The final price of your cruise includes port
charges and taxes, accommodations, meals and most
snacks, and most onboard activities and
entertainment,. Airfare, airport transfers, and
insurance are usually not included.
24-hour, toll-free, travel assistance hotline
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Are there any
senior discounts?
Generally, our prices are lower than the senior
discounts offered by the cruise lines. However, we
recommend contacting us after you’ve booked your
cruise in order to determine if any further
discounts might apply to your booking. Please have
your past passenger numbers at hand before you call.
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Are there any
past passenger discounts?
Generally, our prices are lower than the past
passenger discounts offered by the cruise lines.
However, we recommend contacting us after you’ve
booked your cruise in order to determine if any
further discounts/amenities might apply to your
booking.
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Do children
sail free or at a discount?
Most cruise lines do not offer discounts for
children. The major exception is Disney Cruise Line.
On Disney ships (with 2 full-fare adults sailing),
children under the age of 3 are charged only port
fees and taxes; children ages 3-12 sail at a
discounted children’s rate plus port charges and
taxes; children over the age of 12 sail at 3rd/4th
passenger rate plus port charges and taxes.
Norwegian Cruise Line also lets children under 2
sail for port charges and taxes only; Holland
America Line offers child rates on select sailings.
Please call us for more details.
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Am I charged
extra for an online reservation?
No. We do not charge any processing/ticketing fees.
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How much do I
owe and when is final payment due?
A deposit will be charged to your credit card upon
booking. Final payment is due 45-90 days prior to
sailing. See below for specific cruise line
policies.
Carnival
Deposits
$100 per person: 3-day cruises
$150 per person: 4-day cruises
$200 per person: 5-day cruises
$250 per person: 7-day cruises (except Alaska)
$300 per person: 8-day cruises
$350 per person: 7-day Alaska cruises and Cruise
Tours
$400 per person: 10-day cruises
Final Payment
60 days prior to sailing: 3-day cruises
70 days prior to sailing: 4-, 5-, 6-, 7- and 8-day
cruises
75 days prior to sailing: 7-day Alaska cruises,
Cruise Tours, and 10-day or longer cruises
Celebrity
Deposits
$250 per person: 7-day cruises
$450 per person: 8-day cruises and European cruises
Final Payment
60 days prior to sailing: all cruises
Crystal
Deposits
10% of final price
Final Payment
75 days prior to sailing: all cruises
Disney
Deposits
$200 per person: all cruises
Final Payment
60 days prior to sailing: all cruises
Holland America
Deposits
Deposits are based on itinerary and length of
cruise. For example, a 7-day Alaska cruise requires
a deposit of $350 per person.
Final Payment
75 days prior to sailing: all cruises
Norwegian
Deposits
$100 per person: 1- to 5-day cruises
$250 per person: 6- to 7-day cruises
$400 per person: 8-day or longer cruises
Final Payment
45 days prior to sailing: 3- and 4-day cruises
60 days prior to sailing: 5-day or longer cruises
90 days prior to sailing: Europe, Repositioning, and
South America cruises
Princess
Deposits
$250-$350 per person: 7-day or less cruises
$450-$600 per person: 8-day or longer cruises
Final Payment
60-75 days prior to sailing: all cruises
90 days prior to sailing: Holiday cruises & World
cruises
Royal Caribbean
Deposits
$100 per person: 3-, 4-, and 5-day cruises
$250 per person: 6- and 7-day cruises
$450 per person: 8-day and longer cruises
Final Payment
45 days prior to sailing: 3-, 4- and 5-day cruises
60 days prior to sailing: 7-day and longer cruises
90 days prior to sailing: Holiday cruises
Windstar
Deposits
$500 per person: 5- to 8-day cruises
$1000 per person: 9-day or longer cruises
Final Payment
75 days prior to sailing: all cruises
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How will my
credit card be charged?
