Cruise Frequently Asked Questions

Consider your ship’s itinerary when deciding what to pack. For a typical Caribbean cruise, you’ll want to take shorts, skirts or sundresses, pants, blouses, t-shirts, knit tops or polo shirts, and a bathing suit. For cooler days or evenings, pack a sweater or lightweight windbreaker. For Alaska cruises, sweaters, raincoats, and fleece are also suggested. Bring a pair of sneakers or rubber-soled shoes for deck sports and a swimsuit cover-up for cool areas on the ship. Keep in mind that when visiting some countries or participating in shore excursions to shrines or religious sites, a more conservative dress code may be in order. Most cruises will have at least one formal night for dinner. Women generally wear cocktail dresses or gowns, while men can wear a dark suit and tie. Many ships also offer tuxedo rentals. For casual or semi-formal nights, sport shirts and slacks or button-down shirts and sport coats work for men, while women can wear a dress, pantsuit, or slacks and top.

How much money should I bring?

In port and on the ship, you will have many opportunities to enjoy duty free shopping. Depending on your itinerary, there may be a limit to the amount of duty-free merchandise allowed per guest. Major credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, so you will not have to bring much cash (except for some shore side purchases). In fact, it is strongly recommended that you bring a credit card, since it will make your onboard registration very quick and easy. For non-credit card purchases, we encourage you to bring traveler's checks.

If I don't purchase airfare through the cruise line, how can I get to the ship from the airport?

Many cruise lines offer transportation from the airport to the pier for their guests. The cost for this service varies, and in most cases, may be paid in advance. Reservations for this service are typically accepted up until approximately 3 weeks prior to your departure, and you may often choose a one way or round trip service. The cruise line will need to know your flight itinerary at the time of purchase so that they may coordinate the transfer service. If purchasing the transfers in advance is not an option, you may typically purchase them at the airport on the day of the cruise's departure. To do this, proceed to the baggage claim area and see the cruise line's representative to inquire about being added to their transfer manifest. Guests who do not purchase the transfer service through the cruise line are responsible for their own transportation to and from the pier.

If I'm on the bottom deck, am I below water?

All passenger staterooms are located above sea level.

What is a fuel surcharge, and how much is it?

Due to the increased cost of fuel, many airlines are imposing a fuel surcharge. These additional charges, which typically range from $20.00 - $60.00 per person, need to be paid in cash at the airport on the day of your departure. In some cases, these may be collected in advance. We will do everything possible to get your tickets at the lowest price. However, we cannot be responsible for vendor surcharges.

What is the average age group?

While the demographic will potentially vary with each sailing, there are some general patterns. Carnival Cruise Line - 0-35 years of age, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line - 25-54 years of age, Celebrity Cruise Line - 35-64 years of age, Crystal Cruise Line - 60+ years of age. Holland America Line- Mixed, 40-60 generally, with some younger guests. Norwegian Cruise Line- 25-54 years of age, Princess Cruise Line- 35-64 years of age, Windstar Cruise Line- 40-50 years of age, with some honeymooners as well. Keep in mind that the above information involves rough averages. Typically, on any cruise, you will find a mix of all age groups.

How will I know when my final payment is due?

Your e-invoice or invoice confirmation will advise when your final payment is due. In addition, you will receive a final payment reminder approximately 10 days before the final payment date. Please keep in mind that, while we make every effort to provide payment reminders as a courtesy, it is ultimately the passenger's responsibility to ensure that their reservation is paid in full by the due date. In all cases, the cruise lines and tour operators reserve the right to cancel any reservation that has not been paid in full by the specified date.

Why do I have to submit a medical release form for diabetes, I'm bringing my own insulin, etc.?

The cruise lines require all guests with special medical needs to submit this information to them prior to travel. This is to ensure that they have the necessary information to give you the proper care in the event of an emergency. Passengers who carry syringes for medical use must also carry a letter from their physicians indicating this.

Is it possible to travel while pregnant?

