Never cruised before? NO PROBLEM! Get all your questions answered about cruising, the events, the gaming and MORE!
Q: How does pricing work?
A: There are two pricing methods: Players and Non-Players (called NPCs). Pricing for NPCs is discounted since they wont be playing at the TTRPG tables, but they are still welcome to attend events! If you cant bring along another player, you're welcome to bring an NPC traveler along at a discount!
Click the BOOK NOW button at the top of any cruise page for pricing!
Q: Are there group discounts?
A: YES! If you can bring a full table of Players or non-players (6 people) with you, there is 'Community' pricing that not only pays for your bed in a cabin, but its pays CASH, plus a voucher for travel to the port, and MORE. Contact us for more information!
Q: I've never cruised before, what should I expect?
A: Relaxation mixed with the EXCITEMENT of your favorite TTRPGs! We're here to ensure that you know what's going on every step of the way. We've crafted this experience to make sure you'll have plenty of time to relax and enjoy the ship, food, drinks, and locations between your AMAZING games. During the first day we will help you get your sea legs and let you explore while also getting all the TTRPG events on your radar for the week! We are here to answer YOUR questions!
Q: What does my ticket price include?
A: All sorts of stuff! Your cabin, your gaming experience, all you can eat food, all the ship events and amenities, a special group event. Sometimes the adventure will include WIFI or drink packages too! Be sure to ask about the included cruise benefits for the adventure you're rolling to investigate!
Q: Can i come alone? What if I want to bring someone who isn't interested in playing any TTRPGs?
A: Solo adventurers are allowed! Tickets are charged per person but each cabin is considered double occupancy by the cruise line - meaning each cabin must have two paid tickets. If you are a solo traveler, or if you're bringing another person who isn't playing in the TTRPG games, we offer a discount on the second ticket in that cabin to make it more affordable.
Q: What Cruise Lines does the GamingAtSea group use for sailings?
A: Royal Caribbean, MSC, and Norwegian are our mainstays due to their value and features, but we explore all major cruise lines to find the best possible fit for the group.
Q: Are there any additional fees on top of my ticket?
A: Cruise lines do charge a 'gratuities fee' that goes to the staff onboard, this is not included in your ticket price and may vary based on the cruise line and specific sailing. The only additional costs onboard will be what you choose to buy!
Q: What can I do on board for free? What food and drink is included?
A: There are always LOTS of free options for food and (non-alcoholic) drink onboard that is included with your ticket. The same applies to access to certain amenities onboard like access to water slides and entertainment shows. We choose sailings that offer some of the best food and amenities that we can find so you get the MOST for your money.
Depending on the ship and sailing you will have access to multiple kinds of restaurants that will usually serve different kinds of food as well as the AMAZING main dining room which is a fancier option and still free. Water, tea, coffee and juice is included in your ticket from various drink stations around the ship.
Q: How does the premium food, events, and alcohol work?
A: There are always premium options available on board like fine dining at a selection of premium restaurants or coffee shops, various 'extra' activities like go karts or laser tag, and alcoholic drinks available at loads of different bars. These premium options will often cost extra and prices will be listed for you to decide. Alternatively the cruise lines offer packages where you can pay upfront to get unlimited alcohol and/or a certain number of free dining visits to the premium restaurants.
Q: Are the packages worth it?
A: If you plan to consume a lot of alcohol on board the alcohol drink package may be worth it. There is also a soda package available in case you want unlimited free soda and specialty drinks like coffees and teas. If you think you'll enjoy the premium dining options available on your ship itcan becheaper to pay for a package than to pay the menu prices. We highly recommend waiting for the cruise line to offer sales on the packages before purchasing.
Q: When is the best time to buy drink, food, or internet packages?
A: It will always be cheaper to buy these BEFORE you get on board, so don't wait! Some cruise lines will offer special deals at certain times so the earlier you book the better - we will let you know via our discord exactly when you can save some gold on those amenities!
Q: What about events off the ship in the ports we visit?
