cruise reference.
Marella
You will be able to preselect your flight seats through Marella’s Flight Extras page here.
This can be done 90 days before your return flight date. You will need your Marella Booking Reference (found on your Booking Confirmation), Lead Passenger Surname, and Departure Date.
Alternatively, you can add the “Select Your Seat” option at the time of booking with our Sales team. Once this is added, you will then be able to log into the Flight Extras page and select your seat from 90 days before your return flight.
If you have upgraded to “Extra Legroom Seats” or “Premium Club”, you will be able to preselect your seats from 48hrs after booking.
Please note when you upgrade and pay the additional cost for the premium economy seats with TUI this does not guarantee your seats together. The seat selection is a further charge and has to be paid for separately.
Royal Caribbean and Celebrity
Depending on the type of allocation your flights have been booked on and the airline, you should be able to preselect your seats once your flight tickets have been issued. Around 30 days prior to departure, your electronic Guest Ticket Booklet becomes available, which will have your Flight Carrier Locator Reference included. You can also find this reference on the Invoice we send you from the cruise line.
However, if you are booked on a Group Allocation (where the cruise line has blocked a number of seats on the aircraft) you may be able to preselect your seats from 4 days prior to departure, if not, you will need to speak to the staff at the check-in desk at the airport for seat allocations.
MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises always block book seats on an aircraft in order to get the best prices for their fly-cruise packages. Due to this, you will be unable to preselect seats in advance and will need to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to discuss seat allocations with the check-in staff.
Norwegian Cruise Line
NCL always block book seats on an aircraft in order to get the best prices for their fly-cruise packages. Due to this, you will be unable to preselect seats in advance and will need to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to discuss seat allocations with the check-in staff.
Jet2 Chartered Flights
In some instances, the cruise line may have chartered the Jet2 flight. If this is the case, you cannot log into your flight reservation on the main Jet2 website and you will need to refer to your invoice/ticket documentation on how to check in. You may also be able to use the below links. Please note online check-in may not always be available for chartered flights.
P&O – www.jet2.com/pocruises
Cunard – www.jet2.com/cunard
NCL – www.jet2.com/NCL
Royal Caribbean – www.jet2.com/royalcaribbean
If you have a tailor-made package with us, this means that we have booked your flights for you and we act as the tour operator.
You can prebook seats directly with the airlines. We will try to provide you with the airline flight locator (PNR number) where possible, as this is normally the reference you need if you want to log on to the airline website to manage your flights. If we have the locator, it will be shown in your invoice.
However, there are certain circumstances where we may be unable to supply a locator, or where it may not enable you to access your flights.
Examples include:
Please note that the process for booking flights will vary depending on who you are flying with. And you are bound by their terms and conditions.
Some airlines will charge to pre-book seats.
For more information about pre booking your seats please use the below links for our most commonly used airlines:
EasyJet - https://www.easyjet.com/en/help/booking-and-check-in/choosing-a-seat
You must add your Advanced Passenger Information before you fly and check in online. You can pre-book seats as well including Extra Leg Room, by logging in on their website using their booking reference number (PNR)
Jet2 - https://www.jet2.com/faqs?topic=allocated-seating-and-extra-legroom&category=pre-book-your-seats
British Airways - https://www.britishairways.com/content/information/seating/reserving-your-seat
Virgin Atlantic - https://help.virginatlantic.com/gb/en/seating.html
Emirates - https://www.emirates.com/uk/english/book/about-booking-online/emirates-seat-selection/
American Airlines - https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/experience/seats/main-cabin.jsp
Singapore Airlines - https://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/sg/travel-info/requests/seats/
Etihad - https://www.etihad.com/en-gb/fly-etihad/our-cabins/economy-class/choose-your-seat
Cathay Pacific - https://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_GB/manage-booking/travel-extras/reserve-your-seat.html
Qantas - https://www.qantas.com/gb/en/travel-info/seat-selection.html
Your Concierge will confirm your luggage allowance to you at the time of booking. Cruise118.com will usually book a minimum of 20kg. For internal flights within the USA, luggage allowance may not be booked and will be an additional charge however you will have been informed of this at the time of booking. For further information, please visit the relevant airline’s website.
Unfortunately, sometimes there are changes to scheduled flight times. Usually these are minor and will not affect you joining your cruise on time. If your flight has a minor schedule change we will update you via email.
If your flight has a more significant change that would affect you joining your cruise our dedicated flight team will contact, you to discuss alternative options.
If your flight is cancelled on the day of travel and your flights are organised by the cruise line you will need to contact them. You will find the emergency phone number for the cruise line and it is their responsibility to reschedule your flight and get you to your destination as quickly as possible.
If your flights are organised by cruise 118 you will need to contact us as soon as possible and we will help rearrange your flights (link to contact us page).
If you want to upgrade your flight our Customer Service team would be happy to assist with this (link to contact us page). All upgrades are subject to availability and changes to your flight will depend on the type of airfare that has been booked, and the terms and conditions set out by the supplier.
In order to get your boarding passes you will need to check in for your flights directly with the airline via their website. To do this you will need your flight locator (PNR) which can be found on your booking invoice.
Once you have checked in for your flight you will be able to download your boarding passes from the airline.
It is essential that you make your concierge aware of any mobility needs when making your booking. This is particularly important if you are planning on taking a powered mobility device with you as airlines have very strict policies regarding the carrying of these items.
If your situation has changed since booking and you need to add special assistance please contact our Customer Service team at the earliest possible opportunity (link to contact us page).
For customers who have flights organised by the cruise line transfers are usually included between the airport and the port. You will have been advised by your Concierge if transfers were included and you can also check this on your invoice.
If you are travelling on a Cruise 118 tailor made package you will have been advised by your concierge if transfers were included. These will also show on your booking confirmation.
If you have booked your flights independently you will also need to organise your own transfer to and from the airport.
If your transfers are provided by the cruise line details on these can be found on your ticket documentation. Usually after landing in destination the cruise lines have staff at the airport to direct you to your transfer.
If your transfers are organised by Cruise 118 we will send you your transfer vouchers with your tickets 7 – 10 days before departure. These vouchers will provide details on where to do to get your transfer and a contact number for the local transfer provider should you need any assistance.
