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Information contained here is for general purposes. For
complete information regarding your particular cruise,
please contact us.
- DOCUMENTATION
- ARE
VISITORS ALLOWED ON BOARD BEFORE
DEPARTING?
- PACKING
- CAN
I USE MY HAIR DRYER OR ELECTRIC
RAZOR?
- TIPPING
- WHAT
ABOUT MY VALUABLES?
- DININGROOM
TIMES?
- WHAT
ABOUT SPECIAL DIETS?
- HOW
DO I PAY FOR ITEMS ON BOARD SHIP?
- PHYSICALLY-CHALLENGED
TRAVELERS
- CAN
SOMEONE REACH ME AND CAN I CALL HOME AT
SEA?
- SHOULD
I TAKE THE FLIGHTS THE
CRUISE LINES OFFER OR BUY MY OWN?
- WHAT
HAPPENS WHEN I ARRIVE AT THE PIER?
- WHAT
HAPPENS TO MY LUGGAGE WHEN I ARRIVE AT THE
PIER?
- MEDICAL
FACILITIES
- RELIGIOUS
SERVICES
- WHAT
FACILITIES ARE PROVIDED FOR
EXERCISING?
- INSURANCE
- SPECIAL
OCCASIONS
- WHAT
ABOUT THE CHILDREN?
- BABYSITTING
- WHAT'S
INCLUDED AND WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED IN MY
CRUISE?
- MEDICATIONS
- SHOULD
I TAKE ANY OF THE TOURS?
- HOW
DO I GET THROUGH CUSTOMS ON THE RETURN
TRIP?
- SUNDRIES
- WHAT
ABOUT MOTION SICKNESS?
DOCUMENTATION
For most Caribbean, Mexican, Panama Canal, Alaska, and
Canada/New England cruises, U.S. and Canadian Citizens are
required to show proof of citizenship. It is highly
recommended that you always carry your passport. If you do
not have a passport, an original or certified birth
certificate along with a photo ID (e.i. driver's license) is
acceptable. United States Resident Aliens (in most cases)
must bring their Alien Registration Card. Those who are not
citizens of the U.S. or Canada require a passport and
multiple entry visa on all sailings. Passengers will not be
able to board without proper documentation. IT IS THE
PASSENGER'S RESPONSIBILITY TO SECURE ALL NECESSARY
DOCUMENTATION. As always, check with us for your particular
cruise.
ARE VISITORS ALLOWED ON BOARD
BEFORE DEPARTING?
Unfortunately, due to security regulations, most cruise
lines do not allow visitors on board.
PACKING
Pack as lightly as possible. There are some cruise ships
that have self service laundry facilities on board. If you
take advantage of these services, you will be able to pack
lighter. It is also a good idea to pack a fold-up bag for
those purchases you make during your trip. On an average
7-day cruise, there will be 2 formal nights, 1 informal
night, and 4 casual nights. For 10 - 12 day cruises, there
will be 3 formal nights, 3 informal nights, and the rest
will be casual.
- Formal:
- Tuxedo or suit for the men.
- Cocktail dress or evening gown for the women.
- Informal:
- Jacket and tie for the men.
- Pantsuit or dress for the women.
- Casual:
- Slacks and sport shirts for men.
- Pants, skirts, or sun dresses for women.
Most cruise lines prefer that after 6:00 PM, no jeans or
shorts in the diningroom.
For warm weather cruises during the day, casual is the
norm. If you have breakfast or lunch in the diningroom, most
cruise lines prefer that you wear shoes, shirts, and no
bathing suits. Shorts, tops, and sneakers are fine. You may
want to bring sun glasses, sun screen, and a hat to protect
yourself from the sun. Remember to bring rubber sole shoes.
(decks can be slippery) When going ashore, dress comfortably
but remember to observe local customs. Many ports frown upon
short shorts, halter tops or provocative clothing.
If you are sailing to Alaska, casual attire during the
day. Layered clothing is best. Shirts or blouses, along with
a sweater or lightweight windbreaker for cooler days.
Raincoats and binoculars are highly recommended.
Each day, you will receive a daily activities sheet which
will inform you what the dress code for that evening will
be.
For all other destinations, please do not hesitate to
give us a call.
CAN I USE MY HAIR DRYER OR
ELECTRIC RAZOR?
Most of the newer ships today have 110V electrical
outlets, therefore an adaptor for hair dryers, razors, or
travel irons are not required.
