In this comprehensive guide to Celebrity Cruises dining options, discover the different dining options onboard, what to wear and the many possibilities for globally-inspired food available at the dozens of restaurants and cafes on each ship. Are meals included on Celebrity Cruises? Yes! Celebrity Cruises dining options include several complimentary venues. Head to the buffet-style Oceanview Cafe or enjoy hamburgers and hot dogs by the pool at Mast Grill for lunch. On Edge Series ships, you can dine in style at any of the four complimentary restaurants. Enjoy elevated classics at the Main Restaurant, new American cuisine at Cosmopolitan (on Celebrity Edge and Apex), flavors of the Mediterranean at Cyprus, or modern French cuisine at Normandie. The cuisine is inspired from the destinations Celebrity visits and is hand-crafted from the highest quality ingredients. How does dining work on Celebrity Cruises? Celebrity Cruises dining options were created to accommodate the different preferences and approaches to vacation and traveling. Some passengers like consistency in their day-to-day routine…even on vacation…while others prefer trying something new each evening. There three choices of dining based on your preferences: Celebrity Select Dining with an early or late seating time Anytime Dining Celebrity Select Dining Early or Late With Celebrity Select Dining Early or Late, you’ll have a designated time each evening for dinner, starting as early as 6pm or as late as 8:30pm. With Celebrity Select Dining Early, Late, you’ll be seated with the same people and get the same waitstaff each night. You’ll get to know your tablemates and the crew. It’s perfect for making new friends with similar interests and swapping travel stories over dinner. You can also request a table for just your party if you prefer dining alone. Celebrity Select Dining Anytime The other option, Celebrity Select Dining Anytime, is ideal for passengers who want a little more flexibility. You may want to stay at the pool for longer, lounge at the adults-only* Solarium, grab a before dinner drink at the martini bar or unwind in your stateroom after a full day in port before going out for dinner. With Celebrity Select Dining Anytime, you can choose your dining time anytime between 6pm and 9:30pm. Just arrive at the Main Dining when you are ready for dinner and you will be seated as quickly as possible. Celebrity Select Early, Late, and Anytime all feature the same great menus, there is no cost difference. Each evening will offer a different menu with a few items that remain available each evening. Note that only a certain number of guests can choose Celebrity Select Dining Anytime per sailing. Anytime Dining is available on a first-come, first-served basis. You can always speak with the Maitre’d to see if there is space available if you wish to change your dining. *Solarium kid’s hours available from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm on select itineraries – Antarctica, Alaska, and the Baltics. Is Celebrity Select Dining offered on all ships? Celebrity Select Dining is available on all Millennium, Solstice, and Edge series ships. Celebrity Select Dining on our Edge-series ships gives you the options to choose your dining time and designate which of the four Main Restaurants you want to visit. Celebrity Select Dining on Millennium and Solstice Class There are two main dining rooms on Millennium and Solstice class ships. On Millennium class, the main dining room is located aft on decks 4 and 5. Deck 5 is Select Dining Early or Late and Deck 4 is Select Dining Anytime. Millennium class ships are Millennium, Infinity, Summit and On Solstice class, the main dining room is also aft but deck 3 is Select Dining Early or Late and Deck 4 is Select Dining Anytime. Solstice class ships are Solstice, Equinox, Eclipse, Silhouette and Reflection Celebrity Select Dining on Edge Class Edge class ships offer not one but four complimentary main restaurants—Normandie, Tuscan, Cosmopolitan and Cyprus. Edge class ships are Edge, Apex, Ascent, Beyond and Excel. Each restaurant features the same outstanding menu that changes nightly, plus each venue offers its own ambience, along with a selection of exclusive, regionally inspired dishes and drinks. You can still choose Celebrity Select Early or Late seating for your dining times, which allows you to enjoy dinner at the same table with the same waiter every evening. You will be assigned one of the four main dining restaurants, while having the option to dine in the other three upon request. (This seating selection is not strictly enforced though, so you can go to whichever restaurant you want, whenever you want, unless you prefer to remain with the more traditional set dining time.) If Celebrity Select Dining Anytime, you can dine in any of the four restaurants each evening and enjoy a change of scenery. With Celebrity Select Dining, the choice of how you plan your evening meals is up to you. What is the dress code for dinner on Celebrity Cruises? Celebrity has moved away from formal wear for a more modern take on dressing up. No need to pack your suit and tie or ball gown unless that is something you enjoy doing. The crew loves seeing creative, stylish outfits onboard. For most evenings, the dress code is smart casual. Smart Casual attire is required for entry to main dining, specialty dining, and the Celebrity Theatre. Smart Casual means you look comfortable yet tasteful in a dress, skirt, long pants, or jeans (without rips or tears) and stylish top or button-down. Shorts and flip flops are not considered Smart Casual. Celebrity Dress Code If you choose to not follow the smart casual dress code, dining is available in the Oceanview Cafe each evening. Each itinerary features one to two “formal” nights that are now called Evening Chic. Evening Chic means you dress to impress in your own way. Women should feel comfortable wearing:A cocktail dress, nice skirt, dressy pants or designer jeans with an elegant top. Men should feel comfortable wearing:Pants or designer jeans with a dress shirt, button-down shirt or sweaterSport coat/blazerContinueContinue reading “Ultimate Guide to Dining on Celebrity Cruises”
