Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Odysia Cruise is an online-only cruise travel agency, so the only way to book is via our website. Simply browse our available cruises, choose the one that suits you, and complete your booking online. We'll send you all the documentation you need via email.

Need help or have questions while booking? Our team is available through our contact form or live chat support by clicking on the icon in the bottom right hand corner.

The best time to book a cruise is during what is know as wave season (January to March) when cruise lines release new deals, promotions and itineraries. Booking early also gives you more choice on cabins and itineraries.

The cheapest time to book a cruise is typically during shoulder seasons—spring and autumn—when demand is lower. Last-minute deals can also offer savings, but availability may be limited.

You can request an update or a change on your booking via our Manage My Booking request form.

Booking 6 to 12 months in advance is ideal for securing the best prices and widest selection of cabins. For popular sailings, even earlier is recommended.

It can depend on the cruise line and availability, but cruises can often be booked from anywhere as near as between 7 and 14 days in advance departure. However, keep in mind that cabin selection may be limited and some documentation must be finalised in time before the departure date, so it's always better to book as far ahead as possible.

Your cruise fare generally includes your accommodation, main dining options, onboard entertainment, and access to ship facilities. Additional costs may include gratuities, alcoholic drinks, premium dining experiences, spa treatments, shore excursions, and internet access. Each cruise line offers different packages, so please check their inclusions before booking.

You’ll need a valid passport or approved ID, any necessary visas, proof of travel insurance, and vaccination records if applicable. Always check with your cruise line and the countries you'll be visiting for specific entry requirements. You can also find out more on our Visa & Vaccinations page.

Children typically need a valid passport. Some cruise lines may also require a birth certificate or a notarised letter of consent if travelling without both parents. Always check with your cruise line.

Most cruise lines offer mobile apps or online portals that give real-time information about your cruise. You’ll also receive daily schedules onboard—either via your cabin TV, printed newsletter, or both.

Yes! Let us know at the time of booking if you have any dietary needs, mobility assistance requests, or other special requirements - this can be done via our Booking Follow-Up form. We'll pass these directly to the cruise line to ensure you're taken care of.

Travel insurance is not included with your Odysia Cruise booking. We strongly recommend purchasing cruise-specific travel insurance that covers itinerary disruptions, medical issues at sea, and missed connections. You can get your cruise travel insurance via our trusted partner, Holiday Extras.

Accessible cabins are designed for guests with mobility limitations. They feature wider doorways, roll-in showers, grab bars, and lower countertops. Availability is limited, so book early.

Yes, many cruise lines allow mobility scooter rentals either onboard or through approved third-party providers. It’s best to arrange this in advance to ensure availability.

Cruise lines like P&O Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Princess Cruises are well known for their accessible facilities and inclusive services. Contact us for advice based on your needs.

A cruise itinerary is the schedule of destinations and ports that your cruise ship will visit, including sea days and overnight stays. It also outlines embarkation and disembarkation points.

The best cruise itinerary depends entirely on your interests! However, the Mediterranean and Caribbean cruises are extremely popular but Norway, Alaska, and Asia offer incredible scenic and cultural highlights.

If a cruise itinerary changes before departure, the cruise line will notify you and offer an alternative port, onboard credit, or compensation depending on the situation. Safety is always the priority.

Stay informed via the cruise line’s app or onboard announcements. The crew will guide you on updates and any replacement activities or ports.

Yes, most meals in main dining rooms and buffets are included in your fare. Speciality restaurants, premium items, and some snacks may come at an additional cost.

Some cruise lines such as Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean,and MSC Cruises can provide halal meals if requested in advance. Be sure to specify this during booking.

Most mainstream cruise lines offer excellent vegetarian options and tend to have diverse menus and cater well to plant-based diets. Though, Oceania Cruises is known for its extensive vegan menus, featuring over 250 dishes, and a raw juice bar. Holland America Line offers a 22-dish vegetarian and vegan menu in the main dining room. Celebrity Cruises is recognized for its vegetarian-friendly options. Norwegian Cruise Line is introducing Planterie, an exclusively vegetarian restaurant on the Norwegian Aqua. 

Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, and Celebrity Cruises offer gluten-free menus and accommodate coeliac-friendly dining with prior notice. Luxury lines like Seabourn and Regent Seven Seas also offer extensive gluten-free menus and dedicated preparation areas.

Cruise ships process food waste using onboard systems like pulpers and dehydrators. Waste is either treated for disposal or offloaded at designated ports following environmental regulations.

Once your booking is confirmed, you’ll receive an email with your final balance due date. Be sure to pay on or before this date to avoid cancellation or late fees. You can find your balance and payment options in the 'My Trip' area of our website.

Log in to the 'My Trip' section of our website to pay quickly and securely by card. If you have any questions, our live chat team is here to help by clicking on the icon in the bottom right hand corner.

