Budget cruises, cruise specials FAQ

Is cruising just for the rich & famous?
Why cruise?
 What's included in your discount cruises?
What's not included in your discount cruises?
What are port charges?
What is an Air/Sea Package?
What is Extend-A-Cruise?
What about seasickness?
What if I get sick?
What about groups/group cruise specials?
Do I need a passport for cruising?
What do I wear?
What about gratuities on cruises?
Is there a charge for room service?
What about special diets?
When do we book shore excursions?
Is the children's program free?

Q: Is cruising just for the rich & famous?

A: Not at all! Cruising can be the most economical way to see new and exotic places. They are priced to fit any budget. Cruises typically cost 50%-70% less than comparable land-based vacations.

Q: Why cruise?

A: The cruise ship is your floating resort. There is no hassle of plane connections to get to the next port of call. No need for dinner reservations, nightclub tickets, or cover charges for the disco or comedy club. Unpack your bags only once and get ready to explore your many options - shop, gamble, swim, sight see, take in a movie, watch a show, relax and take comfort in knowing there won't be any unexpected bills for that afternoon sundae, late night snack, or the special midnight comedy show. It is truly the best vacation value and much more fun than rental cars & hotel rooms, unfamiliar areas to drive and answering the obvious questions: Now that we're here, where do we go and what do we do?

Q: What's included in your discount cruises?

A: Ocean transportation, meals, activities, entertainment, and all shipboard accommodations; i.e. pool, library, game room, fitness center, ping pong tables and various other sport recreation.

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Q: What's not included in your discount cruises?

A: Port charges, parking (if applicable), alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, laundry, photographs, shore excursions, casino, ship to shore phone/fax, spa treatments, medical services, after hours baby-sitting.

Q: What are port charges?

A: These per person charges are for taxes/fees assessed by governmental and other agencies costs incident to entering/leaving ports such as pilotage; costs incurred while in port such as stevedoring, waste removal and payroll of port related functions.

Q: What is an Air/Sea Package?

A: An Air/Sea Package includes the airline tickets and ground transportation necessary to get you to the port. When using this package, the cruise line will, at their discretion, fly you on either a scheduled airline, or a charter flight. A representative of the cruise line will then be at the airport to meet you and guide you to the ground transportation that is provided to take you to the ship.

Q: What is Extend-A-Cruise?

A: These are land packages for before or after your cruise that are arranged at the same time you book your cruise.

Q: What about seasickness?

A: Seasickness is not common on cruise ships. The modern ships are equipped with great stabilizers and we are able to forecast the weather much more accurately than ever before. There are also lots of preventive medications on the market that eliminate the discomfort of motion sickness.

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Q: What if I get sick?

A: Most ships have fully equipped medical facilities and a staff aboard who is able to handle most emergencies.

Q: What about groups/group cruise specials?

A: Just about every full size ship has public rooms to offer as meeting space for groups, coordinate scheduling, arrange catering needs, photographers, audiovisual equipment, etc.

Q: Do I need a passport for cruising?

A: Passports are recommended for all travel outside the U.S.  The Caribbean and Bahamas do not require passports for US citizens, however, you will need to bring proof of identity along. These include passports, original or certified copy of your birth certificate or a state, federal, or local government-issued picture ID card. You will also need to bring a second form of identification such as a driver's license or a US company photo ID card. Non-US citizens residing in the US must show valid Alien registration (green card) prior to boarding vessel.

Q: What do I wear?

A: Most of the time the dress is casual everywhere on the ship. The dining room is casual most evenings but shorts are not allowed. Usually there is one or more formal evenings depending on the length of your cruise.

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Q: What about gratuities?

A: Gratuities are taken care of the last evening of your cruise. The amount you choose to tip is up to you. The ships will give you their customary guidelines and provide envelopes in your cabin. For example: Dining room waiters and cabin stewards are usually tipped 3.00 to 3.50 a day per person, assistant waiters 1.50 to 2.00 a day per person, the head waiter is left to the passengers discretion. A 15% gratuity is generally added to all bar and wine checks.

Q: Is there a charge for room service?

A: No, you may order room service 24 hours a day at no additional cost.

Q: What about special diets?

A: Notify your cruise specialist when you book your cruise and every effort will be made to accommodate your needs.

Q: When do we book shore excursions?

A: If you'd like to book shore excursions, this can be taken care of shortly after arriving on board. Contact the Shore Excursion Desk. If you'd prefer to go on your own, information about the ports and the recommended sights will be available.

Q: Is the children's program free?

A: Yes, the only time there is a charge is when it is after hours. Typically, this is after 9 pm and hourly baby-sitting charges will apply.