Frequently Asked Questions

Payment options depend on the holiday and how close you are to departure. Instalment plans are not available on every booking, but some holidays can be paid in stages after the deposit. Your quote will show the exact payment schedule. 

Browse our latest cruise deals or send us an enquiry with the holiday you have in mind. One of our cruise consultants will discuss the options and confirm the live price. They will arrange the booking once you are happy to go ahead. 

It’s simple: you choose the sailing you want, and we handle the logistics behind the scenes. We bundle the cruise, flights and any hotel nights into one booking so your travel days line up with your embarkation date. Pick a pre-made itinerary from our site, or call us to build a custom route from scratch.

For the widest choice of cabins and departure dates, book as early as you can. This matters most for popular ships and school-holiday sailings. Late deals do appear, but availability is usually more limited. 

Your protection depends on the type of holiday booked. Viva Cruise is an ABTA member, while flight-inclusive packages are protected by ATOL where this applies. Your confirmation and ATOL Certificate will show the protection attached to your booking. 

The deposit varies by holiday. Selected Viva Cruise offers are available with a £199 per person deposit, while other packages or bookings made close to departure may require a higher payment. We will confirm the exact amount before you book. 

A cruise consultant will review your request and get in touch to discuss the details. They will check current availability and prepare a live quote based on the holiday you are looking for.

To book, we need each traveller’s full name exactly as it appears on their passport, their date of birth and up-to-date contact details. Please also tell us about cabin preferences or special requirements before the booking is confirmed.

Your final balance is due on the date shown on your booking confirmation. The deadline varies by supplier and departure date, while a late booking may require payment sooner. Contact our cruise team if the date is unclear. 

Start with the kind of holiday you want. Choose the itinerary first when the destinations matter most or begin with the ship when onboard facilities are the priority. Then compare the departure options and overall price. 

Choose a cruise line by comparing its atmosphere and style of ship. Larger ships often have more dining and entertainment, while smaller ships may feel quieter. Think about who you are travelling with and how relaxed or lively you want the holiday to be. 

A seven-night cruise is a popular first choice because it gives you time to settle in and visit several ports. A shorter sailing may suit you better if you are unsure about life at sea, while an itinerary with fewer consecutive sea days may feel easier.

An inside cabin is usually the most affordable choice. An outside cabin adds a window, while a balcony gives you private outdoor space. Think about how much time you expect to spend in your room and whether natural light matters to you. 

Cruise prices are usually shown per person rather than per cabin and they often assume two people sharing. Children or additional guests may be priced differently, while solo travellers may face a supplement. Check the live quote for the total booking price

Gratuities vary by cruise line, fare type and booking. They may be added to your onboard account daily, or payable in advance before departure; or included in your cruise fare. Some cruise lines also offer promotional fares or packages where gratuities are included. We recommend checking the specific cruise fare and booking terms at the time of booking to confirm whether gratuities are included.

Most ships operate a cashless system. Purchases are charged to your onboard account using your cruise card or wearable device, then settled through the payment method registered at check-in. The onboard currency depends on the cruise line, most cruise lines use USD $ as the onboard currency if you prefer to use cash onboard.

Cruise prices vary widely depending on the destination, sailing date and cabin. Flights or hotel stays can also affect the total. Remember to allow for extras not included in the fare, such as drinks, excursions or Wi-Fi. 

You normally pay extra for anything outside the fare, which may include drinks, speciality dining, Wi-Fi or shore excursions. Some extras can be prepaid before sailing, while others are added to your onboard account. 

Onboard credit is money added to your ship account to spend during the cruise. It may come with a promotion or booking offer. Restrictions can apply and unused credit is non-refundable and cannot be liquidated or cashed. Please check the terms attached to it. 

A standard cruise fare usually includes your cabin, meals in the main dining venues and most onboard entertainment. The exact restaurants and dining arrangements vary by cruise line or fare type. Drinks, Specialty Dining, Wi-Fi & shore excursions  may cost extra. 

A fly cruise gets you closer to destinations further afield and may offer warmer-weather routes throughout the year. A cruise from the UK avoids airport travel and lets your holiday begin at the port. Consider journey time as well as the itinerary. 