Below are some approximate transfer times to some popular embarkation/disembarkation ports:
Europe:
Barcelona airport to Barcelona port - 15 minutes
Tenerife airport to Tenerife port - 1 hour
Gran Canaria airport to Gran Canaria port - 30 minutes
Alicante airport to Alicante port - 15 minutes
Valencia airport to Valencia port - 30 minutes
Rome airport to Civitavecchia port - 1 hour
Venice airport to Venice port - 20 minutes
Venice airport to Trieste port - 2 hours
Venice airport to Ravenna port - 2 hours 20 minutes
Venice airport to Monfalcone port - 1 hour 30 minutes
Bologna airport to Ravenna port - 1 hour
Ravenna airport to Ravenna port - 20 minutes
Genoa airport to Genoa port - 20 minutes
Milan airport to Genoa port - 2 hours 20 minutes
Nice airport to Genoa - 3 hours
Nice airport to Nice port - 20 minutes
Nice airport to Monaco port - 1 hour
Naples airport to Naples port - 20 minutes
Marseille airport to Marseille port - 20 minutes
Malta airport to Valetta port - 20 minutes
Athens airport to Piraeus port - 45 minutes
Cyprus airport (Paphos) to Limassol port - 40 minutes
Cyprus airport (Larnaca) to Limassol port - 50 minutes
Lisbon airport to Lisbon port - 1 hour
Copenhagen airport to Copenhagen port - 20 minutes
Stockholm airport to Stockholm port - 1 hour 15 minutes
Bergen airport to Bergen port - 30 minutes
Dubrovnik airport to Dubrovnik port - 30 minutes
Amsterdam airport to Amsterdam port - 30 minutes
Amsterdam airport to Rotterdam port - 1 hour
Hamburg airport to Hamburg port - 45 minutes
Dublin airport to Dublin port - 20 minutes
London Gatwick airport to Southampton port - 1 hour 45 minutes
London Heathrow airport to Southampton port - 1 hour 15 minutes
USA and Canada:
Orlando airport to Port Canaveral port - 45 minutes
Orlando airport to Miami port - 3 hours 30 minutes
Miami airport to Miami port - 20 minutes
Miami airport to Fort Lauderdale port - 30 minutes
Fort Lauderdale airport to Fort Lauderdale port - 10 minutes
Tampa airport to Tampa port - 20 minutes
Tampa airport to Port Canaveral port - 2 hours 30 minutes
San Diego airport to San Diego port - 10 minutes
San Diego airport to Los Angeles port - 2 hours
Los Angeles airport to Los Angeles port - 40 minutes
Seattle airport to Seattle port - 30 minutes
Seattle airport to Vancouver port - 3 hours
Vancouver airport to Vancouver port - 30 minutes
Anchorage airport to Anchorage port - 20 minutes
Anchorage airport to Seward port - 2 hours 30 minutes
Honolulu airport to Honolulu port - 10 minutes
Boston airport to Boston port - 20 minutes
New York (JFK) airport to Manhattan port - 1 hour
New York (JFK) airport to Redhook port - 1 hour
New York (JFK) airport to Cape Liberty port - 1 hour
New York (Newark) airport to Manhattan port - 40 minutes
New York (Newark) airport to Redhook port - 40 minutes
New York (Newark) airport to Cape Liberty port - 20 minutes
Rest of the World:
Dubai airport to Dubai port - 15 minutes
Dubai airport to Abu Dhabi port - 1 hour 30 minutes
Abu Dhabi airport to Abu Dhabi port - 20 minutes
You can check if your passport is valid by reviewing the GOV.uk website and visiting the entry requirements of the country you’re visiting. You can find that information here.
All countries have their own rules for passport validity and expiration, and you should make sure that your passport meets these rules ahead of travel.
The USA has a visa waiver programme, which lets British tourists visit for up to 90 days without a visa. You must get an authorisation from ESTA – the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation – before you travel, otherwise you’ll be refused entry. You can register through the ESTA website, applications currently cost $14 and are subject to change. The USA also has specific passport requirements, so it’s a good idea to check that your passport will be accepted. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa/entry-requirements.
Please visit the Travel Advice section of our website. This contains up to date information on Passport and Visa requirements, including information regarding the new EU Entry and Exit scheme. It also contains information on Travel Insurance requirements and health and safety information. We advise you to read the Travel Advice as it is your responsibility to ensure you are aware and can meet all requirements. The Travel Advice section can be accessed by visiting our website and clicking My Booking and then Travel Advice – it is listed in the main menu.
The EU is looking to implement new border rules from mid-2025. This will require you to obtain an ETIAS visa waiver. The cost of this is approximately 7 Euros Per Person and it must be purchased in advance through the ETIAS website. It is required to enable you to enter most European countries. Please note that ETIAS is not live yet, but we expect it to be live from Autumn 2024. For further details, please visit the Travel Advice section of our website and click Visas.
You may need vaccinations to visit some destinations. Speak to your doctor at least 2 months before you are due to travel. Some treatments, for malaria for example, should begin well before you go. If you are booking within 3 weeks of your departure, speak to your doctor before you book. For more information on vaccination and health requirements, visit here.
We advise that, whenever possible, you take out adequate travel insurance at the time of booking your holiday. Cruise lines require all passengers to have adequate travel insurance covering medical and repatriation, and boarding could be refused if evidence of travel insurance cannot be provided.
To get an online quote for travel insurance, please click here.
Note: These are suggested referrals only and Cruise118.com does not recommend any specific insurance companies.
If you need to amend your booking will need to contact our Customer Service Team via live chat or by phone on 0808 250 0913
Monday-Friday 9am-6pm
Saturday 9-5.30pm
Amendments are subject to the terms and conditions of the cruise line, for more information on these please click here.
Please note some cruise lines do not permit amendments after balance due date.
We will charge a £50 per person fee when you request an amendment to your booking. Amendments can include:
This fee will be charged in addition to any changes in fare or fees applied by the supplier.
Many cruise lines now offer bid upgrades. This is where you can make an offer to the cruise line to upgrade your cabin. If your offer is accepted the cruise line will charge you, if it isn’t accepted your original booking will remain the same.
The cruise line will email you directly if this is an option for your sailing. To Submit a bid you just need to follow the steps in the email. Please be aware that bid upgrades are done directly with the cruise line and all payments should be made to them, not to Cruise 118.
To find out more regarding bid upgrade please follow the links below:
Azamara: https://www.azamara.com/booked-guests/azamara-upgrades
Cunard: https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/stateroom-upgrade
P&O: https://www.pocruises.com/upgrades
Princess: https://www.princess.com/en-int/plan/princess-cruise-room-upgrade
Royal Caribbean: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/gbr/en/booked/cruise-room-upgrade
Celebrity: https://www.celebritycruises.com/gb/bid-on-cruise-room-upgrade
Norweigan Cruise Line: https://www.ncl.com/uk/en/content/upgrade-advantage-faq
MSC: https://www.msccruises.co.uk/cabin-upgrade-programme
Virgin Voyages: https://www.virginvoyages.com/upgrade
Yes, there may be occasions before departure when the cruise line have to change your itinerary before departure. This could be due to a few reasons such as inclement weather, port closures and scheduling conflicts.
If your booking is affected by an itinerary change our team will contact you via email to notify you.
You may be able to transfer your sailing to a different date. This would be subject to the booking terms and conditions and fees/additional costs may apply. Please be aware that most cruise lines would not permit a change within 14 days of sailing.
If you would like to change your sail date please contact our Customer Service Team on 0808 250 0913 who would be happy to help.
Yes, there are charges to cancel a booking and these depend on the terms and conditions of your booking. Click here to view the terms and conditions of the suppliers.
If you cancel your booking we will charge a cancellation fee of £50 per person in addition to the supplier cancellation fees.
If you cancel your booking we will charge a cancellation fee of £50 per person in addition to the supplier cancellation fees.
If your cruise has been cancelled by the cruise line we will contact you as soon as possible.
Usually, cruise lines provide various options in this situation such as an alternative sailing, a future cruise credit or a full refund. We will advise you of the options available when we contact you.
It is essential that you inform your concierge of any mobility needs when booking your cruise. Especially if you will be travelling with a manual wheelchair, powered mobility device, or any mobility aid. This is because cruise lines have very strict polices surrounding mobility and accessibility and failure to adhere to these could result in you being denied boarding.
If your situation has changed since booking and you need to make us aware of any mobility needs please contact our Customer Service team as soon as possible (link to contact us page).
If you are taking a wheelchair scooter or walking aid with you when you travel, you will be asked to provide your cruise line supplier with the following information:
Is the wheelchair;
Is the scooter;
Dimensions required: width, height, length
If your mobility aid is collapsible, you may be required to provide both folded and unfolded dimensions.
