Booking Your First Cruise? 9 Things to Know Before You Put Down a Deposit

A first cruise can be simple to book when you know what to check first. Before you compare discounted cruise deals or select a cruise vacation package, review the itinerary, cabin, payment schedule, and onboard costs.

Use this checklist before you put down a deposit.

1. Choose the Right Itinerary and Cabin

Start With The Sailing

Check:

• Departure port
• Destinations
• Number of nights
• Embarkation and return dates
• Port time at each destination
• Required flights and transfers

Choose a departure port that is easy to reach. If you need to fly, plan to arrive at least one day before the ship leaves. A delayed flight should not become a missed cruise.

Select Your Cabin

Common options include:

• Insider: No window. Usually the lowest price.
• Sea View: A window with an outside view.
• Sea Terrace: A private balcony.
• Suite: More space and added benefits.

Your cabin location matters. Mid-ship cabins on lower decks usually have less movement than cabins at the front, back, or higher levels.

For Virgin Voyages, the current promotion includes 70% off the second sailor plus a balcony upgrade on qualifying bookings. The promotion is live through 10/28/26. Eligible cabin categories and fare rules apply. Review the Virgin Voyages offer terms before booking.

2. Confirm What Is Included and What Costs Extra

Review The Total Price

The cruise fare may include:

• Your cabin
• Main onboard dining
• Basic Wi-Fi
• Entertainment
• Selected fitness classes
• Water, tea, drip coffee, and basic juices
• Gratuities on some cruise lines

Inclusions vary by cruise line, ship, fare, and promotion. Confirm the details for your specific sailing.

Plan For Additional Costs

Common extras include:

• Alcoholic drinks
• Premium coffee
• Shore excursions
• Spa services
• Casino play
• Shopping
• Specialty experiences
• Travel to and from the port
• Hotel stays before or after the cruise
• Travel insurance

Do not compare cruise fares alone. Compare the full trip cost, including flights, hotels, transportation, excursions, and onboard spending.

For Virgin Voyages, most onboard dining and basic drinks are included. Alcohol, premium coffee, shore excursions, spa services, retail purchases, and casino spending are generally separate.

3. Check The Deposit and Final Payment Dates

Know Your Payment Schedule

Before authorizing a deposit, ask for:

• Exact deposit amount
• Final payment date
• Accepted payment methods
• Cancellation deadlines
• Change fees
• Refund rules
• Name-change rules

Deposit requirements can vary by sailing, cabin, fare type, and how far away the departure date is. The final payment is usually due well before sailing, but the exact deadline must be confirmed for your booking.

Protect The Promotion

A deposit may secure your cabin and current fare. It may also lock in promotional terms. Ask whether the discount, onboard credit, or cabin upgrade remains attached if you change your sailing.

Do not assume every deposit is refundable. Some lower-price or guaranteed cabin rates can have stricter rules. Read the booking conditions before paying.

4. Consider Travel Insurance Before You Pay

Protect Your Trip Investment

Cruises often involve several nonrefundable purchases. Your trip may include:

• Cruise fare
• Flights
• Hotels
• Transfers
• Excursions
• Prepaid onboard items

Consider a travel insurance policy that covers:

• Trip cancellation
• Trip interruption
• Medical treatment
• Emergency evacuation
• Travel delays
• Missed connections
• Lost or delayed baggage

Medical and evacuation coverage can be especially important on a cruise because the ship may be far from regular medical facilities.

Some policies offer cancel-for-any-reason coverage for an additional cost. Coverage rules vary. Review exclusions, deductibles, pre-existing condition requirements, and purchase deadlines.

Use the CDC’s cruise travel guidance as an additional planning resource. Travel insurance is optional, but it should be considered before you make nonrefundable payments.

5. Plan Excursions Before You Sail

Choose Your Shore Days

Cruise lines may call their excursions different names. Virgin Voyages uses the term Shore Things.

