Got a question? It's probably been asked before.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CRUISE TRAVEL
Every day, more and more people are discovering the all-inclusive pleasures of a cruise vacation. More singles, families, couples, honeymooners, second honeymooners, and groups of families and friends are sailing away on the vacation of their lives. Last year alone, over seven million people enjoyed a cruise vacation. When you add it all up, its very easy to see why:
- The price of your ticket includes your meals and in-between snacks on-board; your stateroom, activities, parties, and entertainment; plus, an exciting voyage to some of the most enchanting and culturally enriching places in the world.
- You'll find that a cruise ship is a floating resort, with all the things a fine resort has to offer and more! You'll meet new friends who share the same tastes and interests as you.
- The hassles of an ordinary vacation are completely eliminated. A cruise is one convenient package. You don't have to worry about making dinner or nightclub reservations, running to make flight connections as you travel from one destination to another, or packing and unpacking.
- You can lie back and be completely pampered. Or, go non-stop. Dine like never before. Enjoy one great show after another. Let your cares float away.
It's a fact that cruises have a higher percentage of satisfied customers than any other vacation experience. Remember, there are some people that have never cruised and many people that have cruised many times. But, there are very few people that will only cruise once!
Are all ships and cruises fairly similar?
Is cruising affordable and a good vacation value?
Cruising is the best vacation value! There are cruise vacations to suit every budget, from the cost-conscious to the most luxurious. Regardless of which cruise you choose, your cruise fare includes meals, your stateroom, room service, on-board activities, and entertainment, plus transportation from port to exciting port. So, for once, you'll know what your vacation will end up costing you before you go. Typically, your only extra expenses will be drinks, specialty restaurants, optional photos, optional shore excursions, and personal services such as massage or spa treatments.
How long are cruises?
As long or short as you want. Cruise lines offer itineraries ranging from 2 nights to 3 months and longer. If you are unsure of yourself may I suggest a shorter itinerary close to home.
Are all ships and cruises fairly similar?
Far from it. Ships from yacht-like ships under 200 feet to mega-ships stretching over 1,000 feet long. You can sail with anywhere from fewer than 100 fellow passengers to over 3,000. Enjoy atmospheres ranging from casual to formal, contemporary to classic, or simple to ultra-deluxe. You can even choose between traditional propeller driven crafts, sail assisted cruise ships, or even a paddle-wheel river boat. The choices are yours.
Can I book on short notice?
Even the most popular cruises sometimes have space available because of late cancellations. But, to get the ship, cabin, and sailing date you want, you should plan and book early. The days of the "last minute specials" are pretty much gone now due to the increased demand for cruises. Most cruise lines are focusing on early booking discounts for customers who plan ahead. In today's cruise market, early bookings are your best bet. Besides, if you do book your cruise early and the price drops, you'll be able to get the rate adjusted most of the time.
Do I need a passport?
Government issued photo identification is required for all guests, crew members, and visitors boarding a cruise ship. U.S. citizens require a passport OR a birth certificate (original or certified copy) PLUS a government issued photo ID card. Children under 16 do not require a photo ID. Non-U.S. citizens require a valid passport and visas (when necessary) in addition to an Alien Registration Card (ARC or "Green" Card). You'll receive complete information on required documents well in advance of your departure, so you'll have plenty of time to make arrangements. However: Passports are highly recommended for all travel in and out of the United States.
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Will I get bored? Feel confined?
Hardly! Being at sea gives you a feeling of total freedom that no land-based resort can offer. Every time you look out a window or gaze off deck, there's some new and amazing view. And, there's plenty of room. Many ships today are like floating cities. It will probably take you a few days just to discover everything that's on board. Plus, you get the added adventure of exploring many exciting ports of call.
Remember, cruise ships are floating resorts with all the choices fine resorts have to offer and more. You can lie back in a lounge chair, breathe in the fresh sea air, soak up the sun, read good books, watch movies under the stars, or watch the ever changing seascape.
If you're more active, join in exercise or dance classes, and sports contests. Practice your tennis stroke or golf swing, or take in some fresh air on the jogging deck. Or, you can swim, stretch out in the sauna, or work out in the gym.
There's way too much to do on the ship and in port to list here...you'll just have to experience it. The bottom line is that a cruise vacation is anything but boring and confining...it's truly liberating.
What's there to do in port?
There's so much to do in port that you'll have a hard time choosing! You can explore on your own or take a guided tour (referred to as shore excursions). Search ancient ruins or hunt for shopping bargains. Ride a raft over river rapids, or a horse across miles of hills and beaches. Climb a waterfall or pyramid. Follow the footsteps of history or the wake of a water skiing boat. If there's still time, play golf or tennis. Learn how to windsurf. Sun and swim at some of the world's best beaches. Catch a marlin. Sail, snorkel, or scuba dive. Take a cable car to the top of a mountain. Explore dark catacombs.
In short, cruising is the perfect way to sample a number of new destinations and try all the things you've ever dreamed of doing while never having to pack and unpack!