A deposit will be charged to your credit card upon
booking (Holland America waits 24 hours). Please be
sure that your credit card information (name,
address, card #, etc.) is accurate. Any incorrect
information could cause your booking to be cancelled
by the cruise line, with no guarantee that you will
recoup any charges to your card.
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Do you offer
payment plans?
At time of booking, customers can either make a
deposit or full payment. Deposits start at $100 and
final payments are due 45-90 days prior to sailing
depending on the cruise line and length of cruise.
See
Final Payment section for further details
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How will I
know that my reservation is confirmed?
Once you have successfully completed the reservation
process, you will immediately receive an e-mail
confirmation from us.
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Pre-registration/Ticketing
When will I get my tickets?
What documentation do I need?
Documents for non-US citizens?
Are there forms I need to complete before I sail?
When will I
get my tickets?
Generally, you will receive your tickets within 2-4
weeks of your sail date. For last-minute bookings
(within 30 days of sail date), tickets may be issued
as pier-pickup (you pick up the tickets at the pier
on the day of your sailing).
Please be advised that
electronic documents are issued for all Norwegian
Cruise Line sailings.
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What types of
documentation do I need?
Apart from your tickets, U.S. and Canadian citizens
must present proof of citizenship in two of the
following forms: passport; federal or state
government-issued photo I.D. card (e.g., driver’s
license); birth certificate (original or certified
copy).
For example, you’re covered if you have the
following combinations of identity:
1. passport and driver’s license
2. passport and birth certificate
3. driver’s license and birth certificate
If you are married, have taken your spouse’s
surname, and plan to use your birth certificate as a
form of identification, you will need a marriage
certificate or a valid photo I.D. card to support
the name change.
Children under the age of 16 need proof of
citizenship (e.g., passport, birth certificate) and
should present photo identification as well;
children ages 16-18 need photo identification.
*Starting in January 2008, travelers will be
required to present a valid passport when travelling
to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Central
(including Mexico) and South America, and Canada.
Travelers lacking the proper documentation will be
denied re-entry to the United States. To read more
about this new requirement, please click
here.
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What do I need
if I’m not American or Canadian?
Citizens of countries other than the United States
and Canada (aliens) are required to present both a
valid passport and an unexpired U.S. multiple
re-entry visa (B-2 Visitor’s Visa) or a visa waiver.
Resident aliens need both a passport and an alien
resident card. Aliens and resident aliens should
contact the appropriate consulate, U.S embassy, or
U.S. immigration office to inquire about necessary
travel documentation.
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Are there
forms I need to complete before I sail?
Most cruise lines now require that you fill out
pre-registration/immigration forms prior to your
sailing date. Please note that it is VERY IMPORTANT
that you go online as soon as possible to complete
your forms.
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Age Requirements
Are there age requirements
to cruise?
Different cruiselines have different policies, so
please be advised of the following before booking:
Carnival
Windstar does NOT encourage children on board
its ships, owing the adult oriented atmosphere and
intimate size of its vessels. However, if you must
bring a child, the official policy will admit them
so long as they are OVER 24 weeks of age.
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Flights, Transfers & Departure
Times
How do I find my cruise's itinerary?
How do I get to my departure port?
What’s the latest flight I can take?
What if my flight gets delayed?
What if my flight gets cancelled?
Can I customize my air?
Should I book air through the line?
How much are airport transfers?
How do I arrange transfers?
What time do I board the ship?
When does the ship depart?
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If you are still unsure of how to locate your
departure port, contact the cruise line directly.
Please be advised that it is the customer's
responsibility to verify his or her own driving
route.
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What is the
latest flight I can take?
You should plan to arrive at the airport nearest
your port of departure at least three hours before
embarkation begins. If you’re late, the ship will
sail without you.
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What happens
if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
If you have purchased travel insurance or arranged
air through the cruise line, you are eligible for up
to $500 in reimbursement costs incurred while
catching up with your ship at its next port of call.
This applies only to carrier-caused delays or other
covered reasons.
