|
Most
"first-timers" have a lot of questions - so here's a list
of questions most commonly asked of us to help you get ready
and ensure smooth sailing both before and during your cruise.
Simply click on the question you have below and you will be
moved to the answer.
WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO TAKE? In addition to your cruise documents, ALL US AND CANADIAN CITIZENS MUST NOT FORGET THEIR PASSPORTS FOR EVERY ADULT IN YOUR PARTY (minor children must have a passport or an original birth certificate). A current, VALID passport supersedes all other identification and may be accepted alone without other types of ID. Non US/CANADIAN citizens must consult with the department of immigration for proper identification requirements. HOW DO I PAY FOR ITEMS ONBOARD AND IN PORT? Many cruise lines will let you "run a tab" onboard the ship for bar purchases, soft drinks, souvenirs, to pay for shore excursions, etc, which you can settle by credit card , travelers check or cash. The purser’s office will also cash travelers checks for you. In addition, most of the duty-free shops onboard and most shops in port will also cash travelers checks. Also, most of the duty-free shops onboard and most shops in port will accept major credit cards as well as American dollars or travelers checks. YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CASH PERSONAL CHECKS ONBOARD THE SHIP. WHAT ABOUT TIPPING ONBOARD SHIP? You will receive information onboard the ship about this, but it is generally suggested that you tip $2.50-3.00 per day* to your cabin steward and waiter, and $1.50-$2.00 per day* (*per person in your party) to your busboy. If you use the services of the wine steward or ask the maitre d' to assist in planning a birthday or special occasion cake in the dining room, it is acceptable to tip him whatever you think appropriate. When you see what excellent service you get and how friendly and helpful your waiter, steward and busboy are, we're sure you will agree that they deserve this gratuity. If for some reason you are not satisfied with the service you are receiving, please bring it to the attention of the chief cabin steward, maitre d' or pursers desk. We want you to enjoy your cruise and this should not detract from it. On cruises of 10 days or less, it is customary to tip on the last evening and envelopes will be provided for you. On cruises of 14 days or longer, it is customary to tip every 7 days. DO I NEED TO PACK A TUXEDO OR FORMAL DRESS? On 90% of the ships, absolutely not! Only on the very upscale ships will you see the majority of the passengers in formal wear on "formal" nights. If you have a tux, by all means take it and if you’re dying to wear the dress you bought for that black tie affair, take it along, but "formal" is really a misnomer. A dark suit and tie for the men and a "dressy" Sunday dress or pantsuit are entirely appropriate for the Captain’s Welcome Aboard Cocktail Party and Farewell Dinner. On other evenings a sport shirt and casual dress or pants outfit is entirely appropriate, but please no shorts. Ships today are so well stabilized that most of the time you won’t notice you are even moving! It’s a good idea though to take along some Dramamine (follow the directions on the box) as well as aspirin and sunscreen. If you do have a problem onboard, all ships have a doctor and a nurse aboard. And be sure not to forget any prescription drugs you are taking. These should be put in your carry-on-luggage. WHAT HAPPENS TO MY LUGGAGE AFTER I LEAVE IT AT THE AIRPORT (OR PORT, IF YOU ARE DRIVING)? If you are using the cruise line’s airfare program, you will affix the luggage tags sent with your cruise documents and check your luggage at the airport. The next time you see it will be in your cabin! There are a few ports where you will need to claim your luggage at the airport--this will be indicated in your cruise documents and, again, call us if you have any questions. If you are flying, but NOT using the cruise line’s airfare program, you still need to affix your cruise line tag but you will need to claim your own luggage at the airport baggage area when you arrive in your port city and take it with you to the port. If you are driving to the port, you will check your luggage when you arrive at the port, and they will take your bags to your cabin. It’s a good idea to check your cabin about 1/2 hour before sailing to be sure your luggage has arrived and to check with your steward or the purser’s office if it is not there. They have thousands of bags to deliver to cabins and it does take a while. The most important thing is your luggage tag -- without it, how will they know where to find you? On the last night of your cruise you will be asked to put your luggage (except your carryon bags) outside your cabin so that they can be taken to the holding area, and offloaded early the next morning. You will then claim your bags in the customs area - don’t worry all this will be explained on the ship! HOW CAN I BE REACHED ONBOARD THE SHIP IN AN EMERGENCY? Most ships have cell phone access these days, and you may be able to use your cell phone (for an additional or roaming charge) while on board. If not, you can be reached through the High Seas Operator at 1-800-SEA-CALL while the ship is at sea, but remember to leave the name of the ship you are sailing on with your family or whomever you need to. Some cruise lines have several ships sailing each week and they will need to have the ship's name. You will also be able to make calls through the radio room (while at sea, for a hefty charge) or you can call direct from the ports of call - a lot less expensive. HOW WILL I KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON ONBOARD THE SHIP, OR FIND OUT ABOUT SHORE EXCURSIONS? There will be all sorts of information about this both online before you depart and in your cabin when you arrive. Prior to sailing is a good time to explore and get your bearings as to where the dining room, gym, lounges etc. are located. There will be a daily program of activities put