Cruise FAQs

Planning a cruise can be complicated - especially if you are a First Time Cruiser. Our list of Frequently Asked Cruise Questions should help you address many aspects of your cruise vacation. If not, please contact us and we will be glad to help you.

{tab=Packing} {slide=What should I 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, your dress will vary. As on shore, attire is dictated by occasion. {/slide} {slide=Will I need a tuxedo?} Formal dinners or parties are part of the fun. But don't buy a tux just for the trip. Even on the most formal ships, a dark suit and tie are fine for the dressiest occasions. {/slide} {slide=What type of documentation do I need?} A valid passport is strongly recommended for all cruises regardless of the destination. If you do not carry a passport, you must have an orignal proof of citizenship (birth certificate) in addition to a piece of government issued photo ID. {/slide} {slide=How much baggage can I carry?} Normal airline baggage regulations apply to your flight arrangements. Most carriers allow two normal-size pieces of checked luggage per person (weighing no more than 44 lbs/20 kgs. total). For passengers arriving at the port by alternate means of transportation, the cruise lines put no restriction on the number or size of baggage that you may bring on board. {/slide} {slide=What type of currency do I need?} Your cruise ship will offer a "cashless" signing system. This system allows you to charge all on board expenses simply by presenting your Passenger Cruise Card which is issued to you upon boarding. Your charges will be billed automatically to your VISA, MasterCard, American Express, etc, or you may choose to settle your account using cash or travellers cheques. During your cruise, you will receive periodic updates of transactions made to your account, and on the last morning of your cruise, an itemized statement of your account will be delivered to your stateroom for verification. When visiting the different islands, we recommend that you carry your spending money in US Travellers Cheques. These can be cashed 24 hours a day at the Purser's desk. {/slide} {tab=Activities Onboard} {slide=Will I get bored? Feel confined?} Hardly. Being at sea gives you a feeling of freedom few places can offer. There's plenty of room. And it'll probably take you two or three days just to discover what's on board. Plus, you get the added adventure of exploring new and exciting ports of call.

Cruise ships are like floating resorts, with all the things fine resorts have to offer. You can be by yourself and lie back on a lounge chair, breathe in the sea air, soak up the sun, read good books or watch the ever-changing view. Or you can join in exercise classes, dance classes, sports contests and other organized deck activities.
{/slide} {slide=Will I be informed of shipboard & shore activities?} Each day, a program of the following day's activities will be provided in your stateroom. Please note that there is no obligation to participate in any of these events. You do not have to go ashore at ports of call if you prefer not to, and you do not have to do anything at all by way of organized activities. The only exception is the mandatory lifeboat drill, which is a safety requirement. {/slide} {slide=What is there to do at night?} At night, life aboard a cruise ship really turns on. There are nightly performances of Broadway-style musical revues, live music, and comedy shows in the different lounges. Your ship will also have a casino. You can also party with all your friends 'til the wee hours of the night in the Disco.

There are also many special events, like the Captain's Cocktail Party, Passenger's Talent Night, the Midnight Buffet (just for one last bite to tie you over until breakfast). {/slide} {slide=Is there a charge for the entertainment?} Never. On a cruise vacation, the entertainment is on the house. There's no cover. No minimum. No charge for an admission ticket. The shows are live and the variety is limitless. {/slide} {tab=Your Cabin} {slide=Why are there so many different categories of cabins?} The cruise lines want to offer cabins to suit every style and budget, ranging from spacious suites suitable for entertaining groups, to inside cabins that are perfect for those who don't spend much time in their cabins anyway. Unlike the days of old, generally all of the facilities on the ship are available no matter what category you choose (although a notable exception is the QE2).

Many newer ships offer a huge number of cabins with private balconies, which are a truly romantic addition to any cruise experience. And all of the cabins are cleverly designed to give you a surprising amount of storage space for your clothes and other belongings. Every few cabins is serviced by a cabin steward, who will offer you service that exceeds the finest hotels. You may rarely see your steward, but you'll notice that your towels are replaced twice a day, mints arrive on your pillow, and your mail and daily schedule of events is delivered. {/slide} {slide=How many people can be accommodated in one cabin?} Most cabins can comfortably sleep up to four people (with two lower beds and two uppers). Some ships have cabins for five, and a few offer "family suites" that can sleep six. If you're planning to book a cabin for more than two people, however, book early; a ship will sell out for triples, quads and quints much sooner than it sells out for doubles. {/slide} {slide=What about electrical outlets on-board?} Your cabin will have 110-volt outlets. You can definitely use your electric razor, hair dryer and hot rollers aboard ship. Staterooms aboard most cruise ships are already equipped with a hairdryer. {/slide} {tab=Cruise Dining} {slide=What are different meal seatings?} Most ships have several dining options including the traditional two seating times. Ask your Cruise Specialist for specific times and options for your cruise. {/slide} {slide=Can I have seconds?} Everything you've ever heard about cruise ship dining is true. You'll find a varied selection of entrees (appetizers, salads, soups, vegetables and deserts too) every time you sit down. And there's virtually no limit on what or how much you can order. Best of all, the one thing you'll never see on a cruise ship is price! {/slide} {slide=What about fitness and healthy eating?} 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" or "fitness" menu selections that are just as tempting as the regular menu. {/slide} {tab=Services Onboard} {slide=Can I stay in touch? Can I make telephone calls?} Quite easily, in fact. Your ship will have a daily newsletter with headlines, selected stock quotes and sport scores. As well, you may direct dial your family and friends via satellite from the comfort of your stateroom at any time during your cruise. You may also use the ship's Radio Room any time the ship is at sea. It typically costs $9-$15/minute Please note that since communications at sea are via satellite, you cannot use calling cards or credit cards, nor dial collect. You can even send email and surf the Interent on many cruise ships today. {/slide} {slide=Can I mail a letter?} That's easy enough. Just leave your letters and postcards at the Information Desk. You'll also find local stamps on sale there. The postal regulations of the various ports require that you use their stamps when mailing a letter from that port. {/slide} {slide=Are there medical services on board?} Your cruise ship will have a fully-equipped medical facility and staff to handle almost any emergency. {/slide} {slide=Are there laundry services aboard?} Only on a select few cruise ships will you find self-service launderettes. Most ships provide professional laundry and dry-cleaning services at an extra charge. {/slide} {/tabs}

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