FAQ

Salt & Sol Voyages > FAQ

GENERAL QUESTIONS

Salt & Sol Voyages is your cruise expert. We help travelers navigate the world of ocean, river, and luxury cruises with confidence — matching you with the perfect ship, itinerary, and experience. And if your travels don’t stop at the port, we also coordinate resorts, hotels, flights, and tailored trip planning to complete your journey.

Cruises are our passion- though we are equipped to assist you in all of your travel dreams!

Life happens, even on vacation. When you book with Salt & Sol Voyages, you’re never traveling alone. If something unexpected comes up during your trip, we’ll assist you and work directly with the travel suppliers on your behalf. Our job is to help resolve issues as smoothly as possible so you can focus on enjoying your experience.

Refund and cancellation policies vary depending on the travel supplier (such as hotels, cruise lines, or tour companies). Before you make any payments, we’ll review all applicable policies with you so you know exactly what to expect. Throughout your planning process, we’re here to help you understand your options and feel confident in your decisions.

Many of our services are commission-based, meaning we’re paid by the travel suppliers (such as cruise lines, resorts, and tour operators). When planning requests require extra time, customization, or research, a planning fee may apply — but this will always be communicated in advance. Our goal is to save you time, reduce stress, and help you get the best value for your trip.

Booking travel yourself can be overwhelming — researching options, comparing prices, coordinating schedules, and dealing with unexpected changes. Salt & Sol Voyages removes that stress. We handle the details, provide expert recommendations, and often have access to added perks or insights you won’t find online. With us, you get support before, during, and after your trip, along with personalized service every step of the way.

CRUISE SPECIFIC QUESTIONS

Most cruise lines pack a lot of value into the base fare. While details vary by ship, you can generally expect:

  • Your stateroom or suite

  • Main dining room meals + select complimentary dining venues

  • Most onboard entertainment (shows, live music, activities, movies, etc.)

  • A huge variety of daily activities

  • Transportation from port to port — your resort travels with you!

Every morning you wake up somewhere new without repacking a single bag. That’s the magic of cruising.

We strongly encourage all guests to travel with a passport valid for at least six months beyond their return date. Regulations vary by itinerary, but passports are increasingly required for smooth boarding, re-entry, and emergencies. Non-U.S. citizens may have additional requirements such as visas or residency documents, which we can help you verify.

Some items are considered optional or personal extras and aren’t included in the base fare:

  • Alcoholic drinks & specialty beverages*

  • Gratuities*

  • Specialty dining restaurants

  • Spa treatments & salon services

  • Shore excursions*

  • Casino play, Wi-Fi, and phone calls

  • Onboard shopping

  • Airfare or transportation from home to the port

*Luxury and ultra-luxury cruise lines often include drinks, gratuities, and even special excursions. Ask us — we’ll help you compare!

It depends on your destination! Here’s a quick guide:

  • Caribbean/Bahamas: Year-round

  • Mexico: Year-round

  • Hawaii: Year-round

  • Panama Canal: Fall–spring

  • Alaska: Late spring–summer

  • Europe: Spring–fall

  • South America / Australia / New Zealand: Winter months

  • Asia, Africa, South Pacific: Fall–spring

(Fun fact: Prices dip in fall not because of hurricanes — but because school is back in session.)

Cruise ships have advanced weather-tracking technology and adjust course whenever necessary. Captains always prioritize safety and comfort. It’s possible for itineraries to shift during hurricane season, but ships rarely encounter dangerous conditions thanks to real-time weather monitoring.

Most cruise lines require guests under 21 to travel with someone aged 25 or older. Alcohol consumption is generally restricted to guests 21 and older, and casinos typically require guests to be at least 18. Spas and fitness centers often have age minimums as well. We’ll confirm any age-related policies for your specific sailing.

Pre-registration is the cruise line’s online check-in process. It collects your travel details, emergency contacts, ID information, and payment details for onboard purchases. Completing it early speeds up boarding and helps you avoid long lines at the pier.

What should I wear in the evening?

Most cruise lines have relaxed their dress codes. Casual or resort-casual attire is common on many nights, while some evenings may be designated as informal or formal depending on the length of the cruise. On formal nights, guests may choose cocktail attire or suits, but the overall approach is more flexible than it used to be.

What should I wear during the day?

Daytime dress is casual and weather-dependent. Warm-weather cruises call for shorts, T-shirts, sandals, and swimsuits (with cover-ups indoors). Cooler destinations like Alaska require layers, light jackets, and comfortable walking shoes. Always consider local customs when exploring cultural or religious sites during excursions.

Cruise ships typically have boutiques and shops stocked with toiletries, accessories, clothing, and small essentials. You can also shop in port if you need something specific.

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