in your cabin each night for the next day. For first timers we suggest you attend the "shore excursion talk" for each upcoming port, or at least some of them. Also, be sure to make the debarkation talk. All of these are listed in the daily program, These are very informative and all the cruise directors do a pretty good job of making them fun, often giving away a small gift, etc., to those in attendance. IS IT BETTER TO TAKE A SHORE EXCURSION OR EXPLORE PORTS OF CALL ON MY OWN? A lot of that is really up to you. Most ships include a program of their shore excursions with your cruise documents, but, if not, you will have one in your cabin when you board the ship. Lots of the sailing and snorkeling excursions are tons of fun and much easier than trying to arrange them yourself. Some of the islands/ports that are easy to explore on your own (by cab, or even on foot in some places) are: St. Thomas, Grand Cayman, Key West, Freeport, Cozumel, San Juan, Bermuda, Canadian ports (especially Quebec City), Grenada and St. Barts. If you’re not the real adventurous type, consider a shore excursion in at least one port. WHEN DO I GET MY CRUISE DOCUMENTS? They are sent to the agency for verification several weeks prior to your sailing. Most documents are sent via email, which would then be forwarded to you. If your cruise documents have not arrived ten days before your departure date please let us know. When your documents arrive, please check them IMMEDIATELY to be sure they show your correct name, ship, sailing date and cabin number (if you have been assigned a cabin at booking). If you are on a "Guarantee", you may not know your actual cabin number until sailing. Don't worry, this just means a stronger chance for an upgrade to a better category. Also be sure your airline tickets, if applicable, are accurate and reflect the correct name and correct port. If you are using the cruise line air program you should also have vouchers for transportation from the airport to the port and back. All document packages should contain luggage tags and many will also include forms to fill out for boarding passes and on board credit programs. All of these should be filled out before you leave. If you think you are missing anything or would like us to go over them with you, simply contact us. We always recommend the cruise line's air. Sometimes it can be higher, true, but you get transfers (included in most cases) and the security that the cruise line does a tremendous amount of business with these carriers. They will make sure you arrive on time. Of course weather delays, airline delays and cancellations still happen, but you'd have priority for the next best flights. I WAS TOLD ABOUT A CABIN GUARANTEE? WHY IS THIS SO MUCH LESS? A cabin guarantee is a way to save big on your cruise. The cruise lines "guarantees" you the category you requested. Usually inside or outside on a specific level. You CANNNOT get lower then this level or cabin style, but you can get higher. The cruise line waits until they get a final passenger count, then hands out the remaining cabins. Often a much better cabin than you signed up for! There is no 100% upgrade on this program but, you can't get lower, so it's worth a try! If you're very specific in your cabin desires (IE: outside fourth level on the starboard side) DO NOT book a guarantee, as we can not make the cruise line upgrade you. You save because you give them the convenience of placing you when and where they can close to sailing. WHAT
SHOULD I WEAR? Day wear, on the ship or when visiting our warmer ports of call, stylish resort wear is fine for both men and women: Swimsuit and cover-up walking shorts and polo shirts, lightweight slacks or skirts and a light sweater (for cooler days) Ashore, dress for comfort, but remember to observe local customs. In many ports, short-shorts, halter tops and provocative clothing are frowned upon. On Alaskan cruises, summer temperatures often soar into the 70s. But, be sure you pack: Heavier shirts and blouses, slacks or pants and sweaters for cooler days and a lightweight windbreaker for misty weather. On all cruises, it's wise to bring along: Comfortable, rubber-soled shoes, hat, sunglasses and a good sunscreen. Evening Wear. Most cruise lines' elegant, formal evenings include the Captain's Welcome Cocktail Party and Dinner, the Captain's Farewell Dinner, and perhaps a third or fourth "formal" night for those cruises sailing more than seven nights. The daily program, delivered to your stateroom and available at the Guest Relations Desk, will be your guide to the appropriate attire each evening. On Casual Nights men should wear slacks and a nice top. Women should wear dresses or slack and a nice top. The fancier cruise lines require men be in suit jackets every evening. As our representative your ships requirements. NO SHIP allows shorts in the dining room at any time! I'm Single. How do I cruise for less? Some cruise lines have programs for singles.If you're single and tried to price a cruise, then you know the single rates can make choosing a cruise vacation prohibitive! Or, agree to share a stateroom with another nonsmoking guest of the same sex, and you pay only the per-person, double-occupancy rate, guaranteed. Did you know If they can't find a partner for you, you still cruise solo at the agreed upon double occupancy fare. In your own cabin! Cruising doesn't have to be just for couples or friends traveling together! They don't promise you'll find a lifetime friend—but they will tell you that by sharing a room with a "new" travel friend you can save on the single occupancy rates!These programs are very successful and many of their "Single Partner Program" alumni have gotten along so well that they've booked another cruise... together! BON VOYAGE!! Please contact us when you get back and let us know what a great time you had. It’s feedback from our clients that helps us assist all of you in making good choices for your cruise vacations! MAY ALL YOUR SEAS BE SMOOTH! You can send a question not answered to our Cruise Journalist |