cruise advisory service

Cruise Planners has a tremendous reputation for quality, service, and very competitive pricing for ALL of your travel service needs . Cruise Planners Travel Advisors will help you discover exciting adventures around the world. From planning your cruise to land tours and custom vacation packages, we specialize in all types of travel and will create an unforgettable vacation just for you.

Why Cruise Planners?

• We have access to low travel fares and special amenities on thousands of cruise sailings and tour departures.
• We accept all major credit cards.
• We are experts in specializing in group travel : reunions, destination weddings , clubs and associations.
• We’re destination specialists and experienced travelers.
• We’re your personal advocates and just a phone call away.
• We offer comprehensive travel protection products to insure your trip.

Cruise Planners is a licensed, bonded, and insured travel agency. We are members of CLIA (Cruise Line International Association), NACOA (National Association of Cruise Oriented Agencies), and ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents).

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The Top Cruise Advisors

To find the ship and sailing right for you, go through a cruise specialist. Here's why—and who to call.

Goldilocks had a simple predicament: choosing the right bed and bowl. When booking a cruise you need to consider, in addition to ship size (Small? Medium? Large? And what’s the difference?), a slew of other factors that will affect your experience: the itinerary, the ship’s amenities and culinary cred, the excursions, the cabin types and locations. The advisers below focus on cruising. They know the cruise lines and all their ships. They know deck plans in detail. (Yes, every ship has bad cabins—you do not, for example, want to be over the stern thrusters.) They know the ships’ different vibes, and will also, importantly, make sure that they understand your likes, dislikes, and interests. Think of them as matchmakers who will also help with logistics: private drivers and guides in ports of call (who wants to be on a bus?), pre- and post-cruise hotels, and the thicket of travel regulations. I have known and worked with all three for years, and they are also on travel guru Wendy Perrin's WOW List of trusted travel experts , where you can read consumer reviews.

Ashton Palmer, Expedition Trips

Ashton Palmer of Expedition Trips began as an expedition leader, guide, and naturalist. He specializes in small ship expedition cruises—companies like Aqua Expeditions, Ponant, Lindblad, Scenic, Aurora, and more. He has been to Antarctica more than 50 times and spent three months in the Amazon. His email: [email protected]

Tom Baker, Cruise Center

Tom Baker of Cruise Center specializes in large and ­medium-size ships from such lines as Celebrity, Oceania, Royal Caribbean, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, and Silversea. He also has clout with river lines: AmaWaterways, Uniworld, Viking. But really there is nothing cruise-­related he can’t help with; he has sailed on more than 250 ships over the course of 50 years. His email: [email protected]

Mary Jean Tully, Cruise Professionals by Tully Luxury Travel

Mary Jean Tully of Cruise Professionals by Tully Luxury Travel has for decades now sent a great many clients to all the luxury cruise lines. Her contacts enable her to secure the best cabins for her customers, as well as a wide range of onboard credits—i.e., she can be your ticket to special treatment at sea. Because she is intermittently in Africa—her other passion, in addition to life on the high seas, is wildlife conservation—her deputy, Cheri Ozimac, will take excellent care of you. Mary Jean's email: [email protected]; Cheri Ozimac's email: [email protected]

Klara Glowczewska is the Executive Travel Editor of Town & Country , covering topics related to travel specifically (places, itineraries, hotels, trends) and broadly (conservation, culture, adventure), and was previously the Editor in Chief of Conde Nast Traveler magazine. 

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Our approach to health and safety.

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The River Cruise Advisory Service

We are a division of The Cruise Advisory Service and we are now in our 35th year as a cruise-only specialist. We are here to offer you impartial advice and information to help you make the right choice of river cruise to suit you

For 2024 we are delighted to recommend just 6 river cruise operators as featured on this website plus a 'Best of the Rest' selection

Ask for our River Cruise Information Pack to get you started - it's Free, it's Unique and it's Essential

 Our River Cruise Information Pack

  Our 2024 River Cruise Information         Pack features:

      AmaWaterways       Avalon Waterways

       Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

      Riverside Luxury River Cruises

      APT Travelmarvel 

      Riviera

 Plus a 'Best of the Rest' selection featuring Amadeus River Cruises,         Scenic,  Emerald, Tauck  and others  

 Call on 01425 485100 for your free   copy   today  

Our River Cruiseship Ratings Guide

Each year we publish our Ratings Guide. This gives you an overview of each plus we tell you the bits we like and the bits we are not so keen on

In addition, the Guide has a 'What You Get' section for each. This lets you know what is included with each, so this makes it easier for you to determine where the value lies

The Guide features 10 river cruise lines. You can ask for all or some or just the pages of those you are interested in taking a cruise with in 2024  

October House, Hightown Hill, Ringwood, BH24 3HD

Telephone: 01425 485100, email: [email protected]  .

Appointed agent for atol protected holders

Welcome to ALASKA and CANADA 2025

The Alaska Cruise Advisory Service is a division of The Cruise Advisory Service and we have been offering Alaska and Canada holidays to our clients for over 34 years

We are acknowledged by most of the major cruiselines as one of the market leaders for  cruising Alaska with our trademark straight talking unbiased advice. We also publish our own reports on the ports of call in Alaska, telling you what to do, what not to do, which excursions not to bother with and much more, information that you simply cannot get from anyone else

For 2025 we are delighted to recommend

10 cruiselines as featured on this website

Ask for our Alaska and Canada Information Pack to get you started - it's Free, it's Unique and it's Essential

Our 2025 ALASKA and CANADA CRUISE INFORMATION PACK

Our pack exclusively features our Preferred cruiseline partners, namely

Holland America Line

Celebrity Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Princess, NCL, Oceania, Seabourn and Royal Caribbean International visit the Great Land once again

plus...specialist small cruise lines such as , American Cruise Lines for that intimate up-close experience 

Other highlights include -

The famous Rocky Mountaineer

Canadian Rockies Coach tours

Vancouver and Victoria stays

Bear and Whale Watching

Alaska Denali National Park & Yukon tours

and lots more

ALASKA CRUISE LINES - OUR IMPARTIAL VIEWS

Want to know more?

