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Every day, more and more people are discovering the
all-inclusive pleasures of a cruise vacation. More singles,
families, couples, honeymooners. second honeymooners and
groups of friends are sailing away on the vacation of their
lives.
Last year alone, nearly five million people enjoyed
cruise vacations. When you add it all up, it's easy to see
why.
The price of your ticket includes all of your meals-and
in-between snacks. All your onboard daytime activities and
fun, nighttime parties and entertainnnent. Plus, a relaxing
voyage to some of the most exciting and exotic places in the
world.
You'll find a cruise ship is a floating resort. With all
the things a fine resort has to offer. And more. You'll meet
new friends-people like yourself-who share the same tastes
and interests. And, you can spend your days and nights being
as lively or leisurely as you like.
The hassles of an ordinary vacation are completely
eliminated in one neat little package. You don't have to
worry about making dinner or nightclub reservations. Running
to make con nections. Packing and unpacking. Or expensive
surprises at restaurants and nightclubs.
You can just lie back and be completely pampered. Or go
non-stop. Dine like never before. Enjoy one great show after
another. Let your cares float away.
It's no wonder that more people are taking cruise
vacations than ever before. And it's no wonder that, once
they get a taste of cruising, they come back for more. Again
and again.
As a matter of fact, cruises have a higher percentage of
satisfied customers than any other vacation experience.
- Isn't
cruising expensive ?
- How long
are cruises ?
- Where can I
go ?
- How do I
book a cruise ?
- Are all
ships and cruises fairly similar ?
- What's an
air/sea cruise ?
- Can I book
on short notice ?
- Do I need a
passport ?
- Are there
different classes of service ?
- Will I get
bored? Feel confined ?
- What's
there to do in port ?
- Do I have
to participate in the activities ?
- Do cruise
lines welcome families with kids ?
- What's
there to do at night ?
- Is there a
charge for the entertainment ?
- Is it easy
to meet people ?
- Will there
people like me ?
- Can
singles have fun on a cruise ?
- What
should I pack ?
- Will I
need a tuxedo ?
- Can I use
my hair dryer or shaver ?
- What are
"different meal seatings ?
- Can I have
seconds ?
- What about
fitness and healthy eating ?
- Can I get
a special diet ?
- What if I
don't like my tablemates ?
- Are there
"non-smoking" areas ?
- Can we
celebrate a "special" day ?
- Is
cruising right for honeymooners ?
- Can we
stay in touch with the "outside ?
- What about
tipping ?
- Isn't
motion-discomfort a problem ?
- Are there
medical services on board ?
- Are there
laundry services aboard ?
- Do cruise
lines accept group bookings ?
- Are there
meeting rooms on-board ?
- Can I
extend my cruise vacation ?
- It all
sounds too good to be true! Is it ?
Isn't
cruising expensive ? There are cruise vacations
to suit every budget, from the cost-conscious to the most
luxurious. Even more important, a cruise offers the best
travel value for your money. Your fare includes all meals,
your stateroom, onboard daytime activities, nighttime
parties and entertainment. So for once, you'll know what
your vacation will end up costing you before you go. (Your
only extra expenses will be drinks, optional shore
excursions, and personal services such as massage or
hairstyling.) You'll be amazed at the value.
How long are
cruises ? As long, or short, as you want. CLlA's
member lines offer itineraries from three days to three
months.
Where can I go
? Where do you want to go? Just check the
"Worldwide Cruise Destination
Guide"
How do I book
a cruise ? Get in touch with us at Cruise
Vacations, Inc. at 1-800-445-6541! Our
professionals will help you pick the cruise that fits your
vacation schedule, tastes and budget; then make all the
arrangements to get you from your doorstep to your
stateroom.
Are all ships
and cruises fairly similar ? Far from it. CLIA
member lines' ships range from under 200 feet to over 1,000.
You can sail with anywhere from fewer than 100 fellow
passengers to nearly 2,500. Experience atmospheres ranging
from casual to formal; classically simple to ultra-deluxe.
You can even choose between traditional propeller-driven
craft and sailing ships.
What's
an air/sea cruise ? A "fly/cruise" or "air/sea
cruise" vacation package includes either free or much
reduced airfare along with your cruise ticket. These
money-saving options are available from most major North
American cities and include transfers between the airport
and ship as well as baggage handling.
Can I
book on short notice ? Even the most popular
cruises sometimes have space available because of late
cancellations. So, have us at Cruise Vacations, Inc. check.
But, to get just exactly the ship, cabin and sailing date
you want, you should plan and book early. Then just sit back
and anticipate all the fun you're going to have!
Do I
need a passport ? This depends on the type of
cruise and your destination. You'll probably need, at least,
some proof of citizenship. You'll receive complete
information on required documents well in advance of your
departure so you'll have plenty of time to make
arrangements.