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Essential Guide: Celebrity Cruises Wi-Fi Packages
If staying connected during your cruise is important to you, consider purchasing a Wi-Fi package. While you can use the cruise line’s app to message other guests onboard without a package, internet access for browsing, social media, streaming, or checking email will require one. Of course, you can also wait until you’re in port to catch up on emails and social media using local connections. Updated March 2, 2026 Cell Phones Be sure to switch your phone to airplane mode as soon as the ship sets sail. I usually do it as soon as I board. Using cellular service at sea can become extremely expensive, and no one wants to come home to a shocking phone bill. If you’ve purchased a Wi-Fi package, simply turn on airplane mode and then enable Wi-Fi to connect to the ship’s network. Instructions for connecting are usually provided in your cabin, or you can always ask a crew member for help. If you plan to make phone calls or use the internet while in port, check with your mobile carrier before your cruise to see what international coverage is included and what additional charges may apply in the countries you’ll be visiting. Many ports, restaurants, and cafés offer free Wi-Fi, making it easy to check messages or post vacation photos without using cellular data. A good tip? Follow the crew members — they usually know exactly where to find the best free Wi-Fi spots in port! Basic Wifi With Basic Wi-Fi, you’ll be able to browse the web, send emails, and stay in touch with family and friends through select messaging apps. It’s a budget-friendly option for keeping connected while on vacation. However, activities like sending large attachments, posting photos or videos to social media, streaming movies or music, and making video calls typically require a Premium Wi-Fi package. Cost: $21/passenger/day (CHECK YOUR CRUISE FOR SAVINGS) *If you are a Captain’s Club member, you may qualify for a discount. Check your Captain’s Club account to see what discount is available to you. Captain’s Club Benefits Highlights: This package includes one device. *Basic Wi-Fi is included with the purchase of the All Included package. Premium Wifi Premium Wi-Fi gives you the fastest and most reliable internet access available throughout your cruise vacation. Stay connected with friends and family through messaging and video calls, browse the web, send emails with larger attachments, and share all your vacation moments on social media. You’ll also be able to stream your favorite movies, shows, videos, and music apps while at sea. Cost: $30/passenger/day If you are a Captain’s Club member, you may be able to receive a better discount. Check your Captain’s Club account to see what discount is available to you. Captain’s Club Benefits Highlights: This package includes 1 device Premium Wifi 2 Devices Premium Wi-Fi gives you the fastest and most reliable internet access throughout your cruise vacation. Stay connected with friends and family through messaging and video calls, browse the web, send emails with larger attachments, and share your vacation moments on social media anytime you’d like. You can also stream movies, binge-worthy shows, videos, and music using your favorite streaming apps while at sea. Highlights:Includes access for 2 devices that can be used simultaneously. This means each passenger in the cabin can use one device at the same time, or one guest can use both connections if preferred. Cost: $54/passenger/day (CHECK YOUR CRUISE FOR SAVINGS) If you are a Captain’s Club member, you may be able to receive a better discount. Check your Captain’s Club account to see what discount is available to you. Captain’s Club Benefits Premium Wi-Fi Upgrade – 1 Device per passenger You can upgrade your Wi-Fi package before your cruise through the Cruise Planner platform or by contacting the Celebrity Cruises Contact Center. The current upgrade cost is approximately $10 per person, per day. You can also upgrade once onboard by visiting the iLounge, though pricing may vary depending on the ship and length of the sailing. *If you are a Captain’s Club member, you may be able to receive a discount pre-cruise. Check your Captain’s Club account to see what discount is available to you. Captain’s Club Benefits Premium Wi-Fi Upgrade – 2 Devices per passenger Staying connected with family and friends while at sea is now even easier. You can upgrade pre-cruise from Premium 1 device to Premium 2 devices and take advantage of savings when you book in advance. With Premium Wi-Fi, powered by Starlink, Celebrity Cruises offers some of its best onboard internet, keeping you connected throughout your vacation. Share updates on social media, message or video chat with loved ones, browse the web, and send emails—even with larger attachments. You can also stream your favorite movies, shows, videos, and music apps while onboard. Highlights:Includes 2 devices per passenger, per day. Cost: $24/passenger/day (CHECK YOUR CRUISE FOR SAVINGS) *If you are a Captain’s Club member, you may be able to receive a discount. Check your Captain’s Club account to see what discount is available to you. Captain’s Club Benefits Occasionally, there may be mid-week offers available to purchase or upgrade your Wi-Fi package at a discounted rate. When these promotions are offered, you’ll find the details listed in your daily planner, so be sure to check it regularly during your sailing. Premium Access: Wi-Fi & More Perks Unlock a curated collection of elevated experiences designed to make your cruise even more seamless and personalized. Enjoy upgraded access and premium amenities, including priority check-in, where you can breeze past the lines and head straight to a private welcome lunch. Throughout your voyage, you’ll benefit from thoughtful perks such as reserved prime seating in The Theatre, premium Wi-Fi, and priority departure from ship to shore when tender service is required. Every detail is designed to enhance your time onboard and in port. With Celebrity Cruises, it’s all about taking your vacation to the next level with more comfort, convenience, and care from start to finish. What’s Included: Premium Wi-Fi for two devices. Unlimited complimentaryContinueContinue reading “Essential Guide: Celebrity Cruises Wi-Fi Packages”
