Honest Answers to Common Cruise Holiday Questions ...
Is cruising affordable and a good vacation value?
Cruising is the best vacation value! There are
cruise vacations to suit every budget. Your cruise fare includes
meals, your stateroom, on-board activities and entertainment, plus
transportation from port to port. You'll know what your vacation
will end up costing you before you go. (Typically, your only extra
expenses will be drinks, specialty restaurants, optional shore
excursions, and personal services such as massage or hairstyling.)
How long are cruises?
As long or short as you want. Cruise lines offer
itineraries from three days to three months.
Where can I go?
Wherever you want! Cruises visit over 1,800 ports
worldwide and practically every destination accessible by water.
How do I book a cruise?
Visit or call a Cruise specialist travel agency! (like
us!) These professionals will help you pick the cruise that fits
your vacation schedule, tastes and budget. They can make all the
arrangements to get you from your doorstep to your ship and back.
Make sure your agent is familiar with cruises and that the agency
or internet supplier is fully qualified to help you. Ask if they
have any cruise counselors.
Are all ships fairly similar?
Far from it. Cruise lines' ships range from intimate
and yacht-like to vessels stretching longer than three football
fields. You can sail with fewer than 100 fellow guests or with
more than 2,600 and soon more than 5400! Enjoy atmospheres ranging
from casual to formal, contemporary to classic. You can even choose
sail-assisted ships. Enjoy the endless activities offered on a
contemporary resort-style cruise, or immerse yourself in the culture
of a destination on a special interest cruise.
Are there different types of cruises?
There are cruises designed to suit virtually every interest
and personal preference.
The choices include: boutique, luxury cruises with globetrotting
itineraries; large, contemporary ships with a fantastic array of
recreational facilities; classic vessels evoking the time-honored
traditions of cruising; special-interest or exploration cruises
specializing in unique destinations with an accent on cultural
enrichment.
There are cruise lines that feature soft adventure expeditions
to such unusual and rustic frontiers as Antarctica, the Amazon
rain forest or African Serengeti. Or discover historical legacies
closer to home with enlightening itineraries to New England, French
Canada and the Colonial America coast.
For experienced travelers, destination-focused cruises specialize
in premium, culturally-rich ports of call with itineraries dedicated
to illuminating such historic, world-class treasures as the antiquities
of classical Greece, the Polynesian paradise of Hawaii or the fabled
splendor of Norwegian fjords.
For many, the perfect vacation includes the non-stop fun and sun
of a tropical resort-style cruise to the Caribbean, where you can
sample a variety of island cultures and cuisines while working
on a terrific sun tan.
Plus, many cruise lines create special "themes" on-board,
with entertainment ranging from jazz festivals and classical music
concerts to golf clinics and murder mysteries at sea!
Are there any special educational programs on-board?
To complement the spirit of discovery that travel evokes,
many cruise lines feature an extensive program of on-board enrichment
seminars hosted by distinguished guest experts. In addition to
lectures highlighting the history and sights of ports you will
be visiting, there may also be special in-depth presentations ranging
from Renaissance works of art and strategic financial planning
to epicurean secrets of classic French cuisine.
What's an air/sea cruise?
A fly/cruise or an air/sea vacation package includes,
along with your cruise ticket, either free or reduced-cost airfare
to and from the ship's port of embarkation. These convenient money-saving
options are available from most major North American cities and
include ground transfers between the airport and ship as well as
baggage handling.
Do I need a passport?
As a rule – YES! Although this depends
on the type of cruise and your destination. You will need some
proof of citizenship and identification. You cannot have better
protection than that of a Passport. You'll receive complete information
on required documents well in advance of your departure. Also check
to see if you need a visa for the particular itinerary.
Do I need Vaccinations?
Check with your Doctor, and your travel agency
who will be able to advise you.
Are there different classes of service?
Today's cruise ships are "one-class." Everyone
can use all of the ship's facilities. The price of a cabin 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.
Will I get bored? Feel confined?
Hardly! 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 two or three days 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. Or you can 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!
What can I do in port?
So much you'll have a hard time choosing! You
can explore on your own or take a guided tour (referred to as shore
excursions). 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 waterskiing 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!
Do I have to participate in the activities?
On a cruise, you do what you want, when you want.
You can do everything or do absolutely nothing. It's your vacation!
Do cruise lines welcome families with kids?
More and more cruise vacations are booked by families
with children. Most cruise lines provide plenty of supervised
activities for kids, 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. The youth counselors
will help keep them busy and entertained. Ships even offer different
types of age-appropriate activities, suitable for toddlers to
teens. Best of all, children often travel at a reduced rate.
