Frequently Asked Cruise Questions
Updated December 22nd, 2025
Have questions about cruising? Maybe it’s your first time taking a cruise and you just need to get some answers. Or, maybe you’ve been cruising for a while and you’ve come here looking to get your question answered. Keep reading!
answers to your most common
cruise questions
Are cruises good for wheelchair users?
Cruises can be excellent for wheelchair users, as most modern cruise ships are designed with strong accessibility features including wide hallways, automatic doors, spacious accessible cabins with roll-in showers, and ramps or elevators to nearly all public areas.
Major lines like Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Norwegian, and Carnival offer accessible excursions, pool lifts, and dedicated staff training, making them generally more wheelchair-friendly than many land-based resorts.
However, accessibility still varies by ship (older or smaller vessels may have limitations), tender ports can be challenging or impossible for wheelchair users, and it’s essential to book an accessible cabin and notify the cruise line of your needs well in advance.
Do cruise ships have doctors onboard?
Yes, virtually all ocean-going cruise ships carrying more than 100 passengers are required by international maritime law to have at least one licensed doctor and medical staff onboard, with larger ships typically carrying a small medical team and a fully equipped medical center capable of handling emergencies like heart attacks, fractures, or infections.
The facilities are similar to a good urgent-care clinic (including X-ray, lab, and pharmacy), but they are not full hospitals, so serious cases may require evacuation to shore.
Medical services are available 24/7, though visits and treatments are charged to your onboard account (often at higher-than-average rates), making good travel insurance with medical coverage highly recommended.
Cruises can be excellent for wheelchair users, as most modern cruise ships are designed with strong accessibility features including wide hallways, automatic doors, spacious accessible cabins with roll-in showers, and ramps or elevators to nearly all public areas.
Major lines like Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Norwegian, and Carnival offer accessible excursions, pool lifts, and dedicated staff training, making them generally more wheelchair-friendly than many land-based resorts.
However, accessibility still varies by ship (older or smaller vessels may have limitations), tender ports can be challenging or impossible for wheelchair users, and it’s essential to book an accessible cabin and notify the cruise line of your needs well in advance.
Do cruise ships have dentists onboard?
Most large cruise ships do not have a dedicated dentist or dental clinic onboard, as maritime regulations only require basic medical facilities and dental care is considered non-emergency.
In rare cases of severe dental pain or infection, the ship’s doctors can provide temporary relief with painkillers, antibiotics, or basic extractions if within their skill set, but they will almost always arrange urgent dental care at the next port or, if critical, medically evacuate the passenger.
For routine or planned dental work, it’s best to handle it before or after the cruise rather than counting on onboard treatment.
Do cruise ships provide irons & ironing boards?
Cruise ships do not provide irons or ironing boards in cabins for safety reasons, as they are considered fire hazards, and using personal irons is strictly prohibited.
Most ships offer self-service laundry rooms with irons and boards available for free use (on lines like Cunard, Princess, Holland America, and Celebrity) or provide complimentary or paid pressing and laundry services through the cabin steward or ship’s laundry.
If wrinkles are a concern, choose wrinkle-resistant clothing, pack a travel steamer (allowed on most lines), or plan to use the ship’s pressing service on formal nights.
Do cruise ships provide curling irons?
Cruise ships do not provide curling irons, hair straighteners, or similar high-wattage styling tools in cabins for the same fire-safety reasons that irons are banned.
Most ships do, however, supply a low-wattage hair dryer in the cabin or bathroom, and some newer ships (especially on Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Celebrity, and Virgin Voyages) have powerful, wall-mounted dryers in the vanity area.
You are generally allowed to bring and use your own curling iron or flat iron in your cabin as long as it is not left unattended while hot, though it’s wise to check the specific line’s prohibited-items list before packing.
Do cruise ships have hair dryers in the rooms?
Yes, virtually every cruise ship cabin now includes a hair dryer, ranging from a basic low-power model stored in a drawer on older or budget ships to powerful wall-mounted units with multiple settings on newer vessels from lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Celebrity, Virgin Voyages, and most premium or luxury ships.
These dryers are safe to use (unlike personal high-wattage styling tools on some lines) and are provided free of charge, so you usually don’t need to pack your own unless you require a specific professional-grade one.
If the dryer feels underpowered, ask your cabin steward—some ships keep higher-quality ones available on request.
Do cruise ships allow guns onboard?
No, cruise ships do not allow passengers to bring any firearms, ammunition, or weapons of any kind onboard, and this policy is strictly enforced by all major cruise lines with zero exceptions – even for concealed-carry permit holders or off-duty law enforcement (who must declare and surrender their weapons to ship security for locked storage until disembarkation).