Most cruise lines will allow travel up to 24 weeks of pregnancy; however, each cruise line does set its own policy and they do reserve the right to deny boarding to any passenger who is further along than their policy stipulates. In some instances, a cruise line my require medical documentation indicating fitness to travel. Please contact your Vacation Consultant or our Customer Service department for specifics on terms and conditions.

What types of activities can we expect once we get there?

Activities and entertainment will vary depending on the destination and cruise line. Many cruise lines offer a variety of activities and entertainment onboard. Shore excursions and land tours may also be run by independent companies, at an additional cost to passengers. Information pertaining to the shore excursions and land tours, if available, may be found at the ship's excursion desk.

Can I fly the night before sailing?

Most cruise lines offer pre-night packages that you can purchase at an additional cost. The space is limited for these, so it is best to book them early. Should you not be able to book a pre-night through the cruise line, you may also reserve a room on your own and customize your flight schedule with an Air Deviation. There is a non-refundable fee to do this, in addition to any increased airfare cost. Purchasing a pre-night benefits you since it will provide you with extra time to make it to the cruise if you experience flight delays or inclement weather.

What is an Air Deviation, and what is the benefit of purchasing one?

An Air Deviation, also referred to as customizing your flights, allows you to request specific dates, times, airlines, air cities, or nonstop flights. The cruise lines charge $35-$75 per person, plus any additional airfare costs to make this request. The benefit of an Air Deviation is that it confirms you on a preferred flight schedule. Without an air deviation, we are unable to guarantee specific flight times, schedules, or nonstop flights. In addition, if people from two or more staterooms are traveling together, we are unable to guarantee that they will all share the same flight schedule unless an Air Deviation is requested. Also, without an Air Deviation, you will not know your flight schedule until approximately 21-30 days prior to your departure.

What are the taxes and port charges?

The port charges include taxes and fees assessed by governmental and other agencies, costs incident to entering and leaving ports such as pilotage, costs incurred while in port such as stevedoring, waste removal, and payroll for port-related functions. Taxes associated with flights, if you have purchased any, would also be included.

Can additional passengers be added to a reservation after payment has been applied?

All rates are based on the present occupancy and availability. While in most cases, it is possible to add an extra person, providing the room permits this, your present rate will not be protected and could possibly change. The person you are adding could pay a different rate as well, and there may be change fees involved. In addition, in some cases, changes will not be permitted particularly in the case of cruises where they sometimes reach their maximum passenger capacity.

Why is it so expensive for one person to go alone?

Cruise Lines and resorts base their rates on double occupancy. Therefore, when traveling alone, you will be charged a supplemental fee. Please note that this fee only applies to the room rate. Taxes and airfare costs do not increase for this reason.

Should I purchase trip insurance?

We recommend protecting your vacation investment by purchasing travel insurance. While you may think there’s nothing that could prevent you from departing on your dream vacation, the reality is that life is simply unpredictable. Travel protection provides coverage if you have to cancel due to injury, sickness, or death to you, a traveling companion or family member. However, it does not cover unstable, pre-existing conditions. It will also cover you if you have a medical emergency during your trip, or if your baggage is lost or damaged, among other things.

What does a category guarantee mean?

This guarantees you to have at least the category that you have purchased, with the possibility of an upgrade. If you have chosen this option, you will not receive an exact stateroom number at the time of booking. Typically, the stateroom assignment is made at the pier. However, you may occasionally find out a couple of weeks in advance.

How do I get a passport?

You may apply for a passport at your local post office. Many cities also have local passport offices. For further information regarding obtaining a passport, please consult: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html. Please keep in mind that you will need to allow 6-8 weeks for your passport to be processed.

How much are gratuities on a cruise?

The following guidelines are suggested by the cruise lines: Stateroom attendant - $3.50 per person, per day. Head Waiter - $3.50 per person, per day. Assistant waiters - $1.75 per person, per day. Gratuities for the Headwaiter/Maitre D and other service personnel are at your discretion. For your convenience onboard the ship, a 15% gratuity is automatically included on all beverage tabs. In some cases, the cruise line will automatically add the recommended gratuities to your onboard account. The recommended gratuity is $10.00 per adult per day, $5.00 per child (3-12 years old) and $0.00 for children under 3 years old. If you would prefer to offer gratuities to each staff member personally, you may remove the gratuities from your onboard account by visiting the pursers desk.

