- 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?
- Do I need a passport?
CLIA recommends a passport on all cruises. While the U.S. Government may not require a
Passport for Sea travel on certain “closed loop cruises” originating in the U.S.
and for travel only within the Western Hemisphere, other specified documentation is
required. For specific U.S. governmental Passport and Visa regulations visit:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html. CLIA strongly recommends that all
travelers apply for or renew their passports as soon as possible. Government regulations
are continually being modified and it is best to be prepared. Besides, a passport grants
you unlimited cruise vacation options around the world!
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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!
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- How long are cruises?
As long or short as you want. Cruises offer itineraries from two days to over one hundred
days.
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- Where can I go?
Where do you want to go? Cruises visit practically any destination accessible by water.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- Is there an extra charge for entertainment?
On a cruise, the entertainment is included . There's no cover, no minimum, no charge for
admission.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- Is there a doctor onboard?
Virtually every cruise ship has a fully-equipped medical facility and staff to handle
almost any emergency.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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 only $250 on a 7 night cruise), you will probably feel you got your money's worth.
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