Cruising FAQs

You get the exact same cruise line fares or lower via our contracted agency rates plus our exclusive Booking Bonus, expert advisor guidance, and complete booking management at zero extra cost to you. We provide the most stress free experience by being your only contact for logistics required for your dream cruise.

Never. Our services, personalized advice, and itinerary planning cost you absolutely nothing extra. We are paid directly by our cruise line partners.

Every cruise booked through us receives a Booking Bonus. This is typically in the form of Onboard Credit, extra discounts, or cash back, applied directly to your ship account to spend on specialty dining, drinks, spa treatments, shore excursions, or cash back in your pocket.

In most cases, yes! If you booked directly with the cruise line within the last 30 to 60 days and have not made your final payment, we can often transfer your reservation to unlock our exclusive bonuses and agency rates. When you transfer your booking to us, you are automatically eligible for any discounts we can offer, including our exclusive Booking Bonus. Call or text an Advisor at (855) 699-9983 to learn more about transferring your existing booking.

Our advisors monitor industry promotions. If a qualifying rate drop or better promotion occurs before your final payment deadline, we will work with the cruise line to reprice your booking to secure the savings.

You get direct access to real human experts. You can call or text our advisor team at (855) 699-9983 or request assistance online anytime for dedicated service from start to sail. You’ll always have direct contact information for your advisor.

Top Cruise Deals processes your payment with the cruise line directly. Charges on your credit card statement will show the cruise line name. Final payment deadlines vary by cruise line and itinerary length but typically fall between 90 and 120 days before departure.

Absolutely. You retain all your past passenger loyalty status perks, points, and cruise line gift card balances when you book through our agency, plus you gain our exclusive agency bonuses on top of those benefits.

We follow the exact cancellation policies set by each individual cruise line. We never charge additional agency cancellation fees. If you purchased travel insurance, our advisors will guide you through the claims process to recover your funds.

Yes. Our comprehensive service includes arranging your optimal airfare, airport transfers, and pre cruise hotel accommodations to ensure a completely seamless vacation from the moment you leave your home.

Standard fares include your stateroom accommodation, meals in the main dining rooms and buffets, essential beverages like water and drip coffee, youth clubs, and main stage entertainment. Specialty dining, alcoholic drinks, Wifi, gratuities, and shore excursions are usually a la carte unless you choose an upgraded bundle or luxury line.

It is very rare on modern ships. Today’s ocean liners are equipped with computer operated underwater stabilizers that counteract ship motion. If you are sensitive, booking a midship cabin on a lower deck will provide the smoothest ride.

Most lines operate on a resort casual dress code during the day. Evenings range from smart casual to optional formal or gala nights, depending on the cruise line persona you choose. Most cruise lines also have a formal night that is optional to participate in.

Ships use high speed satellite internet like Starlink. You can purchase daily Wifi packages for basic messaging or full streaming. To avoid massive cellular roaming charges, always put your phone on Airplane Mode once you leave port.

Absolutely. Many modern lines now offer dedicated solo staterooms and single lounges, frequently waiving or reducing the traditional single supplement fee.

You can reserve specialty venues through the cruise line mobile app prior to sailing or upon embarkation. You can use your Top Cruise Deals Booking Bonus to cover these dining costs.

Unlike airlines, cruise lines generally do not impose strict luggage weight limits or bag counts. However, keep in mind that your bags must fit inside your stateroom usually under the bed and adhere to any airline baggage limits if you are flying to port.

Shore excursions are completely optional. You can book organized tours through the cruise line, arrange private third party excursions, or simply walk off the ship and explore the port on your own. You might even want to stay on the ship to enjoy a nearly empty resort to yourself!

Yes. Modern ocean ships are highly accessible, featuring ramped thresholds, spacious elevators, and specially designed accessible staterooms with roll in showers. Our advisors can secure these limited cabins and arrange scooter rentals delivered directly to your room.

Most ocean lines automatically add a daily gratuity charge to your onboard ship account to cover your room steward and dining staff. You can choose to prepay this amount before you sail to keep your vacation budget predictable. If you don’t want to pay the automatic daily gratuity charge, you will need to ask the Guest Services desk while onboard and notify them you’ll pay with cash.

River cruising is highly inclusive. Fares almost always cover your stateroom, all onboard meals, regional wine and beer with lunch and dinner, Wifi, and a daily guided shore excursion in every port.

No. Rivers do not have ocean swells, waves, or deep currents. Sailing on a river is completely flat and calm, making seasickness virtually non existent.

Experienced operators adjust seamlessly. If a lock or bridge is obstructed, river lines use luxury motorcoaches to transfer guests to excursions or arrange ship swaps so your vacation continues without missing a beat.

Most river lines cater to adults and history enthusiasts, lacking kids clubs or splash parks. However, select lines offer dedicated family themed sailings during summer and holiday seasons.

River cruising is relaxed and comfortable. Country club casual is the norm for dinner, and there are no required formal nights or tuxedos.

Excursions cater to all fitness levels. Most lines group tours by pace, offering gentle walkers for a relaxed stroll, standard walking tours, and active options like guided cycling or castle hikes.

Because river ships are compact, they dock right in the heart of historic towns and major cities. In most ports, you can step off the ship and immediately be in the center of the action.

River ships present unique mobility challenges. While newer ships feature small elevators, they rarely reach the top sun deck, and many historic European ports feature steep gangways and cobblestone streets. Travelers with severe mobility limitations should consult our advisors for the best recommendations.

Yes. Despite having smaller galleys, river cruise chefs excel at accommodating vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, and allergy specific diets. We strongly recommend notifying your advisor at the time of booking so the ship is fully prepared before you arrive.

All indoor spaces, including staterooms and private balconies, are strictly non smoking. River ships designate one small, specific outdoor smoking area on the top sun deck for guests who wish to smoke.