My passport lists my first, middle, and last names; do I need to have my middle name listed on my tickets?

Middle names and suffixes are not necessary. Any tickets provided for your vacation will only list your first and last names.

I am planning my honeymoon. Since I'll be newly married at the time of travel, should I use my married name or my maiden name when making a reservation?

Depending on whether or not you can obtain a copy of your marriage certificate prior to departure, you may do one of two things: You may reserve your vacation in your maiden name and carry Proof of Citizenship that reflects your maiden name, OR you may reserve your vacation in your married name and carry Proof of Citizenship that reflects your married name. Please note that if you carry several types of identification reflecting your married and maiden names, it is suggested that you also carry a copy of your marriage certificate to document your name change.

What happens if my flight is delayed for the cruise?

Both the cruise line and airline will work to assist in getting you to the ship . In the event of minor scheduling delays or flight cancellations, speak to the airline first, to find out when you will be able to depart. Then, contact our Customer Service Department, who will alert the cruise line to your situation. If your delay is only minor, we may be able to have the transfer shuttle meet you as planned. For major delays and flight cancellations, the resolutions are determined on a case-by-case basis. In some instances, the airline will fly you to the next port of call. In other instances, the airline may provide hotel accommodations or other options. If you purchased airfare independently of the cruise line, you will need to work directly with the airline. In either case, we recommend advising the airline that you are on your way to meet a cruise ship. The airline may then prioritize you above other passengers. Please consider the purchase of travel insurance, as there may be times when the airline and cruise line cannot help you, but the insurance can.

What's the best time to take a cruise?

It depends on where you'd like to go. The Caribbean is fantastic year round; however, some of the more exotic destinations are seasonal. For example, you can only cruise to Alaska between May and September, to Europe between April and November, to Bermuda between April and October, and to the Panama Canal between September and April.

When is Hurricane Season?

The U.S. National Hurricane Service officially designates June 1 to November 30 as hurricane season, however, historically, the greatest concentration of hurricane and tropical storm activity generally tends to be between late August and mid-October.

When is the most affordable time to take a cruise?

If you are looking for the very least expensive time to take a cruise, then consider sailing between the end of August and the sailing before Christmas, but not over Christmas or Thanksgiving. Many families have children who are back in school, and people also begin saving vacation time, and money, for the holiday season. If you're looking for a senior citizen rate, a regional promotion, a past passenger promotion, or a last minute deal, you'll likely find it during this period, rather than during the Winter, Spring, or Summer.

Why should I book with your company?

There are a number of reasons to book with us. Among them: fast, courteous, service with the best rates in the country.

What Proof of Citizenship do I need for my vacation? Do I need a passport?

ALL PERSONS traveling by air outside of the United States are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. LAND AND SEA TRAVEL. The following summarizes information available on the Department of Homeland Security’s website. CURRENTLY: U.S. citizens need to present either (a) a passport, passport card (available in spring 2008), or WHTI-compliant document; or (b) a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, along with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate. LATER: As early as June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card, or WHTI-compliant document. Note: The passport requirement does NOT apply to U.S. citizens traveling to or returning directly from a U.S. territory. Non-U.S. citizens should contact the consulates or embassies of the countries visited regarding the proper documentation necessary for travel. We recommend all travelers confirm the entry requirements for all countries prior to departure. The following website may assist you in verifying the required documentation for travel: http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1229.html. Please be advised that knowing, securing and bringing the required identification is solely the responsibility of the passengers. We are unable to provide refunds for clients who do not possess the necessary documentation.

Will I need a tuxedo?

On most cruises, a tuxedo is not required, although gentleman should plan on bringing a dark suit in order to attend the formal night(s). If you prefer to dress to the nines, many cruise lines offer tuxedo rentals.

Are there medical services onboard?