Camp at Sea – Celebrity Cruises
Cruising is a great family vacation, but what is available for young cruisers to do onboard? Camp At Sea is a great option. With fun games, outdoor activities, video game tournaments, and slumber parties all on the agenda, your kids will have the time of their life during their family vacation on board. Camp at Sea is the only fully customizable kids cruise program in the industry. With over 500 activities to participate in, the schedule changes every sailing depending on the interests of the young cruisers. From arts and recreation to science and technology, all types of subjects and hobbies are available, making sure every kid (no matter their interests), feels entertained and engaged during their family cruise. Shipmates Ages 3-5 Young cruisers that are fully potty trained can enroll as Shipmates at Camp at Sea program, where they’ll work on their art skills at the Creation Station, learn new camp songs, and interact with other kids under the supervision of our experienced youth staff. Cadets Ages 6-9 Adventure awaits on board for Cadets. They can enroll in a one-of-a-kind nautical program, where they’ll learn the basics of sailing including navigation, time, weather patterns, and more. Cadets can also participate in activities spread throughout various venues, including Lawn Club games, campouts, and movie nights. Captains Ages 10-12 Older kids are known as Captains in Camp at Sea program. Here they enjoy more freedom while on board. You can spot Captain cruisers on scavenger hunts, STEM, and competing in various sports and gaming tournaments. Teens Ages 13-17 Teens can hang out at the Teen Club, a space designed exclusively for young adults, where they can socialize with other cruisers in their same age group. Teen-focused activities and events at the Teen Club include sports competitions, silent disco parties, and video game tournaments. Activites S.T.E.M Celebrity understands the importance of exposing young minds to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), and that’s why we’ve teamed up with The Frost Science Museum* to create a one-of-a-kind educational experience onboard. Celebrity’s STEM at Sea program offers exclusive activities and events that will engage, entertain, and inform kids on many topics such as marine wildlife, ecological conservation, and nautical exploration. *Available on Celebrity Equinox and Celebrity Edge Art Budding artists will love the Creation Station, a program that uses materials and tools for junior cruisers to express themselves through painting, collaging, and more. During the unique art activities, kids will create precious souvenirs and a number of masterpieces they will cherish long after their cruise has ended. Recreation For more active kids, there is a wide range of games and challenges onboard to sharpen their skills and teach them the importance of teamwork. From modern twists on popular camp games to the Challenge Series that engages mind, body, and silliness—there’s something for everyone. Culinary Young foodies will want to try out the variety of culinary experiences geared towards developing the tastes of up-and-coming gourmets. Enjoy a mouthwatering set of fun family cruise activities sure to please everyone—taste buds and all. Holidays on Celebrity Cruises Kids will love celebrating the holidays onboard Celebrity cruise ships. With festive decorations and themed events, it easy to get into the holiday spirit. Children will love building gingerbread houses, singing along with carolers, and enjoying a visit from Santa, who always makes a special appearance bearing gifts. Learn more here. Autism-Friendly Cruises Celebrity offers a welcoming, autism-friendly environment on all of their cruise ships. Onboard, kids with special needs can enjoy sensory-friendly films, toys, and dietary menu options. Additionally, a number of autism-friendly services are offered including priority check-in and boarding. FAQ What is the minimum age for infants on board? Infants must be at least 6 months old as of the first day of the cruise/Cruisetour. On some cruises/Cruisetours, infants must be 12 months old. For transatlantic cruises, transpacific cruises, and some cruises to South America, as well as cruises with three ormore consecutive days at sea, children must be at least 12 months old. Is there a special children’s menu? Yes, in the main dining room. What are the hours of the children’s facilities? The Camp at Sea is open from 9:00am – 10:00pm daily. A Slumber Party from 10:00pm – 1:00am is offered nightly on a sign-up basis. Are kids’ programs offered while the ship is in port? Yes, services are complimentary during the hours of 9:00am – noon, 2:00 -5:00pm, and 7:00 – 10:00pm. Other times the fee is $6 per hour per child. Are there any age restrictions for kids’ programs? Activities are provided for children and teens 3-17. Children must be fully potty trained (no diapers or pull-ups) to participate. Celebrity is strict about the age groups noted above. Are there any restrictions governing when children can come and go on their own? Children ages 3-9 must be signed in and out of the Celebrity Youth Program. Children ages 10-12 are free to come and go as they please but are required to sign themselves in and out. Children ages 13-17 may come and go as they please. Are changing tables provided in public bathrooms? Yes, restrooms in the youth facility or in the public restrooms nearest the youth facility offer lavatory based changing tables and baby wipes in accordance with U.S. Public Health policies and standards. Final Thoughts Sailing with Celebrity will provide a great family vacation filled with wonderful memories and experiences. Your young cruisers will make friends from around the world and learn new skills. Your kids will never be bored on board! Here are some other posts to help you prepare for your family cruise: Cruising with Kids: Family-Friendly Activities & Preparations Must-Have Baby Travel Items for Your Cruise Trip You booked a cruise – now what? What NOT to Bring on a Cruise Sail Smoothly: Must-Have Cruise Documents and Boarding Advice Smooth Sailing: Tips for Easy Embarkation Day Preparation Smooth Exits: Tips for Cruise Disembarkation Preparation Let’s connect: Join me and other cruisers on Facebook at Zest4Cruising, A Celebrity Cruises Forum, A Celebrity Solstice Cruise Forum, AContinueContinue reading “Camp at Sea – Celebrity Cruises”
