For many travellers, booking a cruise can feel a little uncertain at first. If you’ve never cruised before, it’s natural to have questions - from what’s included and how it works, to which cruise line is best for your holiday style. With so many ships, destinations and options available, it can feel unfamiliar compared to a traditional holiday. That’s why we’ve gathered answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about cruises and flights to help make planning your trip easier.

Below are some of our most frequently asked questions for flights and cruise. If you can't find and answer to your query below, please send us a message on our contact page. And if you’d like personalised advice for your holiday, our cruise team is ready to help.

What is a cruise holiday?
A cruise holiday is a trip where your flights, accommodation, meals, entertainment, and transport between destinations are all included on one ship. You sail from port to port while enjoying onboard facilities like restaurants, theatres, pools, and a wide range of activities.

What are the main benefits of a cruise holiday?

Cruises offer a variety of destinations in a single trip. Imagine waking up in a new port each morning, ready to explore without the hassle of packing and unpacking.

Another great advantage of a cruise holiday is its all-inclusive nature. Once on board, your accommodation, meals, and entertainment are included, making it easy to plan your budget. For families, this removes the stress of managing daily expenses. For couples, it means more time to relax and enjoy each other’s company without worrying about logistics.

Onboard experiences are just as important, with world-class dining, entertainment, spa treatments, and leisure facilities designed to make days at sea just as exciting as days in port.

Are cruises good value for money?

Yes. Cruises offer exceptional value compared to paying separately for hotels, meals and activities on a land holiday. All cruise prices include accommodation, food, entertainment, taxes and travel between destinations. 

What are the different types of cruises?

Not all cruises are the same. Ocean cruises are the most familiar, travelling across seas and oceans to reach major ports around the world.

Luxury and small ship cruises provide all-inclusive experience with high end accommodation, fine dining and personalised service.

River cruises, meanwhile, are smaller and more intimate, sailing along Europe’s most famous waterways such as the Danube or the Rhine.

Expedition cruises are for adventurous travellers who want to visit remote places like Antarctica, the Galápagos Islands, or the Arctic Circle.

Each style of cruise offers something different. Our cruise team can help you find your prefect cruise.

Which cruise lines are best for families?

Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Disney Cruises are especially popular with families as they offer kids’ clubs, teen lounges, splash parks, sports courts, family cabins and entertainment suitable for all ages. All these onboard facilities and activity are included in your cruise fare. Learn more about family cruise lines here. 

Which cruise lines are best for couples?

Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises. Explora Journey, Silversea, Azamara and River Cruises are ideal for couples looking for relaxation, dining, spa experiences and quieter spaces. 

Are cruises suitable for first time travellers?

Absolutely. Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise line and Celebrity Cruises are very beginner-friendly, offering a variety of activities, amenities and itineraries that offer a relaxed, comfortable experience without needing any previous cruise knowledge and suitable for all travellers.

Is food included on a cruise?

Yes. Most meals are included in your cruise fare - buffet, main dining room and many casual options. Speciality restaurants have an extra charge.

How do I change my cruise or hotel accommodation?

If you wish to change your cruise or hotel accommodation you have booked or amend number of nights, please us contact via email: cruises@etravel.ie.

Are cruise ships accessible for travellers with mobility needs?

Yes. Ships offer accessible cabins, elevators, adapted bathrooms and wheelchair-friendly spaces. Always notify us in advance to secure the right accommodation.

Are drinks packages included in the cruise fare?

Cruise lines provide a range of drink packages to suit every taste, from alcoholic favorites to refreshing non-alcoholic options. When planning your cruise, it’s worth exploring the different packages available, and we can help you understand the costs. Some cruise lines even include drinks as part of your fare. Whether you enjoy cocktails by the pool or unlimited soft drinks, there’s a package designed to make your cruise experience completely hassle-free.

Can I extend my stay before or after my cruise?

Yes, our cruise team can tailor-make your cruise and stay to include overnight stays in your port city, beach resort or a land excursion.

How do I get my travel tickets?

All your tickets will be emailed to you two weeks before your cruise including your flights, accommodation, transfers and cruise tickets.

Do I need to book a shore excursion with the cruise line?

No, you have several options for exploring:

Book your shore excursion with the cruise line - this can be booked in advanced or onboard;

Book an independent tour;

Explore on your own.

We hope this guide has answered some of your questions and helped you feel more confident about planning a cruise holiday. Cruising is one of the most relaxing and rewarding ways to travel, offering great value and the chance to explore multiple destinations in one trip. If you still have a question or would like help finding the perfect cruise, our team is always happy to help on 014081999 or cruises@etravel.ie.