Children under the age of 16 who are US citizens will be able to provide either an original, notarized, or certified copy of their birth certificate or certificate of naturalization to travel on a closed-loop itinerary.
Most cruise cabin pricing is designed for double occupancy so if you are sailing solo you will still pay for two guests. Cruise lines will sometimes offer to reduce the single supplement from 100% to 50%.
If you have a tendency to get seasick, book a cabin on a low deck that's in the middle of the ship, as that's the most stable location. Seasickness pills (often complimentary), aspirin and other common medicines are available on ships infirmary.
A cruise tour is when the cruise line packages the cruise with a land tour.
Most cruise lines will reward you if you book your future cruise onboard your current sailing!
A Guarantee stateroom (GTY) is one where there is no stateroom number assigned at the time of booking. A Guarantee stateroom means Guests will be assigned to a cabin at least in the same category or higher, however it can be on any deck or location.
A muster drill is a mandatory exercise with the objective to familiarize all guests and crew with the location (muster station) where they are to assemble in the unlikely event of an emergency. During this drill, additional safety information (i.e., how to don a life jacket) is presented.
A repositioning cruise is when a cruise ship relocates from one departure port to another. For example a ship sailing Alaska would move from Seattle to Miami to sail Caribbean for the Winter months.
You'll see that some outside cabins have fully obstructed or partially obstructed views. An obstructed view may mean that the cabin faces a structure, machinery, or a lifeboat that blocks the clear view partially/fully. However, you will get natural light in the cabin during day time.
Onboard purchases are paid for using your cruise card, which doubles as your room key. This card is set up before boarding (you can provide the card details at the time of online check-in) and serves as your ID to get on and off the ship, providing you access to your cabin.