Read a page before you buy
Here is part of chapter 2, word for word, as printed on page 18.
Chapter 2 · What will your cruise really cost beyond the fare?
How it works
- Start with the fare for everyone in your cabin. Standard cruise fares are charged per person, based on two people sharing a cabin.
- Find your line’s daily crew charge. From March 8, 2026, Princess charges $18 per person per day for standard cabins, $19 for Mini Suites and Cabanas, and $20 for suites. From July 29, 2026, Celebrity charges $19.50 for Inside, Ocean View and Veranda cabins, $20.50 for Concierge Class and AquaClass, and $24.50 for The Retreat suites. Holland America raised its rates in June 2026 to $18 for standard cabins and $20 for suites. Royal Caribbean charges $18.50 for standard cabins and $20.50 for suites, rates in place since October 2024.
…and 8 more steps in the guide.
page 18
That is one of 8 chapters. Each one has its steps in order and a printable page to go with it.
What’s inside
- 1p. 10
Should you book a cheap 'guarantee' cabin?
You will know what a guarantee cabin promises and what it doesn't, when the cruise line assigns it, and when it makes sense to book one.
+ Printable: Guarantee Cabin Decision Checklist - 2p. 16
What will your cruise really cost beyond the fare?
You will be able to add daily crew charges, service charges on drinks and food, and onboard medical costs to the fare to see the true price of a trip.
+ Printable: True-Cost Worksheet - 3p. 23
How can you cruise alone without paying double?
You will understand the single supplement, know the ranges some lines charge, and know how solo cabins and promotions can cut or remove it.
+ Printable: Solo Fare Comparison Table - 4p. 29
Which papers do you need so you are not turned away?
You will know which ID works for which cruise, why a passport book matters, and the common reasons people are denied boarding.
+ Printable: Boarding Day Documents Checklist - 5p. 37
What do ship inspection scores and outbreak reports tell you?
You will know how the CDC grades ships on a 100-point scale, that an outbreak means 3% or more ill, and that a low score does not always mean unsafe.
+ Printable: My Ship Health Record - 6p. 44
Which foods does the CDC link to norovirus?
You will know which foods CDC pages link to norovirus and the simple steps that help protect you at the buffet.
+ Printable: Buffet Smart Card - 7p. 50
What happens if you get sick at sea, and who pays?
You will know what ship medical centers should be able to do, that their care is usually not in the fare, and what to check with insurers.
+ Printable: Medical and Insurance Questions Checklist - 8p. 57
How do you make sure the ship never sails without you?
You will have a port-day plan for ship time, the all-aboard time and what to do if you are left behind.
+ Printable: Port-Day Card
Also inside: a quick-reference card · a glossary of 27 terms · sources for every chapter (23 in all)
Look inside
Real pages from the guide. This is what you download.
Page 5The contents, with page numbers Tap to enlargePage 10The first page of chapter 1 Tap to enlargePage 13A Remember box with the main point Tap to enlargePage 79Printable: Guarantee Cabin Decision Checklist Tap to enlargePage 90Printable: Buffet Smart Card Tap to enlargePage 67The quick-reference card Tap to enlarge
Before you buy
It’s for you if…
- Travelers 60 and over who are planning a cruise, alone or as a couple
- It is for anyone who wants the full cost and the rules clear before booking
It’s not for you if…
- You want a printed book in the mail. This is a PDF you print yourself.
- You need medical advice on whether you are fit to travel.
- You want a booking service or a ranking of the best cruise lines.
- You need a ruling from an insurer or lawyer on your own policy.
- Every chapter lists its sources: 23 in all, with their web addresses.
- October 2026 edition.
“I put the answers to your cruise questions in one place: the true cost, solo fares, boarding papers, buffet safety, medical bills at sea and a port-day plan. Keep it with your booking papers.”— your host
Instant download · PDF · 95 pages
Get your copy
- The guide: 95 pages
- 17 printable pages: Guarantee Cabin Decision Checklist, True-Cost Worksheet, Solo Fare Comparison Table, Boarding Day Documents Checklist, My Ship Health Record, Buffet Smart Card, Medical and Insurance Questions Checklist, Port-Day Card
- Quick-reference card: the key points on one page
- Glossary: 27 terms in plain words
- Sources for every chapter: 23 in all
- US Letter and A4 files: print at home or at a print shop
$27
Get the cruise guide — $27PDF · 95 pages · 17 printables · instant downloadOne payment. Instant download. Nothing ships.
Secure checkout by Gumroad
Questions
- What exactly do I get?
- Sail Smart After 60: a 95-page PDF guide in US Letter size, plus an A4 file, with 17 printable pages, a quick-reference card and a glossary of 27 terms. Read it on paper, a tablet or a phone.
- How do I get it after I pay?
- Right after you pay, you get a download link by email. Open it on a tablet or computer, or print the pages you need.
- Is it a printed book?
- No. It’s a PDF file you download; nothing is shipped. Print the pages you want at home or at a print shop.
- Is the print large?
- The text is set in 16-point type, and the pages print well in black and white.
- Can’t I find this for free?
- Some of it is online, spread over cruise line pages, CDC pages and insurer sites. This guide puts cabins, true costs, solo fares, boarding papers, health and port-day plans in one place, with 17 printable pages.
- Is this financial or legal advice?
- No. Educational; not financial, legal or tax advice.