Guns are only carried by the ship’s own armed security team on certain high-risk itineraries. Attempting to bring a firearm will result in being denied boarding or, if discovered later, immediate removal from the ship at the next port, often along with police involvement and a permanent ban from the cruise line.
Do cruise ships have jails?
Yes, nearly all cruise ships have a small detention room commonly called a “brig” or security holding cell, designed to temporarily confine passengers who commit serious offenses such as assault, theft, severe intoxication, or threats to safety.
It’s a secure, sparsely furnished space (usually just a bench or bed, toilet, and heavy door) monitored by the ship’s security team and used only as a last resort until the ship reaches the next port where local law enforcement can take over.
While it’s rarely needed, the brig exists because the ship is effectively its own floating jurisdiction at sea, and the captain has full legal authority to detain people for the safety of everyone onboard.
Do cruise ships have free WiFi or Internet?
Cruise ships do not offer truly free, unlimited WiFi like you get at a hotel; instead, most lines provide a basic complimentary tier (often limited to social media apps or very slow speeds) while charging for faster or streaming-capable plans that can range from $15–$40 per day per device.
Premium and luxury lines such as Celebrity, Virgin Voyages, Silversea, and Regent sometimes include decent WiFi in the fare, and Norwegian and Royal Caribbean frequently throw in WiFi as a perk for suite guests or loyalty-program elites.
Connection quality has improved dramatically on newer ships with Starlink, but even the best plans slow down in busy areas or far offshore, so manage expectations and consider an international phone plan for ports if you need reliable internet.
Do cruise ships have family rooms or suites?
Yes, nearly all mainstream cruise lines (Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival, MSC, Disney, etc.) offer a variety of family-specific accommodations ranging from larger ocean-view cabins that sleep 4–5 to true multi-bedroom suites and “family balconies” with extra floor space, pull-down bunks, or connecting doors.
Many newer ships feature dedicated family suites or themed options like Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate Family Suite (with in-suite slides, private game rooms, and hot tubs) or MSC’s family cluster cabins that combine 2–3 staterooms into one big unit.
These rooms book up quickly and cost more than standard cabins, so reserving early—often 12–18 months out—is strongly recommended for families needing extra space or beds.
Do cruise ships have free food?
Yes, cruise ships provide an abundance of free food around the clock: the main dining rooms, buffet, poolside grills, pizza stations, and often specialty spots like guy’s burgers (Carnival), O’Sheehan’s pub (Norwegian), or the Solarium café (Royal Caribbean) are all included in your fare.
Room service is usually complimentary on most mainstream lines (with the exception of a few late-night fees on Carnival or small delivery charges on some others), and coffee, tea, iced tea, lemonade, and basic juices are free in the buffet or dining room.
You only pay extra for specialty restaurants, premium coffee bars, alcohol, soda packages, and a few upscale items like lobster in the main dining room on certain nights.
Do cruise ships have fireworks?
Yes, several cruise lines regularly feature spectacular fireworks displays at sea, with Disney Cruise Line being the most famous for its nightly “Pirates Night” fireworks (the only cruise line allowed to launch them regularly due to special permits).
Royal Caribbean occasionally schedules fireworks on select sailings (especially holiday or special-event cruises) on ships with open upper decks, and some smaller luxury or expedition lines like Virgin Voyages and Norwegian have hosted them on New Year’s or milestone voyages.
Fireworks are always announced in advance, weather-dependent, and viewed from the open decks—bring a light jacket because they usually happen late at night.
Do cruise ships have gluten-free food?
Yes, all major cruise lines offer extensive gluten-free options and are generally very accommodating for celiac disease or gluten intolerance; simply notify them when booking or at least 30–60 days in advance through the special-needs form.
Gluten-free bread, pasta, pizza, pancakes, cakes, and dedicated fryer items are available in the main dining room and buffet (often labeled or prepared separately), and chefs will typically meet with you on embarkation day to review menus and customize meals.
While cross-contamination risks are low on most lines (especially Disney, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, and Holland America), it’s still wise to remind servers at every meal and double-check packaged items.
Do cruise ships have ATMs?
Yes, almost every large cruise ship has at least one ATM (usually in the casino or near the guest services desk) that dispenses U.S. dollars, and on some international ships you’ll find machines with euros or multiple currencies.
They charge steep fees—typically $5–$10 per withdrawal plus your own bank’s foreign/overseas ATM charges—so most people treat them as a last resort.
It’s much cheaper to bring enough cash onboard at embarkation or withdraw in port, and you’ll still need small bills for tips, markets, and destinations that don’t take cards.
Do cruise ships have morgues?
Yes, all large ocean-going cruise ships are required by international maritime law to have a small morgue (usually capable of holding 3–10 bodies in refrigerated compartments) because deaths from natural causes, especially among older passengers, happen more often than most people realize.
