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Cruises > Frequently Asked Questions |
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Frequently Asked Questions
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1. Is cruising affordable and a
good vacation value? |
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Cruising is the best vacation value! There are
cruise vacations to suit every budget. Your cruise fare includes meals, your
stateroom, on-board activities and entertainment, plus transportation from port
to port. You'll know what your vacation will end up costing you before you go.
(Typically, your only extra expenses will be drinks, specialty restaurants,
optional shore excursions, and personal services such as massage or
hairstyling.) See the cost comparison chart to compare the value of a cruise to
the total cost of other vacations. You'll be amazed! |
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2. How long are cruises?
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As long or short as you want. Cruise lines offer
itineraries from three days to three months. |
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3. Where can I go? |
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Wherever you want! Cruises visit over 1,800 ports
worldwide and practically every destination accessible by water. Just check the
Worldwide Destinations to see all the exciting choices available to you. |
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4. How do I book a cruise?
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5. Are all ships fairly similar?
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Far from it. Cruise lines' ships range from intimate
and yacht-like to vessels stretching longer than three football fields. You can
sail with fewer than 100 fellow guests or with more than 2,600. Enjoy
atmospheres ranging from casual to formal, contemporary to classic. You can even
choose sail-assisted ships. Enjoy the endless activities offered on a
contemporary resort-style cruise, or immerse yourself in the culture of a
destination on a special interest cruise.
You can view profiles of the world's finest cruise lines and over a hundred
ships in our Cruise Line & Cruise Ship Profiles section. |
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6. Are there different types of
cruises? |
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There are cruises designed to suit virtually every
interest and personal preference. The
choices include: boutique, luxury cruises with globetrotting itineraries; large,
contemporary ships with a fantastic array of recreational facilities; classic
vessels evoking the time-honored traditions of cruising; special-interest or
exploration cruises specializing in unique destinations with an accent on
cultural enrichment.
There are cruise lines that feature soft
adventure expeditions to such unusual and rustic frontiers as Antarctica, the
Amazon rain forest or African Serengeti. Or discover historical legacies closer
to home with enlightening itineraries to New England, French Canada and the
Colonial America coast.
For experienced travelers, destination-focused
cruises specialize in premium, culturally-rich ports of call with itineraries
dedicated to illuminating such historic, world-class treasures as the
antiquities of classical Greece, the Polynesian paradise of Hawaii or the fabled
splendor of Norwegian fjords.
For many, the perfect vacation includes the
non-stop fun and sun of a tropical resort-style cruise to the Caribbean, where
you can sample a variety of island cultures and cuisines while working on a
terrific sun tan.
Plus, many cruise lines create special "themes"
on-board, with entertainment ranging from jazz festivals and classical music
concerts to golf clinics and murder mysteries at sea! |
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7. Are there any special
educational programs on-board? |
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To complement the spirit of discovery that travel
evokes, many cruise lines feature an extensive program of on-board enrichment
seminars hosted by distinguished guest experts. In addition to lectures
highlighting the history and sights of ports you will be visiting, there may
also be special in-depth presentations ranging from Renaissance works of art and
strategic financial planning to epicurean secrets of classic French cuisine. |
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8. What's an air/sea cruise?
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A fly/cruise or an air/sea vacation package
includes, along with your cruise ticket, either free or reduced-cost airfare to
and from the ship's port of embarkation. These convenient money-saving options
are available from most major North American cities and include ground transfers
between the airport and ship as well as baggage handling. |
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9. Do I need a passport?
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This depends on the type of cruise and your
destination. You will need some proof of citizenship and identification. You'll
receive complete information on required documents well in advance of your
departure. |
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10. Are there different classes
of service? |
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Today's cruise ships are "one-class." Everyone can
use all of the ship's facilities. The price of a cabin 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 on
board. |
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11. Will I get bored? Feel confined?
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Hardly! Being at sea gives you a feeling of total
freedom that no land-based resort can offer. There's plenty of room. And it will
probably take you two or three days just to discover everything that's on board.
Plus, you get the added adventure of exploring many exciting ports of call.
Cruise ships are floating resorts with all the
choices fine resorts have to offer. You can lie back in a lounge chair, breathe
in the sea air, soak up the sun, read good books, or watch the ever-changing
seascape.
If you're more active, join in exercise or dance
classes, and sports contests. Practice your tennis stroke or golf swing, or take
some fresh air on the jogging deck. Or you can swim, stretch out in the sauna or
work out in the gym.
You can also see a feature film, attend an
enrichment lecture by experts, play backgammon or bridge. And that's just when
you're on board! |
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12. What can I do in port?
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So much you'll have a hard time choosing! You can
explore on your own or take a guided tour (referred to as shore excursions).
