Is cruising affordable and a
good vacation value?
Yes! There are cruise vacations to suit
every budget, from the cost-conscious to the most luxurious. Even more
important, a cruise offers the best travel value for your money. Your
fare includes: your cabin, all meals, onboard activities, parties and
entertainment. So for once, you'll know what your vacation will end up
costing you before you go. (Your only extra expenses will be drinks,
optional shore excursions, and personal services such as massage or
hairstyling.)
How long are cruises?
As
long or short as you want. Cruises offer itineraries from two days to
over one hundred days.
Where can I
go?
Where do you want to go? Cruises visit practically any
destination accessible by water
What
happens if I need to cancel my cruise?
We strongly recommend
trip cancellation/interruption insurance to protect your investment. The
criteria and penalties for cancellations are listed in the back of most
cruise brochures.
What is an Air/Sea
package?
An Air/Sea package includes your cruise ticket, an
airline ticket and ground transportation needed 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, when you land a
representative of the cruise line will then be at the airport to meet
you and guide you to the ground transportation provided to take you to
your ship.
What airline will I fly on if
I purchase an Air/Sea package?
Cruise lines block space with
the major airlines such as Delta, Continental, and, USAir depending on
where you are flying from. Your Cruises representative will advise you
of your airline and seat assignments when your tickets arrive in our
office.
What about passengers with
special needs?
The cruise lines welcome passengers with
special needs and work hard to assist them throughout their trip. It is
essential that the cruise lines know well in advance if you have any
special medical, physical or other requirements that need to be
addressed. Most modern cruise ships have a number of cabins specially
designed to accommodate passengers in wheelchairs or in need of TTY
communications. Service animals are permitted on board if prior
arrangements have been made. Your agent can help answer any specific
questions concerning your needs.
What will
my cabin be like?
Cabins on most cruise lines are smaller
than they appear on "The Love Boat". They are designed for
efficiency and to encourage you to use the much larger public facilities
on board the ship. If you requested an "outside" or
"ocean view" cabin, you will have a porthole or picture
window, depending on your ship design. Some outside cabins will also
have a small verandas. If you requested an "inside" cabin you
will not have a porthole, window, or veranda. Most cabins have twin beds
which can be converted to a queen size. Your cabin steward is there to
make your stay comfortable; whether to change the bed configuration to
suit your desires, or to bring you extra towels, pillows, or blankets if
needed. Many of the newer ships have safes in the rooms, and TVs that
show current movies, give casino instructions, and general cruise
information.
Can I get a
special diet?
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 your agent of this
requirement when you book your cruise.
What if I don't like my tablemates?
Rarely is this a problem. However, if you wish to
move to another table, speak with the Restaurant Manager. He will make
every effort to seat you with more compatible dining companions.
Can I book on short notice?
Even
the most popular cruises sometimes have space available because of late
cancellations. To get the Cruise you want, you should plan and book
early. Most cruise lines also offer early booking discounts for
customers who plan ahead.
Will I get bored?
Hardly. Being at sea gives you a feeling of freedom
few places can offer. There's plenty of room. It will probably take you
a few days just to discover what's onboard. 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 in a lounge chair, breathe in the
sea air, soak up the sun, read good books, or watch the ever-changing
view, you can join in exercise classes, dance classes, sports contests
and other organized deck activities. Perhaps you would like to practice
your tennis stroke or golf swing, or shoot some baskets. You can go for
a swim, stretch out in the sauna or work out in the gym. You can see a
feature movie, attend a lecture by renowned experts, play backgammon or
bridge. It is amazing how much you can do on a cruise
What's there to
do in port?
So much you'll
have a hard time choosing! You can go off on your own, take a guided
tour, search ancient ruins , hunt for shopping bargains, ride a raft
over river rapids, a bicycle down the side of a volcano, or ride a horse
across miles of hills and beaches, climb a waterfall or pyramid, see the
birthplace of civilization or listen to steel drum bands, follow the
footsteps of history or the wake of a water skiing boat, if there's
still time, enjoy a show, play golf or tennis, eat native foods, learn
how to windsurf, swim at some of the world's best beaches, catch a
record marlin, sail, snorkel, or go scuba diving, go to a nightclub or
casino, take a cable car to the top of a mountain, or explore dark
catacombs. In short, a cruise is the easiest way to see new places and
do all the things you ever dreamed of. Cruising is the perfect way to
sample a number of destinations and you never have to pack and unpack.
Do I have to participate in the activities?
On a cruise, you do what you want to. You can do
everything, or lie back and do absolutely nothing. It's your vacation.
Do cruise lines welcome families with
kids?
Nearly one third of cruise vacations are booked by
families with children. Most cruise lines make a special point of
providing supervised activities for youngsters, especially during school
holidays. If your child enjoys swimming, sports, games, movies, and the
adventure of new places, he/she will love a family cruise. You'll find
the kids adapt to shipboard life with ease, and you won't have to wonder
what they're up to every minute. The cruise staff will help keep them
busy and entertained. Best of all, children generally travel at a
substantially reduced rate.
What's there to
do at night?
At night, a cruise ship really comes alive.