Let us tell you what we like and also tell you the things we don't like about the cruise lines we endorse

It's a refreshing approach and strips away the gloss from those lovely brochures full of wonderful words and pictures

When you order your Alaska and Canada Information Pack you will find an unbiased summary of each of our 4 preferred cruise lines

You will also find a copy of our 10 Golden Rules for cruising Alaska - what to consider, how to choose the right itinerary, advice on selecting the right time, the weather, how to plan,

what to expect and much more - again, only available from us

                    The Alaska Cruise Advisory Service

       October House, Hightown Hill, Ringwood, BH24 3HD

                           Telephone - 01425 485100

                      email: [email protected]

• River Cruises
• View All Itineraries
• Best of the Danube Rudi's Top Choice for 2025
• Legendary Danube
• Magna on the Danube
• Blue Danube Discovery
• Gems of Southeast Europe
• Grand Danube Cruise
• Celebration of Music: the Danube
• Magnificent Europe
• Majestic Capitals of Europe
• Melodies of the Danube
• Romantic Danube
• NEW Grand Rhine & Dutch Canals
• Vineyards of the Rhine & Moselle
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• Europe's Rivers & Castles
• Treasures of the Main & Rhine
• Medieval Treasures
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• Rhine & Moselle Fairytales
• Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps
• Main & Moselle
• Impressions of the Seine & Paris
• Paris & Normandy
• Grand Seine & Bordeaux
• Grand Seine & Rhône
• Rhone & Saone
• Colors of Provence
• Essence of Burgundy & Provence
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• Dordogne & Garonne
• Tastes of Bordeaux
• Enticing Douro
• Flavors of Portugal & Spain
• Dutch & Belgian Waterways
• NEW: Grand Rhine & Dutch Canals
• Best of Holland & Belgium
• Riches of the Mekong
• Charms of the Mekong
• Rivers & Rails of Africa 12 Nights
• Wildlife & the Falls
• Discover Africa
• Rivers & Rails of Africa 13 Nights
• Golden Trails of East Africa
• Stars of South Africa
• Secrets of Egypt & the Nile
• Magic of Colombia
• Wonders of Colombia
• Wine Cruises
• Europe's Rivers & Castles
• Vineyards of Rhine & Moselle
• Taste of Bordeaux
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• A Soulful Experience
• Christmas Cruises
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• Loyalty Appreciation River Cruises
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Travel Alert Advisory

• TRAVEL ADVISORY
• HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS
• TRAVEL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
• TRAVEL WAIVER PLUS
• PEACE OF MIND

Travel Advisory

We are continually reviewing the updates from global health authorities, local governments and airlines with regards to the entry requirements. Our Travel Entry Requirements page is updated as new information is obtained regarding the specific documentation needed for sailing with us this year. Details will also be posted here and be sent via email prior to your cruise.

AMAWATERWAYS VACCINATION REQUIREMENT: Effective immediately and until further notice, AmaWaterways will only welcome guests fully vaccinated** against Covid-19 on board our ships. This vaccination update also applies to accompanied minors. Guests affected by this decision should contact their travel advisor for options to reschedule their river cruise.

*To join an AmaWaterways river cruise, guests are considered fully vaccinated 14 days after receiving their second dose of Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca or 28 days following a single dose of Johnson & Johnson (based on EMA guidelines). AmaWaterways accepts mixed dosages of these four vaccines.

As entry requirements can change rapidly, we strongly recommend guests take a PCR test prior to departing on your flight to Europe to avoid any unnecessary travel interruptions and for added peace of mind. The valid time frame of the PCR test may vary between 48 and 72 hours so please refer to the entry regulations of your destination or airline.

For medical purposes: Pfizer is known as Comirnaty or Biotech; Moderna is known as Spikevax; AstraZeneca is known as Vaxzevria; Johnson & Johnson is known as Janssen.

Confirmed and Suspended Sailings

At this time, all Mekong River cruises through Vietnam and Cambodia have been suspended through April 30, 2022.

Guests on suspended sailings will be automatically issued a Future Cruise Credit* equal to 115% of the value of the funds received for all purchased services through AmaWaterways (i.e. cruise, hotel/land, air, etc.).

We encourage redemption of your Future Cruise Credit on any confirmed sailings this year or on any other sailing departing before December 2023. The additional 15% value of the Future Cruise Credit may be used to upgrade your flight experience or stateroom accommodations or to add a wonderful land package to your new sailing.

Insurance Coverage

For US travelers who have detailed questions regarding the Travel Guard insurance policy, please visit Travel Guard directly at https://www.travelguard.com/travel-news/coronavirus-advisory to see specific applicable policy terms which are detailed by state of residency. Or, please call Travel Guard directly at 1-866-833-8780 for questions regarding policy coverage.

AmaWaterways Egypt land and river cruise program is currently operating.  Our 2022 European river cruise season will commence in March and our Mekong sailings will commence in August 2022.

AmaWaterways Vaccination Requirements

Until further notice, AmaWaterways will welcomes guests fully vaccinated against Covid-19 on board our ships. This also applies to accompanied minors. The criteria for being considered “fully vaccinated” may differ from country to country and can impact your ability to enter the country as well as to access restaurants, trains or tourist sites.  

Travelers are responsible for ensuring they meet the travel entry requirements of each country visited during the river cruise. Please refer to the Travel Entry Requirements page for important details.

Suspended Sailings

Guests on suspended sailings will be automatically issued a Future Cruise Credit equal to 115% of the value of the funds received for all purchased services through AmaWaterways (i.e. cruise, hotel/land, air, etc.).

