Ask the Experts

Got a question about your next cruise holiday? Get advice from our experts by emailing info@cruise-international.com

We missed out on our silver wedding celebrations last summer so we’re making up for it by splashing out on a big holiday to Alaska next year. Would we be better oΩ upgrading our stateroom to a suite, or upgrading to a luxury line but with a more basic room category?

James Cole, founder and managing director, Panache Cruises

When you’re booking a cruise for a special occasion such as a silver wedding anniversary, it’s important to get it right. I always advise customers to look at the total cost of the cruise, rather than the initial cost.

Many mainstream cruise lines charge a lower ticket price – the cost to get on board – but have considerable extra charges for the likes of drinks, excursions, speciality dining, Wi-Fi and tips or gratuities when on the vessel. As a result, the costs can be a lot higher than originally thought.

In contrast, most luxury and ultraluxury cruise lines have a higher cost to get on board but include most or all the extras as part of the initial price, so the overall cost to cruise on a luxury ship is not as much as you might initially think.

Also, on many luxury and ultraluxury cruise ships, suites are the standard accommodation type so that’s included too, and with some you even get your very own personal butler! So our advice would be to consider a luxury or ultra-luxury line and compare the total cost of the cruise, not just the initial price.

Andy Harmer, managing director of Cruise Lines International Association (Clia) UK & Ireland

In most instances, passengers will be able to continue their holiday thanks to the cruise lines’ multilayered approach. This includes additional testing, enhanced sanitisation, contact tracking and the use of isolation and quarantine for those who test positive.

There are some differences based on the ship, itinerary and specific protocols, and passengers are advised to speak to their cruise line before departing if they would like further information.

What happens if there are Covid cases detected on our ship – will we be confined to our cabins or can we be tested and then get on with our holiday?

I’ve been running every day since lockdown started but now we’re going on our first cruise since Covid and I’m worried I’ll find it hard to keep it going – any advice?

Jeannine Williamson, Cruise International contributor

You might be clocking up nautical miles but you don’t have to hang up your running shoes at sea as all large cruise ships have gyms. Many rival the ones you fi nd on dry land and are equipped with the latest treadmills, so you can stick to your training schedule. MSC has panoramic gyms overlooking the front of its ships so you run in the direction you’re sailing, and there’s a really cool urban-style gym on Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady. Alternatively, most vessels also have outdoor running tracks with signs showing how many circuits equal a mile. One of the best is on Celebrity Edge, which even has uphill and downhill sections.

On river cruises you’ve got a ready-made running track everywhere you dock as there are fl at paths and promenades alongside the waterway, and if you stick to the bank you’re not going to get lost. So have a great cruise and keep on running!

We’re travelling to Barcelona in May for a cruise around the Med but my passport runs out in June – can I still travel or have the rules changed, and will I have time to get a new one before we go?

Gemma Antrobus, managing director, Haslemere Travel

Since we left the EU in January 2021, passport rules have changed. If you’re travelling within the EU, your passport is now only valid for 10 years from the date of issue. Prior to last year, you had always been able to travel within the EU for the full length of your passport, but many travellers are now getting caught out. New passports are being issued with only 10 years’ validity, but if yours was issued prior to the change, you may fi nd the new rules apply to you.

Please also remember that countries in the EU will require you to have three to six months remaining on your passport, in order to travel. In this case, I’m afraid you’ll need to apply for a new passport.

There are a number of ways to do this, including booking an appointment to have your passport issued on the same day. The quicker the service the more expensive it will be, but better to do this than lose your holiday because your passport is not valid.