The morgue is discreetly located in the medical area or lower decks, and the ship’s medical team is trained to handle postmortem care until the vessel reaches a port where local authorities can take over.
While no one likes to think about it, having this facility onboard avoids the need to store bodies in makeshift coolers and ensures dignified handling if the worst occurs during the voyage.
Do cruise lines allow pets or can I take pets on a cruise ship?
No, mainstream cruise lines do not allow pets onboard, with the only regular exception being fully trained service dogs (and in some cases emotional support animals on U.S.-based lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian, though ESA policies have tightened since 2021).
All other pets—cats, dogs, birds, etc.—are prohibited, and attempting to sneak one in will get you denied boarding or removed at the next port.
The one notable pet-friendly option is the Cunard QM2’s transatlantic crossings, which have real kennels (about 24 spaces) with a dedicated kennel master, but you must book far in advance and pets cannot leave the kennel area or visit cabins.
Do cruise lines search luggage before boarding?
Yes, every piece of luggage is X-rayed and physically screened before it’s loaded onto the ship—exactly like at an airport—and carry-on bags go through the same scanners when you walk onboard.
Security is looking for prohibited items (weapons, firearms, explosives, excessive alcohol, irons, candles, drones on some lines, etc.), and if anything suspicious is flagged, your bag will be pulled aside for a manual search, and you’ll be called to guest services to explain or surrender the item.
While they rarely open every suitcase, don’t count on sneaking anything past them; the consequences range from confiscation until the end of the cruise to being denied boarding entirely.
Can cruise lines change your itinerary?
Yes, cruise lines can and frequently do change itineraries—sometimes months in advance, sometimes with only hours’ notice—due to weather, mechanical issues, port closures, political unrest, or operational decisions, and your contract explicitly gives them that right.
When this happens, they’ll substitute ports, skip them entirely, add sea days, or even reverse the route, and you’re generally not entitled to a refund unless the cruise is shortened or cancelled outright.
The best protection is flexible travel insurance and booking with lines that have a strong reputation for minimal changes (like Disney or Viking), but always expect the unexpected at sea.
Do cruise ships get bedbugs?
Yes, cruise ships can and occasionally do get bedbugs, just like hotels, because they’re introduced by passengers’ luggage—there have been documented outbreaks on ships from Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival, and others over the years.
Cruise lines treat infestations very seriously with professional exterminators during dry docks or between cruises, and cabins are routinely inspected, but the risk is never zero on any mass-market vessel with thousands of turnovers.
To protect yourself, inspect the mattress seams and headboard on embarkation day, keep luggage off the floor and bed (use the metal rack or bathtub), and unpack into drawers only after a quick check—most experienced cruisers do this as standard practice.
Do cruise ships get attacked by pirates?
While the idea of pirates attacking cruise ships sounds like something straight out of an action movie, it’s extremely uncommon in the real world.
Modern cruise lines plan their routes to avoid high-risk regions and follow strict security protocols, including onboard security teams and real-time monitoring.
Ships also receive guidance and support from international maritime authorities when sailing near potentially dangerous waters. Thanks to these precautions, the chance of a cruise ship encountering pirates is incredibly low.
Do cruise ships get cold at night?
Cruise ships can feel cooler at night, especially when you’re out on deck, because of sea breezes and open ocean temperatures dropping after sunset.
Inside the ship, however, temperatures are carefully controlled with air-conditioning, so you can expect a comfortable environment regardless of the time of day.
Whether you’re strolling on the promenade or relaxing in your cabin, bringing a light sweater or jacket is usually enough to stay comfortable.
Can cruise ships tip over or sink?
Cruise ships are engineered with advanced stability systems, wide hulls, and strict safety standards that make tipping over or sinking extremely unlikely.
They’re designed to handle rough seas, using stabilizers and weight distribution to keep the ship balanced even in challenging conditions.
While no vessel is completely immune to accidents, modern cruise ships undergo rigorous inspections and follow detailed safety protocols to protect passengers. Overall, the chance of a cruise ship tipping or sinking is very small.
Can cruise ships handle rough seas?
Cruise ships are built to handle rough seas with sophisticated engineering and modern technology that helps maintain stability and comfort.
They use large stabilizer fins that extend from the hull to reduce rolling, and their size and weight help them ride over waves more smoothly than smaller vessels.
Captains also rely on advanced weather tracking to navigate around the worst conditions whenever possible. While you may feel some motion during storms, cruise ships are designed to remain safe and steady even when the ocean gets choppy.
Can cruise ships leave passengers behind?
Yes, cruise ships can leave passengers behind if they don’t return to the ship before the scheduled departure time. When a ship is in port, passengers are responsible for keeping track of the all-aboard time, and the crew must adhere to strict schedules set by the port and the cruise line.