Cruise ships operate cashless systems. You’ll register a debit or credit card when you board, and all onboard purchases will be charged to your account. A pre-authorisation may appear on your bank statement but will drop off after your trip.

You won’t need much cash onboard due to the cashless system, but having local currency for ports of call is useful. £100–£200 (or local equivalent) should be more than enough.

Cabins are typically equipped with safes for storing cash and valuables. It’s also a good idea to use card payments where possible and avoid carrying large amounts of money ashore.

Currency varies by cruise line. For example, P&O Cruises use GBP, while Cunard uses USD. Double-check your cruise line’s onboard currency so you can plan accordingly.

Onboard credit (or onboard spend) is a bonus amount given by your cruise line to use during your sailing. It can usually be spent on things like drinks, spa treatments, excursions, or shopping—but do check the terms with your cruise line.

Port fees are typically included in your cruise fare and paid upfront during booking. If not, they will be clearly itemised before checkout.

You can usually pay for cruise excursions at the time of booking, during your online check-in, or once onboard. Booking early is recommended as popular excursions can sell out. If in doubt, get in touch with us or check with your cruise line.

At this time, Odysia Cruise does not offer instalment payment plans. You will need to pay a deposit at the time of booking, with the balance due by the date outlined in your confirmation email.

Cancellation fees depend on how close to departure you cancel. Fees increase the closer you get to sail date. Refer to your booking terms for specific cancellation policies.

Some cruise lines include tips in your fare, others charge them daily to your onboard account. You can often pre-pay gratuities when booking. Check your cruise line's tipping policy in advance.

Minimum age requirements vary. Infants must usually be at least 6 months old (12 months on longer voyages). Some cruise lines and cruises are adult-only, so be sure to check when booking your cruise.

Many ships feature adult-only zones like pools or lounges, and some cruises are exclusively for adults. Facilities and restrictions vary by cruise line—check the ship’s guide for more.

An adult-only cruise is one that restricts passengers to adults only—usually 18 or older. Some lines set the minimum age at 21 or even 50 depending on the brand.

P&O Cruises offer adult-only cruises through two ships - Aurora and Arcadia. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines offers "Exclusively for Adults" cruises on their smaller ship, Borealis, emphasizing a relaxed and intimate atmosphere. 

Ocean Cruises, which also have ships designed with adults in mind. Additionally, some cruise lines, like Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean, offer adults-only areas on their ships, such as the Solarium. 

Virgin Voyages are 18+ only and Saga Cruises are for ages 50 and over, but these two cruise lines are not yet available on Odysia Cruise.

Most major cruise lines offer self-service laundrettes and paid laundry services. Costs vary—typically a few pounds for washer/dryer use, with full-service laundry priced per item.

Use the self-service laundry rooms with coin or card-operated machines, or request laundry services via your cabin steward. Some cruises also offer mid-cruise laundry specials.

Nope! Whether you disembark or stay onboard is entirely up to you. Ships often offer a quieter onboard experience when docked, so it can be a great time to enjoy the facilities.

Most ships offer Wi-Fi, but speeds and pricing vary. Some lines include basic internet with your fare, while others charge by day or data usage. Coverage may vary based on ship location.

Booking directly with the cruise line ensures reliability, trusted operators, and peace of mind that the ship will wait for you if your tour runs late.

A muster drill is a mandatory safety briefing before your cruise departs. It familiarises you with emergency procedures and your designated muster station in case of emergencies.

Formal nights are evenings where guests can dress up and enjoy a more elegant onboard atmosphere. Participation is optional—you can choose alternative dining options if you prefer to skip it.

Not all cruise ships offer UK plug sockets, so it’s smart to bring a travel adaptor. Extension cords are often not permitted. Check with your cruise line before you travel.

From Broadway-style shows and live music to water slides, cinemas, or wellness spaces, entertainment options vary greatly by cruise line and ship size. You'll receive a daily schedule each evening so you can plan your activities for the following day.

The legal drinking age varies by cruise line and region. It's usually 18 on European cruises and 21 on U.S.-based itineraries. Check your cruise line’s alcohol policy.

If you're departing from a UK port without flying, there’s usually no limit on how many bags you bring—but individual items should not exceed 30kg. For fly-cruises, your baggage allowance will be set by the airline, usually between 20–25kg plus hand luggage. Always check with both your cruise line and airline.

Luggage tags are provided in your cruise documents. Print and fold them as instructed, then attach them securely with a plastic sleeve or staple them around your suitcase handle. Reinforce with tape if needed.

You can bring suitcases, duffel bags, or backpacks. Just ensure items are easy to handle and fit within any cruise or airline baggage guidelines.

When you arrive at the port, porters will collect your luggage, which is then security screened and delivered to your cabin. Always keep essentials in your hand luggage.