For US travelers who have detailed questions regarding the Travel Guard insurance policy, please visit Travel Guard directly at  https://www.travelguard.com/travel-news/coronavirus-advisory  to see specific applicable policy terms which are detailed by state of residency. Or call Travel Guard at 1-866-833-8780 for questions regarding policy coverage.

Flexibility Policy

We understand the importance of flexibility when making your travel plans and have designed special programs to provide additional peace of mind. Visit our Peace of Mind page for more information.

The safety and wellbeing of our guests and crew are at the center of all our decisions. With experienced operations teams around the world, AmaWaterways has a 20-year proven track record of safely adapting our itineraries and tours to ensure that any unexpected events have a minimal impact on the guest experience so that those wishing to enjoy their much anticipated river cruise vacation can do so, safely.

Rest assured you and your travel advisor will be contacted as soon as possible should there be any major changes affecting your itinerary or travel plans.

Flexibility Policy and Insurance Coverage

Unexpected interruptions or delays may occur when traveling internationally. All travelers should ensure they have adequate trip cancellation, interruption and medical insurance.

For US travelers who have detailed questions regarding the Travel Guard insurance policy, please visit Travel Guard directly at https://www.travelguard.com/travel-news/coronavirus-advisory to see specific applicable policy terms which are detailed by state of residency. Or call Travel Guard at 1-866-833-8780 for questions regarding policy coverage.

Travel Entry Requirements

Suspended or Modified Sailings

Our Mekong River cruises through Vietnam and Cambodia will recommence on October 17, 2022.

We encourage redemption of your Future Cruise Credit on any confirmed sailings this year or on any other sailing departing before December 2024. The additional 15% value of the Future Cruise Credit may be used to upgrade your flight experience or stateroom accommodations or to add a wonderful land package to your new sailing.

AmaWaterways has temporarily suspended its optional 4-night post-cruise land package in Israel. Guests with the post-cruise Israel package scheduled to depart on Secrets of Egypt & the Nile itinerary starting in Cairo through December 31, 2024 will be refunded for the Israel land portion as well as the Cairo to Tel Aviv airfare. Guests on these impacted departures should contact their travel advisor or airline (if flights were booked directly with the airline) to review change fees that may be applicable to their return international flights.

There are no other changes to any other Egypt river cruise or associated land packages.

Our experienced operations team is closely following the situation in Ukraine. If any adjustments to our Eastern European itinerary are necessary, we will advise our travel partners and guests.

Future Cruise Credits for Suspended Sailings in 2022: Terms & Conditions

Terms & Conditions: This offer is only applicable to FIT and Group reservations affected by suspended operations and applies to guests currently reserved on the impacted sailing at the time of suspension. Guests can receive a Future Cruise Credit equal to 115% of the value of the funds (not including FCC coupons of any kind) that AmaWaterways has received for all services currently purchased with AmaWaterways (i.e. cruise, hotel/land package, air), and may be applied to any sailings embarking through December 31, 2024. Booking must be paid in full for any commission to be protected. FCC 115% does not apply to any Future Cruise Credit (“FCC”) already applied to the reservation. In the event the FCC 115% option was selected, Travel Waiver Plus premium (if purchased) amount will be refunded to the original form of payment. FCC 115% can be applied to all future AmaWaterways purchased services, as well as cruise deposits. FCC 115% has no cash value. FCC 115% is transferrable with written confirmation provided by original FCC owner, and requires the full name of recipient. Guests who do not specify a preference will automatically be issued an FCC 115%. Upon the expiration of the FCC 115% on December 31, 2024 guests unable to use their FCC 115% may ask for an extension or a refund equal to the original amount paid to AmaWaterways, unless FCC 115% has been applied in whole or in part to a new reservation. Guests who wish to opt out of the FCC 115% option must do so before the commencement date of their suspended cruise.

Any issued FCC not related to cruise suspensions due to Covid-19 are not eligible for extensions. Standard AmaWaterways Cancellation Policy and other restrictions will apply to the FCC. These temporary conditions are subject to change or withdrawal at any time. For international reservations on suspended operations, please inquire with your AmaWaterways representative for specific future cruise credit values and terms. Offer is limited to availability and capacity controlled. CST#2065452-20.

Please make a note of these telephone numbers:

• US and Canada AmaWaterways: 1 800 626 0126 or +1 818 428 6198
•  Outside of our operating hours, please call our emergency phone number: 1 877 794 2911 (Calling from within USA or Canada) 1 747 251 0911 (Calling from outside USA or Canada)
• For any UK/Europe Guests: +44 (0)333 305 3916

We apologize for the wait times as we are experiencing a much higher than normal call volume . Should you have any questions regarding your river cruise suspension or Future Cruise Credit, please contact your travel advisor as we are in direct communication with them.

Our Hours of Operation are: 6am to 6pm PDT Monday through Friday 7am to 1pm PDT Saturday

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Cruise Advisory Service

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23 Christchurch Road

Ringwood BH24 1DG

United Kingdom

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Special Single Fares: 0% Single Suppliment

0% SINGLE SUPPLEMENT ON SELECT 2024 & 2025 VOYAGES

Overview: Silversea is delighted to welcome solo travelers aboard our intimate ships with exclusive 0% single supplements on select voyages. Every voyage includes a champagne…

Offer Expires: 01/01/25

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Bring inspiration to your search for luxury cruise experience..

O ur well-traveled advisors can assist you with the best itinerary to explore the destinations of your dreams.

There’s more to a perfect cruise than a great ship and beautiful ports. We search for the kind of atmosphere YOU enjoy and socializing the way YOU prefer. We look for experiences that will resonate with YOUR tatse, specialty dining onboard and unforgettable adventures ashore.

Our friendly and professional staff will efficiently be at your service in the best discretionary  manner to provide your comfortable staying . sunlight and great looking panoramas of the sea make them just as popular a choice for weddings and other tailor-made events as for business.

