Generally, the best deals are found during wave season (January–March) or 6–12 months before departure. Last-minute deals also exist, but cabin choices may be limited.

Standard cruise fares usually do not include alcohol or soda. However, many cruise lines offer drink packages that you can purchase separately.

Daytime is casual, but many cruises have ""formal nights"" or themed dinners that may require dressier outfits. Each cruise line outlines its dress code in advance.

Whether you need a passport for a cruise depends on your itinerary. Closed-loop cruises (those departing and returning to the same U.S. port) typically only require a birth certificate and ID. However, a passport is highly recommended for international travel and emergencies.

Absolutely. Most major cruise lines have dedicated kids' clubs, pools, and family-friendly activities. Some ships even have water parks and arcades onboard.

Cruise lines typically charge $14–$20 per person per day in automatic gratuities. You can prepay these or have them billed to your onboard account.

Using your phone on a cruise can be costly due to expensive cell service at sea. To avoid high roaming charges, consider purchasing a cruise-specific Wi-Fi or international plan and keep your phone in airplane mode, using the ship's Wi-Fi where available.