Choose cruise-only when you want to arrange your own hotel and travel. A cruise and stay package includes a hotel before or after the sailing, usually arranged as part of the booking. The better choice depends on how much flexibility you prefer.

All-inclusive usually means the standard cruise fare plus selected extras, but the inclusions differ between cruise lines and offers. Check whether drinks, Wi-Fi or gratuities are covered. Shore excursions are normally separate. 

A no-fly cruise starts and ends at a UK port, meaning there is no airport journey. It often allows more luggage than a fly cruise, though reaching warmer or more distant destinations may involve extra days at sea.

Choose a cruise destination by thinking about the weather and the sort of days you want ashore. Some itineraries focus on beaches, while others are better for cities or scenery. Please also consider how far you want to travel to join the ship. 

The best time depends on the destination. Peak season often brings the most reliable conditions but can be busier, while shoulder season may offer quieter ports and better value. Book early when you want a popular sailing or cabin. 

Most cruise lines ask you to complete online check-in before sailing and download your boarding documents. At the terminal, your documents are checked before security and embarkation. The exact process will be explained in your cruise paperwork. 

There is no single luggage allowance for every cruise line. UK departures often allow more baggage than flights, while a fly cruise must also follow the airline’s limits. Check the cruise line and airline rules before packing.

Use the arrival time given by your cruise line rather than turning up whenever the terminal opens. Staggered arrival slots keep check-in moving and arriving too early may mean waiting outside. Leave extra time for traffic or local transport delays. 

Prohibited items vary by cruise line, but weapons and anything with an open flame are not allowed. Some electrical appliances and alcohol may also be restricted. Items found at security may be confiscated or held until the end of the cruise.

Supervised kids’ clubs are usually included for children within the stated age groups. Nursery care or late-night sessions may carry a charge. Places and opening times may vary by ship.

Most family cruise lines require infants to be at least six months old on the first day of sailing. Longer routes or cruises with several consecutive sea days may set the minimum at 12 months. Check the exact rule for your chosen itinerary. 

Smoking is normally restricted to clearly marked outdoor areas. It is generally not allowed in cabins or on balconies, though the policy differs between cruise lines. E-cigarettes may be covered by the same restrictions.

Alcohol rules vary by cruise line. Some allow a limited amount of wine or champagne at initial embarkation, while others do not permit guests to bring alcohol on board. Any allowance will be set out in the cruise line’s policy.

Yes, but mobile data at sea can be expensive because your phone may connect to a maritime network. Put your device in flight mode and use the ship’s Wi-Fi when needed. Check your network charges before travelling. 

Most modern cruise ships offer Wi-Fi, although it is often a paid extra unless included in your fare. Packages and speeds vary by ship. Connections may be less reliable when the vessel is far from land. 

Main dining rooms and buffet meals are normally included in the fare. You may have set dining times or flexible dining, depending on the cruise line. Speciality restaurants often require a reservation and may carry an extra charge.

Most theatre shows and live entertainment are included in the cruise fare. Some special events or premium experiences may cost extra. Check the daily programme once on board for times and booking requirements. 

Most cruise ships have a medical centre staffed by qualified doctors and nurses. Treatment is charged and the facilities are not the same as a hospital on land, which is why suitable travel insurance is important. 

Most cruise cabins include a private bathroom, a safe, a television and storage space. The layout and amount of storage depend on the ship and cabin grade. Large cases can often be stored under the bed. 

Daytime dress is usually relaxed, with smart-casual clothing expected in many venues during the evening. On most formal cruise lines it is mandatory to be formally dressed in the main dining rooms. Also, no swim wear will be allowed in the main dining rooms. The cruise line will confirm the dress guidance before you sail.

Many travellers do not feel seasick, especially on larger modern ships.  Choosing a cabin on lower decks and near the middle of the ship may reduce movement. Fresh air and looking at the horizon may also feel reassuring, while a pharmacist or GP can advise on suitable medication.

Changes may be possible after confirmation, subject to availability and the supplier’s terms. Charges or fare differences may apply and the request usually needs to come from the lead passenger. Contact us as soon as you know something needs to change.