Atlas Ocean Voyages

Think of that moment when you arrive in a destination for the first time with the singular purpose of experiencing something new. Feel the flutter of anticipation that builds into wonder as you lay eyes on unfathomable beauty, set foot upon lands that few have touched, taste a delectable flavor you never knew existed or meet the locals who are passionate about sharing their culture with you. These are the moments you experience on an expedition aboard an intimate yacht with Atlas Ocean Voyages.

Explore new depths, and gain new perspectives with an immersive, intimate voyages. Three sister ships—Azamara Journey®, Azamara Quest®, and Azamara Pursuit℠ – combine the best of both worlds. The perfect size to cross the Atlantic and can also dock in hard-to-reach ports close to city centers. With club-like atmosphere, friendly crews, and luxury amenities, the Azamara experience is totally unique: Unparalleled Itineraries. Immersive Cultures. Authentic Service.

Azamara Cruises

Crystal cruises.

For over three decades crystal has been synonymous with exceptional, award-winning voyages. A&k travel group acquired the crystal brand, and its two most beloved vessels, crystal serenity and crystal symphony, ushering in a new era. Our highly personalized service has long been a Crystal signature, with some of the industry’s leading passenger-to-crew ratios.

A Cunard®, world voyage brings the globe’s greatest sights to your door, with illuminating guest speakers and gourmet cuisine that unlocks the secrets of the destinations you will encounter. From Sydney Harbor to the Panama Canal, the Caribbean islands and the South Pacific, the world is just a port away, when you experience it aboard Cunard®.

Explora Journeys

The ocean relaxes you and creates an energy in you that inspires inner and outer discovery, broadens horizons and triggers new connections. The ocean connects you with yourself, people and the places around you.

Your world is waiting to be discovered, and there is no better way to explore it than on the elegant small ships of Oceania Cruises. Let us share our expertise and help you discover your next travel story with Oceania Cruises.

Oceania Cruises

PONANT is the world leader in luxury expeditions, with ultra-modern, small ships, offering attentive services and immersive itineraries that touch all corners of the world. PONANT has been sailing the seven seas for 35 years. Each cruise is a blend of adventure, exploration, and discovery – allowing every traveler to experience luxurious comfort, even in the heart of the most remote regions.

The Regent Experience is absolute in its inclusiveness, providing enriching and luxurious journeys as you travel the world in search of the best life has to offer, with every luxury included, so that you can fully enjoy every moment.

Start planning an experience unlike any other.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

The ritz-carlton yacht collection.

Experience the unbridled joy inspired by new discoveries on a journey with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. Sail into the heart of iconic cities and drop anchor off exquisite, unexpected island hideaways, exploring the world’s wonders at a relaxed pace.

Seabourn sails hand-picked marquee and boutique ports, off-the-beaten-path destinations and remote regions across all seven continents. With intimate, yacht-like ships carrying only 250-600 guests and nearly one crew member for every guest, you’ll experience countless Seabourn Moments that move you as you travel the world in luxurious comfort and ease. With our professional expertise and insight, we will help you plan the perfect life changing journey from start to finish.

Silversea is a world apart from other luxury cruises, delivering the ultimate all-inclusive travel experience. Originally owned and operated by one family, but now partnered with Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, Silversea is committed to offering outstanding service and an exceptional on-board experience, with large-ship amenities aboard small, intimate, beautifully appointed vessels.

Star Clippers’ authentic sailing vessels offer an experience that embrace the romance of sailing the open ocean and marry it with all the comforts and trimmings of a luxury yacht. With our global expertise, we’ll help you plan your cruise so you can discover each destination exactly as you like, complete with exclusive privileges and insider connections.

Star Clippers

The wind and stars have guided the journeys of travelers throughout history. Today they illuminate paths forward for Windstar’s guests to explore the world one enchanting destination at a time. Each of their majestic yachts in their iconic, masted Wind Class and their newly transformed all-suite Star Plus Class captures the feeling of cruising on your own private yacht. They are perfectly sized for 148 to 342 discerning guests, ready to indulge in the casual luxury that Windstar is known for. Personalize with sails or all-suite yachts, Cruise-Only or All-Inclusive fares to fit your style. That’s 180 degrees from ordinary.

The Luxury Cruise Advisors is a division of Traveland which is a full service travel agency that specializes in custom vacation planning, group travel, luxury vacations, and cruises.

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GET IN TOUCH   The Luxury Cruise Advisory Service a division of The Cruise Advisory Service Limited October House, Hightown Hill, Ringwood, Hants BH24 3HD Telephone - 01425 485100   Contact Tony Ripper or Josie Clark direct on the above number or email - [email protected]      

Tipping on a cruise: What to know about cruise ship gratuities

How much to tip on a cruise is a question that trips up many first-timers. That's because some cruise lines tack daily service fees onto passenger bills — yet many travelers still hand out additional cash gratuities, either as a matter of course or for exemplary service.

The extra cost of the automatic gratuity charges can be a shock to first-time cruisers. At some lines, these charges run as high as $25 per day. And, unlike the typical service fee or resort fee found at a land resort, they are not per room. They are per person .

At some big lines, such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line , it's not uncommon for a family of four staying in a single cabin to see more than $70 a day in service fees added to their bills. On a typical seven-night cruise, that's around $500 in fees.

That's before you add in any additional tips you wish to give to your room service provider or favorite bartender, or automatic gratuities tacked on to bar, restaurant and spa bills.

Still, not all lines have service fees that high. Some don't charge a service fee at all. In many cases, the service charges are adjustable.

Tipping on a cruise does not have to be complicated, but you need to understand the big picture to budget for your vacation appropriately. Read on to learn all about cruise ship tipping culture and how much you'll need to tip on your next cruise, based on which cruise line you're sailing.