Search ancient ruins or hunt for shopping bargains. Ride a raft over river
rapids, or a horse across miles of hills and beaches. Climb a waterfall or
pyramid. Follow the footsteps of history or the wake of a waterskiing boat. If
there's still time, play golf or tennis. Learn how to windsurf. Sun and swim at
some of the world's best beaches. Catch a record marlin. Sail, snorkel, or scuba
dive. Take a cable car to the top of a mountain. Explore dark catacombs.
In short, cruising is the perfect way to sample a
number of new destinations and try all the things you've ever dreamed of doing,
while never having to pack and unpack! |
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13. Do I have to participate in the activities?
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On a cruise, you do what you want, when you want.
You can do everything or do absolutely nothing. It's your vacation! |
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14. Do cruise lines welcome families with kids?
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More and more cruise vacations are booked by
families with children. Most cruise lines provide plenty of supervised
activities for kids, 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 that children adapt to shipboard life with ease, and
you won't have to wonder what they're up to every minute. The youth counselors
will help keep them busy and entertained. Ships even offer different types of
age-appropriate activities, suitable for toddlers to teens. Best of all,
children often travel at a reduced rate. |
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15. What's there to do at night?
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When the stars come out, a cruise ship really turns
on. There's dancing, live entertainment, nightclubs and lounges, feature films,
and parties with all your new friends. Most ships also have casinos. What's
more, there are many special events like the Captain's Cocktail Party, Passenger
Talent Night, Broadway-style shows and Las Vegas-type revues. |
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16. Is there a charge for entertainment?
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Never. On a cruise vacation, the entertainment is on
the house. There's no cover, minimum, or charge for an admission ticket. The
shows are live, films first-rate and all included in your cruise fare. |
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17. Will there be people like me? |
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There's no such thing as a typical cruise passenger!
All kinds of people take cruises now... all ages... from all walks of life...
singles, couples and families. Just ask one of our cruise specialists for advice
on the best ship for you, based on your tastes and lifestyle. |
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18. What should I pack?
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Pack like you would for any resort. Cruise vacations
are casual by day, whether you're on the ship or ashore. In the evening, ships
vary as to dress. As on shore, attire is dictated by occasion. At the Captain's
Gala, for example, you'll probably want to wear something more formal, such as a
dark suit, or cocktail dress; perhaps even a dinner jacket or gown. |
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19. Will I need a tuxedo?
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Many cruise lines now feature a more relaxed and
casual approach to dress throughout the cruise -- while on others, formal
dinners or parties are part of the fun. But don't buy a tuxedo just for the
trip. Even on the most formal of ships, a dark suit and tie are fine for the
dressiest occasions. Plus, many ships offer tuxedo rental services. |
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20. Can singles have fun on a cruise?
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Cruising is ideal for people traveling alone,
because it's so easy to meet other people. In fact, most ships have parties for
singles -- early on, so you can get to know people right away. Many ships even
offer social hosts who can be dance partners, dinner companions or a fourth at
cards. Most ships also have single cabins
as well as single rates for double staterooms. If you ask them, many cruise
lines will even find you a roommate to share a cabin so you can obtain the per
person/double occupancy rate, saving you even more on a great vacation. |
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21. Can I use
my hair dryer or shaver?
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Most ships have 110-volt outlets in the staterooms.
But do check with one of our cruise specialists to be sure. Most ships even
feature hair-dryers in your cabin. |
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22. What about meal times?
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Again, there are choices and more choices. During
the day, there are many different places to eat - in the formal dining room, on
deck, in a pizzeria, at an espresso bar, to name a few. At night, most ships
offer several venues. Some ships' dining rooms can accommodate all guests at one
time, called a "seating." Many ships offer you a choice of several eating times,
and others encourage you to come to dinner whenever you like. More traditional
ships have two seating's in their formal dining rooms, which differ only by
time: typically 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. To choose, just decide whether you
prefer to dine early or late--then have one of our cruise specialists request
your preference when you book your cruise. Frequently, you can choose to dine at
night someplace other than the formal dining room, such as in an intimate
restaurant that features, for example, Italian, Chinese, Japanese or
Southwestern cuisine. More and more cruise lines are opening up their informal
lido areas to evening dining, where the dress and dishes always are casual, and
sometimes, you can even eat out under the stars. And a large number of ships
offer romantic in-cabin dinners. The choice is yours! |
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23. Is cruise ship dining as good as I've been told? |
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Everything you've heard about cruise ship dining is
true. At each meal, you'll find a varied selection of entrees (appetizers,
salads, soups, vegetables, and desserts, too), and each day the selection will
be different. If you've ever wanted to experiment with a cuisine or try a dish,
you can feel free to order more than one entrée or appetizer (or dessert!). But,
just because your cruise ship offers plenty of delicious food, doesn't mean
you'll come home out of shape. You can choose low-cal, spa, vegetarian or
fitness menu selections that are just as tempting as the regular menu. Best of
all, the one thing you'll never see on a cruise ship menu is a price. Because
your meals are included! |
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24. Can I get a special diet?
