Frequently Asked Questions
Are you new to cruising? We have compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions that will get you started. Contact Us for specific information that has not been addressed below. In addition go to http://www.yourtravelexperts.blogspot.com/ for travel tips, hints and insights from a variety of travel professionals touching on cruises, tours, travel discounts, group travel, destination weddings, honeymoon specialties, family reunions, fundraising through travel and much more.
Casual attire and resort wear is the order of the day both on board and in port. Shorts, slacks, sun dresses, blouses, etc., are in line for women. Clothing for men is just as casual. You should bring a pair of rubber-soled sandals or sneakers to wear on deck and a pair of good walking shoes. You might also want to consider bringing along a sweater or jacket for cool evenings and inexpensive rain gear in case of a sudden shower, especially in Alaska. Women may want to bring along a hat or scarf. You'll have a chance to dress up on two nights during 7 day or longer cruises (one night on shorter cruises) for the Captain's Cocktail Party and the Gala Farewell Dinner. On the other evenings you can dress casually for dinner (no shorts or tank tops).For those not wanting to dress up, the Lido Restaurants are open nightly and have a casual dress code. Formal Wear: tuxedo; suit and tie; sport coat, tie and slacks; evening gown; cocktail dress; pantsuit, Casual Resort Wear: sport shirts and slacks; dresses; skirts; pantsuit; Capri pants NOTE: Shorts, t-shirts, tank tops and bathing attire are not permitted in the Dining Room during dinner.
What are the new passport requirements?
For updated information regarding passport requirements please visit http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html
Popular cruise itineraries sail some of the calmest waters in the world. In addition, stabilizers on modern ships, availability of advance weather information, and development of effective preventative medications have, for the most part, eliminated the incidence of motion discomfort. With that being said the time of year, such as hurricane season, should be taken into consideration. If you are concerned about motion sickness, consult your personal physician.
Tipping is up to you. Generally speaking, $10.00 per day/per person should take care of your wait staff and cabin steward. For example on a 7-day cruise $70.00 per guest per cabin will cover all tips. Other shipboard personnel can be tipped for special services at your discretion
Can I call home from the ship?
Ship to Shore telephone service is provided on most ships and calls can be made from your stateroom. Ship to Shore rates vary and typically are considered costly. Cell phone service is also available on most ships. Check with your provider regarding carrier capability and rates.
Can I access the internet while onboard the ship?
For those guests who want the option of staying connected to the rest of the world most cruise lines offer satellite internet service. Access is facilitated through each ship’s onboard Internet Café, as well as wireless internet access points for personal laptops and most other wireless devices, such as Wi-Fi enabled Palm Pilots/PDA’s.The Internet Café is open 24-hours a day and features private terminals with the latest flat panel computer monitors. Guests will have the ability to send and receive e-mail, chat online and access the internet. Guests can access their own e-mail account through AOL, Hotmail, GMail, Yahoo, etc. Guests may bring their own personal laptop for use on board by using the ships Wireless Internet Service. Please note that the internet pricing options are identical, whether an Internet Café terminal is utilized, or a laptop. If the laptop is not equipped with a Wireless Internet Card, guests can rent one from the Internet Café. The Wireless Internet Service is compatible with a Wireless 802.11b card, which is the industry standard.To access the Wireless Internet Service, the guest’s laptop must be in relative close proximity to a Wireless Access Point. The specific locations of access points vary from ship to ship. A complete list of these locations can be obtained from the Internet Café.
Do I have to participate in the onboard activities?
On a cruise, you do what you want, when you want. You can do everything or do absolutely nothing. It's your vacation!
Are there activities for children on a cruise?
More and more cruise vacations are booked by families with children. Most cruise lines provide plenty of supervised activities for youngsters, 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. Two-way-radios are available on board to keep touch. The youth counselors will help keep them busy and entertained. Ships even offer youth camps that cater to all ages, from toddlers to teens. Most ships offer babysitting services for evening events fees may vary.
Are medical services available?
Virtually every cruise ship (except for some smaller vessels operating in coastal waters) has a medical facility and health care professional on staff to handle almost any emergency. Advise your travel agent at booking to make sure the ship on which you are cruising can handle your needs.
Not likely! Being at sea gives you a feeling of total freedom that no land-based resort can offer. There's plenty of room. And it will probably take you a day or two just to discover everything that's on board. Plus, you get the added adventure of exploring many exciting Ports of Call. Cruise ships are floating resorts with all the choices fine resorts have to offer, You can lie back in a lounge chair, breathe in the sea air, soak up the sun, read good books, 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 some fresh air on the jogging deck. Swim, stretch out in the sauna or work out in the gym. You can also see a feature film, attend an enrichment lecture by experts, play backgammon or bridge. And that's just when you're on board!
So much you'll have a hard time choosing! We highly recommend the cruise ship sponsored tours and excursions where you can 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 record 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 more than once.
At night, life aboard a cruise ship really turns on. There is dancing, live entertainment, nightclubs and lounges, feature films, and parties with all your new friends. Most ships also have casinos. What's more, there are many special events like the Captain's Cocktail Party and the Passenger Talent Night.
Is there a charge for entertainment?
Never! On a cruise vacation the entertainment is on the house. There's no cover, minimum, or charge for an admission ticket. The shows are live, films first-rate and all included in your cruise fare.
What are the different dining arrangements?
Some ships' dining rooms can accommodate all passengers in one "seating." But most ships have two seating's, which differ only by time: typically 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. To choose, just decide whether you prefer to dine early or late-then have our cruise counselor request your preference when you book your cruise. Whichever seating you choose, remember that one of the best ways to make new friends is to ask for a large table, where you'll be seated with other guests. In addition, some ships offer alternative dining rooms, such as Italian, Chinese, Japanese or Southwestern theme restaurants, separate from the main dining room. This is referred to as FreeStyle Cruising.
Set your own schedule for dining, restaurants, attire, activities, disembarkation and more. FreeStyle Cruising may vary with different cruise lines.
What if I have special dietary needs?
Most ships can accommodate salt-free, low- carbohydrate, Kosher. or other diet preferences. This type of request will have to be directed to the appropriate staff on board the ship.
Is there meeting space on board a cruise ship?
Just about every full-size ship has public rooms or a conference center to offer as meeting space for private or Corporate groups. If you'd like to make meeting or incentive travel arrangements, ask our cruise counselors to contact the cruise line's group sales department to coordinate schedules and arrange for any special needs. Your ship may also be able to offer audio-visual equipment, communications, meeting coordinators, secretarial and printing services and more,