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
only on its size and location. Regardless of the category
you book, you'll enjoy the same courteous service, menus,
activities and entertainment as every one else on board.
Will I
get bored? Feel confined ? Hardly. Being at sea
gives you a feeling of freedom few places can offer. There's
plenty of room. And it'll probably take you two or three
days just to discover what's on board. Plus, you get the
added adventure of exploring new and exciting ports of call.
Cruise ships are like floating resorts, with all the things
fine resorts have to offer. You can be by yourself and lie
back on a lounge chair, breathe in the sea air, soak up the
sun, read good books or watch the ever-changing view. Or you
can join in exercise classes, dance classes, sports contests
and other organized deck activities. Perhaps you can
practice your tennis strokes, drive golf balls, shoot some
skeet or basketballs. You can go for a swim, stretch out in
the sauna or work out in the gym. You can see a feature
movie, attend lectures by renowned experts, play backgammon
or bridge. And that's just when you're on board!
What's
there to do in port ? So much, you'll have a hard
time choosing! You can go off on your own. Or take a guided
tour. You can search ancient ruins or for shopping bargains.
Ride a raft over river rapids, a bicycle down the side of a
10,000 foot volcano, or a horse across miles of hills and
beaches. Climb a waterfall or pyramid. See the birthplace of
civilization or steel drum bands. Follow the footsteps of
history or the wake of a waterskiing boat. If there's still
time (and you aren't ready to rest yet) enjoy a folkloric
show. Play golf or tennis. Eat native foods. Learn how to
wind surf. Sun and swim at some of the world's best beaches.
Catch a record marlin. Sail, snorkel or go scuba diving. Go
to a nightclub or glitter ing casino. Take a cable car to
the top of a mountain. Explore dark catacombs. In short, a
cruise is the easiest way to see new places and do all the
things you dream of.
Do I
have to participate in the activities ? On a
cruise you do what you want to do. You can do everything. Or
lie back and do absolutely nothing. It's your vacation.
Do
cruise lines welcome families with kids ? 25% of
cruise vacations are booked by families with children. Most
cruise lines make a special point of providing supervised
activi ties for youngsters, 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 kids adapt to shipboard life
with ease, and you won't have to wonder what they're up to
every minute. The cruise staff will help keep them busy and
entertained. Best of all, children generally travel at a
substantially reduced rate.
What's
there to do at night ? At night, life aboard a
cruise ship really turns on. There's dancing, live
entertainment in the nightclubs, discos and lounges. Feature
films. And parties with all your new friends. Most ships
even have casinos. There are also many special events, like
the Captain's Cocktail Party, Passenger's talent Night, the
Masquerade Parade, the Midnight Buffet (just for one last
bite to tide you over 'til breakfast). And the night can go
on as long as you want. Even until the spectacles of sunrise
at sea.
Is
there a charge for the entertainment ? Never. On
a cruise vacation, the entertainment is on the house.
There's no cover. No minimum. No charge for an admission
ticket. The shows are live. The movies are first-rate. The
variety is limitless.
Is it
easy to meet people ? A cruise ship is a great
place to make new friends, because everyone's so friendly.
The atmosphere is cordial, relaxed. And you'll have all
kinds of things in common to talk about. At dinner. At
cocktails. Around the pool. Or along the promenade rail. And
don't be surprised if you find yourself making arrangements
to meet them aboard ship again next year.
Will
there people like me ? No matter what you've
heard to the contrary, there's no such thing as a typical
cruise passenger! AII kinds of people take cruises...of all
ages...from all walks of life...singles, couples and
families. Passengers can vary from ship to ship and cruise
to cruise. Just ask us at Cruise Vacations, Inc. for advice
on the best ship for you, your tastes and lifestyle.
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 just for
singles&emdash; early on, so you can start to be involved
right away. Most ships also have single cabins as well as
single rates for double staterooms. In many cases, a cruise
line will even find you a roommate to share a double if you
ask them.
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. For the
Captain's Gala, for ex ample, 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 ? On some cruises, formal dinners
or parties are part of the fun. But don't buy a tux just for
the trip. Even on the most formal of ships, a dark suit and
tie are fine for the dressiest occasions.
Can I
use my hair dryer or shaver ? Most ships have
11O-volt outlets in the state rooms. But do check with us at
Cruise Vacations, Inc. to be sure.
What
are "different meal seatings ? Some ships'
dining rooms can accommodate all passengers in one
"seating." But, most ships have two seatings which differ
only by time. To choose, just decide whether you prefer to
dine early or later&emdash;then have your Cruise Vacations,
Inc. agent request your preference when you book. Which ever
seating you choose, remember that one of the best ways to
make new friends is to ask for a large table.