Further information which may be required by the cruise line: make, model, weight
Battery type: Wet Cell, dry cell or gel cell
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR P&O AND CUNARD GUESTS
You can only take a manual wheelchair on board if an evacuation chair is booked and these are subject to availability.
Mobility scooters will only be permitted on board if guests have booked an accessible cabin, selected suite, or mini-suite.
For further information, please read the cruise lines terms and conditions by following the links below;
P&O Cruises;
https://www.pocruises.com/accessibility/life-onboard
https://www.pocruises.com/accessibility/life-onboard/mobility-equipment
Cunard;
https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/the-cunard-experience/accessibility/wheelchairs-mobility-scooters
We offer several different options for airport extras separate to the official airport site, please call our service concierge if you would like a price for parking at a UK airport or other extras such as lounge passes and airport hotels. Alternatively, please find below the useful links to divert you to pre booking your official car parking at the most popular UK airports.
For official London Heathrow onsite car parking please visit:
https://www.heathrow.com/transport-and-directions/heathrow-parking
For official London Gatwick onsite car parking please visit:
https://www.gatwickairport.com/parking
For official Manchester Airport onsite car parking please visit:
https://booking.manchesterairport.co.uk/parking/dates/
For official Liverpool Airport onsite parking please visit:
https://www.liverpoolairport.com/parking
For official Glasgow Airport onsite parking please visit:
https://www.glasgowairport.com/at-the-airport/airport-services/parking
For official Edinburgh Airport onsite parking please visit:
https://www.edinburghairport.com/edinburgh-airport-parking
For official Southampton onsite parking please visit:
https://www.southamptonairport.com/parking
For official Belfast onsite parking please visit:
https://www.belfastairport.com/car-parking
If you are sailing from any regional port on the below list. We recommend booking your car parking directly with Cruise Parking on the following link: https://www.cruiseparking.co.uk/
Southampton
Cunard
P&O Cruises
Princess
Dover
Carnival Cruise Line
Fred Olsen
Holland America
Portsmouth
Fred Olsen
Virgin Voyages
Liverpool
Fred Olsen
We also recommend ABParking in Southampton for any of the below cruise lines. Which can be booked directly on the following link: https://www.abparking.co.uk/
Southampton
Celebrity Cruises
Disney Cruise Line
Fred Olsen Cruise Line
MSC Cruises
Norwegian Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean
For Ambassador Cruise Line whether you are sailing from London Tilbury or Liverpool, Ambassador parking prices can be found here. If you would like to look at pre booking your car parking you can visit the My Ambassador page on the Ambassador website to pre book.
Southampton Central Station Blechynden Terrace, Southampton SO15 1GW is the closest railway station to the cruise terminals at Southampton Port. Please Visit the National Rail Website https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/ for the latest rail times and ticket information. The cruise terminal is a quick 5-minute journey in a taxi which can be found outside the station.
There are 5 main terminals located in Southampton, designed for Cruise Ships which are QEII Cruise Terminal, Ocean Cruise Terminal, Mayflower Cruise Terminal. City Cruise Terminal and Horizon Cruise Terminal. For more information on the Port of Southampton and its Cruise Terminals visit https://cruisesouthampton.com/cruise-terminals
Dover Cruise Terminals are located off the A20 at the Western Docks and are signposted where car parking can be found in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The postcode for Dover cruise port is CT17 9DQ. For more information on Dover Port, visit https://www.portofdover.com/cruise/
The London Cruise Terminal at Tilbury, Essex is located on the River Thames which just 25 miles east of London.
London International Cruise Terminal: Ferry Road, Tilbury, Essex, Tilbury, RM18 7NG Tel +44 (0)1375 852200
Portsmouth International Port: George Byng Way, Portsmouth, PO2 8SP Tel +44 (0) 9229 73914 https://portsmouth-port.co.uk/
Liverpool Cruise Terminal: Gate 2, Princes Parade, Liverpool, L3 1DL Tel +44 (0)151 233 2008
There are a total of 7 cruise terminals at the Port of Barcelona, and all cruise ships are in Adossat Quay or the World Trade Centre. These cruise terminals are on foot of La Ramblas which runs through the city of Barcelona. Visit https://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/transport/barcelona-cruise-port.html for more information.
Please find below the addresses for 9 of the main cruise terminals in Miami Cruise Port. For more information please visit: https://www.miamidade.gov/portmiami/cruise-terminals.asp
Port of Civitavecchia - E840, 00053 Civitavecchia RM, Italy
Rome Cruise Terminal - Porto di Civitavecchia, Banchina 25, 00053 Civitavecchia RM, Italy
1800 SE 18th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316, United States
Charles M Rowland Dr, Port Canaveral, FL 32920, USA
Manhattan Cruise Terminal - 711 12th Ave, New York, NY 10019, United States
Brooklyn Cruise Terminal - 210 Clinton Wharf, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Cape Liberty Cruise Port - 4 Port Terminal Boulevard, Bayonne, NJ 07002-5038
Provisional embarkation times will be displayed on My Ambassador Sailing 21 days prior to your departure date however, final embarkation times will be confirmed on your boarding pass, 72 hours before sailing. For final disembarkation, you should allow approximately 90 minutes from the scheduled arrival time before disembarkation will commence. Allocated disembarkation times will be confirmed once onboard.
Any guest who does not provide Ambassador with their information within this set timeframe, will be charged £75 per person on arrival at embarkation. In addition to this, guests will be unable to board and will be required to wait until Ambassador have submitted their information to the Home Office, and they have received authority for permission to travel.
For more information on embarkation and disembarkation visit https://www.ambassadorcruiseline.com/before-you-sail/general-information/
All Azamara guests will be provided with a specific boarding time of their cruise within their final documents. You can also view this on the easy check in section on the following link: https://www.azamara.com/gb/booked-guests/before-you-board/easy-checkin Suite guests can take advantage of priority boarding at the cruise terminal. When checking in at the cruise terminal, suite guests must follow the signs for Suite Guests boarding.
All guests must board the ship at least 90 minutes prior to our scheduled departure time. If you fail to check in at least 90 minutes before our scheduled departure, this constitutes a "no-show". For those sailings that are departing from ports outside the United States, please check boarding procedures and departure times in your guest ticket booklet.
On disembarkation the cruise staff will give you instructions about debark procedures. All guests are disembarked at the end of the sailing by number codes according to your flight departure time.
For Carnival Cruise Line, all guests must select their arrival appointment time during their online check-in process no later than midnight before their sailing date. All guests should arrive for embarkation promptly for their appointment slot. Guests must present their boarding passes, picture ID and citizenship documents (including any necessary visas).
Any guests who are scheduled to arrive at the terminal before 1:30pm, can usually check their bags with a porter beforehand. The checked baggage service is only available until 2 hours before the ship's published departure time. Guests arriving after this time will be responsible for taking their bags on board. All guests must be on board the ship by the Final Boarding time that is printed on the boarding pass, or they will not be permitted to sail.
Ahead of disembarkation. The cruise director will hold a Debarkation Talk, the day prior to debarkation or the last sea day. This is recorded and will be available to play in your stateroom on Channel 15. This will provide detailed information on disembarkation.