You can often choose from:

• Guided city tours
• Beach days
• Snorkeling
• Food and culture tours
• Water activities
• Nature experiences
• Independent port exploration

Popular excursions can sell out. Review options after booking and reserve early when possible.

Watch The Time

Every excursion should fit the ship’s schedule. Leave enough time to return before all-aboard. Independent tours may cost less, but the ship may not wait if an outside operator returns late.

Check:

• Walking distance
• Transportation time
• Activity level
• Weather policy
• Refund terms
• Accessibility
• Return time

Choose one or two priority activities for your first cruise. Leave space for relaxing and exploring the ship.

6. Review Dining and Drink Options

Plan Meals Early

Cruise dining may include several restaurants instead of one traditional dining room. Some venues require reservations, especially during popular dinner times.

After booking, check:

• Reservation opening date
• Restaurant dress expectations
• Included menus
• Specialty dining fees
• Food allergy procedures
• Vegetarian and other dietary options

Reserve your preferred restaurants early. You can usually adjust plans later if space is available.

Budget For Drinks

Basic beverages may be included, while these often cost extra:

• Cocktails
• Wine
• Beer
• Premium spirits
• Specialty coffee
• Bottled drinks

Some cruise lines offer drink packages. Others use prepaid bar tabs or pay-as-you-go pricing. Compare the expected cost with how much you normally drink.

For Virgin Voyages, the pricing model differs from cruise lines that sell traditional unlimited drink packages. Ask for the current drink options and calculate your expected spending before departure.

7. Prepare For Embarkation Day

Arrive Ready

Complete online check-in as soon as it opens. Save or print required documents and follow your assigned terminal arrival time.

Keep these items in your carry-on:

• Passport or required travel documents
• Cruise boarding information
• Medications
• Wallet and identification
• Phone and charger
• Valuables
• One change of clothing
• Essential toiletries

Your checked luggage may arrive at your cabin later. Keep anything you need during the first few hours with you.

Confirm Entry Requirements

Check passport validity, visas, and entry requirements for every country on your itinerary. Requirements can differ by nationality and destination.

Arrive at the port city one day early when possible. This gives you time to manage flight delays, baggage problems, or transportation changes.

8. Make A Seasickness Plan

Choose Your Cabin Carefully

If you are concerned about motion, consider:

• A mid-ship cabin
• A lower deck
• A cabin with access to fresh air
• A shorter first sailing
• An itinerary known for calmer conditions

No location can guarantee smooth seas. Weather and route conditions can change.

Pack Simple Options

Many travelers bring:

• Motion-sickness bands
• Over-the-counter medication
• Prescription medication when recommended
• Ginger products
• Water and light snacks

Ask your doctor or pharmacist which option is appropriate for you. If you start to feel unwell, spend time outside, look toward the horizon, stay hydrated, and follow onboard medical guidance.

9. Confirm How Tipping Works

Check The Gratuity Policy

Tipping policies vary by cruise line and fare. Before booking, ask whether gratuities are:

• Included in the fare
• Added daily
• Charged before departure
• Added to drink and spa purchases
• Expected for specialty services

Virgin Voyages includes gratuities in the voyage fare. Additional tipping is optional. Other cruise lines may add a daily service charge to your onboard account.

Review the policy for your exact sailing. This helps you estimate the final cost without surprises.

Ready To Compare Cruise Vacation Packages?

A cruise quote should match your budget, travel dates, cabin preferences, and comfort level.

Infinite Travel can help compare itinerary options, cabin categories, inclusions, and current discounted cruise deals.

Josh Anders is your dedicated travel agent. He can prepare a custom quote and review the deposit, final payment, insurance, excursion, and onboard cost details with you.

Request Your Cruise Quote

Share:

• Preferred destination
• Travel dates
• Number of travelers
• Cabin preference
• Approximate budget
• Departure city

Contact Infinite Travel to request a quote before the current Virgin Voyages promotion ends on 10/28/26. Terms and eligibility apply.