Do cruise lines welcome families with kids?
More and more cruise vacations are booked by families with children. Most cruise lines make a special point of providing supervised activities for kids, especially during school holidays. If your children enjoy swimming, sports, games, movies, and the adventure of new places, they'll love a family cruise. You'll find that children adapt to shipboard life with ease, and you won't have to wonder what they're up to every minute. The well trained youth counselors will help keep them safe, busy, entertained, and having the time of their lives. Ships even offer different types of age appropriate activities, suitable for toddlers to teens. Best of all, children often travel at reduced rates which makes cruising an even better vacation value for families with children.
What's there to do at night?
When the stars come out, a cruise ship really turns on. There's dancing, live entertainment, nightclubs, lounges, feature films, and parties with all your new friends. Most ships also have casinos. If that's not enough, there's special events, the Captain's Cocktail Party, Passenger Talent Night, guest lecturers, Broadway-style shows, Las Vegas-type revues, Karaoke and much more.
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Is there a charge for entertainment?
Never. On a cruise vacation, all of the entertainment is on the house. There's no cover, no minimum, and no charge for admission. The shows are live, the films are first rate, and it's all included in the cost of the cruise.
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. On ship and on shore, attire is dictated by occasion. At the Captain's Gala, for example, you'll probably want to wear something more formal, such as a dark suit, or a cocktail dress; perhaps even a dinner jacket or gown.
Will I need a tuxedo?
On some cruises, formal dinners and parties are part of the fun. But don't buy a tuxedo just for the trip. If you do want to dress to the nines, many ships offer tuxedo rental services. But even on the most formal of ships, a dark suit and tie are fine for the dressiest occasions.
What about meal times and seating's?
Again, there are choices and more choices. During the day, there are many different dining options including in the formal dining room, on deck, in a pizzeria, at a buffet, or at an espresso bar, just to name a few. At night, most ships offer several venues. Some ships' dining rooms can accommodate all guests at on time but, most offer more than one seating time. To choose, just decide whether you prefer to dine early or late and specify your choice at the time of booking. Which ever seating you choose, remember that one of the best ways to make new friends is to ask for a large table. In addition, some ships offer alternative dining options. For example, theme such as Italian, Chinese, Japanese, or Southwestern restaurants separate form the main dining room may be available.
Is cruise ship dining as good as I've been told?
It's better than you've heard. You'll find a varied selection of entrees, appetizers, salads, soups, vegetables, and desserts prepared by world class chefs every time you sit down. And, there's no limit on what or how much you can order. Can't decide between the steak or the lobster? Have both!
Just because the cruise lines offer plenty of delicious food doesn't mean that you'll come home out of shape. You can choose low-cal, low-carb, spa, or fitness menu selections that are just as tempting as the regular menu.
The only thing you'll never see while enjoying the cruise ship dining experience is a price so, bon apetite!
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Can I get a special diet?
Most ships can accommodate salt-free, vegetarian, low-carbohydrate, low-cholesterol, Kosher, or other diet preferences. However, this request must be made with the cruise line in advance so be sure to take care of this at the time of booking.
Are there non-smoking area?
Today, virtually all ships are non-smoking in the dining area. Most ships still allow smoking in lounges and designated smoking areas.
What about tipping?
Tipping is a matter of individual preference. A general rule of thumb is to plan for about $2.50 to $3.00 per day per person for your room steward and waiter combined plus about half that for your bus boy. Plan on upwards of $10.00 per person per day for all tipping. Other shipboard personnel can be tipped for special services at your discretion. Most cruise lines now allow you to automatically deduct your tips from your onboard account.
Are there medical services onboard?
Virtually every cruise ship (except for some small vessels operating in coastal waters) has a fully equipped medical facility and staff to handle almost any emergency.
Is motion discomfort a problem?
Almost never. The most popular cruise areas boast some of the calmest waters in the world. In addition, stabilizers on modern ships, advance availability of accurate weather information, and development of effective preventative medications have, for the most part, eliminated the incidence of motion discomfort.
Are wheelchairs and strollers available on the cruise ship?
Wheelchairs are only available to help passengers on and off the cruise ship during embarkation and disembarkation. All cruise lines will allow a stroller. At this time only Carnival Cruise Lines has stroller rentals on select ships. If a stroller is required during the cruise, the client should plan to bring your own.
Can I store valuables on the ship?
Most of today's ships have mini-safes in all rooms. For additional security, most ships also have safe-deposit boxes available at the reception desk.
What is the "muster drill?"
The muster drill is conducted either when your ship departs or shortly thereafter. It is a safety drill that you are required to attend per U.S. Coast Guard and international safety regulations. You will be asked to take your life vests from your room and meet at a designated spot on the ship when the ship sounds its alarms. The ship's officers will also announce the drill on the ship's PA system. Once at your meeting spot, the ship's officers will demonstrate procedures in case of an emergency. The drill rarely lasts more than about twenty minutes, and it is conducted for your own safety. Please take it seriously.