On arrival to the cruise terminal, you will be required to present your e-ticket, passport, visa (if applicable). All guests must complete an online health questionnaire no later than 24 hours before their sailing which must be handed to staff on arrival to the check in desk. A step-by-step guide to boarding a Celestyal Cruise can be found on the following link https://celestyal.com/gb/greece-cruise-protocols/
On disembarkation, all guests are requested to leave their staterooms by a certain time and then are permitted to leave the ship. This information will be confirmed on the final evening of their sailing within their stateroom. Some guests have their luggage placed outside their stateroom the night before. Luggage is tagged with the guest's stateroom or suite number and scanned by port authorities for security.
For Cunard Line sailings, all guests are encouraged to complete the online check in prior to departure to save time at the port which can be access online the Cunard website around 21 days prior to departure. On your boarding card you will find an arrival time, please have this available with you when you arrive. If you get to the terminal earlier than your specified arrival time, you may be asked to wait until such time that we are able to check you in. Once you have completed the check-in inside the terminal you will be directed through security before embarking the ship.
On disembarkation Cunard crew will take your luggage off the ship for you, ready for this to be collected inside the terminal building. Your luggage will be ordered by the colour-coded labels provided with your disembarkation details in your stateroom on the final evening of your cruise. You do also have the option to carry off your luggage without assistance. For more information on embarkation and disembarkation processes, please visit https://my.cunard.com/en-gb/mycruise/articles/embarkation
All guests are required to arrive well in advance of your boarding time which will be indicated on your final tickets. Check in times at the terminal are staggered across a 4-hour period. On arrival to the terminal, you will be directed to the luggage drop off area where the porters will take your luggage from you. Fred Olsen kindly request that all luggage is labelled with the use of luggage tags and that you carry dress and suit carriers as hand luggage, as these may get damaged when passing through the security scanners. At check-in you will need to produce both your ticket and passport, and you will be provided with your on-board ship pass.
Fred Olsen will provide clear disembarkation instructions, at least 24 hours prior to disembarkation within your cabin. They request that the luggage tags provided with this information are attached to your bags and these are left outside your cabin on the final evening where this will be transferred to the cruise terminal for you. On arrival into ports in the UK, your ship has to be cleared by Customs and Immigration Officials before the disembarkation process can begin, during this time guests are asked to vacate their cabins and wait for their call forward for disembarkation. For more information please visit: https://www.fredolsencruises.com/faqs/embark-flights-debark
Holland America assigns all guests with check-in times around 14 days prior to departure. Guests should arrive at the terminal no earlier than 20 minutes before their allocated time. Boarding usually begins from 12:00pm but can start as early as 11:30am. Holland America strongly encourage guests to complete the check-in process on their website and to download the Holland America Line Navigator App.
Fred Olsen will provide clear disembarkation instructions, at least 24 hours prior to disembarkation within your cabin. They request that the luggage tags provided with this information are attached to your bags and these are left outside your cabin on the final evening where this will be transferred to the cruise terminal for you. On arrival into ports in the UK, your ship has to be cleared by Customs and Immigration Officials before the disembarkation process can begin, during this time guests are asked to vacate their cabins and wait for their call forward for disembarkation. Please visit: https://www.hollandamerica.com/en/gb/faq/cruise-planning/boarding-and-online-check-in/boarding-procedures for more information.
Holland America will provide disembarkation information shortly before the end of your cruise which will outline the important procedures regarding custom formalities, luggage handling, and onward travel arrangements. For more details go to https://www.hollandamerica.com/en/gb/faq/cruise-planning/disembarkation-and-check-out/disembarkation-procedures
Check-in is usually around 2pm until 2 hours before the cruise departs. You can check in for your Marella cruise at the terminal as soon as your transfer arrives at the port. On arrival you can present staff with your Marella boarding passes accessed via their cruise control page. If you do not have these printed, you will just be required to provide your passport which your booking will be linked too, you will then be provided with your cruise card. You will be required to watch the muster drill video and attend your muster station noted on the back of your cruise card once you have boarded.
For disembarkation you will receive a departure letter on board with colour-coded labels to put on your bags before you leave them outside your cabin for collection. For more information on embarkation and disembarkation procedures, please visit the ‘Before you Go’ page on https://www.tui.co.uk/destinations/faq/marella-cruises/before-you-go
A dedicated check-in slot is assigned to you by default by MSC Cruises, but it could be changed during the online check-in choosing from those available. Your check in will begin from the slot selected or allocated on your cruise tickets. If you do arrive earlier than your dedicated check-in slot you may be requested to wait outside of the terminal building. If you arrive after your dedicated check in slot closes, you may be denied boarding, so it is important to arrive on time. Check in and boarding closes 2 hours before the ship’s departure. For more information on checking in and boarding, including Yacht Club privilege embarkation please visit: https://www.msccruises.co.uk/manage-booking/before-you-go/embarkation
Two days before the end of your cruise, all guests will receive in their cabins the disembarkation procedures and luggage tags. Guests are asked to leave labelled luggage outside the cabin door the night before disembarking. The luggage will be collected and delivered directly in the terminal building during disembarkation. The luggage embarkation and disembarkation process may vary between ports.
NCL request that all guests complete their online check in process via their My NCL account prior to their departure to ensure that all guests have a smooth boarding process. You will be provided with an embarkation time and ask that guests do not arrive any earlier than 1 hour before this slot. NCL highly encourage guests to board no later than 2 hours before the ship’s departure time noted in your e-documents. For more information on departure date please visit: https://www.ncl.com/uk/en/freestyle-cruise/prepare-for-your-cruise/departure-day
For disembarkation guests are required to vacate their staterooms by 8am on the morning of disembarkation. However, these times may change due to itinerary adjustments and will be communicated to guests on board. Guests are allowed to depart the ship around 2 hours after the ship docks. In some ports, guests can use the ‘easy walk off’ option as soon as the ship is cleared by local authorities. For more information please visit NCL FAQ’S page on their website: https://www.ncl.com/uk/en/cruise-faq/when-will-i-be-required-vacate-our-suitestateroom-morning-debarkation
All information about joining and leaving the ship on your P&O Cruise can be found on https://www.pocruises.com/essential-information/joining-and-leaving-your-ship All guests can check in ahead of their cruise via my.pocruises.com or by clicking the link in the email that you will receive. Online check in opens 21 days prior to departure and closes at 10pm the evening before. To ensure that congestion at the port is kept to the minimum you will be allocated an arrival time for embarkation on your boarding pass. If you are arriving by P&O cruises partner coach service, your coach arrival time will override your boarding time.
On disembarkation P&O Cruises crew will take your luggage off the ship for you, ready for this to be collected inside the terminal building. Your luggage will be ordered by the colour-coded labels provided with your disembarkation details in your stateroom on the final evening of your cruise. You do also have the option to carry off your luggage without assistance.
Prior to departure with a Princess Cruise, guests can order and customize a Medallion, a quarter-sized device that acts as your key card by downloading the Ocean Ready App. This will allow guests a smooth and quicker boarding experience when arriving at the terminal. All guests will be allocated a boarding time by logging into your Princess account. Guests who have completed the check in process and are in possession of their medallion can go through the green lane at the terminal. Any guests who have not checked in beforehand will be able to complete the check in process and pick up a medallion at the check in desk at the terminal.