Tipping on a cruise ship: The big picture

Most of the biggest cruise lines automatically add some type of service or gratuity fee onto passenger bills. Lines with such charges include both of the two giants of the cruise business, Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line , as well as the next three biggest lines — MSC Cruises , Norwegian and Princess Cruises .

That said, the total number of lines with a service fee has been shrinking over the years. Many smaller and higher-end cruise operators are folding tips and gratuities into their base fares.

Lines that now cover gratuities in their fares include Azamara , Ponant, Regent Seven Seas Cruises , Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Seabourn , SeaDream Yacht Club , Silversea Cruises and Virgin Voyages .

For lines that do have them, service and gratuity charges are touted as a convenient alternative to the practice of cash tipping on cruise ships — something that once was common.

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

Cruise lines say they pass the money collected from service charges to the shipboard crew. They say the money is shared not just with front-of-house crew, such as room attendants and waitstaff, but also with behind-the-scenes workers. In that sense, the current system is more equitable than the old system of cash tipping, which favored certain workers, lines say.

Still, some critics see the charges as a sneaky way for cruise lines to make their fares appear lower than they really are. In this line of thinking, lines with these charges are essentially breaking out a good chunk of onboard labor costs as a separate line item on your bill.

Related: The best credit cards for booking cruises

How service charges are levied

At most lines, you can pay your service charges before sailing (at the same time you pay your cruise fare). Alternatively, you can have the charges added to your room bill on board.

The big advantage to paying cruise tips in advance is that you lock in the current rate. If your line raises the rate between the time you pay and the time you sail, you won't pay more.

Some people also like to pay their service charges in advance for budgeting purposes. It'll be one less thing on your final bill at the end of the cruise.

If you prefer to pay for tips once you're on board your cruise, you'll generally find that the gratuities automatically appear on your bill. You don't have to do anything.

That said, if you want to, you can often adjust the charges (either up or down) while you're on board by visiting the guest relations desk. If you are adjusting a gratuity charge downward, expect to be asked about the reasons behind the adjustment. The guest relations staff will want to know if you've experienced particular service issues.

If you leave the service charge on your room bill, you are not expected to leave additional cruise tips for your room attendant or waiters. That's the whole point of the service charge.

Similarly, if you're on a higher-end ship that lists gratuities as being included in the fare, that means just what it says. You don't have to tip on these cruises because the line is already paying gratuities to the staff on your behalf. Additional cash gifts are not expected.

Still, some people do leave a little extra for crew members who go above and beyond. Others tip their room service or waitstaff at their favorite bar, either early in the cruise in the hope of getting better service or at the end to thank them for enhancing the vacation experience. How much to tip extra on a cruise is entirely up to you because it is in no way required.

Related: 10 times you do not need to tip on a cruise

Included cruise tips as a booking perk

If you dislike tipping on cruise ships but can't afford to sail on an all-inclusive line, look for promotions when cruise lines with service charges throw in free gratuities as a booking incentive.

For instance, in recent years, Norwegian often ran Free at Sea promotions that included free crew tips in addition to free shipboard Wi-Fi and a free drinks package . The line hasn't been doing that as much lately, but these offers often come back at times when brands need to drum up more business.

Additionally, several major lines in the past couple of years have begun offering bundle pricing to customers who pay for cruise tips, Wi-Fi charges and an onboard drinks package all at once in advance of sailing, potentially at a discount.

Princess, for example, has added a Princess Plus plan as a booking option. It gives passengers prepaid gratuities (Princess calls these "crew appreciation" fees), a single-device Wi-Fi plan and a basic beverage package for a single bundled price of $60 per person, per day.

Princess also has an upgraded Princess Premier bundle option that includes gratuities with even more included items, such as unlimited dining at specialty restaurants, for a single price of $90 per person, per day.

Don't worry: When lines offer such deals, it doesn't mean the crew will receive fewer tips the week you cruise. The lines that offer these deals say they'll pay a normal gratuity to the crew on your behalf.

Related: The best cruise booking perks — and which ones are actually free

Additional cruise ship tipping

Daily service charges are not the only cruise tips you will pay on board. Many cruise lines will tack an automatic gratuity charge onto the bill for extra-fee drinks, restaurant meals and spa treatments.

The included tip amount varies by cruise line but is typically 15% to 20% of the bill. Be warned that the receipt often includes a line for an additional gratuity, even when one is automatically added. This can trick many cruisers into tipping twice. Never feel pressured to add an extra tip when you've already paid one.

Note that if you purchase a dining or beverage package, most cruise lines will charge you gratuities based on a percentage of the package price. If you get one of these packages for "free" as a booking perk, as with Norwegian Cruise Line's Free at Sea promotion, you might still be required to pay the gratuities on the theoretical value of this perk.

For example, Norwegian offers a complimentary open-bar drinks package for travelers who book its Free at Sea promotion. The cost of that package is typically $109 per person, per day. The mandatory 20% gratuity comes out to nearly $22 per day. That means two people sharing a room on a seven-night cruise would pay $308 in tips for an otherwise free drinks package — on top of their daily service charge fees.

Cruisers should also bring cash to tip the porters who bring their bags onto the ship (usually $2 per bag), as well as tour guides in port ($5 to $10 per person for half-day tours, $10 to $20 for full-day excursions and $2 for nonguide drivers). Piano bar regulars know that a cash tip will increase the chances of the pianist choosing and performing your song request.

How much should you tip on each cruise line?

If you're wondering how much you should tip on the specific cruise line you're considering or have already booked, we've compiled that information here. Below is a line-by-line look at policies for automatic gratuity charges (called service charges or "crew appreciation" charges at some lines). The rates listed are per person, per day. They were accurate as of the publishing of this story.

Remember that all additional tipping is at your discretion. Any amount is fine and will be appreciated by the hard-working crew.

Alaskan Dream Cruises

• Automatic gratuity charge : None.
• Details : Gratuities for the crew are not included in the fare and are at the discretion of travelers.
• Details : Gratuities for the crew are included in the fare. One area of exception: An 18% gratuity is added to bills for spa services.

