How to book a cruise
The short answer
Decide the ship and dates first, then book early if you need an accessible or solo cabin — there are few of each. Buy travel insurance soon after your deposit. A cruise advisor books at the same price, and is paid by the cruise line.Free guide2 min readUpdated September 2026
- Choose the line and ship — see best cruise lines for seniors.
- Pick dates and a home port you can reach easily.
- Book special cabins early: accessible cabins and solo cabins sell first.
- Tell the line about medical needs: oxygen, CPAP, dialysis, mobility devices.
- Buy travel medical insurance soon after the deposit.
- Ask for wheelchair help at the terminal if walking long distances is hard.
Kathryn will book it with you, at the same price as booking direct.
Call (239) 357-0814Deposits and final payment
| Cruise line | What the line says | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Holland America Line | Reduced deposit when you book your next cruise on board | September 21, 2026 |
| Princess Cruises | Princess EZpay spreads the balance over monthly instalments | September 21, 2026 |
| Celebrity Cruises | Your balance due date is set at the time of booking | September 21, 2026 |
| Royal Caribbean International | Final payment is due 75, 90 or 120 days out, by cruise length | September 21, 2026 |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | Final payment dates cannot be extended | September 21, 2026 |
| Carnival Cruise Line | The deposit is the minimum cancellation charge once the free window closes | September 21, 2026 |
When the balance is due
| Cruise line | What the line says | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Caribbean International | 75, 90 or 120 days before sailing, by cruise length | September 24, 2026 |
| MSC Cruises | 75, 90 or 110 days before departure, by cruise length | September 24, 2026 |
| Princess Cruises | 120 days before departure for cruises up to 44 days (bookings from Sept 2, 2026) | September 24, 2026 |
| Holland America Line | 120 days before travel begins, on every cruise | September 24, 2026 |
| Virgin Voyages | 120 days before your voyage | September 24, 2026 |
| Viking | Set by the offer you booked under; 180 days for World and Grand Cruises | September 24, 2026 |
| Oceania Cruises | 150 days before sailing on most voyages | September 24, 2026 |
If you need to cancel
| Cruise line | What the line says | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Holland America Line | Full refund to 120 days out, nothing inside 60 | September 24, 2026 |
| Princess Cruises | Deposit lost first, then 25–100%; the schedule depends on when you booked | September 24, 2026 |
| Royal Caribbean International | Sliding scale by cruise length — 100% inside 30 days on most sailings | September 21, 2026 |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | Cancellation fees are charged on the fare only, not on taxes and port fees | September 21, 2026 |
| Carnival Cruise Line | Sliding scale by cruise length — 100% of fare inside 14 days | September 21, 2026 |
Check in online before you go
| Cruise line | What the line says | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Carnival Cruise Line | Check in online the day before you sail | September 21, 2026 |
| Royal Caribbean International | Online check-in produces a SetSail Pass and an arrival time | September 21, 2026 |
| Princess Cruises | Arrival Groups — staggered check-in windows at the terminal | September 21, 2026 |
| Celebrity Cruises | Online check-in must be done at least 3 days before you sail | September 21, 2026 |
| Disney Cruise Line | Online Check-In gives you a Port Arrival Time | September 21, 2026 |
| Holland America Line | Online check-in should be completed at least 30 days before departure | September 21, 2026 |
| Cunard Line | Online check-in opens 21 days before departure | September 21, 2026 |
Common questions
Questions, answered.
The questions people ask most. Tap one to open it, or open them all and read straight down.
2 questions on this page
Is it worth getting a balcony on a cruise?
Many older travelers think so: it gives you a private, quiet place to sit and fresh air without walking to the deck. It matters most on scenic trips like Alaska.
What's the cheapest month to book a cruise?
It depends on the route and the season, and fares change daily. Kathryn can compare dates for you.