The night before disembarkation you will receive information inside your cabin including luggage labels to assemble to your luggage and leave outside of your stateroom for collected. Disembarkation will begin once the ship has received clearance from the local authorities. You will be notified on your time to disembark the Medallion Class App when it is your turn to depart. As you leave the ship you will be diverted by the Princess Cruises representatives to the luggage claim. For more information please visit: https://www.princess.com/en-uk/faq
Guests can check in before departure using the Royal Caribbean App or website. Guests will need to provide their passport, take a selfie and complete a health questionnaire as part of their check in process. You will then receive a boarding pass after checking in. Some terminals use facial recognition to help you board. On arrival into the terminal building, you will pick up your Sea Card which serves as your room key and on-board account. On your boarding pass you will be provided with an allocated arrival/check in time. Guests should arrive to the port no later than 60 minutes prior to the published sail time. You will be provided with luggage tags prior to departure, and these can be attached to your bags and handed to the porters at the cruise terminal, these will later be delivered outside your cabin.
On most occasions the latest time to leave the vessel will be between 10:00am and 11:00am. Each ship will provide an as you depart flyer with the exact details for that vessel and port of boarding. Royal Caribbean offers two departure types: Regular and Self-Assist and more information can be found on https://www.royalcaribbean.com/gbr/en/faq/questions/what-is-the-difference-between-self-assist-and-regular-departure Guests will be provided with luggage tags for disembarkation to attach to their luggage and leave outside the cabin the night before disembarkation. The time listed on the luggage tags is the earliest time you can leave the ship, and your bags will be ready.
On a Celebrity Cruise, the time you can board your cruise varies on the type of stateroom that you have booked and what time your cruise ship departs. More information on when your cruise ship is due to set sail can be found on your final itinerary, or the Celebrity Cruises APP. Guests can use the celebrity online check in or app to speed up the boarding process on embarkation day which will provided you with an Xpress Pass which indicates that you have completed check in. Please make sure you arrive to the terminal with your documents to hand such as your passport, Visas (if applicable). When you arrive at the port, you will be met at the vehicle drop off area by couriers who will take your luggage. From that point it will be brought onto the ship and delivered to your stateroom. Please ensure that before dropping off your luggage, that your luggage labels are attached as this will allow crew to deliver the luggage to your cabin. For more information please visit: https://www.celebritycruises.com/blog/embarkation-day
All guests will be invited to leave their luggage outside of their stateroom the night before disembarkation day which will be collected by crew overnight and will be waiting for you in the cruise terminal when you leave the ship. You will need to ensure that your on-board account has been settled the day before and your carry case is packed, you will be able to make your way for some breakfast. Once your pre-allocated disembarkation time comes, make your way to the gangway. You will then claim your luggage in the terminal, clear customs, and take your onward journey. For more information please visit: https://www.celebritycruises.com/blog/disembarkation-port
All Virgin Voyages sailors can start the check in process ahead of departure via the Ready to Sail check-in process in the Virgin Voyages App. During this process, the app will allow guests to select an embarkation time. Boarding usually begins at 2pm but guests must follow the boarding arrival time slot. No documents will be issued before departure as these will be available to collect at the port, and you will be provided with a wearable risk band which will act as your room key and on-board account. For more details on embarkation day, please visit: https://www.virginvoyages.com/help-and-support/before-you-sail/port-information
Virgin Voyages would like guests to enjoy their final evening with them without feeling rushed for disembarkation in the morning. Virgin Voyages have an extended disembarkation to 10:45am to allow flexibility for guests. Guests will be able to select a disembarkation slot using the Virgin Voyages APP, however this is not mandatory. Disembarkation will begin as soon as the ship has received clearance from the local authorities. Guests will be provided with luggage tags to assemble to their bags, and place outside their cabin on the final evening of their cruise which can be collected from the terminal on departure. For more information on disembarkation please visit: https://www.virginvoyages.com/help-and-support/back-on-dry-land/disembarkation
There are several different types of cabin/stateroom on a cruise ship
Inside Cabins
These are cabins with no balcony or porthole/window. These cabins are usually the cheapest option however, they offer the same amenities and services to guests as those in outside or balcony cabins.
Outside/Ocean View Cabins
These cabins will usually have a similar layout and size to inside cabins but have a porthole/window. The porthole/window does not open but provides natural light into the cabin.
Balcony/Veranda Cabins
Balcony cabins are usually a little bigger than inside or outside cabins. A balcony cabin will often have chairs and a small table on the balcony for you to enjoy the outdoor space. For larger balcony cabins you may have a sun lounger. Depending on the cabin/ship balconies may be glass or metal fronted.
Obstructed/Partial View Cabins
Some cruise lines have the option to book a cabin with a partial or full obstruction. These are cabins with a porthole/window or balcony where something on the ship (such as a lifeboat) obstructs the view.
Guarantee Cabins
A guarantee cabin is when the cruise line allocates your cabin number close to the sail date of your cruise, these can be allocated up until the time you board the ship. When booking a guarantee cabin you will be advised of a cabin grade, this is minimum category of cabin you will receive. Your cabin could be allocated anywhere on the ship, you could be allocated a higher grade, and all cabins could be subject to obstructed views.
Suites
A suite is the most expensive cabin type on a cruise ship. There are various types of suites, and the suite size can also vary. It is not uncommon to have a living area separate to your bedroom. Suites usually include many additional extras which could include priority boarding, access to exclusive areas on the ship, a butler service and much more.
Single Cabins
Suitable for solo guests. Most cruise lines have a limited number of single cabins. These cabins are a cheaper option for those travelling on their own, often with no or reduced single supplement, and will offer the same amenities and services as other cabin types.
Interconnecting Cabins
Interconnecting cabins are two adjacent cabins of the same type with an interconnecting door in the middle of them. Perfect for families, multi-generation holidays, or a group of friends.
Accessible/Adapted Cabins
These cabins are designed to accommodate guests who require a wheelchair or powered mobility device. They are larger in size providing plenty of room to manoeuvre.
Most cruise lines have a loyalty programme. They will reward their most frequent guests with additional benefits like early boarding, complimentary drinks, free cabin category upgrades, On Board Credit etc.
They loyalty schemes are structured around a point system and the points you receive are determined but the number of nights you’ve sailed and the cabin categories you have booked.
Use the links below to find out what your chosen cruise line offers to their loyal guests.
Azamara - https://www.azamara.com/b2c/booked-guests/azamara-circle
Carnival - https://www.carnival.com/vifp/overview
Celebrity - https://www.celebritycruises.com/gb/captains-club
Cunard - https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/cunard-world-club
Fred Olsen - https://www.fredolsencruises.com/oceans-club
Holland America Line - https://www.hollandamerica.com/en/gb/plan-a-cruise/get-ready-for-your-cruise/mariner-society
MSC - https://www.msccruises.co.uk/manage-booking/msc-voyagers-club
P&O - https://www.pocruises.com/essential-information/loyalty-and-reward
Princess - https://book.princess.com/captaincircle/membershipBenefits.page
Norwegian Cruise Line - https://www.ncl.com/uk/en/latitudes-rewards-program
Virgin Voyages - https://www.virginvoyages.com/sailing-club
Unfortunately, due to safety and fire regulations, items such as irons or kettles are not permitted to be brought onboard.
For kettles, most cruise lines do have tea and coffee-making facilities in the cabin and if not, there are facilities located around the ship- usually in the buffet area and often 24 hours.
Irons and travel irons should not be taken onboard as they are considered a risk to fire safety and therefore prohibited. Laundry, dry cleaning, and pressing facilities are available onboard most ships for a charge. A lot of ships will have a launderette facility available onboard, so that guests can wash and dry their own items of clothing. Please see here for further details.
