Many people have not had the experience of cruising before and have questions about this fun and exciting type of vacation. We would like to take this opportunity to answer some of the most frequently asked questions.
1.What does my cruise price include?
Your cruise includes shipboard accommodations, meals, and most entertainment aboard the vessel. Your cabin, transportation (port to port), ground transfers (if you elect to purchase airfare from the cruise line), all meals, sports activities on the ship, and entertainment are all included in the price you pay.
2.What is not included in my cruise price?
Your cruise does not include organized shore excursions, alcoholic beverages or carbonated soft drinks, photographs, gratuities, spa and beauty treatments, medical services, casino expenditures, or other miscellaneous products you might purchase on board.
3.What is the difference between an outside and an Inside stateroom?
An Outside stateroom or "Oceanview cabin" will have a window or porthole. An Inside or "No View" stateroom will have pictures or draperies on the wall, but no window. Balcony cabins have their own private balconies. Most standard Oceanview, Balcony, and Inside staterooms include showers in the bathrooms. Suites frequently include a tub and shower in the bathroom. If you are assigned a cabin on the bottom deck of the ship, your stateroom is not below the water line.
4.Will I get bored or feel confined?
Not likely. Cruise ships are like floating resorts and offer just as many options as a fine resort. It usually takes a couple of days to fully explore all of the onboard possibilities. In addition, you have the opportunity to explore new and exciting ports of call when the ship is in port. You can take time for yourself lying poolside on a deck chair or you can join in any of the shipboard activities. You can do as much or as little as you'd like.
5.When can I board the ship?
Embarkation normally begins approximately 4 hours prior to departure. Passengers must be on board no later than 1 hour prior to departure. Be prepared to stand in line. Have your documents ready. (Cruise tickets, Passport, any required paperwork.)
6.What is the United States Border Security Act? How do I need to prepare?
The United States Border Security Act is legislation, signed by President George Bush in May 2002, that requires all airlines and cruise lines to collect immigration information from each passenger prior to their cruise to or from the United States. As of March 1, 2003, all cruise lines must electronically report a manifest of all passengers on each cruise prior to their arriving at the port on embarkation day. This manifest includes personal information about each passenger, including their name, gender, birthday, residence, citizenship, and passport data. Any passengers who have not submitted all the required information before they get to their ship can expect very long delays at the pier. If a passenger does not have required data available, he may be denied boarding without a refund. The Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) will be standard for all airline and cruise reservations. Your cruise line will include additional information about APIS with your cruise documents. You'll be asked to send or fax this information prior to your cruise.
7.What about my medication?
Please carry any medication in its original bottle. It is recommended that medication be carried in your pocket or purse so that it will be available when needed. Checked luggage may not be accessible at all times. If you are using any prescription drugs, vitamins, or other medication on a regular basis, you should bring an adequate supply with you. Many types of medication may not be readily available either on board the ship or in ports of call.
8.What about electrical appliances?
Electric razors and hair dryers can be brought with you. Staterooms for most cruise lines are capable of handling such appliances.
9.How do I get to the ship?
If you have airfare booked through the cruise line, you will be met by a representative from the cruise line. The representative will meet you by the baggage claim and escort you to the transfer shuttle that travels from the airport to the pier and back again after the cruise. Most cruise lines offer these shuttles for an additional cost to passengers providing their own airfare. Guests who do not purchase the transfer service through the cruise line are responsible for their own transportation to and from the pier.
10.Will I get seasick?
Seasickness is rare on larger cruise ships because they are equipped with stabilizers that are designed to minimize the feeling of movement. If you should feel queasy, medicine is available from your stateroom steward or the ship's doctor. If you are prone to motion sickness, you may wish to consult your physician prior to travel.
11.How do I pay for onboard purchases?
For your convenience, you may charge most of your purchases to your account while on board. You will need to present a credit card, cash, or traveler's checks to open this account. This can be done at the designated sign-up area onboard the ship, or during the check-in process. It is best to bring cash in small denominations, since it is easier to get change for these bills. It is also advisable to carry a limited amount of cash, since it is irreplaceable if lost. Traveler's checks may be cashed at the purser's desk to cover gratuities and to pay your onboard account if you don't want the charges to be applied to your credit card. On many cruise lines, you can check your onboard account daily on the television in your stateroom.
12.What are the tipping guidelines?
It is customary to tip your room steward and your waiter $3.00 per day, per person. Many cruise lines have instituted a fixed amount for tips based on this guideline and are automatically added to your onboard account. If you would prefer to offer gratuities to each staff member personally, you may remove the automatic gratuities from your onboard account by visiting the purser's office.
13.What are my dining options?
WOW! Do you have a lot of choices! On our dance cruises, we arrange for our group members to be seated together in the main dining room for evening meals. We have chosen the later seating option, since we have a nightly class and dance for our group members. However, you also have other dining options. You may dine when you wish, where you choose. You may literally eat at any time you wish at several different locations. There are usually even reservation-only supplier clubs. (Beware that there is usually an additional charge for these establishments). Some individuals choose to eat only at the ship buffets; others choose to order room service and eat in their staterooms. The choice is yours to make.