It’s a Port Day – What You Need to Know
Let’s take a look at everything you need….and how to save money. There may be a few things included that you haven’t thought of. This post contains affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details. First, let’s go over the basics. You will need your sea pass card and a photo ID. There are some who say to take your passport with you, but unless the country you are visiting requires it, LEAVE IT IN THE SAFE! Theft does occur and you DO NOT want your passport stolen. If something happens and you miss the ship, the ship’s security will retrieve your passport from your cabin and leave it with the port authority who will assist you in making further travel arrangements. Money and/or credit cards. Many countries are becoming cashless societies, especially in Europe. Credit cards such as Mastercard and Visa are widely accepted.. American Express is harder to use outside the USA. If you really feel the need to have some cash with you, use an ATM onshore to obtain a small amount. Be sure to let your bank or card issuer know you will be traveling and where. It is smart to carry all ID and credit cards in an RFID protected case. This will prevent scanners from stealing your information. Or, use an RFID blocking card in your wallet. Disembarking the ship The ship will either be docked at a pier or there will be a tender service from the ship. Tendering is very easy. If you have book an excursion through the ship, you will be given tender tickets indicating time and location to meet. You will then be escorted to the tender. If you are going ashore on your own, meet in the designated area (this will be noted on the daily planner or on an information sheet left in your cabin). Some cabin types and cruise line loyalty levels will have different meeting locales. You will be issued a tender ticket at that point. Wait until your number is called and then proceed to the tender. If you have arranged a private excursion early in the day, be sure to arrive to your designated area early….tender lines can be long. If you are not in a rush to get off the ship, the tendering process will become quicker later in the day, as fewer people will be trying to leave the ship. Be sure to not take any fresh food (fruit, sandwiches, etc) with you off the ship. Bottled water, drinks and prepackaged snacks are fine. When exiting the ship, take note of the required return time. This is usually 30 minutes prior to sail away. Lines to return to the ship may be long, but you will not be left behind if you arrive to the departure area prior to the last scheduled tender back to the ship. If the ship is docked at the pier, join the cue to depart the ship. Again…make note of the required return time. The ship WILL LEAVE without you! What Type of Bag is Best? As you prepare for your cruise and are starting to pack, it’s a good idea to think about your shore excursion bag. What you put in it will depend on the type of activity you’re planning to do while in port. If you’re going to the beach or a boating excursion, you will want a few different things than if you’re zip-lining through the jungle, sightseeing or shopping. Packing a Beach Excursion Bag If you are heading to the beach, you want to make sure to bring everything you will need to enjoy the day. You don’t want to be on the beach or on a snorkeling excursion and realize you forgot the sunscreen! Of course, you can borrow (hopefully) from a stranger, but best to be prepared with your essentials. I recently found this great beach bag. The main compartment is spacious enough to fit swimsuits, a change of clothes, beach toys and other essentials. The long zipper closure helps to prevent items from falling out and there are holders on the outside for beach towels. You can also unzip the bottom to remove any sand that gets inside! And there are more pockets than I know what to do with. These are the essential items to pack in your beach bag: beach towels…..the ship will provide beach towels to use while onshore. A good beach blanket water-proof and reef safe sunscreen lip balm water or reusable water bottles bathing suit cover up wide brimmed sun hat or baseball cap sunglasses towels bands water shoes (many beaches are rocky or are covered in shells) sand removal tool Daily planner from your cruise ship (with all aboard time!) or take a photo *Remember, many beaches around the world are asking snorkelers and swimmers to use reef safe sunscreen Optional items for your beach bag: book or other reading material snorkeling mask snorkeling fins anti-theft vault (popular with cruisers and beach goers) children’s sand toys if you have kids or just like playing in the sand Going swimming and want to keep your ID, phone and money safe? A waterproof holder is an excellent choice. Bring a Backpack for Active Shore Excursions If you’re going to be active on your port day, bring a bag that keeps your hand free. This crossbody bag is extremely popular with cruisers and travlers. Slash proof and RFID protected, it is slim enough to fit under jackets or coats. Available in several colors. comfortable walking shoes or sandals hat to keep the sun off your face good quality water bottle sunscreen bug repellent If you’re sightseeing on your own or on an organized tour, you can skip all the beach stuff and just bring some basics to keep comfortable during your day onshore. If you are planning to go shopping while in port, a bag (with a zipper) is very convenient. IContinueContinue reading “It’s a Port Day – What You Need to Know”
Avoid Trouble: Items Banned on Cruise Ships