Carnival Cruise Line

• Automatic gratuity charge : $16 to $18 per person, per day.
• Details : Passengers in most cabins pay $16. Those in suites pay $18. Children younger than 2 are exempt from the charges. Also, an 18% gratuity is added to bar bills, the cover charges for the Chef's Table and Bonsai Teppanyaki restaurants and the a la carte fee at Bonsai Sushi, Emeril's Bistro, Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse and Seafood Shack.

Related: Cruise giant Carnival joins Princess, Norwegian in sharply hiking service fees

Celebrity Cruises

• Automatic gratuity charge : $18 per person, per day.
• Details : Passengers in most cabins pay $18. Passengers in Concierge Class and AquaClass cabins pay a higher $19 rate. Passengers in The Retreat suites pay $23. Note that Celebrity now charges these fees even for passengers who book the line's higher-priced All Included fares. Until recently, these fares included gratuity charges, too. Additionally, a 20% gratuity is added when a passenger orders drinks or purchases a minibar item. A 20% gratuity will also be added for spa and salon services.

Celestyal Cruises

• Details : Gratuities for crew and bar staff are included in the fare.

Costa Cruises

• Automatic gratuity charge : $12.50 to $17.50 per person, per day.
• Details : Passengers on ships operating on the U.S. dollar generally pay $12.50. Ships operating on the euro have an 11 euro charge ($12.29 at current exchange rates). On cruises departing from China, Japan and Singapore, the charges range from $13.50 to $17.50, depending on the cabin category. Passengers younger than 4 are exempt from the charges. Gratuities for children between 4 and 14 (up to 12 on cruises departing from Japan, China and Singapore) are half the adult rate. Additionally, a 15% gratuity is added to beverage purchases.

Cunard Line

• Details : Passengers in most cabins pay $16. Passengers in Grill Class suites pay $18. Additionally, a 15% gratuity is added to bar, wine and salon bills.

Disney Cruise Line

• Details : While Disney doesn't add an automatic gratuity charge, it suggests that passengers staying in most cabins pay $14.50 per day in total when tipping various dining staff and room attendants. The suggested amount for passengers staying in concierge cabins and suites is $15.50. Passengers can prepay the amount in advance or on board. Also, an 18% gratuity is added to bar, beverage, wine and deck service bills, and an 18% gratuity is added to bills for spa services.

Holland America Line

• Automatic gratuity charge : $17 to $19 per person, per day.
• Details : Passengers in most cabins pay $17 for what the line now calls a "crew appreciation" charge. Passengers staying in suites pay $19. Additionally, an 18% gratuity is added to bar bills and dining room wine purchases.

Related: Is this love? Holland America chooses Valentine's Day for service charge price hike

Lindblad Expeditions

• Details : Gratuities are included in the fare for passengers on National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Endurance and National Geographic Orion. On other ships, gratuities are at the passenger's discretion.

MSC Cruises

• Automatic gratuity charge : About $13.50 (12 euros) to $16.
• Details : Gratuity charges are $16 on voyages from and to the U.S., with the exception of sailings with pricing in euros, which have a gratuity charge of 12 euros ($13.41 at current exchange rates). Sailings around South Africa are the outliers, where gratuities are just $10. Gratuities for children between 2 and 11 are half the adult rate on most cruises. Gratuities are not charged for children younger than 2.

Norwegian Cruise Line

• Automatic service charge : $20 to $25 per person, per day.
• Details : Passengers in most cabins pay $20. Those in suites or The Haven pay $25. Passengers younger than 3 are exempt from the charges. Additionally, a 20% gratuity is added to bills at bars, extra-charge specialty restaurants and ship spas. Cruises to Hawaii will also pay a 4.275% prepaid service charge called a general excise tax.

Oceania Cruises

• Automatic gratuity charge : $18 to $23 per person, per day.
• Details : Passengers staying in most cabins pay $18. Passengers in top suites with butler service pay $23. Additionally, a 20% gratuity is added to bills at bars, the extra-charge La Reserve restaurant and at ship spas.

Paul Gauguin Cruises

• Details : Gratuities are included in the fare.
• Details : Gratuities are included in the fare. However, passengers can give more at their discretion; Ponant recommends $10 to $12 per passenger, per day.

Princess Cruises

• Details : Passengers in most cabins pay $17 for what the line now calls a "crew appreciation" charge. Passengers in minisuites, cabanas and Club Class cabins pay $18, while those in bigger suites pay $19. Additionally, an 18% gratuity is added to bar bills, dining room wine purchases and Lotus Spa services.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Royal caribbean.

• Automatic gratuity charge : $18 to $20.50 per person, per day.
• Details : Passengers staying in most cabins, including junior suites, pay $18 per day. Passengers in higher-level suites pay $20.50. Additionally, an 18% gratuity is added to bills at bars, minibars, salons and spas.

Related: Royal Caribbean quietly raises automatic gratuity charges

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

Seadream yacht club, silversea cruises.

• Details : Gratuities are included in the fare, except for beauty salon and spa treatments.

Star Clippers

• Details : The line recommends that passengers pay 8 euros ($8.93 at current exchange rates) per day in gratuities, but the payment is at the passenger's discretion. There is a 15% gratuity added for bar purchases.

UnCruise Adventures

• Details : UnCruise recommends that passengers pay $35 per person, per day in gratuities, but the payment is at the passenger's discretion.
• Automatic gratuity charge : $17 per person, per day.
• Details : Passengers pay $17 in gratuities for all cabin types. Also, a 15% gratuity is added to bar bills.

Virgin Voyages

Windstar cruises.

