Cruise Booking FAQ

Booking is simple! Just reach out to Leslie directly by phone, email, or through the contact form on this site. Share your travel dates, budget, preferred destinations, and the number of guests — Leslie will put together personalized options and walk you through every step from deposit to departure.

No — Leslie's cruise planning and booking services are completely free to you. As a certified travel advisor, she earns a commission from the cruise lines, so you get expert, personalized service at no extra cost. You'll often pay the same price (or less) than booking directly.

For the best cabin selection and pricing, booking 6–12 months in advance is ideal — especially for popular sailings, holiday departures, and group travel. That said, last-minute deals do come up! Leslie monitors pricing and availability regularly and can alert you to great opportunities whenever they arise.

To get started, Leslie just needs a few basics: your preferred travel dates or timeframe, how many guests are traveling (including ages of any children), your budget range, any destinations or cruise lines you're interested in, and whether you have any special requests like accessibility needs or dietary requirements. From there, she'll do all the research and present you with tailored options.

Most cruise fares include your stateroom accommodations, all main dining meals, onboard entertainment (shows, live music, pools, fitness center), and port stops along your itinerary. What varies by cruise line and package are things like specialty dining, alcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and shore excursions. Leslie will clearly explain what's included in any package she recommends so there are no surprises.

Main dining room meals, buffets, and non-alcoholic beverages are typically included in your cruise fare. Specialty restaurants, alcoholic drinks, and premium coffees are usually add-ons — though many cruise lines offer drink packages that can be great value. Leslie can help you decide whether a drink or dining package makes sense for your travel style and budget.

Leslie strongly recommends travel insurance for every cruise. It protects your investment in case of unexpected illness, trip cancellation, medical emergencies at sea, or missed departures. She can walk you through coverage options and help you find a policy that fits your trip and budget. Peace of mind is priceless when you're at sea!

Port fees and taxes are typically added to the cruise fare at booking — Leslie will always show you the full price upfront. Gratuities (also called service charges) are usually charged daily per person and can be prepaid or added to your onboard account. Some cruise lines include gratuities in their fares. Leslie will make sure you know exactly what to expect before you commit.

Absolutely! Customization is one of Leslie's specialties. Whether you want a specific cabin category (like the Havana Cabanas on Carnival), a particular itinerary, dining time preferences, shore excursions, or special occasion arrangements like anniversary decorations or birthday packages — Leslie handles all the details so you can focus on the fun.

Yes! Leslie can arrange shore excursions, pre- and post-cruise hotel stays, airport transfers, and flights to your departure port. Bundling these through your travel advisor often saves money and ensures everything is coordinated — so if a ship is delayed, your whole trip adjusts accordingly.

Group cruises are one of Leslie's favorite things to plan! Whether it's a family reunion, birthday celebration, bachelorette party, or corporate retreat, she can arrange group rates, private dining, coordinated cabin locations, and special onboard experiences. Groups of 8 or more cabins often qualify for exclusive perks and discounts.

Payment is made directly to the cruise line — not through Leslie or Synergy Tours & Travel. Most cruise lines accept major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), and some accept debit cards or checks. Paying with a credit card is recommended as it offers additional purchase protection.

Most cruises require a deposit at booking (typically $100–$500 per person depending on the cruise line and itinerary), with the remaining balance due 60–90 days before sailing. Leslie will keep track of your payment deadlines and send you reminders so you never miss a due date.

Leslie monitors your booking for price drops after you book. If the cruise line drops the price before final payment is due, she'll request the adjustment on your behalf — potentially saving you hundreds of dollars. After final payment, she'll look for upgrade opportunities. You get the best available price without having to watch it yourself.

Cancellation policies vary by cruise line and how far in advance you cancel. Generally, cancellations made well before the sailing date receive a full or partial refund, while cancellations closer to departure may forfeit the deposit or full fare. This is another reason travel insurance is so valuable. Leslie will explain the specific cancellation terms for any cruise before you book.