Preparing for your cruise is exciting and a little overwhelming. You don’t want to forget anything….but you also don’t want to bring something that is not allowed onboard! Cruising is a different kind of vacation from hotel and land tours. Ships have very set rules on what you can and cannot bring onboard. You might be surprised to find out some of the items that are actually prohibited on cruise ships! While some things are obvious, others may seem a bit weird or strange….you can even get you in trouble if you bring them. There are also some practical travel items that you might normally bring on a vacation, but aren’t allowed onboard cruise ships. This post contains affiliate links which means if you click and buy, I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details. Items that Are Prohibited on a Cruise The following are examples of items that guests are not allowed to bring onboard. These and other similar items will be confiscated upon being found. Weapons, illegal drugs & other Substances (including marijuana, cannabis, extracts of THC and/or CBD), These items could interfere with the safe operation of the ship or the safe and secure environment of our guests and crew and are strictly prohibited. Alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, flammable liquids, explosives, and dangerous chemicals will NOT be returned. Firearms & Ammunition, including realistic replicas. Sharp Objects, including knives and scissors. (Personal grooming items such as safety razors are allowed. Scissors with blade length less than 4 inches are allowed.) In Alaska, ulu knives bought in port may be brought onboard but must remain stored in cabins. Aerial Drones: Some cruise lines allow guests to bring drones on their cruise for use on land only and outside of the port area. Drones are not to be operated onboard the ship at any time. Different countries may have different rules. Guests assume full responsibility for understanding all local authority rules related to drone usage and for obtaining ay required permissions for drone operations. Any liability, including environmental damage from drone usage is the guest’s responsibility. The cruise line assumes no liability for guests drones that may be confiscated by local authorities for violating local laws or for any accident or injury resulting from a guest drone flight. While onboard, drones must be stored safely in the stateroom. Drones used on the ship will be confiscated till the end of the cruise. A Guest Conduct Policy warning will be issued and guests may be subject to disembarkation at their own expense for onboard drone usage. Candles, Incense, Coffee Makers, Clothes Irons, Steamers & Hot Plates: Items that generate heat, steam or produce an open flame are strictly prohibited. This includes heating pads, clothing irons, hotplates, candles, incense and any other item that may create a fire hazard. NOTE: The only exception to this policy are curling irons, hair straighteners and personal fans that are “”certified”” low wattage. Matches and normal lighteners are allowed onboard. However “”torch lighters”” and novelty lighters that look like guns are not allowed onboard. Torch lighters emit a powerful concentrated flame, and therefore are prohibited. If you are someone who loves a specific type of coffee, you can request a hot water kettle from your cabin steward and make pour-over coffee in your cabin. Or your favorite tea. Clothing Irons and Steamers These are a potential fire hazard, they’re prohibited to be brought on a cruise ship. Fire is one of the worst things that could happen on a cruise ship; therefore, this is strictly enforced. f you are a first time cruiser, you might be surprised that unlike a hotel room, you won’t have an iron in your cabin. If you do need to get wrinkles out of your clothes, some cruise ships have public laundry rooms that cruise passengers can use. You can also use the ship’s laundry and pressing service at an additional fee. Which cruise lines offer self-service laundry? It is easy to remove wrinkles in your cabin and to wash out smaller items. Click on picture for link to products. Smart Glasses They may be brought onboard but are restricted in areas including casinos, spa service areas, restrooms, locker rooms, medical facilities, security screening locations, youth facilities, back-of-house tours, crew areas or any place with a reasonable expectation of privacy. Violations result in confiscation. Vapes While allowed onboard in specified areas, vapes and e-cigarettes are banned ashore in Mexico, with public smoking of regular cigarettes prohibited in many areas, risking fines or jail. Baseball Bats, Hockey Sticks, Cricket Bats, Bows & Arrows Skateboards & Surfboards Martial Arts Gear If sailing in the Caribbean, do not pack any clothing with camouflage material. There are a few islands, such as Barbados, that prohibit this type of clothing, as it is worn by the military only. Self-Defense Gear, including handcuffs, pepper spray, night sticks. Flammable Liquids and Explosives, including lighter fluid and fireworks. HAM Radios Hookahs & Water Hookah Pipes. Surge protected Electrical Extension Cords Dangerous Chemicals, including bleach and paint. Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Check with your cruise line to see if wine is allowed to be brought onboard at embarkation and how much…many do. Alcoholic beverages that are purchased in ports-of-call or from shops onboard will be stored by the ship and delivered to you on the last day of the sailing. Alcoholic beverages seized on embarkation day will not be returned. Perishable food that requires refrigeration…this includes fruit, vegetables, dairy products or take away containers. If you need refrigeration for medical reasons, contact the cruise line at least 30 days prior to sailing to make arrangements. Food that is prepackaged such as snacks, chips, candy, powdered coffee creamer, etc are allowed onboard. Special Needs Form for Celebrity Cruises Holland America Special Requirements Form Princess Cruises Form Final thoughts…. Follow the rules of your cruise line and you will have a quick and easy embarkation and an enjoyable vacation. Be sure to check out the link below for items youContinueContinue reading “Avoid Trouble: Items Banned on Cruise Ships”
You Booked a Cruise – Now What?
