Cruise fares include accommodations, meals in the main dining rooms and buffet areas, entertainment, and most onboard activities. However, additional costs may apply for specialty restaurants, alcoholic beverages, shore excursions, spa treatments, and other optional extras.

You’ll need a valid passport for most cruises, even if you’re not leaving the country. As a Nigerian passport holder, you will need to apply for visas to most destinations’ cruises sail to.

Dress codes vary among cruise lines and types of cruises. Many have casual dress during the day and require more formal attire for certain dining rooms or special events in the evenings. Check your cruise line’s dress code guidelines.

Most cruise lines prohibit guests from bringing their own alcoholic beverages on board, but policies vary. Some lines allow a limited quantity of non-alcoholic beverages in bottles or cans.

Amenities vary by cruise line and ship but may include pools, hot tubs, fitness centers, spas, casinos, theaters, lounges, kids’ clubs, shops, and more.

Cruise lines offer a wide range of shore excursions at each port of call, which can be booked in advance or on board the ship. Independent tour operators may also offer excursions at some ports.

Most cruise lines automatically add gratuities to your onboard account to cover services like housekeeping and dining staff. The amount varies but is usually around $12-$15 per person, per day.

Cabin sizes and amenities vary based on the category and cruise line. Standard cabins typically have two twin beds or a queen bed, a private bathroom, closet space, and a desk or vanity area.

Many cruise ships offer kids’ clubs with age-specific activities, family-friendly entertainment, splash parks, arcades, and more. Some lines even have dedicated spaces and programming for teens.

Most cruise ships offer internet access and cellular service at sea, though fees may apply. Check with your cruise line and cellular provider for pricing and package options.

Most cruise ships have medical facilities on board staffed with doctors and nurses who can provide seasickness medication and treatment. Staying in the middle of the ship where there is less motion can also help.

Travel insurance is generally recommended to protect against unforeseen circumstances like trip cancellation, medical emergencies, or lost/delayed baggage. Many cruise lines offer their own insurance packages.

Major credit cards are widely accepted on most cruise lines for all on-board purchases. Cash may be accepted in some cases as well. Setting up an onboard account with a credit card on file is very common.

Most modern cruise ships have amenities and accommodations for guests with disabilities, such as accessible staterooms, pool lifts, and special needs services. Check with the cruise line about specific accessibility features.

Many cruise lines offer alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink packages that allow unlimited beverages for a flat daily rate added to your fare. Rules vary, but they can provide cost savings for those who plan on drinking frequently.

Cruise ships have extensive security protocols including ID checks, x-ray baggage screening, restricted crew/passenger areas, and professional security staff to ensure guest safety.

Most cruise ships have laundry rooms with coin-operated washers/dryers as well as professional laundry, dry cleaning and pressing services available for a fee.

It’s generally recommended to book a cruise at least 6-12 months in advance, especially for popular sail dates and destinations, to get the best selection and prices.

Cruise buffets offer an array of international cuisine choices for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a casual self-serve setting. Selections can include made-to-order stations, ethnic food, carving stations, desserts, and more.

The mandatory muster or lifeboat drill is a safety exercise required by law where all guests gather at their assigned assembly station and receive instructions on emergency procedures prior to the ship’s departure.

There are quite a few cruise terms to be familiar with, such as

• Cabin – also known as a room; all cabins include a private bathroom (aka ensuite)
• Dock – where the ship ties up in a port
• Galley – the ship’s kitchen where all the meals are prepared; there may be one main galley and several smaller ones for the specialty restaurants and buffets
• MDR – Main Dining Room where breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served
• Verandah cabin – refers to a cabin that includes a private balcony, aka verandah

Every ship has an onboard fully equipped medical facility and a doctor and nurse.

Most ports offer a variety of experiences, from shopping to a city tour, hiking, biking, beaches, snorkeling/scuba diving, exploring historical sites, and much more. Cruise lines offer a variety of shore excursions for each port of call, so it should be relatively easy to find something of interest.

If you are on your own or purchased an excursion directly from a vendor at the port, make sure you are back at the ship with plenty of time to spare. If you are late, the ship won’t wait for you.

All ships include a seemingly endless array of included options from the main dining room to the buffet, poolside burgers, pizza, and more. Each ship will publish (on paper or via an app) their daily activities and dining schedule. With all the options available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Typically, there is no additional charge for the shows and entertainment onboard a cruise. All of the entertainment options are included in your cruise fare.