 |
CRUISE BASICS |
| |
|
Is a cruise really less expensive than a land vacation? |
| |
|
|
| Frequently, cruises are a less expensive mode of vacation travel due to how much is included. Your room, meals, most entertainment, most onboard activities, and port charges are all part of your fare. If you plan on visiting multiple destinations, the cruise is often a better value because the transportation from port to port is included. Of course, it all depends on how you travel. If you compare a five-star ship with a three star hotel, the hotel may be cheaper. |
|
Back To FAQs Guide
 |
| |
|
Does Cruise and Resort offer anything that other agencies don't? |
| |
|
|
| Yes! Not only do we negotiate the best deals with the cruise lines, we also are part of Virtuoso, a very exclusive organization. With our Virtuoso affiliation, we can often include extra amenities that make your vacation really special. On some sailings, we might be able to throw-in a unique shore excursion guaranteed to cause envy from other passengers. On other sailings, we may have shipboard allowances, or special cocktail parties hosted by the captain. Be sure to ask us about any extra amenities available on your cruise. Remember, these extra amenities come with no additional charge. |
|
Back To FAQs Guide
|
| |
|
What's not included in the cruise cost? |
| |
|
|
| While not universal, most cruise lines charge extra for alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, shore excursions, gift and sundry purchases, phone calls and Internet usage. Gratuities are also an additional cost on most cruises, as are certain spa services and casino gambling. (Wouldn't it be nice if they didn't make us use our own money when playing in the casino?) Transportation to and from the ship is also an extra expense. |
| Some upscale cruise lines include much more. For example, Radisson Seven Seas includes gratuities, soft drinks at all times, and alcoholic beverages and wine at dinner. |
|
Back To FAQs Guide
|
| |
|
What about the "dress code"? |
| |
|
|
| This varies by cruise line and cruise ship. The trend has been moving toward more casual cruising. It used to be that a tuxedo and formal gown were a perennial part of nearly every cruise. On the less formal nights, a jacket and tie were often required. Today, there are few ships that are that formal. On most nights, a nice pair of slacks and an open collared shirt will do just fine for the gentlemen, and almost anything other than shorts works for the ladies. There are still a few opportunities to dress-up on many cruises, but don't pack a lot of ties. |
| On a typical 7-night cruise, you can expect: |
three casual nights
slacks and a sport shirt for men
pants or skirt and blouse for the ladies
|
two informal nights
jacket and occasional tie for men
pant suit or dress for the ladies
|
two formal evenings
suit and tie or tuxedo for men
dressy pant suit, dress or gown for the ladies
|
| If you really want to wear a tux or a formal gown, many of the new larger ships actually rent them onboard. Do not feel pressured to go to that extreme. It really isn't necessary! |
| On some ships, they have more casual restaurants available on the dressy evenings. Rarely are the dress codes strictly enforced. |
| Since each cruise varies, please check your cruise documents for specific dress suggestions. |
|
Back To FAQs Guide
|
| |
|
What about onboard charges? |
| |
|
|
| Most ships are run on a cashless basis, with all spa, beverage and other expenses charged to your room account. Even "bingo" games can be charged to your room. Usually guests provide a credit card upon check-in which is charged at the end of the cruise. A copy of the bill is delivered to your room on the last evening of the cruise so you can review the charges, prior to being put on your credit card. |
| If you would prefer not to provide a credit card, you can make a deposit to your account at check-in with either cash or travelers checks. Most cruise lines do not accept personal checks. |
| Most shipboard casinos still require cash, but some allow you to charge a limited amount of playing chips to your room. There are also ATMs available on many ships. |
|
Back To FAQs Guide
|
| |
|
When can I get the best prices? |
| |
|
|
| While there are certain seasons when cruise rates tend to be more, it is also a reflection of supply and demand. Cruise and Resort clients rarely pay the brochure rates for any cruises! Even most holiday sailings are discounted. Generally, the lowest rates are from September through early December for Caribbean and Mexican Riviera cruises, and May and September for Alaska. The rule of thumb is it is best not to assume anything! Check our prices online or by telephone for the times you most want to travel. You may be pleasantly surprised! |
|
Back To FAQs Guide
|
| |
|
Are there age requirements for cruise passengers? |
| |
|
|
| Most cruise lines do not accept passengers under the age of 21 on the date of sailing unless they are accompanied by an adult at least 25 years old. If a couple is under 25, but married with documentation to prove their marriage, this requirement is waived. |
|
Back To FAQs Guide
|
| |
|
What about getting seasick? |
| |
|
|
| Very few people suffer from motion sickness on today's big ships. It takes a lot to shake these ships around, and nearly all passenger ships are equipped with stabilizers. If rough seas are encountered, motion-sickness pills are available onboard. If you're really feeling bad, don't waste time; get to the doctor's office and get a shot for quick relief. Why suffer? |
|
Back To FAQs Guide
|
| |
|
What if the ship sails into bad weather? |
