| Cruise FAQ... |
-
Do I need a passport?
- Is cruising
affordable and a good vacation value?
- How long are
cruises?
- Where can I go?
- What happens if
I need to cancel my cruise?
- What is an
Air/Sea package?
- What airline
will I fly on if I purchase an Air/Sea package?
- Can I get
frequent flier miles when using an Air/Sea
package?
- What about
passengers with special needs?
- What will my
cabin be like?
- Can I get a
special diet?
- What if I don't
like my tablemates?
- Can I book on
short notice?
- Will I get
bored?
- What's there to
do in port?
- Do I have to
participate in the activities?
- Do cruise lines
welcome families with kids?
- What's there to
do at night? Parties?
- Is there an
extra charge for entertainment?
- How much money
should I take with me?
- Is it easy to
meet people?
- Will there be
people like me?
- Can singles
have fun on a cruise?
- What should I
pack?
- Will I need a
tuxedo?
- Can I use my
hair dryer or shaver?
- Are there
non-smoking areas?
- Is cruising
right for honeymooners?
- Can we stay in
touch with the outside?
- Will I get
seasick?
- Is there a
doctor onboard?
- Are there
laundry services aboard?
- How do I pay
for my cruise?
- When will I
receive my tickets?
- What is
included in the cost of my ticket? What additional
expenses should we expect?
- How many people
are needed to get a group discount? How do I book
a group and what extras do you get?
- Are parking
facilities available for my car while I'm
cruising? What about an RV?
- What to Wear?
- Is it worth the
extra money for an Ocean View cabin?
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Do I need a
passport?
Since most cruises visit the ports of many
different countries, proof of United States
citizenship is required not only to allow
you to visit these countries, but also to
allow you to re-enter the United States. On
most cruises a birth certificate with raised
seal, or a valid passport is required. If
you will be traveling to countries requiring
visas, the cruise line will send you the
required forms. If you are not a U.S.
citizen, please be sure you are bringing the
correct documentation for all the countries
you will be visiting. Due to security at the
airport photo identification must be shown
to board the plane.
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Is cruising affordable
and a good vacation value?
Yes! There are cruise vacations to suit
every budget, from the cost-conscious to the
most luxurious. Even more important, a
cruise offers the best travel value for your
money. Your fare includes: your cabin, all
meals, onboard activities, parties and
entertainment. So for once, you'll know what
your vacation will end up costing you before
you go. (Your only extra expenses will be
drinks, optional shore excursions,
gratuities, and personal services such as
massage or hairstyling). Compare the cost of
a cruise vacation to land vacations and
you'll be pleasantly surprised at the value!
-
How long are cruises?
As long or short as you want. Cruises offer
itineraries from two days to over one
hundred days.
- Where can I go?
Where do you want to go? Cruises visit
practically any destination accessible by
water.
-
What happens if I need to
cancel my cruise?
We strongly recommend trip
cancellation/interruption insurance to
protect your investment. The criteria and
penalties for cancellations are listed in
the back of most cruise brochures.
-
What is an Air/Sea
package?
An Air/Sea package includes your cruise
ticket, an airline ticket and ground
transportation needed to get you to the
port. When using this package, the cruise
line will, at their discretion, fly you on
either a scheduled airline or a charter
flight. Then when you land, a representative
of the cruise line will be at the airport to
meet you and guide you to the ground
transportation provided to take you to your
ship.
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What airline will I fly
on if I purchase an Air/Sea package?
Cruise lines block space with the major
airlines such as Delta, Continental, and, US
Air depending on where you are flying from.
Our cruise consultant will advise you of
your airline and seat assignments when your
tickets arrive in our office.
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Can I get frequent flier
miles when using an Air/Sea package?
Frequent flier members may inform the gate
agent when checking in for their flight of
their frequent flier number and you will be
credited with the mileage.
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What about passengers
with special needs?
The cruise lines welcome passengers with
special needs and work hard to assist them
throughout their trip. It is essential that
the cruise lines know well in advance if you
have any special medical, physical or other
requirements that need to be addressed. Most
modern cruise ships have a number of cabins
specially designed to accommodate passengers
in wheelchairs or in need of TTY
communications. Service animals are
permitted on board if prior arrangements
have been made. Your agent can help answer
any specific questions concerning your
needs.
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What will my cabin be
like?
Cabins on most cruise lines are smaller than
they appear on "The Love Boat". They are
designed for efficiency and to encourage you
to use the much larger public facilities
onboard the ship. If you requested an
"outside" or "ocean view" cabin, you will
have a porthole or picture window, depending
on your ship design. Some outside cabins
will also have a small veranda. If you
requested an "inside" cabin you will not
have a porthole, window, or veranda. Most
cabins have twin beds which can be converted
to a queen size. Your cabin steward is there
to make your stay comfortable; whether to
change the bed configuration to suit your
desires, or to bring you extra towels,
pillows, or blankets if needed. Many of the
newer ships have safes in the rooms, and TVs
that show current movies, give casino
instructions and general cruise information.
- Can I get a special diet?
