Cruising - Frequently Asked Questions Part 1
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding cruising. Hopefully, most of your questions will be answered and you can make an informed decision on whether to cruise for your next vacation.How long are cruises?
As long or short as you want. There are cruise lines that offer itineraries from three days to three months. Whatever you schedule, we'll do our best to find the cruise for you
Is cruising affordable and a good vacation value?
Yes! There are cruise vacations to suit every budget, from the cost conscious to the most luxurious. Even more important, a cruise offers the best value for your money. Your fare includes all meals, your cabin, 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, personal services such as massage or hairstyling, gratuities, photos, and gambling.)
What is an Air/Sea package?
An Air/Sea package includes your cruise ticket, an airline ticket and ground transportation needed to get you to the port. When using this package, the cruise line will, at their discretion, fly you on either a scheduled airline or a charter flight. Ground transportation is then provided to take you to your ship.
Will I need a passport?
All U.S. and Canadian citizens must travel with proof of citizenship, which is a valid passport, or birth certificate (complete with raised seal, not a photocopy) with a picture identification, or a certified naturalization certificate with picture identification. Any state government issued drivers license or other form of picture identification should be acceptable.
Non-U.S. citizens who are residing in the United States are required to travel with their Alien Registration Card (Green Card) and valid passports. All others must have valid passports and necessary visas at embarkation. You should consult with your travel agent for more information if necessary.
What about passengers with special needs?
The cruise lines welcome passengers with special needs and work hard to assist them throughout their trip. It is essential that the cruise lines know well in advance if you have any special medical, physical or other requirements that need to be addressed. Most modern cruise ships have a number of cabins specially designed to accommodate passengers in wheelchairs or in need of TTY communications. Service animals are permitted on board if prior arrangements have been made.
Where can I go?
Where do you want to go? Cruises visit practically any destination accessible by water - the Caribbean, Bahamas, Alaska, Bermuda, Europe, Hawaii, Mexico, The Greek Isles, the Orient, Australia, Tahiti, the Galapagos Islands, South America, India, the Panama Canal, and more. If you can name it, we can probably get you there by ship.
Are all ships and cruises fairly similar?
Far from it, Ships range from under 200 feet to over 1000 feet. You can sail with anywhere from fewer then 100 fellow passengers to over 2,600. Experience atmospheres ranging from casual to formal, classically simple to ultra-deluxe. You can even choose between traditional propeller-driven craft, sail-assisted cruise ships, or even a paddle-wheel river boat.
Which is the best cruise line for me?
This is a common question, and the answer is - it depends. It's like asking what is the best car? The best cruise line for you might not be the best line for someone else because everyone has different priorities, interests, etc.
Some of the things you need to consider are:
Price
Ships (age, size, accommodations)
Itineraries
Passengers (interests, ages, etc.)
Are there different classes of service?
Today's cruise ships are one-class. Everyone onboard can use all the ship's facilities. The price of the stateroom 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 onboard.
Do I have to participate in scheduled activities or can I just relax?
On a cruise, you do what you want to. You can do everything or lie back and do absolutely nothing.There are dozens of activities going on all over the ship every day. One of the best ones can be "doing nothing at all". Relaxation is what attracts many people to cruise travel. Every ship has one or more pools that you can lay around with a good book, most have a library and several lounges where you can sit and relax by yourself or with friends.
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 onboard. 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. Most ships have dozens of planned and spontaneous activities going from sunrise to way past midnight. Pool activities, sports, bingo, casino, wine tastings, dance lessons, dancing, karoake, live entertainment, movies, television, fitness centers, shore excursions, talent contests, masquerade parties, captain's party, country western nights, and that's just when you're onboard.
What will my cabin be like?
Cabins on most cruise lines are smaller than they appear on " The Love Boat " . They are designed for efficiency and to encourage you to use the much larger public facilities onboard the ship. If you requested an "outside" or "ocean view" cabin, you will have a porthole or picture window, depending on your ship design. Some outside cabins will also have a small balcony. If you requested an "inside" cabin you will not have a porthole, window, or balcony. Most cabins have twin beds which can be converted to a queen size. Your cabin steward is there to make your stay comfortable; whether to change the bed configuration to suit your desires, or to bring you extra towels, pillows, or blankets if needed. Many of the newer ships have safes in the rooms, and TV's that show current movies, give casino instructions, and general cruise information.
Do I have to tip? If so, how much?
Tipping is up to you. Generally speaking, $7.00 to $9.00 per day/per person should take care of your waiter, bus boy and cabin steward. Other ship personnel can be tipped at your discretion. There are a few cruise lines that have a "no tipping" policy.
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 and request your preference when you book.
What about fitness and healthy eating?
Just because your cruise ship offers plenty of delicious food doesn't mean you must return out of shape. You can choose "low cal" or "fitness" menu 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.
Can I get a special diet?
Most ships provide salt-free, low-carbohydrate, Kosher, or other diet preferences, however, this request must be made in advance. So be sure to advise of your requirements when you book your cruise.
Can I use my hair dryer or shave?
Most ships have 110-volt outlets in the staterooms, but do check to be sure.
What should I pack?
Generally speaking, cruise travel is very casual during the day and casual to formal in the evenings. This can vary depending on the itinerary. Caribbean, Hawaiian, Alaskan cruises are more informal while Transatlantic, Mediterranean and European cruises tend to be a little more formal. This can also vary from cruise line to cruise line and ship to ship.
Princess Cruise Line would probably lean toward formal whereas Carnival will tend to be more informal and casual. There is no real hard and fast rule, however, here's a try.
Men should always pack one dark suit which will usually suffice even on "formal night." You can take a tuxedo, but we recommend that you rent one on board the ship (most ships offer this service) unless you own one and just want the extra baggage. Tuxedos are generally not "required".
Ladies can take cocktail dresses or a full length formal.
There are usually 1 to 2 formal nights on a 7 night cruise, only 1 on 3 & 4 night cruises. The rest of the time is typically very casual. Even on "non-formal" nights, men should wear a collared shirt to dinner and slacks or skirts for the ladies.
Here are some questions I will answer on my next post:
- Will I get seasick?
- Are medical services available?
- Are there non-smoking areas?
- What's there to do in port?
- Do cruiselines welcome children?
- Are there children's activities?
- Can singles have fun on a cruise?
- Is cruising right for honeymooners?
....and many more questions will be answered.
I will post more frequently asked questions in my next post. If you have any questions or would like more information about cruising, please do not hesitate to contact me at 1-877-737-9361 or e-mail me at rina@time4travel.ca. Please be sure to visit my website: http://www.time4travel-rc.ca/
Have a great day and be sure to come back soon.
Rina
Labels: Cruising FAQ Part 1
posted by Travel Mom @ 4:23 PM
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