14.What is an assembly drill, and do I have to go?
These are commonly referred to as lifeboat drills. EVERYONE on board the ship is required to be in attendance for a compulsory safety drill before departure in order to comply with Coast Guard and International Safety regulations. And believe me when I say that they know who you are and they will find you, so join in the fun, put on your life jacket, and follow the instructions which are posted on the inside of your cabin door.
15.Are the casinos and shops open all day?
Shops and the casino are open while the ship is sailing; however, they will be closed while the ship is in port.
16.What do I do when the ship is in port?
There are lots of things to do, depending on your preferences. Each port of call offers a unique experience. You can explore on your own, take the cruise line's organized shore excursions, browse the many shops, relax at the beach, or take in some historical sights. Again, the choice is yours to make.
17.Should I buy Travel Protection?
This is a decision for you to make. We recommend, however, that you consider the purchase of travel insurance, as some things cannot be anticipated. Travel protection will cover you if you have to cancel due to injury, sickness, or death to you, a traveling companion, or family member. It does not cover you for unstable, preexisting medical conditions. It will cover you should a medical emergency occur on your trip. If you cancel your vacation for a covered reason, or incur medical expenses while on your trip, you would need to pay these fees in advance and then file a claim for reimbursement.
18.What are taxes and port charges?
The port charges include taxes and fees assessed by governmental and other agencies, costs incidental to entering and leaving ports such as pilotage, costs incurred while in port such as steveadoring, waste removal, and payroll for port-related functions. Taxes associated with flights, if you have purchased any, would also be included.
19.What should I wear?
Daywear includes shorts, pants, blouses, t-shirts, knit tops, or polo shirts. Your attire will depend on that day's activities. For cooler days or evenings, pack a sweater or lightweight windbreaker. Bring a pair of sneakers or rubber-soled shoes for deck sports and excursions, and a swimsuit cover-up for cool areas of the ship. (A good portion of the ship is air- conditioned!) Since you will be sailing on a dance cruise, bring comfortable clothes for classes and lessons, and don't forget your dance shoes! Gentlemen, you are no longer required to have a tuxedo for the "formal" nights. However, you may wish to bring a dark suit and tie; Ladies might wish to bring a nice dress.
20.Can I fly the night before and/or stay longer in the port city after the cruise?
Most cruise lines offer pre or post stay packages that you can purchase at an additional cost. The space is limited for these and it is best to book them early. Should you not be able to book a pre-night stay through the cruise line, you may also reserve a room on your own and customize your flight schedule. There is a non-refundable fee to do this, in addition to any increased airfare cost. Purchasing a pre-stay package benefits you since it will provide you with extra time to make to the pier if you experience inclement weather.
21.Should I purchase the cruise line's Air/Sea package?
A cruise line's Air/Sea package works very well for most passengers. Booking airfare with your cruise package provides two important advantages: (1) in the event of a flight delay or cancellation, the airline is responsible for your transportation to the next port of call. (2) Your airfare cost includes roundtrip transfers from the airport to/from the ship.
22.When will I get my Air Schedule? Can I pick my own flights?
Cruise lines assign flights approximately 21 days prior to departure. Only then will you know your airline and flight schedule. The cruise line cannot guarantee seat assignments, non-stop flights, specific flight times, or a specific airline. You may, however, request to customize your flight. This is called an air deviation. The cruise lines charge $35.00-$75.00 per person, plus any additional airfare costs to make this request for you.
23.What if I have to cancel my vacation?
Cancellation policies vary between different cruise lines. When you book your cruise, you will be advised of the cancellation policy that is applicable to your cruise. It is the sole responsibility of the passenger to be familiar with the penalties assessed for cancellation. To protect yourself from penalties for canceling due to medical reasons, we highly advise that you purchase the offered Cruise Protection (Insurance) policy.
24.What are the deposit and final payment requirements?
If you are booking your cruise early (outside of four months prior to travel) the cruise line typically requires a deposit. In our case, for the October 13, 2007 sailing, you will be required to pay a $250.00/per person deposit. Your cruise must be paid in full on the designated final payment date, which is provided at the time you confirm your reservation. You will receive a final payment reminder to keep you on top of your payments. If you would like to make periodic payments for your trip, you may do so, provided all payments are completed prior to the final balance due date.
25.When will I receive my cruise documents?
In most cases, documents will be delivered within 10 days of departure date. Documents will be delivered in various ways, including regular mail and email. The specifics will depend upon which cruise line you have booked with. Once you have secured your reservation, it may be necessary to pick your travel documents up the day of departure at the pier. If you have booked an air/sea package, the cruise line may arrange your reservation to be e-ticketed; in this instance, an email confirmation with your itinerary will be sent to you. As soon as you receive your documents, it is your responsibility to check to see if all the data (correct spelling of your name as it appears on your passport, address, etc.) is correct. If it is not correct, please notify your travel specialist immediately of the necessary changes. Please also keep in mind that any changes made might incur additional costs to you.
