Your Questions, Answered

Your cruise fare includes your stateroom, all meals in the main dining room and buffet (open almost 24/7), most onboard entertainment (shows, pools, deck activities, fitness center), port fees/taxes, and — on our Homeschool Voyages group sailings — onboard homeschool activities and learning experiences designed for the destinations and cultures you'll visit. The homeschool experience is already built into the price you see — no separate fee to add on.

Typically NOT included: specialty restaurant dining, alcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi, shore excursions, photos, spa services, and gratuities. Many of these can be pre-purchased as packages at a discount before you sail.

It depends on your itinerary:

Closed-loop cruises (depart and return to the same US port): Passports are not legally required — US citizens can use a birth certificate + government-issued photo ID. However, we strongly recommend passports for everyone, including children. If a medical emergency or missed port requires you to fly home from a foreign country, you'll need one.

One-way cruises (different departure and arrival port, or international flights involved): Passports are required.

International travel in general: Always bring your passport. A Passport Book is ideal for all situations; a Passport Card works for most Caribbean closed-loop cruises but has limitations.

⚠️ Your legal name on the reservation must exactly match your passport. Maiden names vs. married names can cause issues at check-in — use whatever name is on your current passport.

Most cruise ships have cabins that sleep 3–4 guests, using a combination of beds that convert or fold down from the wall. Standard cabins are small (think a cozy hotel room), but you'll spend most of your time outside your cabin. For more space and sanity, some families book two adjacent connecting cabins.

On some cruise lines, 5 person cabins are available — but it depends on availability. Certain cabin categories are rated for up to 5 guests, typically using a mix of a sofa bed, pullman (wall-fold) berth, or trundle. These cabins are limited and tend to book up quickly.

If a 5-person cabin isn't available, many families book two adjacent cabins (sometimes connecting) which gives more space and flexibility. Let us know your group size on the inquiry form and we'll check what options are available for your voyage.

Absolutely, yes! You are welcome to bring anyone — grandparents, cousins, friends, neighbors. They don't need to be a homeschool family to join the voyage. The more the merrier! Just include them on your inquiry form and we'll book everyone together.

Most cruise lines require infants to be at least 6 months old (12 months for longer sailings). Toddlers are welcome but keep in mind that kids' clubs typically start at age 3. Port days with a toddler can be tiring, but sea days on the ship are excellent for little ones. Come prepared with swim gear, sun protection, and snacks.

We're a licensed travel agency. You fill out our inquiry form, we hop on a quick call to confirm details, then we make your reservation directly through the cruise line. You get the same (or better) pricing you'd find on the cruise line's website — plus personal support, group perks, and community on board.

You will also be invoiced for your homeschool experience fee from us upon booking. This fee is due upon booking in order to secure your spot in the group.

If the cruise is more than 90 days away, all you need to secure your spot is to pay the homeschool fee and cruise deposit. Deposits typically run $100–$250 per person and are due at booking to secure your cabin. The remaining balance is usually due 90 days before sailing (varies by cruise line and voyage). We'll walk you through every payment milestone so there are no surprises.

Cancellation policies vary by cruise line and how far out you cancel. Some are fully refundable up to 90 days before sailing, with escalating penalties closer to the sail date, while others have a non-refundable amount. Please closely read your booking documents before booking so you know your exact cancellation policy. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance — it's relatively inexpensive and covers trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and more. We can help you find the right policy.

Yes! Carnival, Royal Caribbean, MSC, and most major lines have past-guest loyalty programs. If you've sailed with them before, you may be eligible for exclusive pricing or onboard credits. That's why we ask about past cruise experience on the inquiry form — so we can check for available discounts before booking.

On every Homeschool Voyages sailing, we spend about an hour on sea days — and sometimes port days — doing hands-on learning activities with the kids. These are age-appropriate, fun, and tied to the specific destinations and cultures we're visiting on that voyage.

Think: crafts, games, and discussions that bring each place to life before you step ashore. Parents are always welcome to join — honestly, they're often just as into it as the kids.

Participation is always encouraged but never forced. That said, most kids jump right in — especially when they see their friends doing it. The activities are designed to be something kids actually want to do, not sit-down schoolwork. If your child has special needs or learning differences, let us know and we'll do our best to make activities accessible and fun for everyone.