While the crew will attempt to locate missing guests, they cannot delay departure for long without causing major logistical issues. As a result, travelers who return late may find themselves watching the ship sail away without them.
Do cruises include flights?
Some cruises include flights, but it depends on the cruise line and the type of package you book. Many companies offer “fly-cruise” packages, which bundle airfare, transfers, and the cruise itself into one convenient reservation.
These bundled options can simplify travel planning and sometimes save money, but travelers can also choose to book their own flights separately if they prefer more flexibility.
Do cruises go on sale?
Yes, cruises absolutely go on sale, and many travelers plan their trips around these discounts. Cruise lines often offer promotions throughout the year, including seasonal sales, last-minute deals, and early-booking discounts for those who reserve well in advance.
You can also find perks like onboard credit, free upgrades, or reduced deposits during special promotions. With a little timing and flexibility, it’s easy to score a great deal on a cruise vacation.
What happens on a cruise if there is a hurricane or storm?
If a hurricane or major storm threatens a cruise’s planned route, the captain and cruise line will adjust the itinerary to keep passengers safe. Ships may change course, skip ports, or extend time at sea to steer clear of dangerous weather.
Thanks to advanced forecasting and constant communication with meteorologists, crews can plan well ahead and avoid the storm’s path. While plans may shift, safety is always the top priority, and passengers are kept informed throughout the process.
What does a cruise ship do with human waste?
Cruise ships dispose of human waste by treating it on board through a multi-step process that includes filtering out solids and using biological treatment to break down organic matter.
The treated liquid is then sterilized with UV light before being discharged into the ocean, often more than three miles from shore, while any remaining solid waste is incinerated or offloaded at ports.
Where do cruise ship staff sleep?
Crew members sleep in small, basic cabins, often shared with roommates, and located on lower decks.
The size and luxury of a cabin depend on the crew member’s position, with officers and managers typically having single, slightly larger cabins, sometimes with a porthole or full-size bed.
Junior staff usually share cabins with bunk beds and small private bathrooms, and cabins are designed to be efficient with limited space.
Where do I park my car when I go on a cruise?
You can park when you go on a cruise at the cruise terminal lot, through a cruise line’s parking service, or by using off-site options like private parking lots or hotels that offer “park and cruise” packages.
Cruise line and terminal parking is convenient but often more expensive, while off-site parking or hotel packages can be cheaper and include shuttle service to the port.
Are cruises safe?
Yes, cruises are generally considered a very safe form of travel, with serious incidents being exceedingly rare.
Modern ships are highly regulated, equipped with advanced safety systems, and staffed by extensively trained crews.
Do cruise ships provide soap and shampoo?
Yes, most cruise ships provide soap and shampoo, typically as a bar soap for the sink and a wall-mounted dispenser with a 2-in-1 shampoo and body wash in the shower.
Some higher-end cabins, like suites, may offer separate bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash from name brands.
Many passengers still recommend bringing your own preferred products, as the provided items may not be suitable for all hair types or personal preferences.
Do I need a passport to go on a cruise?
You don’t always need a passport for a cruise if it’s a “closed-loop” sailing that starts and ends in the same U.S. port, but a passport is strongly recommended because you can use other documents like a birth certificate and government-issued ID for entry.
However, a passport is required if the cruise starts in one U.S. port and ends in another, or if it visits certain countries.
Having a passport is essential for emergencies, such as needing to fly home due to an injury or a ship issue, as you cannot fly internationally without one.
Do I have to dress up on a cruise?
No, you do not have to dress up on a cruise, as most cruise lines have a casual atmosphere and don’t enforce formal nights, but it is recommended to dress up for dinner to follow “smart casual” guidelines.
While swimwear should be reserved for the pool deck, you can wear anything from shorts and T-shirts during the day to a cocktail dress or a suit at night, depending on your preference and dining venue.
It is recommended to pack a few dressier options for evenings, especially if you plan to visit specialty restaurants, but you can always opt for the more casual buffet if you prefer.
How many cruise ships have sunk in the past 100 years?
While an exact, comprehensive number is difficult to pinpoint due to varying definitions of “cruise ship” and a lack of a central registry, over 20 major cruise ships and liners have sunk in the last 100 years, with sinkings being rare but often resulting in significant casualties.
The number can vary depending on whether one counts ships used for both passenger travel and other purposes or only modern cruise ships.
Do I need travel insurance for a cruise?
While travel insurance is not always legally mandatory for a cruise, it is strongly recommended, and some cruise lines and destination countries do require you to have suitable coverage before boarding.
Without it, you are exposed to significant financial risks. Cruises involve unique circumstances where standard health insurance (including U.S. Medicare/Medicaid) may not provide sufficient coverage.