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Most ships can accommodate salt-free,
low-carbohydrate, low cholesterol, Kosher, or other diet preferences. However,
this request must be made in advance, so be sure to advise our cruise
specialists when you book your cruise. |
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25. What about dining companions - can I sit with my spouse and friends
only, or will I have tablemates? |
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Experienced cruisers say they prefer sitting at a
table with several other diners; some lifelong friendships have been made this
way. But the cruise lines are geared to accommodate each guest's wishes, and it
is possible to request a table for two or four. In the unlikely event that you
do wish to change tablemates, speak with the maitre d', who will make every
effort to seat you with more compatible dining companions... discretely and
politely. |
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26. Are there non-smoking areas?
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Virtually all ships have smoking and non-smoking
sections in the public rooms and on deck. In fact, many dining rooms, and even
some entire ships, are now totally smoke-free, reflecting passenger requests. If
you want your dining table in a non-smoking area, just tell our cruise
specialists. On board, you can advise the maitre d'. |
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27. Can we celebrate a special occasion?
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Absolutely! Most cruise lines will even treat you to
a complimentary cake and a chorus of "Happy Whatever" to honor the occasion.
Your birthday or anniversary can be more festive with champagne, flowers, or
canapés. You can even arrange for a special private party. All you have to do is
advise our cruise specialists in advance. |
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28. Is cruising right for honeymooners?
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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 (even under the stars). Most lines provide
special services -- from Sunday or Monday departures to champagne and breakfast
in bed. Also, some ships offer special programs for performing a marriage
ceremony or renewing your marriage vows. |
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29. Can we stay in touch with the outside world?
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Quite easily. Most ships have a daily newsletter
with news, headlines, selected stock quotes and sports scores. Many staterooms
are equipped with televisions and have satellite or cellular telephones. You can
also call someone on shore through the ship's radio officer while at sea. In
addition, most ships have fax capabilities and a growing number have computer
cafes with Internet access for e-mail communication. |
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30. What about tipping?
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Tipping is a matter of individual preference. A
general rule of thumb is to plan for about $3.00 per person per day for your
cabin steward and dining room waiter, and about half that amount for your
busboy. (A few cruise lines include tipping in the price and will so inform
you.) Other shipboard personnel can be tipped for special services at your
discretion. |
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31. Are there medical services onboard?
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Virtually every cruise ship (except for some smaller
vessels operating in coastal waters) has a medical facility and health care
professionals on staff to handle almost any emergency. If you have a medical
condition that might put you at risk, discuss it with your doctor and inform the
cruise lines at the time of booking. And, whenever you travel, check to see what
your health insurance covers. |
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32. Are there laundry services aboard ship?
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Almost all cruise ships have laundry facilities and
many provide dry-cleaning services. There is, however, an additional charge for
professional laundry and dry-cleaning services. Many ships also have
self-service launderettes. |
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33. Do cruise lines accept group bookings?
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Most lines welcome groups -- often at special rates,
depending on how many people are involved. Policies vary from company to company
and sometimes during certain times of the year. Just consult cruise specialists
for details. |
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34. Are there meeting rooms onboard?
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Just about every full-size ship has public rooms or
a conference center to offer as meeting space for private or corporate groups.
If you'd like to make meeting or incentive travel arrangements, ask our cruise
specialists to contact the cruise line's group sales department to coordinate
schedules and arrange for any special needs. Your ship may also be able to offer
audio-visual equipment, communications, meeting coordinators, secretarial and
printing services and more. |
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35. Can I extend my cruise vacation?
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Cruise lines feature special pre-or post-hotel
packages that allow you to extend your vacation in either your port of
embarkation or debarkation. |
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36. Is motion discomfort a problem?
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Rarely. Popular cruise itineraries ply some of the
calmest waters in the world. In addition, stabilizers on modern ships,
availability of advance weather information, and development of effective
preventative medications have, for the most part, eliminated the incidence of
motion discomfort. |
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37. It sounds too good to be true! Is it?
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The one complaint we hear time and again is that
cruises end far too soon! Beyond that, it's hard to find any negatives. All you
have to do is relax and enjoy your vacation. Most importantly, every crew and
staff member on board is dedicated to making your cruise the best vacation of
your life (until you top it with your next cruise!) |
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38. Who should I see if I have questions that haven't been answered?
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Ask one of our cruise specialists. Give them a call
at .......... |
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