This post contains affiliate links, if you click and buy a product, I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details. Make sure booking information is correct Check everything from the spelling of the names on the booking to the cruise dates. It is easy in the excitement of booking to click on the wrong year or month. This is a good time to make sure it’s all correct to save you some frustration later on. This is especially important if you use a Travel Agent, as they will have to make the changes for you and mistakes do happen. Make sure your passport or other boarding documents are current. This should actually be done before you book…you don’t want to be waiting for a passport to come in the mail when your cruise date is rapidly approaching. But this is still a good time to at least double-check and make sure you’re documentation is current. Your passport cannot expire within 6 months of the end of your cruise. Applying for a new passport or requesting a renewal can take up to 6-8 weeks…that does not include mailing time both directions. Don’t put it off….apply or renew now! Names must match exactly with the booking information, so if you have recently had a name change, be sure that your booking is in the name on your current passport or other boarding documents. I have seen so many newlyweds arrive and not be allowed to board because the passport name and reservation name do not match…not the way to begin a honeymoon. If traveling internationally to certain countries, you will want to check on visa requirements and apply for those as well. Visas are the responsibility of the cruiser, not the cruise line. Read more: What cruise documents do you need to board? Mark your calendar with important reminders Whether you want to use your phone’s reminder application or write down the dates on a calendar, take note of important dates like when final payment is due and when you can begin check-in for your cruise. Some cruise lines, like Disney, have specific dates when you can begin booking additional add ons. If your cruise is on one of those, be sure to not that on your calendar. You don’t want to miss your window of opportunity. Download the ship’s mobile app and join their loyalty club If you don’t already have an account with the cruise line, you should get one as soon as possible. You want to make sure you earn points for each cruise you take and receive the benefits on subsequent sailings. For an example, check out this link to see what Celebrity Cruises offers. The cruise line’s app serves many functions. You will be able to see the ship’s daily schedule, make reservations, check your onboard spending, view menus, see a deck plan and chat with other passengers. Port arrival and departure times will also be noted here. Save yourself time by doing this now and not having to hurry and to download the app while in the terminal. With most cruise line apps, when checkin opens, you can do this right on your phone, making the whole process a breeze as well. Read more: Celebrity Cruises Captain’s Club Consider purchasing travel insurance This is extremely important. We did not purchase travel insurance for many years. Let me just say…..we are VERY lucky we never needed it. Medical assistance onboard is very expensive and fairly limited. If you need a hospital or specialized doctor while at sea, you would need to be airlifted. If onshore while in port, you would have to depart the ship and go to a hospital in that country. Your medical insurance from home will not cover that or any other expense you would incur….hotels, food, transportation home, etc. You can purchase travel insurance through the cruise line or through private carriers. We have decided to purchase an annual policy, which we have found to be cheaper than buying one for each trip. A 3rd party travel insurance plan might offer more peace of mind if you’re looking for extra medical evac coverage or even cancel for any reason coverage. Also, check with the credit card you used to purchase the cruise…they may offer some built-in protections already, such as trip delay, lost luggage, some medical coverage, etc. Make travel and hotel arrangement Air travel If you don’t live within driving distance of the cruise port, you will want to start checking flights right away. The longer you wait to book a flight, the higher the chance that the costs will go up. However, this is not always the case. I recommend starting to research airfare costs and then track prices over the next few days. Be sure to book these well in advance of your cruise. Also, check and see if the airline is offering the ability to change the flights without penalty. Some have started doing this post-Covid, giving you flexibility in timing and price. You can use a price tracker through Kayak or Google flight price alerts to stay on top of any fluctuations. I like to look at flight costs and times before booking a cruise. Transportation can be a huge part of your travel budget. Of course, if you find a good cruise deal first, you can always look for an affordable flight later. Hotel arrangements If flying to a cruise port (and sometimes even driving), we always get a hotel for at least one night before the cruise. It would be horrible to miss your cruise due to a cancelled or delayed flight or traffic issues if driving. Staying in a hotel ahead of time helps alleviate some of the stress of travel and allows you to arrive at the port rested and excited to begin your cruise. You can often find hotels with free shuttle services to the cruise port. Many hotels close to a cruise port provide extra servicesContinueContinue reading “You Booked a Cruise – Now What?”