If you have arranged air privately and have not
purchased travel insurance, you are responsible for
all costs incurred while catching up with your ship
at its next port of call.
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Can I
customize my air through the cruise line?
Yes. You can customize your flight by selecting the
dates, times, airlines, departure cities, and other
flight-related options of your choice. The cruise
lines charge $35-$50 per person for this service, in
addition to any airline charges.
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Should I book
air through the cruise line?
Booking air through the cruise line protects you if
your flight is delayed and you either miss your
cruise or are running late. If you are running late
for your cruise, cruise line representatives will
make every effort to get you to the ship before
departure. If you miss your cruise altogether, the
cruise line will reimburse you up to $500 in costs
incurred while catching up with your ship at its
next port of call.
In addition, air rates offered by the cruise
lines are often less expensive than those available
to the general public--especially on holidays and
during high seasons--and the departure times and
dates ensure that you will reach your departure port
on time, barring any prolonged delays.
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How much are
transfers from airport to ship?
Transfer costs depend entirely on the cruise line,
your airport of arrival, and the distance from the
airport of arrival to the departure port.
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How do I
arrange transfers?
You can reserve transfers by contacting us once
you’ve booked your cruise. You must make
reservations at least 14 days prior to your sailing
date.
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What time do I
board the ship?
Ship embarkation usually begins approximately 3
hours prior to departure. You should check your
ticket package for an exact time.
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When does the
ship depart?
Your ticket package will include a detailed cruise
itinerary. Most ships depart in the late afternoon
(around 4 or 5 pm), but be sure to check your
detailed itinerary for an exact departure time.
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Dining
What are First & Second seatings?
Can I get special-need meals?
What is proper dining attire?
Is cruise ship dining as good as I've been told?
What if I don't like my tablemates?
Are there non-smoking areas?
What are First
and Second seatings for dining?
First seating is the earliest evening dining time
available, usually around 6:00 pm or 6:30 pm.
Elderly passengers and families with children tend
to select this seating. Second seating is the later
dining time, usually around 8:00 pm or 8:30 pm.
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Can I get
special-need meals?
Special-need meals (e.g., kosher, diabetic) are
available upon request, but must be arranged in
advance.
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What is proper
dining attire?
Most cruise ships have one or two formal nights per
cruise, when men are encouraged to wear tuxedoes or
nice suits, and women cocktail dresses or evening
gowns. Other nights are casual or semi-formal, when
men can get by with khakis/dress pants, collared
shirt and sports jacket (semi-formal), and women
skirts, dresses, or pantsuits.
Lunch and breakfast are casual, and if you don’t
relish the idea of formal night, alternative dining
options are always available.
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Is cruise ship
dining as good as I've been told?
Everything you've heard about cruise ship dining is
true. You'll find a varied selection of entrees
(appetizers, salads, soups, vegetables, and
desserts, too) every time you sit down. And there's
virtually no limit on what or how much you can
order.
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, spa, or fitness menu
selections that are just as tempting as the regular
menu. You can also jog, do aerobics, work out in the
gym, swim, golf, play tennis, and much more. Burning
calories was never so much fun! Best of all, the one
thing you'll never see on a cruise ship menu is a
price!
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What if I
don't like my tablemates?
This is rarely a problem. However, if you wish to
move to another table, speak with the maitre d'.
He'll make every effort to seat you with more
compatible dining companions...discretely and
politely.
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Are there
non-smoking areas?
Today, virtually all ships have smoking and
non-smoking tables or non-smoking sections in
lounges. Cruise ship dining rooms are now totally
smoke-free, and the Carnival Paradise is a
completely smoke-free cruise ship, reflecting
passenger requests. If you want your dining table in
a non-smoking area, or prefer a smoke-free ship,
just tell us! Onboard, in "open-seating situations,"
you can advise your waiter or the maitre d'.
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Cabins & Services
What are outside & inside cabins?
What’s a Cabin Guarantee (GTY, GUAR)?