There's dancing; live entertainment in nightclubs, discos and lounges;
feature films; and parties with all your new friends. Most ships even
have casinos. There are also many special events like the Captain's
cocktail party, passenger talent night, the Las Vegas style show, magic
acts, and the late night buffet.
Is there
an extra charge for entertainment?
On a cruise, the
entertainment is included . There's no cover, no minimum, no charge for
admission.
How much money should I take
with me?
That depends entirely on you, the cost of your
cruise includes everything except: alcohol and sodas, shore excursions,
tips and personal items such as souvenirs, massages, and hair styling.
When you board your ship you will be asked to activate your account,
this is like running a tab during your cruise and all expenses will be
charged to your room, at the end of the cruise the credit card you used
to activate your account will be billed for the amount you charged while
on the ship. Your Agent can advise you on which cruise lines differ from
this policy and answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding
this type of payment arrangement.
Is it
easy to meet people?
A cruise ship is a great place to make
new friends, because everyone's so friendly. The atmosphere is cordial,
relaxed and you'll have all kinds of things in common to talk about.
Don't be surprised if you find yourself making arrangements to meet them
aboard another ship next year.
Will there
be people like me?
All kinds of people take cruises.
Passengers can vary from ship to ship and cruise to cruise. Just ask
your Cruises Inc. representative for advice on the best ship for you,
based on your tastes and lifestyle. There are over 30 cruise lines and
over 130 ships for us to choose from, we are sure we can find the right
one for you.
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 singles
parties early on to give you the opportunity to meet your shipmates.
Most ships also have single cabins as well as single rates for double
staterooms. In many cases, the cruise line will even find you a roommate
to share a double if you ask them.
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, ships vary as to dress. Attire is dictated by occasion, the
Captain's Cocktail Party 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. Some ships have theme nights such as
Country and Western night, or a Roman Toga party, so you could dress
accordingly if you desire. Shorts are not allowed in most main dining
rooms during the dinner meal. Your Cruises Inc. representative can
provide you with information about your ship's dress code.
Will I need a
tuxedo?
On some cruises,
formal dinners or parties are part of the fun. If you do want to dress
up, many ships offer tuxedo rental services. Even on the most formal of
ships, a dark suit and tie are fine.
Can I
use my hair dryer or shaver?
Most ships have 110-volt outlets
in the staterooms, but do check with your Cruises Inc. representative to
be sure.
Are there non-smoking
areas?
Virtually all ships have smoking and non-smoking
tables and/or sections in the lounges and dining rooms. In fact, many
dining rooms are now smoke-free, reflecting passenger requests. If you
wish to be seated in a non-smoking area, just tell your Cruises Inc.
representative. In open seating situations, you can advise your waiter
or the Restaurant Manager.
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 under the stars, and
so much more to remember forever. Most cruise lines provide special
services such as: Sunday or Monday departures, congratulatory champagne,
cabin decorations or breakfast in bed. Some ships perform a marriage
ceremony or will renew your marriage vows in port.
Can we stay in touch with the
outside?
Quite easily. Most ships have a daily newsletter
with news, headlines, selected stock quotes and sports scores, some even
deliver the Wall Street Journal to your room. Staterooms on many ships
are even equipped with televisions so you can tune in to CNN or ESPN.
While many ships now have telephones in passenger cabins, you can also
call someone through the ship's radio operator while at sea, and you can
phone home from most ports. In addition, many ships are equipped with
fax capabilities.
Will I get seasick?
Not really. The most popular cruise areas boast some
of the calmest waters in the world. In addition to the large size of
today's passenger liners, stabilizers, advance availability of accurate
weather information, and development of effective preventative
medications have eliminated most cases of motion sickness.
Is there a
doctor onboard?
Virtually every
cruise ship has a fully-equipped medical facility and staff to handle
almost any emergency.
Are there laundry
services aboard?
Yes. Almost all cruise ships have laundry
facilities and a great many provide dry-cleaning services. There is,
however, an additional charge for professional laundry and dry-cleaning
services. Most ships also have self-service launderettes.
How do I
pay for my cruise?
Your cruise
will usually be broken down into two payments, a small deposit of
between $100.00 and $200.00 per person is due to confirm a booking, the
balance is due approximately 75 days before you sail. Cruises Inc.
accepts major credit cards, money orders or certified checks. Any
bookings made within 60 days of sailing must be paid for in full at time
of booking.
When will I receive my
tickets?
The cruise line will send your tickets to our office
approximately 15 days before you sail, this gives us time to ensure your
documents are accurate and complete. We will Federal Express your
tickets to you to ensure prompt delivery.
What is included in the cost of my ticket?
Included in your ticket is the cost of your cruise, onboard
meals, entertainment and transportation from your home port and back.
What
additional expenses should we
expect?
Additional expenses you should expect include
port charges, taxes, gratuities for those who serve you on the ship,
excursions you may choose to take while the ship is in port, onboard
gifts, all alcoholic beverages and airfare.
How many people are needed to get a
group discount? How do I book a group and what extras do you
get?
You need to book at least ten cabins for it to be
considered a group. For special group rates and amenities, see your
favorite travel agent for all the details.
Are parking facilities available for my car/RV while
I'm cruising?
We have accommodations for both. Just tell your
travel agent you need parking and we'll include information on where to
park in your cruise ticket jackets.