Taking a cruise is one of the cheapest ways to see the world. Cruise lines do not require you to have a passport if you are starting and ending at the same port, aka “closed-loop” cruises are not required to have a passport. However, any guest who will be traveling without a passport will need proof of citizenship. If a cruise begins at one port and ends in another port, even if they’re both in the United States, passengers are required to have a valid passport. Similarly, if a cruise starts or finishes in a foreign port, travelers must come prepared with a current passport.
One of the most cost-saving features of a cruise is that all the food and basic drinks are included in your package. If you plan to partake in adult beverages while on your cruise. You may want to consider purchasing a drink package from your cruise line, or you can buy a bottle of something from the gift shop.
Remember, cruise lines make money from selling you stuff (pictures, excursions, coffee mugs, etc, etc. Many of the excursions that you can purchase on the ship can be bought on the mainland for much cheaper. But do your research. Don’t just give your money to anyone. You want to make sure you are dealing with a reputable company if you decide to purchase a tour or excursion on land. Use the same due diligence and common sense that you would if you were doing business in the states.