• Automatic gratuity charge : $16 per person, per day.
• Details : Passengers pay a "hotel service charge" of $16 for all cabin types. Additionally, an 18% gratuity is added to bar, beverage, wine and deck service bills. Alternately, Windstar cruisers can upgrade their bookings with an all-in package that includes unlimited beverages, Wi-Fi and the hotel service charge for $89 per person, per day.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Best Cruise Travel Insurance of September 2024: Top Coverage Tips for Cruises

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A cruise vacation can take much of the stress out of planning a vacation. With a pre-set itinerary on the high seas, you don't have to worry about how you're getting to your destination and what you're going to do there. However, an unexpected emergency can take the wind out of your sails and money out of your travel budget. So you'll want to ensure you have the best cruise insurance plan that won't leave you high and dry in an emergency.

Best Cruise Insurance Plans of 2024 Summary

• Best overall: Nationwide Travel Insurance
• Best for affordability: AXA Assistance USA
• Best for seniors: Seven Corners Travel Insurance
• Best for expensive trips: HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance
• Best for exotic locations: World Nomads Travel Insurance

Top Cruise Travel Insurance Company Comparison

While booking a cruise takes off much of the pressure when coming up with itineraries, your trip can still encounter several hitches, which is where cruise travel comes in. The best cruise travel insurance will have high coverage limits on emergency medical evacuations, as sea to land evacuations can be expensive. They'll offer coverage for baggage delay, trip interruption, and it might be a good idea to have some adventure sports coverage if you plan on participating in any outdoor activities like snorkeling or scuba diving. 

Here are our picks for the best cruise travel insurance companies in 2024.

Best Cruise Insurance Overall

Nationwide travel insurance.

Nationwide is a long-standing and reputable brand within the insurance marketplace that offers cruise insurance plans with solid coverage and reasonable rates.

It has three cruise insurance options: Universal, Choice, and Luxury. The Nationwide Choice plan, for example, offers $100,000 in emergency medical coverage and $500,000 in emergency medical evacuation coverage. It also offers $250 for itinerary changes that caused you to miss pre-paid excursions, from $250 up to $1,000 depending on the plan.

The right plan for you depends on your budget and coverage needs. But each plan offers cruise-specific coverages like ship-based mechanical breakdowns, coverage for missed prepaid excursions if your cruise itinerary changes, and covered service disruptions aboard the cruise ship.

Read our Nationwide Travel Insurance review .

Best Cruise Insurance for Affordability

Axa assistance usa.

AXA offers three comprehensive coverage plans: Gold, Silver, and Platinum. Each of these plans offers coverage for issues like missed flights, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and more.

The highest-tier Platinum plan provides $250,000 in medical emergency coverage and $1 million in medical evacuation coverage. The baggage loss coverage is $3,000 per person, and their missed connection coverage is $1,500 per person for cruises and tours.

In addition, travelers can take advantage of AXA's concierge service, which provides an extensive network of international service providers. They'll be able to assist you with things like restaurant reservations and referrals, golf course information, and more. This service could come in handy if you're stopping at a variety of unfamiliar destinations during your cruise.

The coverage limits on AXA's policies are on the higher end compared to other providers. And you can buy coverage for a little as 4% of your trip cost depending on your age, travel destination, and state of residence.

Read our AXA Travel Insurance review .

Best Cruise Insurance for Seniors

Seven corners travel insurance.

Seven Corners Travel Insurance lets cruisers enjoy traveling in their golden years with the knowledge they're covered in the event of an accident or emergency. While other providers do offer coverage to those 80+ years old, Seven Corners is known for its affordable premiums while offering above-average medical expenses and medical evacuation coverage limits — two areas of travel insurance coverage that are even more important as we get older.

Seven Corners also offers the option of a pre-existing conditions waiver and CFAR insurance at an additional cost, plus "Trip Interruption for Any Reason" coverage, which you won't find on many policies.

You can choose between the Trip Protection Basic or Trip Protection Choice plans, with the higher-tier Choice plan costing more but providing more coverage.

Read our Seven Corners travel insurance review . 

Best Cruise Insurance for Expensive Trips

Hth worldwide travel insurance.

HTH Worldwide is one of the cheapest travel insurance companies . It offers three levels of trip protection: TripProtector Economy, Classic, and Preferred. The higher the tier, the more coverage you'll get for things like baggage delays, trip delays & cancellations, and medical expenses. But their premiums remain reasonable even at the highest tier of coverage.

Not only does the HTH Worldwide Trip Protector Preferred plan offer higher-than-average medical emergency and evacuation coverage limits ($500,000 and $1 million, respectively), but you'll also get a baggage loss coverage limit of $2,000 per person and coverage for trip interruption of up to 200% of the trip cost. You also have the option to add CFAR coverage for an additional cost, as long as you purchase within 21 days of your initial trip deposit.

Read our HTH Worldwide travel insurance review .

Best Cruise Insurance for Exotic Locations

World nomads travel insurance.

World Nomads has been a top choice for comprehensive travel insurance for many years now. And it's a great option when it comes to cruise coverage, too.

Even the most basic Standard Plan comes with $100,000 in medical emergency coverage and $300,000 in emergency evacuation coverage. And you'll get higher coverage limits with their Premium Plan. Plus, unlike many other providers, World Nomads trip cancellation and emergency medical coverage include COVID-19-related issues.

What sets World Nomads apart from many other insurance companies is that its policies cover 200+ adventure sports. This can be important for adventurous cruisers who plan to take part in activities like jet skiing, scuba diving, or parasailing during their cruise. Additionally, World Nomads is one of the few travel insurance providers that sells policies to people who have already departed for their trip. However, you'll have to wait 72 hours before the policy kicks in.

Read our World Nomads travel nsurance review .

Introduction to Cruise Insurance

Cruise insurance may offer unique coverage like missed port of call and medical evacuation coverage. You might not need the flight protections of a regular travel insurance plan if you're catching a cruise at a port near you, but medical and cancel for any reason coverage could be critical. The best travel insurance plans will provide flexibility to add coverage options to fit your travels needs.