TIPPING
The following is a guideline for those who serve
you on your cruise:
- Diningroom waiter: $3.00 per person per day
- Assistant waiter: $1.50 per person per day
- Cabin Attendant: $3.00 per person per day
- Headwaiter: At your discretion
Most cruise lines automatically add a 15% gratuity to
your bar, wine or beauty / sauna bill. Check at the pursers
office if this is the practice on your ship. There are some
cruise lines that do not encourage tipping, such as Holland
America "although you ultimately will". Please check with us
for your particular cruise line.
Remember these are only guidelines.
WHAT ABOUT MY
VALUABLES?
Most of the newer ships have private safes in the cabins. If
you ship does not have this service, there is usually a
small number of safe deposit boxes at the pursers office
free of charge to guests. A small deposit is required and is
returned to you when you return the key.
DININGROOM TIMES?
The majority of cruise lines today have two seatings. Half
of the ship has first seating and half of the ship has
second seating. It is most important to determine the
seating you want by the evening meal only. There are more
choices for breakfast and lunch. Dinner is always in the
diningroom at your assigned table.
- The average times for meals are:
- Breakfast:
1st ( or main) seating: 7:00 AM
2nd (or late) seating: 8:30 AM
You can have breakfast in your cabin or most ships
serve buffet breakfasts in their alternate dining
facility.
- Lunch:
1st (or main) seating: 12:00 noon
2nd (or late) seating: 1:30 PM
Most ships serve buffet lunches in their alternate
dining facility.
- Dinner:
1st (or main) seating: 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM
2nd (or late) seating: 8:00 PM - 8:30 PM
- Midnight Buffet: Is at "you guest it"
MIDNIGHT
Rule of thumb when picking your seating, determine what
time you make dinner reservations at a restaurant at home,
because it is like eating out every night. Remember, you
have alternatives for breakfast and lunch. Two evening
performances are shown every evening, so no matter which
seating you choose, you will not miss out on all the
fun.
WHAT ABOUT SPECIAL
DIETS?
Most cruise lines will take requests for special diets such
as diabetic meals and should be requested at least 3-4 weeks
before sailing. However, we suggest that you also check with
your head waiter when you get on board. He can help you
determine meals that are low fat, low sodium, etc.
HOW DO I PAY FOR ITEMS ON BOARD
SHIP?
Most cruise lines today have a "cashless society" for
security reasons. All items purchased on board (such as
wine, items at a bar, gift shops, beauty salons, etc.) are
charged to your cabin and backed up with your credit card.
You will receive an itemized bill at the end of your cruise.
If this bill is correct, you don't have to do anything. When
you get home, that amount will appear on your credit card
bill. If there is a discrepancy, make sure you bring it to
the attention of the purser's office. It is a lot easier to
settle a problem on board ship than waiting until you get
your bill at home. If you don't have a credit card, most
cruise lines will accept a cash advance which you will be
able to draw upon. Cash, however, is accepted in the casino
and for tips.
PHYSICALLY-CHALLENGED
TRAVELERS
Many of the newer ships today have cabins especially
designed for the physically-challenged traveler. However,
there is a limited number of these cabins. We suggest that
you plan your vacation well in advance. Public areas and
decks on the newer ships are also accessible. If you require
a wheelchair, you must bring your own. A folding or
collapsible one is best. Most cruise lines have wheelchairs
on board for emergencies only. Make sure you notify us prior
to sailing.
During your visits ashore, conditions vary. When a ship
is forced to tender passengers to the pier via small ship's
boats, it may not be possible for wheelchair passengers to
go ashore. The ship's Captain will make the decision to
permit wheelchair passengers to be tendered for your safety
and comfort in mind. Most cruise ships are not staffed with
trained personnel to assist passengers with physical
limitations, so it is recommended that you travel with
someone who can assist you both on board and in port as
well.
CAN SOMEONE REACH ME AND CAN I
CALL HOME AT SEA?
With today's technologies, the newer vessels are equipped
with fax capabilities and you also can be reached by phone.
A great deal of the newer ships have direct dial telephones
in the cabins. For the older vessels, you are required to
call the high-seas operator. An average call is $15 - $25
per minute. If you can wait to call home when you are in
port, the rates are much less expensive. If you don't want
anyone to reach you, DON'T LEAVE THE INFORMATION WITH
ANYONE!!