Virtually every cruise ship (except for some smaller vessels operating in coastal waters) has a fully equipped medical facility and staff to handle medical emergencies.

Do they have babysitting on board?

Most of the major cruise lines offer babysitting services, however availability can depend on the destination and time of year. Cruise lines with limited facilities for children may not provide a children's program or babysitting services, unless a certain number of children are onboard. Ask your Vacation Consultant to check with the cruise line about the policy in place for the specific cruise you are considering. Most cruise lines offer babysitting in a group setting, and some also offer private babysitting service in your stateroom. There is generally a fee for these services. Babysitting services are offered during certain evening hours when the children’s program is not in operation, but generally not on the first or the last night of the cruise. Babysitting during daytime hours is usually offered only while at sea, but a some cruise lines may have more flexible hours.

What are the deposit and final payment requirements?

Deposit requirements will vary, based upon your proximity to travel, cost of the trip and the cruise line or tour operator your vacation is booked through. At a minimum, deposits are generally at least $200 per person. In many cases, greater amounts may be required at time of purchase, which will be disclosed during the booking process. Final payment requirements also vary depending on the package selected. Due dates range anywhere from 60 days prior to departure to 150 days prior.

What is the United States Border Security Act, and what do I need to do to prepare?

The United States Border Security Act is legislation, signed by President George Bush in May 2002, which 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. his manifest includes personal information about each passenger including 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 supply any piece of required data, 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, and you will be asked to send or fax this information prior to your cruise.

Should I consider purchasing travel insurance?

When will I receive my cruise documents?

In most cases, documents will be delivered within 10 days of departure date. Documents may be delivered in a variety of ways, including regular mail and email, depending on the type of package you reserve. In some cases, it may not be necessary to receive actual tickets, as e-tickets are sometimes utilized. Once you have secured your reservation, you will receive further details as to how your documents will arrive. If you have a cruise-only reservation, it may be necessary to pick your travel documents up the day of departure at the pier. For reservations that include airfare, you can make arrangements to set up an overnight delivery. The cruise line or tour operator may arrange your reservation to be e-ticketed; in this instance, an email confirmation with your itinerary will be sent to you.

What is an Air/Sea package?

An air/sea package is when you purchase your airline arrangements through the cruise line, in conjunction with your cruise reservation. 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 typically includes roundtrip transfers from the airport to/from the ship (except for all Costa Cruises, Princess cruises, and select Holland America cruises).

When will I get my air schedule?

Cruise lines generally assign flights approximately 21 days prior to departure. Only then will you know your airline and flight schedule. You may request to customize your flights for an additional fee, plus any additional airfare costs. Without doing so, we are unable to guarantee seat assignments, non-stop flights, specific flight times, or a specific airline. In addition, we are unable to guarantee the same flight schedule if more than one cabin is booked and are traveling together. If these are important to you, we recommend customizing your flights. In some cases, custom flight itineraries may not be an option.

What if I have to cancel?

Cancellation policies vary between cruise lines and tour operators, and they typically increase incrementally as the travel date approaches. During the reservation process, you will be advised of the cancellation policy applicable to your specific cruise or vacation package. It is the sole responsibility of the passenger to be familiar with the penalties assessed for cancellation. In addition to any fees assessed by the cruise line or tour operator, we will apply a $75.00 administrative fee for all cancellations. To protect yourself from penalties for canceling due to medical reasons, we encourage you to purchase a Travel Protection plan. Our Customer Service Department is always available to answer any questions regarding these policies.

Will I have cell phone service while at sea?

Norwegian, Orient, Carnival, and Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas are the only cruise lines to offer onboard cellular service at present, however more ships are likely to offer the service in the future. In the meantime, in-room telephones and onboard Internet facilities help you stay in touch. Keep in mind however, that such services require additional fees. While internet access is typically reasonable, ship-to-shore phone calls are generally quite pricey.

What is a stateroom category?

A group of staterooms that are assigned the same rank because of their size, amenities, deck level, and location. Prices vary according to category.

Are there different classes of service?

