ANSWERS TO MOST QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE ARE
LISTED ON THIS PAGE
Air Sea Package
The Air Sea package provided by the cruise line is the most economical and fail safe way to purchase your cruise vacation package. Your package will include your airline tickets as well as transfers from the airport terminal to the ship. Using the air sea package allows the cruise line to plan your flights. An uniformed representative of the cruise line will meet you as you deplane or in the baggage claim terminal. If you secure your own airline arrangements the ground transfers will not be included and it will be your responsibility to get to the ship before departure time.
Please note: The choice of airline, routing, and flight times are at the discretion of the CRUISE LINE not the Cruise Desk. The cruise lines do their best to secure the most convenient flight schedules, but this is not always possible. If you are not satisfied with the flight schedule provided by the cruise line or you wish to extend your stay or depart early you may apply for an air deviation from the cruise line. Air deviations are arranged with the cruise line, by our office, at your request. There is generally a charge of $35-$50 per person by the cruise line to provide this service. All changes must be done before final payment date (60 days prior to your cruise). * Please Note: All holiday flight schedules are especially full and flight times may not be as convenient.
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Trip Cancellation Insurance
We strongly recommend, for your peace of mind and protection for your investment, that you purchase trip cancellation
insurance If you have questions as to what is and is not covered under the insurance policy, please call
us at 1-866-618-7765 and speak directly with a representative. We feel insurance provides
the most comprehensive protection for your cruise dollar and peace of
mind.
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Cruise Ticket Packet
Your Cruise documents will be mailed to you approximately 2 weeks prior to sailing. Please check your cruise documents for any errors and notify us of any discrepancies immediately. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call us. If your cruise ticket does not show your cabin number that means the cruise line will assign it on the day of departure. When you arrive at the cruise terminal, ask a porter to obtain your cabin number from the ship's manifest. Please be sure to pack your documents in your carry on bag and not in your suitcase.
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Luggage
Porters at the airport and cruise terminal are available for your assistance. Tipping is usually $1.00 per bag. Airlines limit your luggage to two checked bags plus one carry on, or three checked bags per person. Your luggage, in most cases will be checked through to the ship and will be delivered directly to your cabin. Considering how many pieces of luggage must be sorted through, this may take a few hours. You may wish to pack some causal clothes in your carry on so that you may change into more comfortable clothes upon boarding. We recommend that you bring all jewelry, valuables, and medicines aboard in your carry on baggage.
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Necessities
One of the most important things to remember is any medication you may require. Also, remember comfortable shoes to get around on the ship and for walking at your ports of call. A good book is also great for some quiet relaxation. Of course, don't forget your camera, film, batteries, sunglasses, and bathing suits. A travel iron can also be quite handy as well as a travel alarm clock. Hair dryers will work on most ships.
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Identification
All cruise lines require you to have proof of U.S. citizenship. A passport or birth certificate along with a photo I.D. such as a drivers license, are sufficient. Photocopies of birth certificates are not acceptable. They must either be an original or a certified copy. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please notify our office immediately, as you will require special documents.
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Safes
Safes are available in some of the cabins or at the purser's desk. There is no charge for their use.
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Credit Cards & Travelers Checks
Most ports of call will accept all major credit cards and travelers checks.
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Money on the Ship
Most cruise lines now operate as a "cashless society". Upon embarkation you will be issued a charge card for use on board the ship. To open your charge account you will either need a major credit card or cash deposit. Your shipboard charge card can be used for all drinks, services, and purchases on board. You will be given a receipt for each purchase you make. At the end of your cruise, a final statement of all shipboard charges will be delivered to you. If you are paying in cash you must go to the purser's desk to settle your account.
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Room Service
Your cabin steward can provide extra towels, pillows, or blankets. If your room temperature is not to your liking you may ask the cabin steward for help. They want you to have a perfect vacation. Most ships offer free room service 24 hours a day.
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Dining Room Requests
We will notify the cruise line of your dining requests in advance. In most cases they are able to accommodate your request, although this is not guaranteed. Occasionally you are required to verify your request when you board the ship. The Maitre'D will be in the dining room and he will do everything possible to comply with your requests once you embark on your cruise. If after your first meal you would like different dining companions, see the Maitre'D and request another table.
