Will I get seasick?
Even if you or your child suffer from motion sickness
during car rides and airplane rides, it is still unlikely
for you to become seasick. Due to the size of the ship as
well as the stabilizers that all ships are equipped with,
it is unlikely you will notice any motion at all. Of course,
some parts of the ocean offer smoother waters than others, but
should the seas get rough, there are medications available on board.
Will I get bored?
Very unlikely!! The activities on board a
cruise ship are amazing. The larger the ship,
there are more activities simply due to the
number of people on board. Be prepared to be
dazzled with too many choices. Typical activities
include: shore excursions, water sports, pool
activities, fitness centers, masquerade parties,
live entertainment, casinos, bingo, dance lessons,
talent contests, karoake, wine tasting, movies,
and much more.
Will my child get bored?
All major cruise lines offer programs for children.
More specifically, most ships offer age specific
activities such as: camps, day care or baby sitting
services. It is recommended that passengers check with
their respective cruise line to inquire about specific
programs.
Will I need a passport?
U.S. and Canadian citizens must travel with proof
of citizenship. This means a valid passport, or birth
certificate (with a raised seal) and picture
identification or a certified naturalization certificate
with picture identification. Non-U.S. citizens who are
residing in the U.S. are required to travel with their
Alien Registration Card and valid passports. All others
must have valid passports and necessary visas at
disembarkment. Always consult your travel agent or
cruise line agent for more information.
What about sightseeing off the ship?
Typically, ships arrive in a port early in the morning,
giving you time to go ashore, shop and explore the land
or beach. You may also pay extra to go on planned
excursions which are arranged by the ship's crew or
local sightseeing companies. Avoid long lines and the
disappointment of sold out excursions by pre-booking shore
excursions with our affiliate ShoreTrips!
Is participation in ship activities mandatory or can I just
relax and do what I want?
Activities are may be scheduled or impromptu all day long
on a cruise. You can choose the ones you want or none
at all - you are on vacation, so you can do what you want!
Each ship has at least one pool where guests may relax, as
well as several libraries and lounges where you can find a
nice quiet space for you, your family and friends.
How much does a cruise cost?
Almost everyone will agree at any price a cruise is a
great deal. You could spend $400 for a three-night cruise
in the Caribbean to $35,000 for a suite on an extensive
cruise to Africa. Cruises can be incredible and affordable
because of their all-inclusive nature. Think about it - one
price covers food, accommodations and entertainment. Many
guests go the entire cruise without ever reaching for extra
cash! Of course, shopping is extra!!
What is included in the price of the cruise?
Whatever you pay, the value in the price is that it
includes almost everything: meals, your room, taxes,
on-board activities and entertainment. In some cases
even the airfare is included. Extras will typically
include alcohol, shore excursions, tips, gambling, phone
calls, faxes, etc.
Is tipping necessary? How much?
Tipping is always up to you, remember it stands for:
"To Ensure Prompt Service". Your wait staff, steward
and ship's staff know this as well. Although a few cruise
lines have a no tipping policy, $10.00 per day is a safe
rule of thumb. This should cover your waiter, bus boy and
cabin steward. Anyone else who makes your cruise special or
memorable should be tipped at your discretion.
Back to Questions Return to Ask a Cruise Brother
Can I make calls home from the ship?
Most of the newer ships offer ship to shore phone service.
Some ships have phones in your stateroom. As the rates are
extremely high, it is best to limit your calls and simply
relax on your cruise vacation.
Can I check my email from the ship?
Many of the newer ships offer business centers and computers
with access to the Internet. Computer use can be rented at a
fairly reasonable rate, but direct dial to your Internet
provider via your laptop could cost as much as $10 or more per
minute. Be sure to check the availability of these services
specifically with each ship before booking your cruise.
What makes cruising so great?
Everything! The cruise experience is like sailing the
seas on a floating deluxe resort with all the amenities
and more! Once you have boarded, you settle in your cabin
and unpack for the week only to begin to discover the
"joy of cruising". The options for enjoyment are endless
and yours to choose from. It is truly the vacation of a lifetime.
Will I need a passport?
You will need a passport and/or proof of citizenship depending
on your cruise destination and ports of call. Your professional
travel agent can assist you with determining the documentation you
will need. Be sure to check on this well in advance of your vacation
so you can prepare accordingly.
Do I need an evening gown?
If you enjoy the chance to dress up, this is your opportunity. If not,
you will feel totally at ease in a dressy cocktail dress. The description
of an evening gown has become rather wide in range. On a formal night on
a cruise, ladies will be wearing anything from full-length evening gowns
to short cocktail dresses. A dressy business dress or suit would also be
appropriate.
Do I need a tuxedo?
Some gentlemen enjoy wearing their tuxedo and others well�. If you have
a tuxedo, by all means bring it along. If you would like to rent one on
board ship this can also be arranged. Ask your travel counselor for
assistance with this. On the other hand, it is perfectly acceptable for
a gentleman to wear a dark suit or dark sport coat with slacks on formal
night.
How much luggage can I bring on the cruise?