Most ships can accommodate salt-free,
low-carbohydrate, Kosher, or other diet
preferences. However, this request must be
made in advance, so be sure to advise your
agent of this requirement when you book your
cruise.
- What if I don't like my
tablemates?
Rarely is this a problem. However, if you
wish to move to another table, speak with
the Restaurant Manager or maitre d'. They
will make every effort to seat you with more
compatible dining companions.
- Can I book on short
notice?
We suggest you book your cruise as early as
possible in order to get the best price.
Even the most popular cruises sometimes have
space available because of late
cancellations. However, to get the cruise
you want, you should plan and book early.
Most cruise lines offer early booking
discounts for customers who plan ahead. In
general, the price of a cabin will go up the
closer you get to the sailing date.
- Will I get bored?
Hardly. Being at sea gives you a feeling of
freedom few places can offer. There's plenty
of room. It will probably take you a few
days just to discover what's onboard. Plus,
you get the added adventure of exploring new
and exciting ports of call. Cruise ships are
like floating resorts with all the things
fine resorts have to offer. You can be by
yourself and lie back in a lounge chair,
breathe in the sea air, soak up the sun,
read good books, or watch the ever-changing
view. You can also join in exercise classes,
dance classes, sports contests and other
organized deck activities. Perhaps you would
like to practice your tennis stroke or golf
swing, or shoot some baskets. You can go for
a swim, stretch out in the sauna or work out
in the gym. You can see a feature movie,
attend a lecture by renowned experts, and
play backgammon or bridge. It is amazing how
much you can do on a cruise.
- What's there to do in
port?
So much you'll have a hard time choosing!
You can go off on your own, take a guided
tour, search ancient ruins, hunt for
shopping bargains, ride a raft over river
rapids or a bicycle down the side of a
volcano, ride a horse across miles of hills
and beaches, or climb a waterfall or
pyramid. You can see the birthplace of
civilization, listen to steel drum bands, or
follow the footsteps of history or the wake
of a water skiing boat. If there's still
time, enjoy a show, play golf or tennis, eat
native foods, learn how to windsurf, swim at
some of the world's best beaches, catch a
record marlin, sail, snorkel, or go scuba
diving. You can go to a nightclub or casino,
take a cable car to the top of a mountain,
or explore dark catacombs. In short, a
cruise is the easiest way to see new places
and do all the things you ever dreamed of.
Cruising is the perfect way to sample a
number of destinations and you never have to
pack and unpack.
- Do I have to participate
in the activities?
On a cruise, you do what you want to. You
can do everything, or lie back and do
absolutely nothing. It's your vacation.
- Do cruise lines welcome
families with kids?
Nearly one third of cruise vacations are
booked by families with children. Most
cruise lines make a special point of
providing supervised activities for
youngsters, especially during school
holidays. If your child enjoys swimming,
sports, games, movies, and the adventure of
new places, he/she will love a family
cruise. You'll find the kids adapt to
shipboard life with ease, and you won't have
to wonder what they're up to every minute.
The cruise staff will help keep them busy
and entertained. Best of all, children
generally travel at a substantially reduced
rate.
- What's there to do at
night? Parties?
At night, a cruise ship really comes alive.
There's dancing; live entertainment in
nightclubs, discos and lounges, feature
films, and parties with all your new
friends. Most ships even have casinos. There
are also many special events like the
Captain's cocktail party, passenger talent
night, the Las Vegas style show, magic acts,
and the late night buffet.
- Is there an extra charge
for entertainment?
On a cruise, the entertainment is included .
There's no cover, no minimum, no charge for
admission.
- How much money should I
take with me?
That depends entirely on you, the cost of
your cruise includes everything except:
alcohol and sodas, shore excursions, tips
and personal items such as souvenirs,
massages, and hair styling. When you board
your ship you will be asked to activate your
account, this is like running a tab during
your cruise and all expenses will be charged
to your room. At the end of the cruise, the
credit card you used to activate your
account will be billed for the amount you
charged while on the ship. Your Agent can
advise you on which cruise lines differ from
this policy and answer any questions or
concerns you may have regarding this type of
payment arrangement.
- Is it easy to meet
people?
A cruise ship is a great place to make new
friends, because everyone's so friendly. The
atmosphere is cordial, relaxed, and you'll
have all kinds of things in common to talk
about. Don't be surprised if you find
yourself making arrangements to meet them
aboard another ship next year.
- Will there be people like
me?
All kinds of people take cruises. Passengers
can vary from ship to ship and cruise to
cruise. Just ask your cruise consultant for
advice on the best ship for you, based on
your tastes and lifestyle. There are over 30
cruise lines and over 130 ships for us to
choose from, we are sure we can find the
right one for you.
- Can singles have fun on a
cruise?
Cruising is ideal for people traveling
alone, because it's so easy to meet other
people. In fact, most ships have singles
parties early on to give you the opportunity
to meet your shipmates. Most ships also have
single cabins as well as singles rates for
double staterooms. In many cases, the cruise
line will even find you a roommate to share
a double stateroom if you ask them.