Most cruise lines will allow hair straighteners to be taken onboard, but we advise you to check the website of the cruise line you are travelling with for a definitive answer. You should consider the voltage used on the ship to ensure it is suitable for your equipment and when finished, always ensure you unplug any items like this and leave them in a safe location.
Cruise ship cabins could be fitted with UK, US or European electric plug sockets. Most cruise lines have at least two varieties but it’s always best to check what type of plug adaptor you’ll need if required before you travel. Newer ships may also have USB sockets in the cabins, but older ships are unlikely to.
Cruise ship plug socket varieties:
Please see below a summary of cruise lines’ plug socket types. For any lines not listed here, please see the individual cruise line’s website.
Azamara: EU and US
Cunard: UK and US
Celebrity: EU and US
Fred Olsen: EU, UK (Bolette only) US (Bolette and Borealis only)
MSC Cruises: EU and UK
Norwegian Cruise Line: EU and US
P&O: UK (some ships have EU and US too, please visit the cruise line website to confirm if these are available on your ship)
Princess Cruises: US
Royal Caribbean: EU and US
Marella: EU or US
Virgin Voyages: EU or US
All cruise lines operate a cashless system for purchases made onboard. You will be required to register a payments card (credit or debit) prior to departure as part of the online check in process. Please be aware that cruise lines may take a pending payment from the card that you register. Once your final onboard account has been settled the pending payment will be refunded to your card. However, this may not be processed until after you arrive home from your cruise.
Every time you make a purchase onboard you hand over the keycard issued to you by the ship and the purchase is added to your account. Some cruise lines don't use Keycards anymore and have alternative devices, such as Princess Cruises 'Ocean Medallion'.
You can often keep track of the spending on your onboard account via the cruise lines apps. Just before the end of the cruise you will be presented with an itemised bill. Any concerns about the items listed should be raised with Guest Relations onboard.
The bill will be settled against the Payment Card you registered during Online Check-In. If you have a card issued in the UK using Pounds Sterling but your cruise line operates in a different currency onboard, you may be charged a transaction fee for the currency exchange.
What is a Muster Drill?
A muster drill is a mandatory safety exercise with the objective to familiarise all guests with the location (muster station) where they are to assemble in the unlikely event of an emergency.
For most cruise lines these are done on embarkation day. Once you go to your cabin you will likely have a safety briefing you need to watch on the TV in your cabin (e.g. how to don a life jacket). After this you need to go to your muster station and make yourself known to a crew member. All guests must attend even if they have sailed previously.
Current section regarding on board protocols from travel advice to be bought into this section
What are gratuities/tips?
Guests on many cruises are generally expected to leave tips for certain cruise staff members serving them. Gratuities is another term for 'tips'. Guests can choose to pre-pay their gratuities before they travel with some cruise lines. Other cruise lines will add a daily gratuity charge to your on-board account. This will need to be paid before you leave the ship.
Do I have to pay gratuities?
Paying tips and gratuities depends on which cruise line you choose. Some have a no-tipping policy while others offer a discretionary gratuity option. Cruise lines that have a discretionary policy will apply a charge to your onboard account. If you wish to adjust or remove gratuities where they are discretionary you will need to speak to Guest Relations on the ship.
No Tipping Required
Tips At Your Discretion
Compulsory Tipping
Can gratuities be pre-paid?
Yes, with some cruise lines, you can pre-pay your gratuities before you travel. This can be done at the time of booking your cruise if you make your Concierge aware. If you have already booked you can pre-pay for your gratuities via your cruise line booking portal (on their website) or by speaking to one of our Customer Service team (link to contact us page).
Cruise Ships schedule a huge array of activities to keep their guests entertained. There are so many options that a day at sea can be just as fun as a full day of sightseeing! Information and a schedule of all entertainment and activities are found in the daily program. It also includes opening hours for the spa, casino, restaurants, shops, and bars. You’ll also find details on the scheduled ports of call, shopping promotions and evening dress code.
Traditionally, a printed copy of the daily program is delivered to your cabin. But in an effort to reduce waste, many cruise lines have moved to house voyage information on their mobile apps. These apps - downloadable at home before your cruise - not only contain the daily program but also allow guests to make reservations for restaurants, excursions, and the spa, and view their onboard account and any other ship-related information. For those who prefer, paper copies of the daily program you can still request these to be delivered to your cabin every evening with most cruise lines.
You may find some cruise lines provide an area on an open deck for smokers as well as designated cigar lounges inside.
It’s important to note that failure to follow the cruise line smoking policy can result in a charge to cover cleaning costs as well as a fine for disposing of your cigarette anywhere but the designated bin.
Non-smoking areas prohibit the use of cigarettes, cigars, pipes and electronic devices such as e-cigarettes.
Below is summary of most cruise lines smoking policies, further detail can be found on the cruise lines website.
Ambassador
Smoking is not permitted inside Ambassador ships. Consequently, all internal areas, comprising cabins, lounges, restaurants and other public rooms are non-smoking areas. Designated areas for smokers are available externally in selected areas of the open decks. E-cigarettes or similar are only permitted to be used in designated smoking areas.
Azamara
All areas onboard are non-smoking spaces aside from the designated area on located on the portside forward section of the pool deck (Deck 9, over by the Club Spa Suites). The smoking area is clearly marked. E-cigarettes or similar are only permitted to be used in designated smoking areas.
Cunard
Smoking is not allowed in cabins, on balconies, or any other public interior location. Smoking is permitted on the outside decks in designated areas only. Cigar and pipe smokers are welcome in Churchill's Cigar Lounge.
Celebrity
No smoking is allowed in any inside space, be it public or private, including devices such as e-cigarettes. There are often smoking areas at designated sections on the port side of the pool decks. Outdoor smoking is restricted to these designated areas.
MSC Cruises
While smoking is not permitted in cabins (including balconies), there may be areas located indoors where smoking is permitted.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Smoking is not permitted in cabins or on balconies but is permitted in the casino and in the cigar bar. Smoking isn't allowed in any other indoor area. Smoking is also permitted in designated areas on the open deck.
P&O
Smoking is not permitted in any part of the ship's interior. There are areas on the open decks where you will be permitted to smoke.
Princess Cruises
Smoking is not allowed in cabins or on stateroom balconies. Dedicated smoking areas will be provided on outside decks.
Royal Caribbean
While smoking isn't allowed in public areas, staterooms, or balconies, there may be a smoking area in the casino on some sailings, but not when sailing from the UK. It is permitted in designated smoking areas on the outside decks.
Marella Cruises
Smoking is not permitted in any part of the ship's interior. There are designated smoking areas on the open decks.
Fred. Olsen
Smoking is not permitted in any part of the ship's interior, but you are allowed to smoke on your balcony (excluding Deck 7 Terrace Balconies on Black Watch and Boudicca). There are designated areas on the open-air decks where you are permitted to smoke.
Guest Relations or Guest Services on a cruise ship are like Reception in a large hotel. There are staff members on duty at Guest Relations 24 hours a day and they are your point of contact for any assistance you may need whilst on board or for any information about things happening during your cruise.
MSC and Fred. Olsen do not allow any alcohol to be brought on board at embarkation. However, some will allow you to bring wine or champagne only onboard for embarkation, such as P&O, Cunard, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, NCL, Disney, Holland America, Azamara, Princess Cruises and Carnival.