Contact us in writing as soon as you know you need to cancel. The amount charged depends on the booking terms and how close you are to departure, with some costs potentially non-refundable. Check whether your travel insurance covers the reason.

Cruise travel documents are usually issued closer to departure once the booking is fully paid and all passenger details are complete. Missing information can delay them. Contact our cruise team if your sailing is approaching and nothing has arrived.

Yes. A cruise line may change ports or timings because of weather, local conditions or operational needs. A replacement port may be arranged, but this is not always possible. The cruise line will provide any updated itinerary. 

Yes, you can usually leave the ship and explore on your own. Check local entry rules and plan your transport carefully. You must be back on board before The All Abord Time shown in the daily programme. 

Bad weather may lead to a change of route, altered timings or a missed port. The captain and cruise line decide what is safe using current conditions. Any alternative arrangements or compensation depend on the circumstances and booking terms.

The ship is not normally required to wait for guests exploring independently. Contact the port agent using the details in the daily programme, then follow their instructions. Rejoining the cruise at another port can be costly.

A shore excursion is an organised activity during a port visit. It might be a guided tour or a transfer to a nearby attraction. Excursions can be booked through the cruise line or independently. 

Book early when an excursion is important to you or has limited capacity. Many trips can also be reserved on board, but popular options may sell out before departure. Check cancellation terms before paying. 

Many cruise fares are based on two people sharing, therefore a solo traveller may pay a supplement. Some ships have single cabins or selected sailings with reduced supplements. Compare the total price rather than the advertised twin-share fare.

Many cruise ships are accessible for disabled travellers, with adapted cabins and public areas available. Facilities vary by ship and port and tender ports may have additional limits. Tell us what you need before booking so that we can check its suitability for you.

Accessible cabins are available on many ships, but numbers are limited and layouts vary. Book as early as possible and explain your requirements before the reservation is confirmed. The cruise line may ask for further details.

Most major cruise lines will not accept guests who enter their 24th week of pregnancy at any point during the cruise. You may need a doctor’s letter confirming your due date and fitness to travel. Check the exact policy before booking. 

Most cruise lines accept wheelchairs and mobility scooters, subject to the ship’s rules. You will need to provide the dimensions and battery type in advance. The equipment must usually be stored inside your cabin.

Take enough medication for the full trip and keep it in its original packaging. Carry a copy of your prescription or a doctor’s letter, especially for controlled medicines. Check the rules for every country on the itinerary. 

You may need vaccinations depending on the countries visited and your personal health. Check official travel health guidance around eight weeks before departure. A GP practice or travel clinic can advise which vaccinations apply to you.

Request special assistance as early as possible, ideally when you first enquire or before the booking is confirmed. Cruise lines need time to review equipment details and port arrangements, thus requests made close to departure may not be possible.

Most cruise lines cater for common dietary needs when told in advance. Speak to us before booking and remind the dining team once on board. Cruise lines cannot always guarantee an allergen-free environment. Please discuss any serious allergy carefully and ahead of time. 

Airport and port transfers are included only when they are listed in your package.

Flights are included when the holiday is sold as a fly cruise or the package details say so. A cruise-only fare will not normally include them. Your quote will show the departure airport and any flight arrangements.

Contact the airline and speak to our cruise team straight away. Do not make your own way to another port without advice, as this may affect the booking and your insurance claim. Keep receipts and any written confirmation of the delay. 

Most cruises require a valid passport, including many sailings that depart from the UK. The validity rules depend on the countries visited. Check every destination on the itinerary before travel. 

Visa requirements depend on your nationality and every country the ship visits, even when you do not plan to go ashore. Check the latest entry rules before booking and again before departure.

Yes. Arrange suitable travel insurance as soon as you book. Make sure it covers cruise travel and your full itinerary. You should also declare any medical conditions.

Your policy should include emergency medical treatment and repatriation. Additionally, it should cover cancellation or cutting the trip short for an insured reason. Look for cruise-specific protection such as missed departure or itinerary changes where these matter to you.

Check the UK government’s foreign travel advice for every country on your itinerary, along with relevant embassy or consulate guidance and the latest cruise line information. Review the rules even if you plan to stay on board, then check them again before departure.