Frequently Asked Questions by First-Time Cruisers

A cruise is often the best way to see multiple destinations. You can sample a variety of places without having to pack and unpack, or live out of a suitcase only to have your bags put out every morning as you might on a tour. Activities are available for most interests. Costs are known in advance. Entertainment is included.

Just as there are differences in hotels and restaurants, there are also differences in cruises. Some cruise lines pride themselves on food and service, others their entertainment and activities, still others on the exotic destinations they may specialize in. There are cruise vacations to suit every interest and taste. Let us help you through this maze!

Is a cruise affordable?

Cruise vacations are the best vacation value of all. In one purchase you can select a cruise which includes shipboard accommodations, all those delicious meals, evening entertainment, shipboard activities, transportation to glorious ports of call, and luggage handling. You don't have to wait until you get home to add up those credit card statements and figure out how much your vacation really cost. For once, you will know what your vacation will cost before you even go!

How long are cruises?

The length of a cruise can be as short as three nights or as long as a round the world cruise of three months. Most popular is a seven night cruise.

Where can I go on a cruise?

Cruises can be found nearly all over the world. Islands of the sunny Caribbean, Mexico, the Mediterranean, Aegean and Baltic seas of Europe, Alaska and Canada, Hawaii, Australia and the South Pacific are most popular.

Check out some of our featured destinations for great examples. Additionally, a cruise can be combined with before or after land programs and hotel stays to add greater options. How about combining a cruise with an African safari? We can do it!

 

How long ahead of time should I book a cruise?

Even the most popular ships sometimes have cabins available a few weeks before sailing because of late cancellations. But to get the ship, itinerary, sailing date or accommodations you want, you should plan and book four to six months in advance. Many cruise lines will offer early booking discounts for customers who plan ahead. Check out our great deals!

Are all ships alike?

Far from it! Cruise ships range from a size capable of accommodating as few as 100 guests to more than 2600 passengers. The atmosphere on board may be simple to luxurious, casual to formal. We offer everything from the river barge or paddlewheels to popular modern large size cruise ships to the intimate luxury ocean liners.

What are the cabins like?

There are many different types of accommodations. These may be referred to as either cabins or staterooms, depending on the cruise line. Inside cabins, ocean view cabins, cabins with balconies, suites, etc. Cabins can accommodate 2, 3, 4 or even in some cases, 5. Handicapped cabins are also available with sufficient planning. Dependent on your choice of ship and availability, individual (single occupancy) cabins can also be reserved.

 

Will I have enough to do on board?

It will probably take you a couple of days to discover everything the ship has to offer. Program and shipboard activities exist for all ages. Many cruise lines have excellent children's programs. Baby sitters are also available for youngsters.

Variety also exists within sightseeing and shore excursions from some very active and demanding, and some relaxed and carefree. Once aboard your cruise ship, a myriad of entertainment opportunities await you. Ship facilities cater to all tastes. Add to that the adventure of exploring exciting ports of call. Cruise ships are like floating resorts with many stimulating daytime activities and plenty to entertain you at night. Or choose to relax and do nothing. It's all up to you.

What' s there to do in port?

You can choose to sightsee on your own (we help provide information if you are so inclined) or select a guided tour arranged by the ship's shore excursion office. There are plenty of historic and cultural sites to see, museums to visit, churches and cathedrals to tour.

Do some shopping, play golf and participate in outdoor activities. Ride a horse, learn how to windsurf, listen to local musicians and sample native cuisine. A cruise is the easiest way to see new places and do all the things you have dreamed of.

 

What should I pack?

If you have chosen a Caribbean Cruise, pack the clothes you would take to a resort or Florida vacation. Casual wear is right for daytime. Some evenings are dressy, where a dark suit and tie for men is appropriate. For women, on the dressy nights a cocktail dress is perfect with pants outfits, skirts or casual dresses other nights. Ask for our list of packing suggestions for a first time cruise to the Caribbean.

We have also created a packing list with suggestions for a cruise to Alaska, which we will gladly share with our first time cruisers to this area.

What about motion discomfort?

The most popular itineraries sail in the calmest waters of the world. Today' s cruise ships are built with stabilizers and have highly sophisticated weather reporting systems. The Captain would know well in advance if an adjustment in his route is necessary. Effective medications are available to prevent motion discomfort.

Will I need a passport?

The answer to this question is yes. Travelers to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Canada will be required to have a passport to enter or re-enter the United States. This is a change from prior travel requirements and will affect all United States citizens entering the United States from countries within the Western Hemisphere who do not currently possess valid passports. This new requirement will also affect certain foreign nationals who currently are not required to present a passport to travel to the United States. Most Canadian citizens, citizens of the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda, and to a lesser degree, Mexican citizens will be affected by the implementation of this requirement.

What is not included in the price?

Most of the costs are included in the cruise fare. Not included are tips to the cruise staff who have served you onboard, optional shore excursions you choose to take, beauty salon and spa services, beverages from the bar, Internet access, gambling, photos and souvenirs. Recently some ships have added intimate dining venues for a special meal at a small additional charge.

How is dining handled?

Daytime dining options are extensive, from room service to informal buffets, to the pizzeria, to the regular dining room. And there's also early bird coffee on deck - so no one is regimented. In the evening, the most popular cruise lines offer two seating times for dining in order to better serve guests. Usually these times are arranged in advance. Special diets (no salt, vegetarian, low fat, kosher, restricted sugar, etc.) can be arranged.

Today' s newer ships are offering additional dining choices and may also have one or more intimate restaurants which must be reserved while on the cruise. These are often chosen for a special meal or for the theme of the restaurant itself.

How do I book a cruise?

That's easy! Just contact us and let our cruise counselors handle all the details for you. Our professional and experienced cruise counselors will help you select the cruise that is just right for you.

Questions about pricing:

How would you compare the cost of a cruise to other vacations?

If you were to compare the costs of a cruise to comparable land based vacations, you would find no comparison - a cruise wins hands down.

Is my deposit refundable?

Yes, as long as we are able to cancel it with the cruise line at least 76 days before your scheduled departure. There is a $25 per person administrative fee that will be retained.

How much is the deposit to select and hold my cruise ship cabin?

Typically $250 a person for a seven night cruise and less for the three and four night vacations. It's payable at the time you book.

When is the balance due?

At least 85 days before your departure from home. This gives us a few days to get it to the cruise line. We'll send you a reminder about 10 days before that date.

When do cruise line cancellation fees start applying?

75 days before departure. Initially, the penalty is the amount of your deposit, but at 45 days before you are to leave, the amount increases to 50% of the fare. At 15 days the penalty is 100%.

Do you recommend that we purchase travel insurance?

Absolutely. We strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy. It not only protects you from losing any penalty imposed by the cruise line, but it also provides baggage, medical, and accident insurance that covers you while you are on your cruise.

Under many conditions it can cover preexisting medical conditions. Many travel policies do not. Information about the policy and the premiums will be included with your written cruise/tour confirmation.

Are rates for a third person or fourth person sharing the same cabin lower?

Yes, substantially so. The fare may vary depending on whether the person is an adult or child. Call us for the exact savings.

What is the advantage of booking months in advance?

Choice of accommodations and location of your cabin on the ship. Also, the cabin category you selected may be sold out and you would need to move to a higher category at a rate more than you were prepared to spend.

If you have any questions not addressed here, contact our cruise counselors and we'll be happy to help you!

Images obtained from Norwegian Cruise Lines.