Today's cruise ships are "one class." Everyone on board can use all of the ship's facilities. The price of a stateroom is based primarily on its size and location. Regardless of the category you book, you'll enjoy the same courteous service, menus, activities, and entertainment as everyone else on board.

What is an upgrade?

An upgrade is when you purchase a particular room category and receive a more expensive room at no additional cost to you. Upgrades may also be purchased, providing that there is availablity in your desired room category.

What is the difference between a Category Guarantee and a Run of Ship stateroom?

Both the Category Guarantee and Run of Ship options typically provide a great value in that they are usually reduced fares with the possibility of an upgrade. Category Guarantee means you will receive at least the category that you have purchased, with the possibility of an upgrade. If you have chosen this option, you will not receive an exact stateroom number at the time of booking, as the cruise lines typically assign the stateroom closer to the departure date or even at the pier. Run of Ship means that your stateroom could be literally anywhere on the ship. This could be from the lowest deck to the highest, inside or outside staterooms, front, back, or mid-ship. As with guarantee cabins, you will generally receive your stateroom number either fairly close to departure date or even at the pier. Many passengers consistently purchase their staterooms in this manner and are satisfied with the savings and with the staterooms that they receive. However, if having a specific view, bedding configuration, or location on the ship are important to you, we recommend that you choose to purchase a cabin assignment, rather than a Cabin Guarantee or Run of Ship stateroom.

If I don't purchase airfare through the cruise line, how will I get to the ship from the airport?

Many cruise lines offer transportation from the airport to the pier for their guests. The cost for this service varies, and in most cases, may be paid in advance. Reservations for this service are typically accepted up until approximately 3 weeks prior to your departure, and you may often choose a one-way or round-trip service. The cruise line will need to know your flight itinerary at the time of purchase so that they may coordinate the transfer service. If purchasing the transfers in advance is not an option, you may typically purchase them at the airport on the day of the cruise's departure. To do this, proceed to the baggage claim area and see the cruise line's representative to inquire about being added to their transfer manifest. Guests who do not purchase the transfer service through the cruise line are responsible for their own transportation to and from the pier.

How do I choose my flights?

If you have elected to purchase your flights through the cruise line, you may select specific flights by purchasing an Air Deviation. An Air Deviation, also referred to as customizing your flights, allows you to request specific dates, times, airlines, air cities, or nonstop flights. The cruise lines charge $35-$75 per person, plus any additional airfare costs to make this request. The benefit of an Air Deviation is that it confirms you on a preferred flight schedule. Without an air deviation, we are unable to guarantee specific flight times, schedules, or nonstop flights. In addition, if people from two or more staterooms are traveling together, we are unable to guarantee that they will all share the same flight schedule unless an Air Deviation is requested. Also, without an Air Deviation, you will not know your flight schedule until approximately 21-30 days prior to your departure. If you are purchasing your flights independently of the cruise line, you will want to inquire about the appropriate flight schedules when you purchase your cruise. Keep in mind, you will want to allow ample time to arrive to the pier on the day of the cruise's departure in case there are airline delays. Additionally, due to the disembarkation process, you will require several hours between when the cruise ship returns to port and when you must be at the airport for your return flight. We strongly encourage you to speak with our Customer Service representatives or you Vacation Consultant to obtain specific guidelines for your particular cruise.

How will I know if there have been changes made to my flight itinerary?

If we have received notification of the schedule change, we will make every effort to contact you with that information. However, there are many instances in which we are not apprised of changes in flight schedules. As a result, we highly recommend that you contact the airline prior to departure to reconfirm your flights.

Which cruise line should I choose?

There are over 40 different cruise lines to choose from. Depending on your preferences, you can select a ship that accommodates anywhere from 100 to more than 2,000 passengers. There are cruises that are geared towards adventure, history, culture or just plain relaxation and fun! We recommend searching our website to discover what type of cruising experience most appeals to you. If you’re still unsure, one of our expert Vacation Consultants would be happy to narrow down the options for you!

Does Spring Break impact cruises?

