The lines at
guest services get longer towards the end of the cruise, so make sure to get any
business (paying tips, etc) done as early as possible. The same applies for
shopping.
As soon as you've boarded & found your stateroom, go and make reservations
for restaurants, the spa & any shore excursions you plan to take. For
the spa, know what you want to book in advance, don't bother with the tour,
just make your reservation.
Buy snacks & sodas from a supermarket before you get to the ship, you can
store them in the fridge in your stateroom. You can then take snacks with
you when you go ashore.
If the service has been especially good from a member of staff, make sure
you give them an extra tip, most crew members rely on tips, as wages are
very low.
What do I get for my money?
Your cruise price includes your cabin, all meals (including the midnight
buffet!), room service (24 hours), entertainment and parties On most ships, alcoholic
beverages, visits to the spa or beauty salon, and optional shore
excursions are not included in the
price.
Will I feel bored or confined on board?
Never! Think of a cruise ship as a floating resort on par with any Las
Vegas mega hotel. On-board activities begin at dawn and go into the wee
hours of the night. The scenery is constantly changing, and every port
is filled with new and exciting opportunities for exploration.
What
do I wear on a cruise ship?
The shorter cruises are very informal. They do usually have one
dress-up night (that doesn't mean a tiara) where a gentleman wears a
suit or sport jacket, and ladies wear a nice suit or dress. You
may wear evening attire if you desire. The longer cruises usually
have two nights of "dress-up". Day attire on all cruises is
casual. Shorts, jeans, polo shirts, skirts. Most cruise
ships do not allow casual attire such as shorts in the dining room for
dinner.

What can I do on a ship?
That depends on the ship, but generally the larger ships will have the
most activities. You may wish to lounge on deck by the pool with a good
book, sign up for exercise or cooking classes, swim, play bingo or
bridge, gamble in the casino, take in a Broadway-style floor show or a
magician's act, enter a talent show or a putting contest, take a dance
class, get a massage or attend a lecture.
Is airfare included in my cruise price?
At these ridiculously low rates, airfare is not included. However
our travel agents will be happy to book your airfare at a discounted
rate.
What's a shore excursion?
That's a term that refers to anything you do off the ship, in port. At
every stop, you'll have the option of exploring the area on your own or
as part of a group with a planned itinerary. You might hike a tropical
rain forest in the Caribbean, tour Mayan
ruins in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, or take a sightseeing tour.
Are all cruise ships the same?
Absolutely not. They range from yacht-like vessels with 100 passengers
to towering megaships with huge atriums and a maximum capacity of over
3,000 people.
Will I need a passport?
NOTICE-REVISED
All cruises now require proof of citizenship. On some itineraries, a
certified copy of your birth certificate and a driver's license or
government-issued photo I.D. are sufficient, on others a passport is
required. Visas may also be required on the more exotic itineraries.
Your cruise counselor will advise you on documents you will need
depending on your itinerary. If you're flying into The Bahamas,
Mexico or Canada, YOU NEED A PASSPORT NOW! If you're going
by ship to The Bahamas, YOU WILL NEED A PASSPORT BEGINNING IN JANUARY
OF 2008.
Is a cruise suitable for families with kids?
Not just suitable, they're perfect! Large cruise ships are now designed
with kids-only facilities, counselors, daytime activities and nighttime
baby-sitting. Children above the age of four months are welcome on most ships. Your
cruise counselor can advise you of the dwindling number of ships that
are not kid-friendly.
Are cruises suitable for single travelers?
Cruising is very popular with single travelers, and cruise lines go out
of their way to make it easy for singles to meet and mingle with other
passengers. Some cruise ships offer single cabins, and most offer a
single supplement rate for double staterooms. You'll never have to feel
alone on a cruise . . . unless that's what you're looking for!
Are cruises really that popular?
You better believe it! Nearly seven million people will cruise in the
next year, and cruising routinely earns the highest ratings in customer
satisfaction among all vacation categories. Once you try it, you'll be
hooked.
What is a Day at Sea?
A Day at Sea is a full day spent sailing between two ports. Most cruises
include one or more Days at Sea.