What are IS, OV, V, W, X, Y and Z cabins?
What amenities will my cabin have?
Are ships & cabins accessible for passengers with
disabilities?
Are there medical services onboard?
Are there laundry services aboard?
Are there meeting rooms onboard?
How does someone call/e-mail me?
What are
outside and inside cabins?
Outside (oceanview) cabins have a porthole/window,
while inside (interior) cabins do not.
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What is a
Cabin Guarantee (GTY or GUAR)?
A cabin guarantee means that you have reserved a
specific cabin category, but you have not yet been
assigned a specific cabin. For instance, if you
reserved a guaranteed outside cabin on the upper
deck, that cabin could be anywhere on the upper
deck, and it’s possible that you could receive an
upgrade. You will be assigned a specific cabin
during embarkation; occasionally you will be
notified of your cabin number in advance.
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What are W, X,
Y and Z cabins?
On Celebrity's and Royal Caribbean’s ships, X, Y,
and Z cabins are guaranteed cabin designations for
outside with balcony, outside, and inside cabins,
respectively. On Holland America’s ships, V
designates a guaranteed verandah cabin, W and X
designate guaranteed outside cabins, and Y and Z
designate guaranteed inside cabins. On Carnival's
ships, IS is an inside guaranteed (category 4A and
up), and OV is an oceanview guarantee (category 6A
and up).
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What amenities
will my cabin have?
Cabin amenities vary depending on cruise line, ship,
and category, but most ships include the following:
shampoo and soap, safe, TV, closet, private
bathroom, hairdryer, and refrigerator. Please note
the following exceptions:
Hairdryers:
- Carnival: only on the Conquest, Destiny,
Legend, Pride, Spirit, Triumph, and Victory
- Holland America: all ships except the Noordam
- Norwegian: all ships except the S.S. Norway
Refrigerators:
- Carnival: only on the Conquest, Destiny,
Legend, Pride, Spirit, Triumph, and Victory; some
suites on older ships
- Disney: coolers only; refrigerators can be
rented for duration of cruise and are supplied
free of cost for medical reasons
- Norwegian: depends on category; some outside
cabins and most suites on older ships
- Royal Caribbean: Adventure, Explorer,
Navigator, and Voyager only; some outside cabins
and most suites on older ships
Due to safety reasons, irons are not provided in
cabins, but you are allowed to bring one aboard.
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Are ships &
cabins accessible for passengers with disabilities?
The level of accessibility for passengers with
disabilities varies significantly from ship to ship.
In general, the newer ships are more accessible
while the older ones are less so. In response to the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), however, the
major cruise lines have been making concerted
efforts to bring all their ships up to code. For
detailed information on the accessibility of most
major cruise ships, we recommend Access-Able's
website: http://www.access-able.com/dbase/cruise.cfm.
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Are there
medical services onboard?
Virtually every cruise ship (except for some smaller
vessels operating in coastal waters) has a
fully-equipped medical facility and staff to handle
almost any emergency.
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Are there
laundry services aboard?
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.
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Are there
meeting rooms onboard?
Just about every full size ship has public rooms to
offer as meeting space for groups. If you'd like to
make such arrangements, ask us to contact the cruise
line's group sales department to coordinate
schedules and arrange for any catering needs. Your
ship may also be able to offer audio-visual
equipment.
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How does
someone call/e-mail me onboard?
All major cruise ship now offer computer terminals
with Internet access, which can be rented by the
minute or hour. In addition, ships can be reached
via direct-dial satellite or fax. You can also
telephone, telex, radiogram or fax to anywhere in
the world and be billed at applicable ship-to-shore
rates.
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Life Onboard
Are there different classes of service?
Will I get bored? Feel confined?
What's there to do at night?
Is there a charge for entertainment?
Do I have to participate in the activities?
Is it easy to meet people?
Will there be people like me?
What should I pack?
Where is smoking permitted/prohibited?
Are there
different classes of service?