If the cruise line allows you to bring your own alcohol, be aware each cruise line may charge you a corkage fee for any bottle of wine or champagne consumed onboard, depending on where you do it. In your own cabin you won’t get charged but consuming this in a public space, such as a restaurant or lounge, will require paying the fee. The exact amount varies by line, and we advise you to check with the cruise line website for specific details.
In addition, cruise lines recognise that you may wish to buy alcohol when ashore at a port of call to take back home with you. Please note that these will normally be collected by the crew when you get back on the ship, held securely and delivered to your cabin on the last night of your cruise. Again, each cruise line may have a different policy, so we advise you to check on their website.
Can I add a drinks package to my booking?
You can add drinks packages to your booking with the majority of cruise lines. Prices and types of alcoholic and soft drinks packages will vary depending on the supplier. You can add these packages to your booking by visiting the cruise line's website, logging into your Manage My Booking/Cruise Personaliser, and paying the cruise line directly for them (link to registering with your cruise line).
We recommend pre-booking these packages as they are great value for money. Please note that the cruise lines may offer special promotions for adding drinks packages depending on the sailing and sometimes these need to be added via us.
Below are links to more information regarding drinks packages offered by some cruise lines.
Cunard -https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/activity-types/bars-and-lounges/a-world-of-drinks
Princess -https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/activity-types/bars-and-lounges/a-world-of-drinks
Royal Caribbean -https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/activity-types/bars-and-lounges/a-world-of-drinks
Celebrity -https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/activity-types/bars-and-lounges/a-world-of-drinks
Ambassador -https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/activity-types/bars-and-lounges/a-world-of-drinks
Azamara -https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/activity-types/bars-and-lounges/a-world-of-drinks
MSC -https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/activity-types/bars-and-lounges/a-world-of-drinks
NCL -https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/activity-types/bars-and-lounges/a-world-of-drinks
Fred Olsen -https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/activity-types/bars-and-lounges/a-world-of-drinks
Virgin Voyages -https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/activity-types/bars-and-lounges/a-world-of-drinks
Cruise lines have a main dining room which is included in your cruise. Most also have a buffet restaurant and casual poolside dining. Additionally, most cruise lines offer Speciality Restaurants. These are usually smaller restaurants on board with a theme such as Italian, Steakhouse or Seafood.
There is usually an additional cost to dine in these restaurants and reservations must be made in advance. You can book your speciality dining before you cruise via the cruise line website or on their app. If you are unable to book these before you travel or the restaurants are showing as booked don’t panic, most cruise lines keep some reservations aside for customers to book on whilst on board.
For more information regarding speciality dining for your chose cruise line please use the links below:
Ambassador -https://www.ambassadorcruiseline.com/on-board-experience/the-dining-experience/
Azamara -https://www.azamara.com/our-ships/onboard-dining
Celebrity -https://www.celebritycruises.com/int/things-to-do-onboard/onboard-packages/dining-packages
Cunard -https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/activity-types/dining
Fred. Olsen -https://www.fredolsencruises.com/life-on-board/dining-and-restaurants
Holland America Line -https://www.hollandamerica.com/en/gb/onboard-experiences/dining
Celestyal -https://celestyal.com/dining-menus/
Marella -https://www.tui.co.uk/cruise/onboard-experience/dining
Norwegian Cruise Line -https://www.ncl.com/uk/en/why-cruise-norwegian/cruise-dining#f1m1
MSC -https://www.msccruises.com/int/on-board/dining-and-drinks/dining-packages-specialty-restaurants
P&O -https://www.pocruises.com/onboard-activities/cruise-dining
Virgin Voyages -https://www.virginvoyages.com/cruise-dining
Most cruise lines offer Wi-Fi packages that can added to your booking. Costs will vary between cruise lines and individual cruise ships. You can add Wi-Fi packages directly with the cruise line once you register with them. For more information on how to register with your cruise line click here (link to registering with your cruise line section in FAQ once that is created).
Is there a minimum age to cruise?
The minimum age onboard most cruise lines is 6 months. However, this is often raised depending on the number of consecutive days at sea and the remoteness of some destinations limiting access to medical facilities. Land tour companies will also have their own age policies to take into account.
Please see below for general information on cruising age limits for the most popular cruise lines. However, we advise you to check the cruise line website’s if you need a more detailed answer.
Azamara Cruises
Babies must be at least 6 months on the day of embarkation.
The minimum age is raised to 12 months where there are 3 or more consecutive days at sea on the itinerary and if cruising the Transatlantic, Transpacific, Hawaii, select South American and other selected cruises and tours.
Celebrity Cruises
Babies must be at least 6 months on the day of embarkation.
In the case of cruises with more than 3 consecutive days at sea or if cruising on itineraries for Transatlantic, Transpacific, Hawaii, select South American, and other selected cruises and tours, the minimum age is raised to 12 months.
P&O Cruises
Babies must be at least 6 months on the day of embarkation.
As a result of the remote destinations and consecutive sea days, some cruises and exotic fly-cruises have a minimum age of 12 months. For more information, please see P&O’s brochure under ‘restrictions.
Princess Cruises
Babies must be at least 6 months on the day of embarkation.
Any children cruising on trans-oceanic or remote itineraries with more than 2 days at sea consecutively must be 12 months as of the embarkation date. In addition, children must be at least 5 years old to join a cruise tour.
Cunard
No child can be under 6 months old as of embarkation day.
In addition, Cunard cannot host children less than 12 months old on a Full World Cruise, Exotic Cruise, or Transatlantic Crossing.
Fred Olsen
A baby needs to be at least 6 months of age on the day of sailing.
Royal Caribbean
Babies must be at least 6 months on the day of embarkation.
An exception to this is during cruises with more than 3 consecutive sea days or Transatlantic, Transpacific, Hawaii, select South American, and other selected sailings and cruise tours.
Norwegian Cruise Lines
To cruise onboard an NCL ship a child must be no younger than 6 months. The exception to this is the minimum age limit being 1 year old when sailing on itineraries with 3+ sea days consecutively.
MSC
Infants who are under 1 year of age are admitted on board, except for cruises starting from 11 nights onwards, for which it is required that the minor is at least 1 year old at the time of embarkation.
Kids Clubs
Each cruise line offers a variety of different options for the children. These are extremely popular, so booking is essential. Normally free of charge but it depends on the cruise line.
Listed below are some of our most popular family cruise lines and further information on how to join their kids' clubs.
P&O Cruises
You can register each child 14 days ahead of your holiday via P&O Cruises' online customer portal. Click here to access your booking with P&O.
Royal Caribbean
You can register your children for the kids club on the first day of your cruise. Once onboard the Royal Caribbean Kids Clubs are open, so you can take your child/children along to have a look around and get a feel for the club, and speak to the youth staff, who will be more than happy to assist you in signing up.
Princess Cruises
Princess asks all parents or guardians to fill in a form prior to their cruise to register their child for one of their kids' clubs - please click here for a link to the registration form for 3-12 years and here for the registration for 13-17-year-olds.
Norwegian Cruise Lines
Once onboard, visit the Youth Programme area where a member of their team will be more than happy to assist you with filling in a registration form.
MSC
For MSC's Mini and Juniors Club, you can pre-register before you sail. Click here to follow a link to the registration form.
You can use your mobile on a cruise ship but your network providers roaming charges will apply. You also need to be aware that once the ship is clear of land you will like lose network connectivity.
