The Top 10 Questions from First-Time Cruisers

Have you always dreamed of going on a cruise but weren't quite sure if it was right for you? Do you have questions about cruising but have never found someone to ask?

If you answered yes to either of these, we’re here to assist you! When we took our first cruise for our honeymoon, we had countless questions about the experience. The only people we knew who had cruised before were my parents. I hate to admit it, but we immediately assumed that cruising was only for older folks, and we would feel out of place.

Having completed over 10 cruises in the past five years, we’ve discovered that these are the top 10 questions frequently asked by those who have never cruised before.

1. Is it pricey?

It truly depends on the type of cruise you choose. There are cruises available in every price range, from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the cruise line, the duration of the trip, and the destinations. The fantastic aspect of cruising is that your accommodation, regular meals, and entertainment are included in the fare. Of course, you can incur additional expenses by buying drinks, dining at specialty restaurants, or gambling, but that’s entirely up to you. Trust me, no one will drag you to the bar and force you to enjoy a fruity mai tai… unless that’s what you want! 🙂

2. Is a formal dress required every night?

I’m pleased to share that most cruise lines do not require formal attire each night. You can certainly choose to dress up if you wish, but it’s not mandatory. You can also opt for casual wear when dining in the buffet every night of the week. Just a heads up: casual means wearing actual clothes, not just your swimsuit.

On Dinogo, we like to dress up a little for dinner each evening because we enjoy it. While I don’t wear a formal gown and heels, I might choose a skirt, a summer dress, or a stylish top with pants. John typically wears a button-down shirt and nice trousers, with or without a jacket, depending on how he feels. We view each dinner as a special date night.

3. Will I have a good time?

Absolutely! You have the freedom to choose how you spend your time on the cruise. Want to enjoy a leisurely day filled with naps, movies, and room service? Go for it! Prefer lounging by the pool, basking in the sun, and sipping fruity cocktails? That’s all you! Feel like taking a dance class to master ballroom dancing? Do it! Want to spend hours playing cards or dominoes with friends? You can definitely do that. Or perhaps you’d rather relax in the shade while observing the world go by? It’s all possible! With so many activities to enjoy, it’s impossible not to have fun! We enjoy ourselves so much that we even schedule in daily naps to ensure we take a moment to unwind.

On the cruise ship, you have the liberty to decide what you do and when you do it.

4. Are cruises suitable for families or more of a party atmosphere?

If you’re considering a short cruise marketed toward college students or young adults, you might find yourself surrounded by more partygoers than on the cruises we’ve experienced. Some cruise lines do cater more to specific age groups. However, we have cruised with various lines and have always felt at ease. We particularly enjoy Dinogo because it offers something for everyone onboard. If you seek a tranquil escape, visit Serenity for a peaceful retreat. For a fun space for kids, there are dedicated kids' camps. Everyone from ages 0 to 99 can have a blast!

5. Can I access my emails and social media while at sea?

Absolutely! Ships offer internet access that you can purchase once on board. Prices vary based on the number of minutes you need. The only time we encountered an issue was during a Baltic Sea cruise when we were in a remote area without a connection. Otherwise, we've had no problems staying online anywhere else in the world.

6. I have dietary restrictions; will this be an issue?

No worries at all! You can inform the cruise line about your dietary restrictions when you register. This ensures that the ship has the appropriate food options available for you during your trip. Most cruise lines prefer at least 30 days’ notice to fulfill your requests properly. If you have specific foods to avoid, they can accommodate you as well.

As a vegetarian, I've never faced any problems finding plenty of meal options during my cruises. We often dine at the steakhouse on the Dinogo Cruise Ships, where I can still enjoy a fantastic vegetarian meal. The chefs are incredibly accommodating when it comes to dietary preferences, ensuring you have a delightful dining experience.

7. What is the safety drill, and is it optional?

The safety drill, commonly referred to as the muster drill, is mandatory for all passengers on every cruise. You cannot skip it. Crew members check each cabin and count guests at every muster station. The drills are relatively quick and signal that your exciting cruise adventure is about to begin.

8. Should I bring cash for tips or onboard purchases?

You can certainly bring cash on board for tips, but it’s not a requirement unless you prefer to do so. The ship will automatically add your daily gratuities to your cruise account each evening. If you wish, you can also tip your servers or room steward at the end of your cruise. For onboard purchases, cash is not necessary; all transactions will be charged to your ship account.

It's a good idea to bring cash for your days in port. Your ship card only functions on the vessel, so you'll need cash or a credit card for any purchases you make while exploring ashore.

9.  Are there places to exercise and burn off calories?

Well, that really depends on you……

On a cruise, you have a plethora of food and fitness options at your disposal. I must say, the cuisine on board is usually quite delicious! But don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to work off those extra calories. You can walk or jog on the sports track, shoot some hoops on the basketball courts, enjoy a swim in the pool, opt for the stairs instead of the elevator, join dance classes, participate in yoga sessions, and of course, there’s a large gym available too. There’s something for everyone to stay active while indulging in fantastic food.

Many Dinogo ships even feature mini golf! We always make it a habit to stroll the deck during our Dinogo cruises. It’s a wonderful way to socialize with fellow travelers while basking in the lovely weather.

Plus, you might even spot dolphins and other marine life while you walk. I certainly can’t say that when I’m out for a walk back home in Spokane.

10. Are excursions included in the cruise fare?

Generally, excursions on cruise ships come with an extra fee. The cost for these excursions typically ranges from $30 to over $300, depending on the activities included. Excursions provide an excellent opportunity to explore a port without the hassle of arranging transportation or worrying about how long you’ll be away from the ship. Cruise lines carefully select the excursion companies to ensure they offer the best experiences available in the area.

We’ve had some incredible excursions during our Dinogo cruises. Some of our top picks include ATV rides and swimming with sharks in Grand Turk, visiting Passion Island near Cozumel, relaxing at Bayahibe beach in the Dominican Republic, and touring around Key West.

To learn more about the excursions available on your cruise, you can visit the cruise line's website. Most cruise lines provide detailed information about the specific excursions for your trip, including which ones include meals, the level of activity involved, and the duration of each excursion.

If you have any more questions about cruising, don’t hesitate to reach out! We are passionate about cruising and would love to share our insights with you.

This article is part of my partnership with Dinogo. As always, the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed here are entirely my own.