Good questions,
clear answers.

Booking with Penner Cruise & Travel costs you nothing. We are paid by the cruise lines, resorts, and partners we recommend, so you get expert, firsthand advice and a beautifully arranged journey without a planning fee. A dedicated travel advisor matches each trip to the right ship, resort, or itinerary, handles the details for you, and stays with you for support before, during, and after the journey.

As a general rule, the earlier you book, the better. Booking well in advance usually means the widest choice of cabins and itineraries, early-pricing advantages, and the best chance of getting the sailing you want for peak seasons and popular routes like Alaska or the Mediterranean. Nearer the departure date, last-minute deals can appear, but availability is limited and you may have to compromise on cabin and itinerary. Your travel advisor will guide you on the right timing for the specific cruise you have in mind.

A typical cruise fare includes your stateroom, most standard dining around the ship, a range of onboard activities and entertainment, and transportation between the ports on your itinerary. What is usually extra varies by cruise line but commonly includes gratuities, specialty restaurants, many alcoholic drinks and specialty beverages, shore excursions, spa treatments, internet, and in some cases flights and transfers. We can walk you through exactly what a given fare covers before you book, so there are no surprises onboard.

For most international cruises, yes, a valid passport is required for every traveler. As a general rule, the U.S. State Department and most cruise lines recommend your passport remain valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date. For its own closed-loop sailings departing and returning from a U.S. port, a cruise line may accept a government-issued ID instead, but a passport is still the simplest and safest option. Check the specific requirements for your itinerary, and we will confirm the documents you need when you book.

Layers are the key, because onboard temperatures and shore climates can change quickly. Pack comfortable walking shoes for ports, swimwear, sunscreen, the medications you need, and a small carry-on with day-one essentials in case your luggage takes longer to reach your cabin. Most ships have evenings where dressier attire is welcome, so one or two smarter outfits are a good idea. You will find ready-made packing checklists in our travel guides, plus cruise-approved travel gear in our Travel Store.

Almost always, yes. We are a full-service agency, so beyond the cruise or resort we can arrange flights, airport transfers, pre- and post-cruise hotels, and shore excursions, all coordinated as one seamless itinerary. Let us know your travel plans and we will handle every piece, from the flight that gets you to the ship on time to the excursion you will be telling stories about for years.

We start by explaining each booking’s cancellation and change policy clearly before you commit, because they are set by the cruise line or supplier and vary by fare and departure date. If you do need to change or cancel, we handle it for you and walk you through any refunds, credits, or rebooking options that apply. Because cancellation penalties are common in travel, we strongly recommend travel insurance, which we can help you arrange.

Yes, we can help you arrange travel insurance and will review options with you when you book. Travel insurance generally covers trip cancellation and interruption, medical emergencies, and baggage issues, which matters because cruise fares and other travel commitments can carry cancellation penalties. We will recommend a plan that fits your trip so you can travel with peace of mind.