Essential Packing Tips for Cruising with Young Children
Taking a cruise with your baby or toddler? Are you wondering what to pack? Packing for a cruise with a baby is a challenge for sure! You will want to pack light, but not too light! If you are lucky enough to get to your cruise ship without flying, you will not have any restrictions on the number of bags you can bring. But do you really want to deal with a lot of extra luggage? Of course, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t bring the items you need! Remember though, cruise cabins are typically smaller than hotel rooms. If you bring too much, your stateroom will feel very cramped and crowded. Be selective and only bring what you will absolutely use. Below are our recommendations for the top essential travel baby supplies for your next family vacation at sea. This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details. Protect littles one’s ears while traveling. Some venues onboard can be load. There are sizes for children, babies and toddlers. Heading to a beach destination? A good beach blanket is essential. This one comes with sand anchors and storage pockets too! A good carry on bag is essential. We love to use this one, it has spinner wheels and is easy to maneuver. When boarding the ship, be sure to pack swimsuits, sunscreen, all medicines, valuables and your boarding document including passports in it! If your are flying to the port, it also fits under the seat! Water shoes are an absolute must have item for the entire! Protect everyones feet from rocks, shells, coral, hot sand, etc. Many cruise lines do not have self-service laundry. Kids are messy! Be prepared to do some laundry in your cabin. You can hang a shower curtain from the ceiling using these hooks to create a privacy curtain or use them to hang hats, jackets, blankets extra. Walls and ceilings in ship cabins are magnetic! They are available in lots of fun colors too. This is genius! A refillable roll-on container for sun screen…..why didn’t I think of that? When it comes to strollers, the smaller and lighter the better. If your usual stroller is bulky, you might want to invest in a smaller, more maneuverable umbrella stroller. These take up much less room in your cabin and can also fit under the bed when not in use. Cabin corridors are also narrow and some areas can be crowded. This lightweight stroller weighs just 13 pounds, has four reclining positions, a large seat area and a large storage basket plus anti-shock front wheels and lockable rear wheels Air tags are a must these days. Luggage gets delayed or lost…know where your belongs are! They are also a very good way to find your stroller if it gets moved while traveling….very useful in places like Disney, other amusement parks, malls, etc.! We use a detachable air tag case on the inside of all our luggage. That way we know it won’t get removed or lost. Set your kids up for success on your travel to the ship with this awesome travel tray. It pops up and sits right across their lap, giving them plenty of storage space, a place to draw that won’t damage anything and a handy place to store their tablet for easy viewing. Believe me…you want to use a luggage tag holder on your luggage. After many sailings with torn off or destroyed tags and bags going missing, we finally invested on these and use them every cruise. These are for Celebrity and Royal Caribbean: These are for Carnival: And these work with Princess luggage tags: Excursions are easier when you don’t have to worry about a stroller. This wrap keeps baby close and comfy. Cruise lines have a limited number of pack & plays onboard for passenger use. Ships do not provide padding or sheets. We recommend adding a travel one to your packing list. This way, you know your child has a safe and comfortable place to sleep. A portable white noise sound machine creates a soothing environment for your little one. Your little one is going to need changing at some point! Be prepared with this portable changing pad. It comes with handy storage pockets and is waterproof. Diaper bags have come a long way! Dad won’t mind carrying this leather baby diaper bag backpack and it comes with stroller straps too! Diaper bags can be smelly. These odor eliminators work great….smell really good too. There are several different scents to choose from. Most cruise cabins do not have a bath tub and the sinks are very small. An inflatable tub can be very useful! Can be used pool side for some splash time too! A first aid kit is a 100% necessity! Visits to the ships doctor can be expensive and time consuming. Best to be prepared for the bumps and scrapes that are bound to happen. Of course you will want to buy things in port for your friends, family, little one. Many stores are not providing free bags with purchase in an effort to reduce waste. We take reusable grocery bags. Feeding time can be an adventure. Sippy cups, travel bottles, snack cups and baby spoons are very helpful! Lightweight bottles Portable bottle warmer Insulated water bottles for babies and toddlers. Baby spoons Of course, you will need diapers and clothes! Bring at least two clothing changes per day plus sleeping wear. Baby swimsuits and hats to protect those eyes are also important! For the dress up nights onboard, bring something fun for your little one to wear! Diapers onboard are expensive. If not driving to the port, stop at a store and stock up prior to boarding! Get some swim diapers too but be sure to check with your cruise line to see if they are allowed in the pool. If not, ask if they haveContinueContinue reading “Essential Packing Tips for Cruising with Young Children”
Ultimate Guide: What to Bring on Your Caribbean Cruise