What's there to do at night?
When the stars come out, a cruise ship really turns on.
There's 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, Passenger Talent Night, Broadway-style shopws and
Las Vegas-type revues.
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.
Will there be people like me?
There's no such thing as a typical cruise passenger! All kinds
of people take cruises now... all ages... from all walks of life...
singles, couples and families. Just ask your cruise agent for advice
on the best ship for you, based on your tastes and lifestyle.
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. As on shore, attire is dictated
by occasion. At the Captain's Gala, 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.
Will I need a tuxedo?
Many cruise lines now feature a more relaxed and casual
approach to dress throughout the cruise -- while on
others, formal dinners or parties are part of the fun. But don't
buy a tuxedo just for the trip. Even on the most formal of ships,
a dark suit and tie are fine for the dressiest occasions. Plus,
many ships offer tuxedo rental services.
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 parties
for singles -- early on, so you can get to know people right away.
Many ships even offer social hosts who can be dance partners, dinner
companions or a fourth at cards.
Most ships also have single cabins as well as single rates for
double staterooms. If you ask them, many cruise lines will even
find you a roommate to share a cabin so you can obtain the per
person/double occupancy rate, saving you even more on a great vacation.
Can I use my hair dryer or shaver?
Most ships have 110-volt outlets in the staterooms. But
do check with your cruise travel agent or agency to be sure. Most
ships even feature hair-dryers in your cabin.
What about meal times?
Again, there are choices and more choices. During
the day, there are many different places to eat - in the formal
dining room, on deck, in a pizzeria, at an espresso bar, to name
a few. At night, most ships offer several venues. Some ships' dining
rooms can accommodate all guests at one time, called a "seating." Many
ships offer you a choice of several eating times, and others encourage
you to come to dinner whenever you like. More traditional ships
have two seatings in their formal dining rooms, 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 your cruise travel agent request your preference when you
book your cruise. Frequently, you can choose to dine at night someplace
other than the formal dining room, such as in an intimate restaurant
that features, for example, Italian, Chinese, Japanese or Southwestern
cuisine. More and more cruise lines are opening up their informal
lido areas to evening dining, where the dress and dishes always
are casual, and sometimes, you can even eat out under the stars.
And a large number of ships offer romantic in-cabin dinners. The
choice is yours!
Is cruise ship dining as good as I've been told?
Everything you've heard about cruise ship dining is true. At
each meal, you'll find a varied selection of entrees (appetizers,
salads, soups, vegetables, and desserts, too), and each day the
selection will be different. If you've ever wanted to experiment
with a cuisine or try a dish, you can feel free to order more than
one entrée or appetizer (or dessert!). But, just because
your cruise ship offers plenty of delicious food, doesn't mean
you'll come home out of shape. You can choose low-cal, spa, vegetarian
or fitness menu selections that are just as tempting as the regular
menu. Best of all, the one thing you'll never see on a cruise ship
menu is a price. Because your meals are included!
Can I get a special diet?
Most ships can accommodate salt-free, low-carbohydrate,
low cholesterol, Kosher, or other diet preferences. However, this
request must be made in advance, so be sure to advise your cruise
travel agent when you book your cruise.
What about dining companions - can I sit with my spouse and friends
only, or will I have tablemates?
Experienced cruisers say they prefer sitting at a table
with several other diners; some lifelong friendships
have been made this way. But the cruise lines are geared to accommodate
each guest's wishes, and it is possible to request a table for
two or four. In the unlikely event that you do wish to change
tablemates, speak with the maitre d', who will make every effort
to seat you with more compatible dining companions... discretely
and politely.
Are there non-smoking areas?
Virtually all ships have smoking and non-smoking sections in
the public rooms and on deck. In fact, many dining rooms, and even
some entire ships, are now totally smoke-free, reflecting passenger
requests. If you want your dining table in a non-smoking area,
just tell your cruise travel agent. On board, you can advise the
maitre d'.
Can we celebrate a special occasion?
Absolutely! Most cruise lines will even treat
you to a complimentary cake and a chorus of "Happy Whatever" to
honor the occasion. Your birthday or anniversary can be more festive
with champagne, flowers, or canapés. You can even arrange
for a special private party. All you have to do is cruise travel
agent in advance.
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 (even under the stars).
Most lines provide special services -- from Sunday or Monday departures
to champagne and breakfast in bed.
Can we stay in touch with the outside world?
Quite easily. Most ships have a daily newsletter
with news, headlines, selected stock quotes and sports scores.