| |
|
|
| These ships are built to do just fine in any kind of weather. Nevertheless, the cruise lines want you to have a wonderful cruise so they do everything possible to avoid really bad weather. |
| It's okay to be fearful of hurricanes, but it is extremely unlikely you will experience one on a cruise. Hurricane season in the Caribbean is between June and November, with most occurring in August, September and October. Your fellow passengers, captain and crew don't like hurricanes any better than you do. They have sophisticated weather tracking systems onboard. If a hurricane is in the area of one of your scheduled ports of call, the cruise line will cancel that port from the itinerary and usually substitute it with another. While that might be disappointing to some, the safety and comfort of the passengers is always the primary concern. |
|
Back To FAQs Guide
|
| |
|
What does our cabin steward or cabin stewardess do? |
| |
|
|
| They provide maid service and so much more! When you arrive, your attendant will introduce himself or herself to you. Advise him of any special requirements like extra towels, and let him know if you would like your beds put together. He will keep your room spotless with morning and evening cabin service. You will likely find little pillow surprises waiting for you each evening of your cruise. |
|
Back To FAQs Guide
|
| |
|
My suite comes with butler service. What does the butler do? |
| |
|
|
| Butler service is an extra amenity available in certain suite categories on some ships. Like your cabin attendant, your butler will introduce himself to you soon after your arrival. The butler will assist you with any concierge needs, party hosting, hors d'oeuvres in the evenings, minor pressing and shoe shining. He can also assist you in getting reservations in any of the "alternative" restaurants onboard. He is there for any special needs you may have, and he will likely surprise you by attending to needs you didn't even know you had! |
|
Back To FAQs Guide
|
| |
|
What is the age requirement for alcoholic beverages on a ship? |
| |
|
|
| In most cases, passengers must be at least 21 years old at the time of departure to be served alcoholic beverages. There are some cruise lines that allow beer and wine to be served to passengers 18 years and older. |
|
Back To FAQs Guide
|
| |
|
What are the tipping guidelines? |
| |
|
|
| This varies from ship-to-ship, with specific information available in your cruise documents. Most cruise lines automatically add a 15% gratuity to any beverage charges. End-of-cruise gratuities for the cabin steward, waiter, assistant waiter and dining room captain are also automatically added to the guest's shipboard account on some cruise lines, but you are welcome to adjust the amounts at your discretion. Some upscale cruise lines discourage tipping altogether, with their higher cruise revenues partially used to better compensate their staff. On most cruise lines, expect a per day average of between $8 and $10 per passenger for tips. If your tips are not charged automatically to your room, you can present the tips to the service staff on the final evening of your cruise. |
| Cruises are notorious for their excellent service, but the tipping is always subject to your personal guidelines; not the recommended guidelines of the cruise line. |
|
Back To FAQs Guide
|
| |
|
What about storing valuables on the ship? |
| |
|
|
| Most of today's ships have mini-safes in all rooms. For additional security, most ships also have safe-deposit boxes available at the reception desk. |
|
Back To FAQs Guide
|
| |
|
Can I use my hair dryer, electric toothbrush and battery charger? |
| |
|
|
| Sure. Nearly all cruise ships designed for United States and Canadian passengers have 110v/220v outlets. Most ships provide hair dryers in the rooms, just like most hotels. |
|
Back To FAQs Guide
|
| |
|
Are there laundry and dry-cleaning services available onboard? |
| |
|
|
| Nearly all ships have dry-cleaning and laundry services available at a comparable rate to what you would expect at a hotel. Many ships also have self-serve launderettes with irons available so you can take care of any minor washing and pressing needs very inexpensively. |
|
Back To FAQs Guide
|
| |
|
What if I need to see a doctor? |
| |
|
|
| Almost every cruise ship has a doctor and small medical center onboard. There is a fee charged for services. Many shipboard medical centers have equipment that rivals some of the very best hospitals on land. Some are linked by satellite to land-based hospitals for monitoring emergencies. For normal medical needs that arise, it is comforting to know that there is a doctor and an emergency pharmacy onboard. Please note that the drugs available on a ship may be different than those you are presently taking. Bring your own prescriptions for any ongoing ailments. |
|
Back To FAQs Guide
|
| |
|
What is the "muster drill"? Do I have to attend the drill? |
| |
|
|
| The muster drill is conducted either when your ship departs or shortly thereafter. It is a safety drill that you are required to attend per U.S. Coast Guard and international safety regulations. You will be asked to take your life vests from your room and meet at a designated spot on the ship when the ship sounds its alarms. The ship's officers will also announce the drill on the ship's PA system. Once at your meeting spot, the ship's officers will demonstrate procedures in case of an emergency. The drill rarely lasts more than about twenty minutes, and it is conducted for your own safety. Please take it seriously. |
|
Back To FAQs Guide
|
|
|