You’ve booked your dream cruise to the Caribbean. Now the big question…what to pack! While you might think all you need to throw into your suitcase is a couple of swimsuits and a pair of sandals, there are many other things to consider. A Caribbean cruise vacation offers so much more than just pristine beaches…though there are plenty of those too! Different islands offer different types of excursions…. relaxing beach days to zip-lining over treetops, hikes up mountains, diving/snorkeling and catamarans. Important Note: This post contains affiliate links, if you click and buy a product, I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details. This chart provides a general idea of what temperatures to expect each month. Don’t forget to factor in humidity also. Of course, things can change but this will give you a starting point. If you’re planning on participating in any of these activities during your cruise, you’ll want to make sure to bring along the appropriate activewear and shoes. Good walking shoes are a must. Also, beach footwear is essential. Water shoes are highly recommended….many beaches are rocky or have coral. I’ve been using these and find them very comfortable and easy to wear. Comfortable sandals are a must have item. I have found a pair by Dreampairs that are made for women. The fit is perfect and they have great support. They can also stand up to the occasional rain showers that are so common in the Caribbean. No matter how long your vacation, there are many accessories and items you might not consider important, but that actually go a long way in making your cruise as comfortable as possible. See my curated list in Cruise Packing 101 Here is a quick list of things to not forget: Swim suit! Nothing worse than arriving onboard and realizing you forgot to pack one! Beach cover up….sometimes it’s nice to have something more than your bathing suit if you want to get food or sit at the bar. This one comes in several colors too! Shorts and t-shirts are great for daytime. I wear skorts, as I don’t like shorts. Capris or leggings are also a good choice. Most important, be comfortable! For evenings onboard, dresses or skirts are a great option or nicer slacks. On formal nights, I love wearing something sparkly….it’s the only chance I get to really dress up! A light weight sweater or wrap is a good idea to pack. The ship can be cool at night. This evening wrap is well priced and comes in lots of colors. Don’t forget to add a good hat to your packing. This will protect your face from the sun. These are the ones I use: A cooling towel. The Caribbean can be HOT! A cooling towel will help you stay more comfortable. We live in Florida and visit DisneyWorld often….this is a MUST for us! Sunscreen. Please choose one that is Reef Safe. A waterproof case is useful if you are uncomfortable leaving your valuables on the beach while you are in the water. There is also a waterproof case if you want to snorkel with your phone. Want to snorkel? We always bring our own gear…that way we know it is well taken care of and clean. These are the snorkel masks and fins we use. Got a sunburn anyway? This sunburn relief spray will help calm and soothe your skin. If you like going to the pool or the beach, keeping your towel on the chair can be challenging. I found towel band or clips to be really useful and always have them packed and ready to add to the suitcase! We use this lock box at the beach or pool. It easily attaches to any beach chair and provides a secure place for your phone, id and money. Of course, a good beach bag to carry everything is super helpful. I like this one…lots of pockets to keep items organized and it is waterproof too! A good beach blanket is a necessity. We love this one…it comes with stakes to keep it in the sand, four attached zippered pockets and the carry pouch is attached, so it won’t fly away. Removing sand from your legs after being at the beach all day is always challenging. I love this sand removal tool. Just wipe it on and the sand disappears, leaving you skin feeling fresh and clean. Protect sensitive areas from the humidity. No one wants to talk about it, but chub rub happens and is very uncomfortable. This Chafing Relief Powder Gel is safe to use under arms, on inner thighs and other sensitive areas. Another good option is Gold Bond Stick Defense. . Cruise Approved Power Bar Ships have limited places to plug in your phone, computer, tablet etc Most cruise ship cabins have only a few electric plugs. You’re going to need additional outlets to charge electronic items like phones, computers, tablets, kindles, etc. USB ports are also useful. VERY IMPORTANT – Cruise lines don’t allow a regular surge-protected power bars from home (they will confiscate them). I recommend using one that plugs directly into the outlet without a cord. Many ports are confiscating those with cords, as they consider them extension cords. This is the one we travel with. If you need plugs, this is a good option too. Many cruise lines are really cracking down on any outlet extender that provides multiple plugs. This is a great option for charging multiple devices at once. Available in others colors. There is no need to pack beach towels, shampoo/conditioner, soap etc. Those will all be provided by the ship in your cabin. DO NOT pack irons or steamers…those are not allowed onboard. To learn what is not allowed to be brought onboard, read What NOT to bring onboard! Downey wrinkle release has worked very well for us in the past. Mosquitos can be a problem in the tropics. Use these patches to keep them away….just place on your clothing! The tropics are known for afternoonContinueContinue reading “Ultimate Guide: What to Bring on Your Caribbean Cruise”