Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about CruiseKit and how it works.
What is CruiseKit?
CruiseKit is a free, independent cruise planning toolkit. It gives you tools to calculate the true cost of a cruise, explore port-day options, coordinate group trips, track your distance back to the ship, and compare loyalty programs across major cruise lines. Think of it as your planning companion before and during a cruise.
Is CruiseKit a travel agency?
No. CruiseKit does not sell, book, or arrange cruises. We are a planning tool that helps you research and compare before you book directly with a cruise line or your preferred travel agent. Some links on our site are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you book through them, but we never handle bookings ourselves.
How accurate is the True Cost Calculator?
The True Cost Calculator uses publicly available pricing data for gratuities, drink packages, Wi-Fi, specialty dining, and other common add-ons across 9 major cruise lines. Prices are updated regularly but are estimates — actual costs may vary based on your sailing date, ship, cabin category, and current promotions. Always confirm final pricing directly with the cruise line before booking.
Where does the pricing data come from?
Our pricing data is sourced from official cruise line websites, public fare listings, and published add-on pricing schedules. We cross-reference multiple sources and update data regularly. However, cruise lines frequently adjust their pricing, so we recommend verifying any numbers that are critical to your booking decision.
Is my data safe?
Yes. CruiseKit uses Firebase Authentication (Google sign-in) for accounts and Firebase Firestore for saved trip data. We do not use tracking cookies, we do not sell your data, and we do not share personal information with third parties for marketing. The BackToShip GPS feature processes your location entirely on your device — we never store or transmit your location to our servers.
How do I save cruises and trips?
Sign in with your Google account using the sign-in button in the navigation bar. Once signed in, you can save cruise comparisons and trip plans to your "My Trips" dashboard. Your saved data syncs across devices and is stored securely in Firebase.
What is BackToShip?
BackToShip is CruiseKit's GPS tracking feature designed for port days. It shows you in real time how far you are from your ship's pier, estimated walking and driving times, and helps you keep track of the all-aboard time. It's a planning aid — not a substitute for keeping your own time and following the cruise line's departure schedule.
Is CruiseKit free?
Yes, CruiseKit is completely free to use. We sustain the platform through affiliate links — when you click through to a cruise line's website and book, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This model lets us keep all tools free and accessible.
Can I use CruiseKit on my phone?
Yes. CruiseKit is fully responsive and works on mobile browsers. The BackToShip GPS feature is specifically designed for mobile use while you're in port. No app download is required — just visit cruisekit.app in your phone's browser.
How do I contact you?
CruiseKit is built and maintained by a solo developer. You can reach us directly at kali@shipsafesdk.com for bug reports, feature requests, data corrections, or general feedback. We read every email.
Still have questions?
We’re happy to help. Reach out directly and we’ll get back to you.