A: Access to the ports is FREE and you can explore with your party as much as you want! You can book 'excursion' events like nature hikes, access to exclusive beaches or waterparks, boat trips for snorkel or SCUBA, or just sightseeing, etc. These can be booked through the cruise line ahead of time and they CAN sell out!
You can also try to book these things the day you get off the ship but your options may be limited and you'll be responsible for being back at the ship on time before it leaves, so be sure to . Most adventurers like to just explore the local shops and food and drink, but if you have your eye on a specific activity be sure to book it ASAP!
Q: What kind of gaming will be do on board?
A: Our world-class GMs will each have a multi-session tabletop experience planned for up to 6 people at their table, the story, setting and system will all be decided upon and shared with everyone as soon as possible. We will also typically have one-shots available and the GMs will also run free seminars to help YOU be a better GM or player!
Q: Are the TTRPG gaming events FREE?
A: Yes! The gaming events come with your ticket! Several days of TTRPG gaming and other events such as seminars, panels, or masquerades are all included based on availability. The only exception is for special ONE-SHOTS or classes that our GMs might choose to do onboard as an optional extra paid event.
Q: How can I be a GM?
A: We have a COMMUNITY GM Program where we are looking to pay YOU to GM your own TTRPG table onboard. The prerequisite is that you bring along 6 players to fill your table and you'll earn cash, travel vouchers, a free bed in a cabin and MORE! Contact us for details if interested!
Q: What systems do you run?
A: That's up to the GM! Most of our games are D&D 5e currently, but ONE-SHOTS and some GM tables may choose other systems if they wish! You'll be able to see what systems the GMs are running when you register and join our DISCORD!
Q: Do you run official events for Adventuers League or Pathfinder Society?
A: This is something that we can easily accommodate if there is a strong desire for it, but most of our GMs like to prepare their own own content within their own homebrew worlds.
Q: How will I get details on the games being run?
A: If you've booked you'll have access to our DISCORD where all of that information is shared, but if not feel free to contact us and ask about the games being run. We usually will have all the details ready to share within a few months before sailing.
Q: Is a passport required?
A: Typically it is not REQUIRED to have a passport, you can use your original birth certificate instead but it is STRONGLY encouraged to use a passport in case the unthinkable happens and you need to find alternative transporation back to the US.
Q: What should I do to prepare before the cruise?
A: Check in online with the cruise line, they'll have additional tips and checklists you can use to make sure you're fully ready, and that you meet their requirements. You'll also want to print your documents and luggage tags before arriving at the port.
Q: When do I need to be on board the ship?
A: The cruise line will have you sign up for a designated baording time that is well ahead of sailing, but be sure to be at the ship no less than 2.5 hours before sailing. The cruise line cannot make exceptions and this is a federal customs rule, they WILL turn you away if you're late.
We STRONGLY encourage that you arrive the night before the sailing, we secure a hotel and get special rates for our groups specifically, plus we arrange for transportation to the port from there so you can start your worry-free vacation early!
Q: What should I take in my carry-on?
A: Take everything you cant live without since you may not have access to your suitcase for several hours on the first day. This means your travel documents, cash, spare clothes, bathing suit, makeup, medications etc.
Q: Is there parking at the port?
A: Depending on the port usually there is yes, but it can be pricey. You can use SpotHero or other methods to scout out cheap parking in town and then uber to the port - or if you book at the hotel with the group the night before, you can use the hotel parking for the week and take an uber back to the hotel when we get back.
Q: Where do we meet the group?
A: Usually once you get onboard we will have a designated place where you can come get your swag and meet the team before our first scheduled event! If you book at the hotel the night before we may even have a meetup planned the night before.
Q: What about getting off the ship at ports?
A: Be sure to bring cash (use the ship ATMs beforehand) and dont forget sunscreen! Towels will be provided, but you also may want to bring a hat, your swimsuit, and a watch! Be sure to get back on board before the boat leaves - the times will be posted everywhere as you get off the ship!