Today's cruise ships are "one-class." Everyone
onboard can use all of the ship's facilities. The
price of a cabin is based primarily on its size and
location. Regardless of the category you book,
you'll enjoy the same courteous service, menus,
activities, and entertainment as everyone else
onboard.
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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 onboard. Plus, you get the added
adventure of exploring new and exciting ports of
call.
Cruise ships are like floating resorts with all
the choices 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. Or, you can join in
exercise classes, dance classes, sports contests and
other organized deck activities. Perhaps you can
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. And that's just when
you're onboard!
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What's there
to do at night?
At night, life aboard a cruise ship really turns on.
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 Masquerade Parade, the Late Night Buffet (just
for one last bite to tide you over 'til breakfast).
And the night can go on as long as you want. Even
until the spectacle of sunrise at sea.
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Is there a
charge for 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. The
movies are first-rate. The variety is limitless.
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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.
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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. At dinner. At
cocktails. Around the pool. Or along the promenade
rail. And don't be surprised if you find yourself
making arrangements to meet them aboard ship again
next year.
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Will there be
people like me?
No matter what you've heard to the contrary, there's
no such thing as a typical cruise passenger! All
kinds of people take cruises... of all ages... from
all walks of life... singles, couples and families.
Passengers can vary from ship to ship and cruise to
cruise. Just ask us for advice on the best ship for
you, based on your tastes and lifestyle.
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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. As
on shore, attire is dictated by occasion. On a
formal dining night or at the Captain’s Gala, for
example, you'll probably want to wear something more
dressy, such as a dark suit, or cocktail dress;
perhaps even a tuxedo or gown. (If you don't own a
tuxedo--most people don't--you can usually rent one
onboard.)
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Where is
smoking prohibited/permitted?
Except for the Carnival Paradise, which strictly
prohibits smoking onboard, smoking is prohibited
only in dining rooms/restaurants, hallways, and most
show lounges.
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General Questions
What do I do about money?
How much should I tip?
How much is an unlimited-soda card?
Can a pregnant woman travel?
Is motion discomfort a problem?
Is cruising affordable and a good vacation value?
How long are cruises?
Where can I go?
Are all ships and cruises fairly similar?
Can I book on short notice?
Can I extend my cruise vacation?
Do cruise lines accept group bookings?
Can we celebrate a "special" day?
Do cruise lines welcome families with kids?
Can singles have fun on a cruise?
Is cruising right for honeymooners?
What do I do
about money?
Most cruise lines will allow you to establish an
onboard credit account which permits you to charge
onboard purchases to your stateroom. In most
destinations, American currency may be accepted or
easily exchanged. It is best to bring cash in small
denominations since it is easier to get change for
these bills. It is also advisable to carry a limited
amount of cash since it is irreplaceable if lost.
Traveler's checks are recommended and you may also
want to carry a credit card. Conversion rates
fluctuate on a daily basis.
How much
should I tip?
Most cruise lines suggest $9-$10 per day, per guest.
This amount covers tips for your cabin steward,
waiter, and busboy. A 15% gratuity is usually added
to all bar tabs. Other shipboard personnel can be
tipped for special services at your discretion. In
general, you pay tips in cash at the end of the
cruise. Norwegian and Princess automatically add
tips to your onboard account, but the amount can be
adjusted upon request.
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How much is an
unlimited-soda card?
The cost of an unlimited-soda card depends on the
age of the cardholder and the length of the cruise.
For example, on a 7-day cruise, a card for a child
under 18 would be approximately $20, while
passengers over 18 would be charged around $35.
Cards apply exclusively to fountain soda (no cans)
and may only be purchased onboard.
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Can a pregnant
woman travel?
Pregnancy is regarded as a medical condition. The
cruise line may require a medical certificate
establishing the passenger's due date and fitness to
travel. In no case will the cruise line permit
passengers who are 24 weeks or more into pregnancy
to travel.
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Is motion
discomfort a problem?