- What should I pack?
Pack like you would for any resort. Cruise
vacations are casual by day, whether you're
on the ship or ashore. In the evening, ships
vary as to dress. Attire is dictated by
occasion. For the Captain's Cocktail Party
for example, you'll probably want to wear
something more formal such as a dark suit or
cocktail dress; perhaps even a dinner jacket
or gown. Some ships have theme nights such
as Country and Western night, or a Roman
Toga party, so you could dress accordingly
if you desire. Shorts are not allowed in
most main dining rooms during the dinner
meal. Our cruise consultant can provide you
with information about your ship's dress
code.
- Will I need a tuxedo?
On some cruises, formal dinners or parties
are part of the fun. If you do want to dress
up, many ships offer tuxedo rental services.
Even on the most formal of ships, a dark
suit and tie are fine.
- Can I use my hair dryer
or shaver?
Most ships have 110-volt outlets in the
staterooms, but do check with your cruise
consultant to be sure.
- Are there non-smoking
areas?
Virtually all ships have smoking and
non-smoking tables and/or sections in the
lounges and dining rooms. In fact, many
dining rooms are now smoke-free, reflecting
passenger requests. If you wish to be seated
in a non-smoking area, just tell your cruise
consultant. In open seating situations, you
can advise your waiter or the Restaurant
Manager.
- Is cruising right for
honeymooners?
Without a doubt, cruising offers an
atmosphere that's just right for romance.
Cozy dinners for two, strolling on deck at
sunset, dancing the night away under the
stars, and so much more to remember forever.
Most cruise lines provide special services
such as: Sunday or Monday departures,
congratulatory champagne, cabin decorations,
or breakfast in bed. Some ships perform a
marriage ceremony or will renew your
marriage vows in port.
- Can we stay in touch with
the outside?
Quite easily. Most ships have a daily
newsletter with news, headlines, selected
stock quotes and sports scores. Some ships
even deliver the Wall Street Journal to your
room. Staterooms on many ships are even
equipped with televisions so you can tune in
to CNN or ESPN. While many ships now have
telephones in passenger cabins, you can also
call someone through the ship's radio
operator while at sea, and you can phone
home from most ports. In addition, many
ships are equipped with internet and fax
capabilities.
- Will I get seasick?
Not really. The most popular cruise areas
boast some of the calmest waters in the
world. In addition to the large size of
today's passenger liners, stabilizers,
advance availability of accurate weather
information, and development of effective
preventative medications have eliminated
most cases of motion discomfort.
- Is there a doctor
onboard?
Virtually every cruise ship has a
fully-equipped medical facility and staff to
handle almost any emergency.
- Are there laundry
services aboard?
Yes. Almost all cruise ships have laundry
facilities and a great many provide
dry-cleaning services. There is, however, an
additional charge for professional laundry
and dry-cleaning services. Most ships also
have self-service launderettes.
- How do I pay for my
cruise?
Your cruise will usually be broken down into
two payments, a small deposit of between
$100.00 and $250.00 per person is due to
confirm a booking, the balance is due
approximately 70 days before you sail. We
accept major credit cards, money orders or
certified checks. Any bookings made within
60 days of sailing must be paid for in full
at time of booking.
- When will I receive my
tickets?
The cruise line will send your tickets to
our office approximately 15 days before you
sail, this gives us time to ensure your
documents are accurate and complete. We will
Federal Express your tickets to you to
ensure prompt delivery.
- What is included in the
cost of my ticket? What additional expenses
should we expect?
Included in your ticket is the cost of your
cruise, onboard meals, entertainment and
transportation from your home port and back.
Additional expenses you should expect
include port charges, taxes, gratuities for
those who serve you on the ship, excursions
you may choose to take while the ship is in
port, onboard gifts, all alcoholic
beverages, and airfare.
- How many people are
needed to get a group discount? How do I
book a group and what extras do you get?
You need to book at least ten cabins for it
to be considered a group. For special group
rates and amenities, ask our cruise
consultant for all the details.
- Are parking facilities
available for my car while I'm cruising?
What about an RV?
We have accommodations for both. Just tell
your travel agent you need parking and we'll
include information on where to park in your
cruise ticket jackets.
- What to Wear?
In the evening, we suggest that the ladies
choose a casual dress and the gentlemen wear
slacks and collared shirts (unless it is a
special theme night). There will be two
formal evenings (e.g. Sunday and Thursday).
While tuxedos or dinner jackets are not
required, many passengers prefer to dress
up. Dark suits or sports jackets with shirts
and ties are recommended for the men.
Cocktail dresses, pant suits or evening
gowns are appropriate as well.
- Is it worth the extra
money for an Ocean View cabin?
Like any other topic, opinions abound. If
you are on a budget, and the choice is
either to go or not to go, or to only be
able to afford to go in an inside cabin, BY
ALL MEANS take the inside cabin! If you can
afford the extra money to move up to an
Ocean View cabin (maybe $200 on a 7 night
cruise), you will probably feel you got your
money's worth.
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