Travel Mom: Frequently Asked Questions about Cruising

Saturday, March 24, 2007

Frequently Asked Questions about Cruising - Part 2

Here is part two of the Frequently Asked Questions about Cruising.

Will I get seasick?

It is unlikely that you will notice any motion on a large cruise ship, even if you are sensitive to motion in automobiles or airplanes. All ships today have stabilizers to smooth the ride. Some cruises sail calmer waters than others. Caribbean and Alaska cruises enjoy smoother sailings than say Bermuda. If seas do get rough, there are many preventative medications available on board.

Are medical services available?

Virtually every major cruise ship will have a staffed medical facility to handle emergencies. If you suffer from a medical condition, check with your travel agent before booking to make sure the ship on which you are cruising can handle your needs.

Are there non-smoking areas?

Virtually all ships have smoking and non-smoking tables and/or sections in the lounges and dining rooms. In fact, many dining rooms are now smoke-free, reflecting passenger requests. In open seating situations, you can advise your waiter or the Restaurant Manager.There is even a smoke free ship available.

What's there to do in port?

Your ship will typically arrive in port early in the morning at which time you are free to go ashore. In most cases, you will be back on board the ship by 5:00pm to 7:00pm. This gives you more than enough time to enjoy one of the shore excursions, or go off on your own to do some shopping, sightseeing, swimming, or scuba diving.

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 hunt of shopping bargains. Ride a raft over river rapids, bicycle down the side of a 10,000 foot volcano, or ride a horse across miles of hills and beaches. Climb a waterfall or pyramid. See the birthplace of civilization or listen to steel drum bands. Follow the footsteps of history or the wake of a water-skiing 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 windsurf. 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 glittering 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. Cruising is the perfect way to sample a number of destinations that you may want to return to for another vacations, and you never have to pack and unpack the destinations come to you!

But I don't want to take a tour!

Well, then don't - although if everybody felt that way I think they would run out of transportation real fast. You can do what you want in port. You will either tender (small boat to shore) or dock. It depends on the port and how many ships are there. But if you tender it will usually be done efficiently.

You can take tours arranged by the ship, take your own tours (rent a car, cab, etc.), just walk into town, or stay on the ship. You can have lunch on the ship - you can always come back, even with tender, they run all the time. If it's an all-day tour, and they will usually include lunch. The half-day tours are timed to get you back for lunch (or leave after lunch).

They will review all the tours for you on the ship and you should go if you're interested. Even if you want to do it on your own, you may pick up some ideas.
In the Caribbean and Alaska you certainly don't have to take tours, but many people do and are quite happy with them.

Do cruise lines welcome families with kids?

32% of cruise vacations are booked by families with children. Most cruise lines make a special point of providing supervised activities of 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 the kids will 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.

Are there activities for children on a cruise?

Most cruise lines offer programs for children. Many offer special teen and pre-teen scheduled activities. The larger ships almost always include a video arcade, kids disco or other designated "kids area". Cruises are a great way for families to travel and see a variety of countries and ports. Some ships also offer babysitting services and daycare centers.

What's there to do at night?

At night, life aboard a cruise ship really turns on. There's dancing, live entertainment in nightclubs, discos and lounges, feature films, and parties with all your friends. Most ships even have casinos. There are also many special events like the Captain's Cocktail Party, Passenger Talent Night, the Masquerade Parade, the Late Night Buffet (just for one last bite to tide you over until breakfast). And the night can go on as long as you want. Even until the spectacle of sunrise at sea. 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 be people like me?

No matter what you've heard to the contrary, there's no such thing as a typical cruise passenger! All 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.

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 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.

Is cruising right for honeymooners?

Without a doubt, cruising offers an atmosphere that's just right for romance. Cozy dinners for two, strolling on deck at sunset, dancing the night away under the stars, and so much more to remember forever. Most cruise lines provide special services such as: Sunday or Monday departures, congratulatory champagne, cabin decorations or breakfast in bed. Some ships perform a marriage ceremony or will renew your marriage vows in port.

How much money should I take with me?

That depends entirely on you. The cost of your cruise includes everything except: alcohol and sodas, shore excursions, tips and personal items such as souvenirs, massages, and hair styling. When you board your ship you will be asked to activate your account. this is like running a tab during your cruise and all expenses will be charged to your room, and at the end of the cruise, the credit card you used to activate your account will be billed for the amount that you charged while on the ship. If you chose to pay cash or travelers checks, you will be required to settle up the night before the ship returns to home port.

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, some even deliver the Wall Street Journal to your room. Staterooms on many ships are even equipped with televisions so you can tune in to CNN or ESPN. While many ships now have telephones in passenger cabins, you can also call someone through the ship's radio operator while at sea, and you can phone home from most ports. In addition, many ships are equipped with fax capabilities.

Can I get/send e-mail while onboard the ship?

Many of the newer ships do have a business center complete with computers connected to the Internet. Some charge as little at $16 an hour for computer time and you can get your e-mail using Microsoft HotMail or Yahoo Mail. Check with your cruise line for availability of these services.If you have a laptop onboard, you can make a ship-to-shore call to dial into your Internet provider, but at $8 to $10 per minute it can get very expensive.

When will I receive my tickets?

The cruise line will send your tickets to our office approximately 15 days before you sail to give us time to ensure your documents are accurate and complete. We will normally send your tickets via two or three day priority mail, of other express delivery service. If you have booked your cruise on short notice you can pick up your airline tickets at the airport and can pick up your cruise tickets at the pier prior to boarding the ship.

It all sounds too good to be true! Is it?

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 to hassles of making dinner or nightclub reservations. You don't have to 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 of shopping, adventure, sightseeing, exploring, entertaining and sports activities. All you have to worry about is relaxing and enjoying your vacation. Most importantly, every crew and staff member onboard, is dedicated to making your cruise vacation the best vacation of you life (until you top it next year with your next cruise!)

Why do I need travel protection?

Because you've been looking forward to your trip On Board protects you just in case:

Emergency Cash Transfer
Your trip is suddenly canceled
You have to cut your vacation short
you have a medical emergency far from home

Emergency Travel Assistance is one call away, no matter where you are. Even if you're half way around the globe, you're never far from help. Our emergency assistance center is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week with knowledgeable professionals who will get you the right assistance, right away.On Board's Emergency services include:

Medical Assistance
Medical Consultation and Monitoring
On-Site Hospital Payments
Travel Document and Ticket Replacement Assistance
Legal Assistance

Whether you are wanting to get married on a ship, going on your honeymoon, going with your family or planning a family reunion, cruising is the perfect vacation! There are so many cruising options available today -Caribbean, Alaskan, Mediterranean, Hawaiian and many more. Let me help you plan and book your next cruise.

If you have any questions or would like to begin looking for a cruise, please contact me at
1-877-737-9361 or email rina@time4travel.ca

I look forward to hearing from you.

Rina

Labels: FAQ Part 2