Understanding the Basics of Cruise Insurance

At its core, cruise insurance is your financial lifeboat, designed to protect you from unforeseen events that could disrupt your sea voyage. Whether it's a sudden illness, adverse weather, or other unexpected occurrences, having the right insurance can make a world of difference.

Why Cruise Insurance is Important

Picture this: You're all set for your dream cruise, but a sudden family emergency means you can't set sail. Or worse, you fall ill in the middle of the ocean. Without cruise insurance, you're not just missing out on an adventure, but also facing potentially huge financial losses. That's why securing cruise insurance isn't just recommended; it's a crucial part of your cruise planning.

Types of Cruise Insurance Coverage

Cruise insurance isn't a one-size-fits-all life jacket. There are various types of coverage, each tailored to protect different aspects of your cruise experience.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Coverage

This coverage is like your safety net, catching you financially if you need to cancel your trip last minute or cut it short due to emergencies, be it due to personal, health-related, or even certain work conflicts. Interruption coverage should also include coverage for missed stops on your cruise.

Medical Coverage

Being on a cruise shouldn't mean being adrift from medical care. Travel medical coverage ensures that if you fall ill or get injured, your medical expenses won't sink your finances. 

When you purchase travel medical insurance, be sure to note whether your coverage is primary or secondary. Secondary insurance means you'll need to file a claim with your primary insurance provider before filing with your travel insurance provider. 

Emergency Evacuation Coverage

In the rare case that you need to be evacuated from the ship due to a medical emergency or severe weather, this coverage ensures you're not left adrift in a sea of expenses. You'll want high coverage limits for emergency evacuation, as sea-to-land evacuations can be costly. 

Baggage and Personal Effects Coverage

Imagine reaching your dream destination only to find your luggage lost at sea. This coverage ensures that lost, stolen, or damaged baggage doesn't dampen your cruise experience. It'll reimburse you for any money you spent replacing items while traveling. 

Adventure Sports Coverage

Cruises often offer activities that can be classified as adventure sports, such as snorkeling and scuba diving. Medical treatment for injuries sustained while participating in these activities isn't normally covered under normal travel medical coverage. You'll want to ensure that your policy explicitly includes these policies or offers an add-on for adventure sports coverage. 

Tips for Buying Cruise Insurance

Securing the best cruise insurance isn't just about finding the best price; it's about ensuring it covers all your potential needs. 

When to Purchase Cruise Insurance

It's always best to purchase cruise insurance soon after placing the initial deposit on your cruise. The sooner you buy your insurance, the quicker your trip is protected against a sudden cancellation. Additionally, most travel insurance plans have optional riders you can add to your policy as long as you purchase your policy within a certain window.

For example, cancel for any reason coverage often needs to be purchased within a purchasing window, which can last anywhere between a few days to three weeks from your initial trip deposit. You can also get coverage if you're traveling with pre-existing medical conditions under the same conditions by purchasing your policy early, depending on your provider. 

That said, most companies will let you buy travel insurance up until the day before your departure. There are some limited policies that you can purchase after you've left for your trip, such as Allianz OneTrip Emergency Medical  policy.

How to Find the Best Deals on Cruise Insurance

Keep a lookout for deals, but remember, the cheapest option isn't always the best. Balance cost with coverage, and ensure you're getting the protection you need at a price that doesn't rock your financial boat. A travel insurance comparison site like VisitorsCoverage and InsureMyTrip are good places to compare multiple quotes from all of the major carriers at once.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed Cruise Insurance Plans

When comparing cruise travel insurance providers, we evaluated them based on the following criteria to come up with our list of top picks:

Customer Satisfaction

We look at ratings from JD Power and other industry giants to see where a company ranks in customer satisfaction. We also look at customer review sites like Trustpilot, SquareMouth , and InsureMyTrip to see what customers have to say, particularly about claims experience.

Policy Types

The most important part of any travel insurance company, we look at all the policies a company offers. While we looked at coverage limits, we also looked at options for multi-trip plans, travel medical insurance, and pre-existing condition coverage. We also considered policy flexibility and add ons that a company offers.

Average Premiums

We acquired quotes from various travel insurance companies using the same trip details. We compared these quotes side-by-side, taking into account the level of coverage each company offered for the price.

Claims Paid

We looked at how quickly a company processes and pays out on a claims. We also look at any favorable terms related to claims. For example, some companies will pay a claim with additional interest if they take longer than expected to pay out. 

We look at the company's overall behavior. Is it operating ethically? Companies can earn additional points for such behaviors.

You can read more about Business Insider's travel insurance rating methodology .

Best Cruise Travel Insurance FAQs

When is the best time to buy cruise insurance.

If you're booking a cruise, we recommend purchasing travel insurance when you make your first trip payment. That could be for the cruise itself or an expense like airfare to get you to your cruising destination. This way, if you have to cancel your trip, you'll have the most extended coverage period possible.

Can I buy my own cruise insurance?

You can buy your own cruise insurance that isn't offered directly through the cruise line operator. In fact, this could be a better option if you want coverage for your travel to the cruise's departure point, not just for the cruise itself.

Can you get cruise travel insurance after departure?

Your options for travel insurance is severely limited after your trip starts, but you still have a few options. World Nomads offers policies to people who have already departed on their cruise. However, once you buy coverage, you'll have to wait 72 hours before it kicks in.

What is the difference between travel insurance and cruise insurance?

The difference between traditional travel insurance and cruise insurance is that cruise insurance offers more specialized coverage, for situations such as missing a departure port and more coverage for medical evacuations, since it's more expensive to evacuate someone at sea than on land. 

What exactly does cruise insurance cover?

Cruise insurance typically covers trip cancellations, interruptions, medical emergencies, emergency evacuations, and lost or damaged baggage, though coverage can vary based on the policy. You'll also find coverage for losses due to missed ports, such as prepaid excursions. 

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