Email is not yet
available aboard ships.
SHOULD I TAKE THE FLIGHTS
THE
CRUISE LINES OFFER OR BUY MY OWN?
There are advantages and disadvantages to buying
the cruise lines air program.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I ARRIVE AT
THE PIER?
Checking in at most piers is quite easy. Upon arrival at the
cruise terminal, you need to present your cruise documents,
proof of citizenship, and all documentation that comes with
your cruise package completely filled out. (e.g. immigration
forms, boarding cards, etc.) After verifying all the
information, the terminal personnel will give you a boarding
card and away you go, BON VOYAGE!!
WHAT HAPPENS TO MY LUGGAGE WHEN
I ARRIVE AT THE PIER?
If you have made your own arrangements to arrive at the
pier, drop off your luggage with the porters (make sure it
is properly tagged with the correct cabin number) and
proceed to the terminal. You may carry small carry-on bags
yourself. If the cruise lines have made arrangements for
your flights and transfers, the cruise lines will take care
of your luggage (again make sure all your luggage is
properly tagged before you leave home). Openly carrying
liquor on board is frowned upon.
MEDICAL
FACILITIES
All ships will have a doctor and nurse aboard ship for
emergencies. Charges for medical services should be paid
directly to the ship's doctor.
RELIGIOUS
SERVICES
It is not possible to provide full religious services to all
denominations. However, a non-denominational service is
usually provided during your cruise. On major religious
holidays, most cruise lines will try and provide the
appropriate service. They will also provide a list of places
of worship in each port.
WHAT FACILITIES ARE PROVIDED FOR
EXERCISING?
This will vary widely from ship to ship. The new ships are
fully equipped with exercise equipment and have aerobic
workout classes to satisfy any level. Generally, the bigger
the ship, the larger the gym. They also have jogging tracks
on most the top levels. Cruise lines today are also
conscious of today's fitness-oriented traveler. Some meals
on the menus are specified low-fat, low-sodium.
INSURANCE
Insurance is highly recommended. When we cruise, we buy
it...enough said. Please check with us regarding your
options.
SPECIAL OCCASIONS
Let us know if you are celebrating any birthdays,
anniversaries or any other special occasions while
sailing.
WHAT ABOUT THE
CHILDREN?
Most cruise ships today have wonderful children's
programs from ages 2 - 17. Check with us to make sure that
you choose the right ship for your family.
BABYSITTING
Babysitting is available on most cruise ships.
Arrangements should be made through the Purser's desk upon
arrival. The charge for this service varies on ships.
WHAT'S INCLUDED AND WHAT'S NOT
INCLUDED IN MY CRUISE?
All your basic needs are included. You use your ship as
your hotel, all your meals, and entertainment are included.
What's not included is anything of a personal nature. Items
like tobacco, stamps, souvenirs, beverages from the bar,
beauty salon, masseuse, shore excursions, gambling, etc.
MEDICATIONS
Remember to carry all your required medications with you
when traveling. Your checked luggage may not be available to
you when medication is needed or could be lost. If you take
medication requiring syringes or refrigeration, you should
have your doctor's prescription and details with you.
SHOULD I TAKE ANY OF THE
TOURS?
At the beginning of each cruise there will be a shore
excursion talk. The cruise director will tell you what to
expect in each port, what the bargains are, where the best
beaches are, etc. They will also explain what the local
customs are and how much you are allowed to take home duty
free. The purpose of the talk is to sell you their shore
excursions, but even if you don't plan on purchasing any
tours, these talks are very informative.
HOW DO I GET THROUGH CUSTOMS ON
THE RETURN TRIP?
At the end of each cruise, there will be a disembarkation
talk. At least one person from each family should attend
this talk. Instructions will be given on what to do with
your luggage on the last day, how to fill out the customs
forms, and how to get through customs as painlessly as
possible.
SUNDRIES
There are a few items on the ship, just like in any major
hotel in America, that are fairly expensive. Not only are
they expensive, but they may not have the item you require.
So make sure you have plenty of film, batteries, suntan
lotion, etc., with you. Sunglasses are always a good idea
also.
WHAT ABOUT MOTION
SICKNESS?
Stabilizing equipped used today in all modern ships prevent
most of the motion. However, if you are worried about
getting motion sickness, consult your physician about any
preventative medications you can take. If all else fails,
consult the physician on board.
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