FAQ About Cruising

1. How do I book a cruise?
   This is an easy one! Simply contact us and one of our CLIA Certified Cruise Counselors will help you pick the cruise that fits your vacation schedule, tastes and budget. We can make all the arrangements to get you from your home to your ship and back.
2. How long are cruises?
   As long or short as you want. There are itineraries from three days to three months.
3. Where can I go?
   Wherever you want! Cruises visit over 1,800 ports worldwide and practically every destination accessible by water.
4. Is cruising affordable and a good vacation value?
   Cruising is the best vacation value! There are cruise vacations to suit every budget. Your cruise fare includes all 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 (including soda and alcoholic beverages), optional shore excursions, and personal services such as massage or hairstyling.) Compare the value of a cruise to the total cost of other vacations, and you will be amazed
5. Are all ships fairly similar?
   Far from it. Most cruise lines' ships range from intimate and yacht-like 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 via a niche or special interest cruise.
6. Are there different types of cruises?
   There are cruises designed to suit virtually every interest and personal preference. The choices include boutique, Special Interest Vacations 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 which 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 feature special-interest themes on-board, with entertainment ranging from jazz festivals and classical music concerts to golf clinics and murder mysteries at sea!
7. Are there any special educational programs on-board?
   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.
8. Do I need a passport?
   This depends on the type of cruise and your destination. You will need some proof of citizenship and identification. Our Cruise Counselor will advise you of what you will need. While Passports or not normally required for traveling, we STRONGLY recommend that all our customers get one.
9. Are there different classes of service?
   Today's cruise ships are "One-class." Everyone can use all of 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.
10. Will I get bored? Feel confined?
    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. 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!
11. What can I do in port?
    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 water-skiing 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 to 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!
12. Do I have to participate in activities?
    On a cruise, you do what you want, when you want. You can do everything or do absolutely nothing. It's your vacation!
13. Do cruise lines welcome families with kids?
    More and more cruise vacations are booked by families with children. Most cruise lines provide plenty of supervised activities for 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 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 youth camps that cater to all ages, from toddlers to teens.
14. What is there to do at night?
    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, Broadway-style shows and Las Vegas-type revues
15. Is there a charge for entertainment?
    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.
16. Will kind of people cruise?
    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 us for advice on the best ship for you, based on your tastes and lifestyle. We will help you choose the ship that is best for you, based on your tastes and your lifestyle.
17. What do I need to pack?
    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. We will be glad to give you specific information that pertains to the cruise you have booked.
18. 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 for singles-early on, so you can get to know people right away. Many ships even offer gentlemen 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 room-mate to share a cabin so you can obtain the per person/double occupancy rate, saving you even more on a great vacation. There are often special cruises just for singles!
19. What are the meal times?
    There are numerous choices, and it will all depend on what cruise ship you are on. Normally there are many different dining options - in the formal dining room, on deck in a casual setting, in a pizzeria, at an express bar, or room service. At night most ships offer several venues. Many ships offer you a choice of several seating times, and others encourage you to come to dinner whenever you like. More traditional ships have two seatings, 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 us request your preference when we book your cruise. Frequently you can chose to enjoy dinner someplace other tha the formal dining room, such as in an intimate restaurant that feature Italian, Chinese, Japanese or Southwestern cuisine. Remember, the choice is yours!
20. What is the food like on a cruise ship?
    Everything you've heard about cruise ship dining is true. You'll find a varied selection of entree (appetizers, salads, soups, vegetables, and desserts, too) each day the selection is different. If you ever wanted to experiment with a cuisine or try a dish, you can feel free to order more than one entree 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 all your meals are included!
21. I require a special diet, will this be a problem?
    Most ships can accommodate salt-free, low carbohydrate, Kosher, or other diet preferences. However, this request must be made in advance, so be sure to advise us when you book your cruise.
22. Are there non-smoking areas?
    Virtually all ships have smoking and non-smoking sections in the public rooms. 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 let us know. On board, you can advise the maitre d'.
23. What about dining companions - can I sit with my spouse and friends only, or will have tablemates?
    Experienced cruisers say that 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 possibly to request a table for two, or for 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.
24. Can we celebrate a special occasion?
    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 us in advance.
25. 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 (even under the stars). Most lines provide special services-from Sunday or Monday departures to champagne and breakfast in bed. Some ships even offer special programs for marriage or vow renewals.
26. Can we stay in touch with the outside world?
    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. There are many places in port where you can place phone calls too! Most ships have fax capabilities and most have computer cafes with Internet access for e-mail communication (Internet access is not included in the cost of your trip. Please note that phone calls while on board can be very costly, your best bet usually to wait till you are in port and make an international call)
27. Is tipping included in the trip cost?
    Tipping is not normally included in the cost of your trip. Some cruise lines to allow for pre-paying of your tips, and should you desire to decrease the tip at the end of the sailing, simply go to Guest Relations and they will be glad to take care of that for you. 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. Other shipboard personnel such as your bartender and his wait staff, and spa employees can be tipped for special services at your discretion.
28. Are there laundry services on-board?
    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.
29. Are there medical services on-board?
    Virtually every cruise ship (except for some smaller vessels operating in coastal waters) has a medical facility and health care professional 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 let us know so that we can inform the cruise line at the time of booking. And, when ever you travel, check to see what your health insurance covers.
30. Will I get sea sick?
    Rarely. Popular cruise itineraries are in 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