More and more cruise lines are tailoring cruises for the Spring Break crowd. For those travelers who would prefer not to be among the young revelers, but who do want to cruise during the Spring Break time period (usually late winter through mid-spring) we suggest discussing this at length with your Vacation Consultant or one of our Customer Service representatives.

Can I celebrate a special occasion?

If you'd like to celebrate an anniversary, honeymoon or birthday on the ship, we can have your reservation noted in advance or you can let the maitre d' know once you are on board. Many cruise lines no longer observe these occasions free of charge, so it is best to inquire at the time you finalize your reservation. Most cruise lines also offer honeymoon and anniversary packages at an additional cost.

What's included in my cruise fare?

In most cases, your cruise will include your stateroom, meals in the buffet restaurants and main dining room, entertainment, 24-hour room service, and drinks such as milk, juice, non-specialty coffee, and tea.

What's NOT included in my cruise fare?Discretionary items, such as specialty restaurants, shore excursions, alcoholic beverages, carbonated soft drinks, photographs, gratuities, medical treatment, casino expenditures, spa treatments, shop purchases.

Are cruise itineraries subject to change?

Cruise lines attempt to follow published schedules as closely as possible, yet this is not always feasible. Regrettably, any cruise line reserves the right to change a scheduled itinerary without prior notice. Situations which may call for an itinerary change are strikes, lockouts, weather, riots, and mechanical difficulties, to name a few. Cruise lines are not held legally liable for any loss to guests by cancellation, advancement, deviation, substitution, or postponement. If an itinerary change is necessary, cruise lines may substitute another ship or port of call, and they will always attempt to keep passengers informed of changes.

Why is it so expensive for one person to travel alone?

Cruise lines and resorts base their rates on double occupancy. Therefore, when traveling alone, you will be charged a supplemental fee. Please note that this fee only applies to the room rate, not to taxes and airfare.

What is a shipboard or Onboard credit (SBC or OBC)?A credit that is posted to your account upon embarkation. It's yours to spend at the spa, in the boutiques, or almost anywhere onboard.

What is a cruise tour?

A cruise combined with a land vacation. The land portion may consist of anything from a hotel stay before or after the cruise to a fully escorted tour and airfare.

Shore excursions are optional off-shore activities that are offered through the cruise line for an additional fee. They often include transportation to the activity itself, a guide or guides familiar with the area or the particular activity, and sometimes a meal or drinks. Shore excursions can sometimes be reserved in advance of sailing, and they may also be purchased independently of the cruise line if you prefer.

What is a port?

A port is the town or other location at which the ship will stop during the cruise.

What is a tender?

A tender is a small boat that is used to transport passengers ashore in ports where the ship is unable to dock directly. There is no charge for the tender. In some cases, wheelchair-bound passengers may experience challenges when trying to take a tender ashore.

What is Freestyle dining?

Unlike traditional dining arrangements where you receive either the early or late seating and are assigned to a particular table for the duration of the cruise, with freestyle dining there are no fixed seating times, assigned tables, or set dining companions. You can dine when, where, and with whom you like. Because you will not have the same wait staff each night, gratuities are usually automatically charged to your shipboard account, to be distrubuted to the appropriate crew members. Although the concept of freestyle dining allows for a less formal atmosphere, many people still enjoy getting dressed up for the formal nights, even on a freestyle cruise. Many of the newer "freestyle ships" also offer specialty restaurants, which require reservations and for which an additional fee is charged.

What information do I need to provide?

When booking a vacation online, it is very important that you enter the correct information for your trip. This includes city of departure, destination, dates of travel, number of travelers (and if traveling with children, the ages of the children) and correct and complete names (as printed on your Proof of Citizenship) of all travelers.

Will my infant be charged the full cruise fare?

Usually. Because cruise lines base their rates on the number of passengers in a stateroom rather than on the age of the passenger, infants are usually charged the full cruise fare. There are a few cruise lines that may only charge port taxes and government fees for infants under a certain age, however this is not the norm throughout the cruise industry.

Do all passengers staying in the same stateroom pay the same rate?