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Dining Options
Fine dining is one of the highlights of your cruise vacation. All meals are included in the price of your cruise package. This is the time to try some new and different items. If you try a new item and it's not what you expected ask for something else, it's your vacation! Almost all ships offer "light" menu items for people wishing a few less calories. If you require a special diet please advise our office and we will notify the cruise line. Once aboard the ship, it's wise to verify the special diet request with the Maitre'D. The day begins with coffee and danish for the early risers, followed by the breakfast buffet, there is also full service in the dining room. A continental breakfast is available from room service in your cabin. This is a great idea if you have planned an early shore excursion. A full buffet lunch is available, as well as hot dogs and hamburgers by the pool. There will also be full service in the dining room. Afternoon snacks and ice-cream are available around 4 p.m. Dinner will be served in the dining room followed by a midnight buffet.
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What to Wear
The following are guidelines only. Wear clothing that you are comfortable in as well as clothing that is appropriate for the occasion. Most seven night cruises have two formal nights; shorter cruises usually have only one. Gentlemen wearing a dark suit, jacket, or tuxedo will be appropriately attired for formal dining. Pant suits and semi-formal to formal dresses are appropriate for women. Some ships also have theme nights such as Country and Western or Caribbean night. You can dress up or just watch the fun. Dress on board during the day is casual and relaxed. One rule to remember is no shorts are allowed in the dining room for dinner. Shorts are fine for breakfast and lunch in the dining room. For cruises to northern climates, be sure to bring warm dry clothing. Good rainwear is highly recommended.
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Your Time in Port
While you are in port, the casino and shipboard shops will be closed. All other activities and dining options will still be available. You can come and go as you please, the ship is your own floating resort.
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Daily Log
When you arrive in your cabin there will be a listing of all activities taking place during that day, times and places will also be given. The daily log states the attire for the evening (formal, casual, etc.) Each evening, a new log with the activities for the next day will be placed in your cabin.
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Children's Programs
Almost all cruise lines now offer a program for children. Usually, there are programs for children of different age groups. During the summer and school vacations there will be a more extensive program then at other times of the year. Baby-sitting services, if available, may be arranged on board at the purser's desk.
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Motion Sickness
Most first time cruisers are concerned about the possibility of motion sickness. Every ship offers, free of charge, motion sickness pills. These pills are available at the purser's desk. If you are prone to motion sickness we recommend you consult your doctor or pharmacist prior to your cruise. Remember there is always a doctor on board the ship in case of emergencies.
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Port Lectures and Shore Excursions
The shore excursion office will have information on various shore excursions offered in each port. Shore excursions can cost anywhere from $20 and up per person. Before you arrive in each port an informational lecture will be held to explain various attractions and help you decide what you would like to see and do. You may decide to explore on your own or take any of the many tours offered. If you decide to do your own sightseeing, be sure to ask the tour desk about possible attractions, events, transportation, etc.
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Tendering in Port
Some ships are too large for certain ports. In such cases smaller boats are used to transfer passengers between ship and port. If this poses an inconvenience to you, please ask your agent to help you select a ship that is able to dock in all ports of call.
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Passenger Talent Night
Do you have a special talent? Most ships have a passenger talent night. Why not share your gift with your fellow passengers. This is your chance to shine!
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Gratuities
Tipping is a personal matter. Only you can judge the quality of service provided to you on your vacation. The cruise lines generally recommend tipping your waiters $3 per day per person, your bus boy $1.50 per person per day, and your cabin steward $3 per person per day. Read waiters are tipped at your discretion. Envelopes will be provided to you the last night of the cruise. Tipping will also be mentioned in the disembarkation talk. Please note: Gratuities are automatically included for any shipboard beverage purchase.
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Packing Your Bags
On the last night of the cruise you will be asked to put your luggage outside your cabin. Be sure to leave out your clothes for the next day as well as any medication, bathroom toiletries, and any valuables. Please double check everything to make sure nothing is left behind. Reminder: Do not pack your return airline tickets.
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Disembarkation Information
Usually the day prior to your return home, the cruise line will have a disembarkation lecture. Dring this time the cruise director will explain the procedures for clearing customs. Information on your duty free limits and the procedures to be followed the next day will be given.
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Disembarkation Procedures
The ships arrive back very early to their homeports. Your breakfast hour will be earlier than normal and you will not be able to order room service that morning. Please follow the instructions of the cruise line and everyone will get off in a timely and efficient manner. Customs does have the right to spot search anyone and everything so have the keys to your luggage where you can easily find them.
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Some Final Words
This is your vacation. Relax, enjoy, meet new people, make new friends, and try new things. A cruise ship can be non-stop activities and events. So have fun! Bring home some nice souvenirs and some wonderful memories. Thank you for allowing us to serve you in making your travel arrangements.
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