If you are flying from your home city to your cruise departure point,
you will only be able to bring as much luggage as is allowable for that
airline carrier. They have recently tightened up the restrictions on
checked and carry-on luggage at most airlines. Therefore, be sure to ask
your cruise professional for this information so you may pack accordingly.
The cruise line is not concerned about how much luggage you bring. Closet
and drawer space in some staterooms may be a bit limited so be cautious
about over packing�.
Do I have to carry my own luggage aboard the ship?
No, there are porters available curbside at the cruise ship terminal
to tag and see that your luggage is delivered to your appropriate
stateroom. Be sure to have your luggage tagged with your stateroom
number, name and address. If you are picking up your cruise documents
at the pier, you can simply ask the porters to check the manifest for
your cabin number. They will be happy to tag your luggage for you.
A gratuity is expected.
Should I pack snacks and alcohol to eat and drink?
Finding something to eat just about any time of day on a ship is not
a hard task to accomplish. Therefore, packing snacks is not necessary.
Bringing alcohol on board ship is generally not allowed (with the
exception of wine). There are bars and lounges open till the wee hours.
Again, your cruise professional can get you the details on whether or
not you can bring alcohol on your cruise.
What if I need to wash some of my clothes on the cruise?
Laundry, cleaning and pressing services are always available. Each
stateroom will be have a laundry list and bag to use if you should
need this taken care of. Additionally, some ships have self-service
laundry facilities for passenger use. They are equipped with washers,
dryers, ironing boards, irons and detergent for purchase. The washers
and dryers are generally coin operated.
How will I know what to wear for dinner?
Each evening while you are enjoying dinner, your cabin steward magically
appears to clean and refresh your stateroom. They will usually leave a
daily activities program in your cabin featuring the following day's events
as well as other information. The dress for the following day is always
noted on this activity sheet. You can usually pick up this program at the
purser�s desk as well. If you should have questions about the appropriate
attire while on the ship, simply ask the purser�s desk for their assistance.
Do I tip the waiter?
It is not customary to tip the waiter or other servers during your cruise.
Instead, you will find envelopes placed in your stateroom on the last day of
your cruise vacation. You can also pick up these envelopes and instructions
on the appropriate tipping allowances at the purser�s desk. Your travel agent
can also assist you with the guidelines. Some cruise lines have a no-tipping
policy. This means that the servers are being compensated in their pay for
service and you are not expected to tip. However, if you have received exemplary
service from a server, you might wish to offer them a token of your appreciation
at the end of the cruise. If you are using the ship's room service or require services from staff other than your room steward you should tip the person providing the service.
What if I want more food?
Just ask! Most ships feature 24-hour room service should you get hungry and not
feel like leaving your cabin. Somewhere on the ship food is likely being served
just about anytime of the day or even during the night.
How will I know where to sit?
When you board the ship your meal time and table assignment will already be made
for you. There are usually two seatings for dinner; the main seating and the
late seating. Usually the main seating starts around 6:00 to 6:30 PM and the
late seating around 8:00 to 8:30 PM. Your table assignment is made for the
entire cruise and you can choose the number of passengers you dine with. They
cruise lines usually offer tables for 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12 guests.
What if I don't like my tablemates?
While changing tables mid-cruise is considered inappropriate, if you simply cannot
get along with your table mates you can request a change from the Maitre d'. If
you want intimate dining be sure to let your travel agent know that you want a table
for two. Also, many ships offer "alternate dining" restaurants for a change of pace.
How much do the shows cost?
There seems to be no end to the entertainment on a cruise. Every evening there is
a major show to attend. They run the range from comedians, magicians, and juggling
acts to Las Vegas style reviews, musical productions and name entertainers. The
shows are an excellent way to spend an evening after an excellent meal and never
cost a thing. Since the shows ar4e always open seating it is advised that you get
there early to get good seats for shows you are particularly interested in. All of
the entertainment on board the ship is included in the cruise fare.
What if I don't want to attend the shows?
In addition to the main show in the showroom there are usually many other events
taking place to enjoy. There are always several lounges that offer music, karaoke,
entertainment and dancing to choose from. Many ships offer full feature movies to
enjoy and other activities as well.
What time is breakfast and lunch?
If you want to eat in the main dining room for breakfast and lunch the dining times
will be posted in the daily newsletter you receive the evening before. The ship
will usually present two seatings unless they are in port (in which case they will
offer the entire ship open seating) There are always alternate dining options
should you be a late riser and miss your breakfast seating. Usually a breakfast
and lunch buffet will be offered in one of the cafes on the ship.
What if I want to just hang out by the pool for lunch?
Virtually all ships make food available for those that want to enjoy lunch poolside. Usually hot dogs and hamburgers, fruit and such is accessible to the pool so you do not have to dress to eat.
OK, What is the midnight buffet?
As if eating all day wasn't enough, most cruise ships put on a lavish midnight feast
for their passengers at least once during a cruise. Many cruise lines have gone to
serving snacks in certain areas between 11 pm and midnight and this seems to be a
little more realitic rather than eating a full meal. If you enjoy food, many folks
have chosen the early (or main) seating for dinner so that they can be ready to eat
again when the midnight buffet rolls around.