The best way to stay connected onboard, and avoid data roaming charges, is to add a Wi-Fi package to your booking. For more information on this click here (link to Wi-Fi FAQ page when done).
Most Ships will have a medical centre, and doctors onboard should an emergency arise. The ship’s medical facility stocks basic supplies of emergency medications but a regular pharmacy service is not available. Please remember to bring sufficient supplies of any regular medications with you, to last at least 14 days beyond your holiday.
Any medical services administered at sea are chargeable. We once again remind our customers of the importance of a comprehensive travel insurance policy.
What if I get seasick?
If you think you might experience motion sickness on a cruise, it’s best to be prepared. There are several over the counter, natural, and doctor-prescribed remedies that can help. Be sure to pack whatever seasickness remedy you choose in your carry-on bag, and take as directed, which may mean a few hours prior to boarding your ship.
If you do forget to pack motion sickness medication don’t worry, most Guest Relations on cruise ships can help you find medication that will help combat sea sickness. This medication could be chargeable, so it is important to have comprehensive cruise specific travel insurance.
At most ports, the ship will stay at the pier or dock, allowing you to walk down the gangway to the quayside. However, occasionally the water is too shallow for the ship to get close enough.
When this is the case, at these 'Tender Ports', small boats are used to take you from ship to shore and back again. Most of the time the ship’s own lifeboats serve this purpose but the local port authority does provide their own tender boats in some ports of call.
For any guests who are full-time wheelchair users, or with any serious mobility limitations, we advise you to carefully check your cruise itinerary at the time of booking to see if any ports of call included are shown as a Tender Port. This is because your opportunity to leave the ship at the said port may be restricted by the Cruise Line Health & Safety Regulations on Tender usage, especially under inclement sea conditions.
For the ultimate enriching cruise experience, most guests opt to take part in at least one or two excursions during their holiday. These can be booked through our partner Shore Excursion Group (link to Shorex). They offer satisfaction guarantees, high quality excursion experiences, lower prices when compared to going direct to the cruise line and a guaranteed return to ship policy.
You can also speak to their team 24/7 with a toll free number available globally, ideal in the unlikely event that you encounter any difficulties.
We advise booking your shore excursion as soon as you can to ensure you secure your place, as these can get booked up very quickly.
Most cruise lines also offer a fantastic range of shore excursions suitable for different abilities, ages, and tastes. Full details of the cruise excursions they offer can be found by visiting your cruise line’s website or downloading their mobile apps. To book your excursion with your cruise line, you will need your cruise line booking reference to access your booking.
Did you know that many cruise lines offer incredible deals when you rebook your next cruise on-board? Take a look at these latest offers for exclusive prices only when you book on board your next cruise with Cruise118.com. Plus, in addition to these, we will give you up to $200 onboard credit* to enjoy on your next cruise holiday. Terms and Conditions Apply.
| Minimum spend | Minimum spend | |
|
MSC/Ambassador /P&O |
Royal Caribbean/Princess/ Celebrity/NCL/Holland America Line |
|
| $50 FREE to spend on-board | £ 1,998 | £ 3,998 |
| $100 FREE to spend on-board | £ 2,998 | £ 4,998 |
| $150 FREE to spend on-board | £ 4,998 | £ 6,998 |
| $200 FREE to spend on-board | £ 5,998 | £ 8,998 |
You'll get the best of both worlds, as you’ll benefit from the on-board offers available, plus you still get to use your same dedicated Cruise Concierge at Cruise118.com when you get home and all the way leading up to and after your cruise. We work together with each cruise line's on-board departments, so you can get the best service and offers from us both.
If you do choose to book your next cruise whilst on board, don't worry, your new booking will still be taken care of with your award-winning Cruise118.com Concierge and we'll be in touch on your return. See the latest details below for your book on-board offers.
Royal Caribbean
Choose up to $600 off OR $600 onboard credit - when you book your next Royal Caribbean cruise whilst on-board, you will receive exclusive benefits only available when you book on-board.
You can secure your sailing with a £75pp deposit when you choose a ship and sail date for 5 nights or less, or £150pp deposit for sailings of 6 nights or more. This also entitles you to lock in any current Royal Caribbean promotions.
Not made your mind up? You can also take up to one year to choose your cruise when you place a deposit with NextCruise! From £75pp you can earn up to $200 in either on-board credit or savings by selecting your cruise within two months, all of which are combinable with your Crown and Anchor savings!
Celebrity Cruises
Booking your future cruise while onboard guarantees you Celebrity Cruises' lowest available fare. What’s more, it comes with the flexibility to amend your booking if a more attractive promotion or price reduction becomes available. You’ll also receive other exclusive benefits, such as reduced deposits and up to $500 extra to spend on board your future cruise!
· Princess Cruises
Receive up to $200 per couple free to spend on-board when you book your next Princess Cruises sailing on-board. With Future Cruise Consultants, you can enjoy travel agency rates and even take up to one year to choose your sailing if you're not ready to book, and your deposit is fully refundable if not used within one year. Simply place a £75pp deposit on-board from your stateroom TV, in the Medallion Class app or by completing a form for the Future Cruise Sales Office and guests will receive a confirmation email. Your on-board spend can be used on a range of activities including spa treatments, shore excursions, on-board shopping and speciality dining.
NCL
Get up to $500 FREE Onboard Credit to spend on your current holiday when you purchase deposits for your next cruise through the CruiseNext team on board.
P&O
Book onboard between before 4th September and receive...
1. Double onboard credit on All EX-UK and Fly Atlantic Islands, Mediterranean 12, 13 and 14 night cruises on all sailings currently on sale.
2. Double onboard credit on 15+ nights Rest of the world sectors & world cruise sailings for 2025 and 2026
3. Double onbaord credit (extra £150pp - £200pp) on all EX-UK 15+ night cruises, excluding RWC.
Ambassador
If guest books on board, they received a 10% discount on any booking.
MSC
Book now, choose later: With MSC's new Open Booking Programme, you have up to a year to decide on your destination and travel dates.
Reduced deposit: Secure your booking with a deposit as low as €100 per person. Up to €200 shipboard credit per cabin, based on cabin category and cruise duration. Best price guarantee
Double MSC Voyagers Club Points: MSC Voyagers Club members earn double points on their MSC Voyagers Club card* when booking onboard.
Cunard
Excluded from the C118 exclusive up to $200 onboard credit promotion. Any bookings made onboard will receive the below onboard credit per booking.
Sailings of 6-9 days:
Suites $200 USD per person
Balcony $150 USD per person
Inside & Outside $100 USD per person
Sailings of 10 + days:
Suites $400 USD per person
Balcony $300 USD per person
Inside & Outside $200 USD per person
For Voyages of 25+ nights:
The onboard booking benefit is 3% discount (as opposed to onboard credit).
A 15% deposit is required.
You are also entitled to a low deposit of £175pp, when booking a cruise of 6 nights or more. The above benefits are not available when booking a Late Saver or any other promotional fare.
Fred. Olsen
Excluded from the C118 exclusive up to $200 onboard credit promotion. Any bookings made onboard will receive the below onboard credit per booking.
Exclusive 5% discount off Freedom Fares
Exclusive free upgrade when you book a Suite (available on selected cruises and cabin grades)
Additional 5% Oceans Loyalty Club Discount when booking in advance - even if you are not an Oceans member yet!
Access to up-to-the-minute cabin availability, special offers and benefits
*Terms and conditions apply for all book on-board offers. Please see the cruise line's website and on-board for further details.
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