Many staterooms are equipped with televisions and have satellite
or cellular telephones. You can also call someone on shore through
the ship's radio officer while at sea. In addition, most ships
have fax capabilities and a growing number have computer cafes
with Internet access for e-mail communication and even internet
access in your cabin.
What about tipping?
Tipping is a matter of individual preference. A
general rule of thumb is to plan for about $10.00 per person per
day for your cabin steward and dining room waiter, and your assistant
waiter. (A few cruise lines include tipping in the price and will
so inform you.) Other shipboard personnel can be tipped for special
services at your discretion. Some luxury and ultra-luxury cruise
lines are gratuities included and there is no expectation or requirement
for on board tipping. Always check.Are there medical services onboard?
Virtually every cruise ship (except for some smaller vessels operating
in coastal waters) has a medical facility and health care professionals
on staff to handle almost any emergency. If you have a medical
condition that might put you at risk, discuss it with your doctor
and inform the cruise lines at the time of booking. And, whenever
you travel, check to see what your health insurance covers.
Are there laundry services aboard ship?
Almost all cruise ships have laundry facilities and many provide
dry-cleaning services. There is, however, an additional charge
for professional laundry and dry-cleaning services. Many ships
also have self-service launderettes.
Do cruise lines accept group bookings?
Most lines welcome groups -- often at special
rates, depending on how many people are involved. Policies vary
from company to company and sometimes during certain times of the
year. Just consult your cruise travel agent for details.
Are there meeting rooms onboard?
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 your cruise travel agent 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.
Can I extend my cruise vacation?
Cruise lines feature special pre-or post-hotel packages that
allow you to extend your vacation in either your port of embarkation
or debarkation.
Is motion discomfort a problem?
Rarely. Popular cruise itineraries ply 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.
It sounds too good to be true! Is it?
The one complaint we hear time and again is that cruises
end far too soon! Beyond that, it's hard to find any
negatives. All you have to do is relax and enjoy your vacation.
Most importantly, every crew and staff member on board is dedicated
to making your cruise the best vacation of your life (until you
top it with your next cruise!)
What’s Included in my cruise?
When you dream about the perfect vacation, what
comes to mind? Breathtaking scenery? Exotic, far-away lands? Maybe
a little rest and relaxation with a day at a therapeutic spa, or
a cocktail on a balcony as you bask in the romantic glow of the
setting sun. Whatever your idea is, cruiselines take care of everything
to make your dream vacation a reality.
No need to worry about making hotel reservations or searching
for the right restaurant – state-of-the-art cruise ships
are filled with everything you need for an all-inclusive vacation.
Your cruise fare includes:
• Stateroom accommodations including bed, bathroom, shower
and TV
• Personalized service of one Princess staff member for every three passengers
• Gourmet dining, all meals including 24 hour room service
• Las Vegas-style Casinos and Broadway-style shows
• Onboard activities (fresh water pools, deck parties)
• Edutainment / Kids programs
• Gym with exercise classes
• Library and card room
• Nightclub
• Unpack once, visit many destinations
Also available on the ship: (additional charges apply with some
exceptions)
• Full service spa & massage therapy
• Beauty salon
• Boutiques & shopping
• Art auctions/galleries
• Shore excursions
• Personal Fitness trainers
• Full Day babysitting service
• Bar drinks (some cruise lines include alcoholic beverages)
Next: Your Cruise Holiday Checklist
This Guide to Cruising is being updated regularly - Please bookmark this page
and come back again for the next 'chapter'
-
Introduction
to this Cruising Guide ...
-
How
much more you can enjoy a cruise compared to a 'land' based holiday ...
-
How
to research a cruise holiday
-
Types
of Cruise Ship Accommodation
-
What
Part of the Ship Should You Choose For Your Cabin?
-
How
to choose your cruise cabin
-
Choosing
and Booking your Cruise Part
1 and Part 2
-
Should
I book my Cruise through a Travel Agent?
-
Cruises - FAQs ... Answers
to frequently asked questions on Cruise Holidays
-
Your
Cruise Checklist ... Things to consider when choosing your cruise ...
-
So
what do all those sailing terms mean?
-
How
to Choose a Cruising Holiday - What different Itineraries mean ...
-
Cruise
Destinations - Caribbean Cruises
-
Cruise
Destinations - Alaska Cruises
-
Cruise
Destinations - Hawaii Cruises
-
Cruise
Destinations - Mexican Riviera Cruises
-
Choosing
the right kind of cruise ship for your kind of holiday
-
What
kind of cruise traveler are you?
- Next ...Singles Cruising
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