Can I
have seconds ? Everything you've ever heard about
cruise ship dining is true. You'll find a varied selection
of entrees (appetizers, salads, soups, vegetables and
desserts, too) everytime you sit down. And there's virtually
no limit on what or how much you can order. Best of all, the
one thing you'll never see on a cruise ship menu is a
price!
What
about fitness and healthy eating ? 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"
or 'fitness" menus selections that are just as tempting as
the regular menu. You can also jog, do aerobics, work out in
the gym, swim, golf, play tennis, and much more. Burning
calories was never so much fun!
Can I
get a special diet ? Most ships can accommodate
salt-free, low-car bohydrate, Kosher, or other diet
preferences. However, this request must be made in advance.
So be sure to advise your Cruise Vacations, Inc. agent of
this requirement when you book your cruise.
What
if I don't like my tablemates ? Rarely is this a
problem. However, if you wish to move to another table,
speak with the maitre d'. He'll make every effort to seat
you with more compatible dining companions...discreetly and
politely.
Are
there "non-smoking" areas ? Today, virtually all
ships have smoking and non smoking table and/or sections in
the dining rooms and lounges. If you want your dining table
in a non-smoking area, just tell your Cruise Vacations, Inc.
agent. On board, in "open-seating" situations, you can
advise your waiter or the maitre d'.
Can we
celebrate a "special" day ? Absolutely! Most
cruise lines will even treat you to a complimentary cake and
a chorus of "Happy Whatever" to honor the ocoasion. Your
birthday or anniversary can be more festive with champagne,
flowers, canapes, wine or cheese. You can even arrange for a
special private party. All you have to do is advise your
Cruise Vacations, Inc. agent in advance.
Is
cruising right for honeymooners ? Without a
doubt. Cruising creates 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) and so much more to remember forever. Most lines
provide special services-from Sunday or Monday departures to
welcome champagne and breakfast in bed. (And, speaking of
beds, most ships have them in double, queen or king
sizes!).
Can we
stay in touch with the "outside ? Quite
easily. Most ships have a daily newsletter with news
headlines, selected stock quotes and sports scores. You can
call someone on shore through the ship's radio operator
while at sea. And you can make phone calls from most ports
of call.
What
about tipping ? Tipping is matter of individual
preference. A general rule of thumb is to plan for about
$2.50 to $3.50 per person per day for your room steward and
dining room waiter, and about half that amount for your
busboy. (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.
Isn't
motion-discomfort a problem ? Not really. The
most popular cruise areas boast some of the calmest waters
in the world. In addition, stabilizers on modern ships,
advance availability of accurate weather information, and
development of effective preventative medications have, for
the most part, eliminated the incidence of motion
discomfort.
Are
there medical services on board ? Virtually every
cruise ship (except for some smaller vessels operating in
coastal waters) has a fully-equipped medical facility and
staff to handle almost any emergency.
Are
there laundry services aboard ? Yes. Almost all
cruise ships have laundry facilities and a great many
provide dry-cleaning services. There is, however, an
additional charge for professional laundry and dry-cleaning
services. Most ships also have self-service launderettes
.
Do
cruise lines accept group bookings ? Most lines
will work with groups&emdash;often at reduced
rates&emdash;depending on how many people are involved.
Policies vary from company to company and sometimes during
certain times of the year. Just consult with a Cruise
Vacations, Inc. agent for details.
Are
there meeting rooms on-board ? Just about every
full size ship has public rooms to offer as meeting space
for groups. If you'd like to make such arrangements, ask a
Cruise Vacations, Inc. agent to contact the cruise line's
group sales department, to coordinate schedules and arrange
for any catering needs. Your ship may also be able to offer
audio-visual equipment.
Can I
extend my cruise vacation ? Your Cruise
Vacations, Inc. agent can arrange pre- or post cruise land
packages at the same time you book your cruise. And, in many
cases, your airline ticket will include helpful options,
such as free stop-overs, that enable you to make your own
special arrangements.
It all
sounds too good to be true! Is it ? In all
seriousness, the one major complaint we hear over and over
again is that cruises end far too soon! Beyond that, it's
hard to find any negatives. After all, you don't have to run
to make plane connections to get from one port to the next.
You don't have the hassles of making dinner or nightclub
reservations. You don't have the bother of packing and
unpacking as you move from place to place. You don't get
unexpected, expensive surprises at restaurants or
nightclubs. You have a wealth of options for shopping,
adventure, sightseeing, exploring, entertainment and sports
activities. All you have to worry about is relaxing and
enjoying your vacation. Most importantly, every crew and
staff member on board is dedicated to making your cruise
vacation the best vacation of your life (until you top it
the next year with your next
cruise!).
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