No. Generally, cruise lines will charge a set rate for the first and second person in a stateroom, with a discounted amount for the third, fourth, and/or fifth person in a stateroom. This applies to the cruise fare only, as all passengers are charged the same rate for port taxes and government fees.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept all major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and in most cases, American Express and Discover.

What is the drinking age onboard ship?

Although most ships travel in International waters, the rule of thumb is that the drinking age aboard ship is contingent upon the drinking age at the Port of Departure. Always check with your Vacation Consultant or Customer Service before sailing if you have any concerns regarding the drinking age

What types of beverages are included in my cruise fare?

Non-bottled water, coffee, tea, and juice are generally included in your cruise fare. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are not included in the cruise fare, and in most cases, a 15% gratuity wil be added to your bill when ordering these beverages.

Are there ways to save money on children's beverages?

Yes. Most cruise lines offer the option to purchase a "soda card" or "soda package" for a set fee.

Is there a dress code for dinner?

On most cruises, there are three types of evening attire: Casual, Smart-Casual or Business-Casual, and Formal. Casual attire would be dresses or slacks and blouses for women, sport shirts and trousers for men; Smart- or Business-Casual would be dresses or pantsuits for women, jackets for men; and Formal would be long or short cocktail dresses, dark suits or tuxedos for men

Will there be wheelchair accessibility?

The newer, larger cruise ships have been built with the goal of full accessibility, including wider corridors, more spacious cabins, more (and larger) elevators and ramps where needed. In addition, the designated "wheelchair-accessible" cabins on newer ships are outfitted with many features that will make your cruise a more comfortable experience. Many older ships may be more challenging to the wheelchair-bound cruiser, as there are often raised sills several inches high in many doorways or steps in the entries to some public areas. Corridors may be narrower and elevators smaller, allowing less room for maneuverability. In fact, some areas of older ships may be completely inaccessible to the wheelchair-bound traveler. Additionally, you'll want to consider whether the ship is going to be able to dock directly at the port, or whether tenders (small boats) will be utilized to transport passengers to shore. Most cruise lines will require a release form and/or a statement from your physician stating that you are fit to travel. They may also request confirmation that you require a wheelchair-accessible cabin.

How can I contact family/friends back home if I need to?

The most economical way to communicate with friends and family back home is via email. Many cruise ships offer internet service for a nominal fee, so it's likely that you'll be able to send a message if you'd like to. Some cruises lines have started to offer onboard cellular service as well, and of course there are regular in-room telephones as well. However, keep in mind that ship-to-shore phone calls are exhorbitantly expensive.

Will I have internet access during my cruise?

Many cruise lines now feature “Internet Cafes” onboard, where you can surf the Web and send and receive emails. There is a charge for this service, and the per-minute rates vary by cruise line.

Are there non-smoking areas onboard?

Yes. Today, virtually all ships have smoking and non-smoking tables and/or sections in the dining rooms and lounges. Dining rooms on many of the major cruise lines today are totally smoke-free.

What are shore excursions?

Shore excursions are optional off-shore activities that are offered through the cruise line for an additional fee. They often include transportation to and from the activity itself, a guide or guides familiar with the area or the particular activity, and sometimes may include a meal, snack or drinks.

Is it better to purchase shore excursions in advance?

If you have a specific adventure in mind, then absolutely! Shore excursions, particularly popular ones, tend to fill up quickly. We recommend familiarizing yourself with what planned activities each port of call has to offer, prior to your departure. Pre-reserving your excursions will ensure that you are able to take part in the activities you have your heart set on, and it'll also relieve you of having to fuss with reservations for tours during your cruise.

What if I need over-the-counter medicine?

Many types of medication may not be readily available either aboard ship or in ports of call. Commonly used medication may be purchased at the office of the ship's doctor.

How should I transport my personal medications?

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, as checked luggage may not be accessible at all times. If you take 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 aboard ship or in ports of call. Commonly used medication may be purchased at the office of the ship's doctor.

I have special medical needs, do I need to alert the cruise line?

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