Not really. The most popular cruise areas boast some
of the calmest waters in the world. In addition,
stabilizers on modern ships, advance availability of
accurate weather information, and development of
effective preventative medications have, for the
most part, eliminated the incidence of motion
discomfort.
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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
all meals, your cabin, onboard daytime activities,
nighttime 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.) You'll be
amazed at the value.
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How long are
cruises?
As long or as short as you want. Itineraries can
range from as little as three days to as long as
three months!
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Where can I
go?
Where do you want to go? Cruises visit practically
any destination accessible by water.
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Are all ships
and cruises fairly similar?
Far from it. Cruise ships can range from under 200
feet to over 1,000 feet. You can sail with anywhere
from fewer than 100 fellow passengers to over 2,600.
Experience atmospheres ranging from casual to
formal, classically simple to ultra-deluxe. You can
even choose between traditional propeller-driven
craft, sail-assisted cruise ships, or even a
paddle-wheel river boat.
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Can I book on
short notice?
Even the most popular cruises sometimes have space
available because of late cancellations. But, to get
exactly the ship, cabin and sailing date you want,
you should plan and book early. Most cruise lines
also offer early booking discounts for customers who
plan ahead. Then, just sit back and anticipate all
the fun you're going to have!
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Can I extend
my cruise vacation?
We can arrange pre- or post-cruise land packages at
the same time you book your cruise. And, in many
cases, your airline ticket will include helpful
options, such as free stopovers, that enable you to
make your own special arrangements.
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Do cruise
lines accept group bookings?
Most lines will work with groups, depending on how
many people are involved. Policies vary from company
to company and sometimes during certain times of the
year. For more details, please see our page.
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Can we
celebrate a "special" day?
Absolutely! Most cruise lines will even treat you to
a complimentary cake and a chorus of Happy Whatever
to honor the occasion. Your birthday or anniversary
can be more festive with champagne, flowers, canapes,
wine or cheese. You can even arrange for a special
private party. All you have to do is advise us in
advance.
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Do cruise
lines welcome families with kids?
More and more 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 children enjoy swimming, sports, games, movies
and the adventure of new places, they'll 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. For more information, please see our
Family Cruises page.
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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 parties just for singles early on,
so you can start to be involved right away. Most
ships also have single cabins as well as single
rates for double staterooms. In many cases, a cruise
line will even find you a roommate to share a double
if you ask them.
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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 (even under the stars) and so much more to
remember forever. Most lines provide special
services from Sunday or Monday departures to welcome
champagne and breakfast in bed. (And, speaking of
beds, most ships have them in double, queen, or king
sizes!) Also, some ships offer special programs for
performing a marriage ceremony or renewing your
marriage vows in port. For more information, please
see our
Honeymoon Cruises page.
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Shore Excursions
What's there to do in port?
How physically challenging are the Shore Excursions?
What do Shore Excursions include?
How do I book shore excursions?
When and where do Shore Excursions depart?
Is it possible to "Miss the Boat?"
What type of transportation is used for Shore
Excursions?
Will transportation be available from the ship to
city centers?
How should I tip our Guide/Driver?
How can I find out more about the ports we'll be
visiting?
Will I miss meals when I go ashore?
What should I wear?
Will I have time to shop?
What's there
to do in port?
So much you'll have a hard time choosing! You can go
off on your own. Or take a guided tour. You can
search ancient ruins or hunt for shopping bargains.
Ride a raft over river rapids, a bicycle ride down
the side of a 10,000 foot 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 waterskiing boat. If
there's still time, play golf or tennis. Eat native
foods. Learn how to windsurf. Sun and swim at some
of the world's best beaches. Catch a record marlin.
Sail, snorkel or go scuba diving. Go to a nightclub
or glittering casino. Take a cable car to the top of
a mountain. Explore dark catacombs. In short, a
cruise is the easiest way to see new places and do
all the things you dream of. Cruising is the perfect
way to sample a number of destinations that you may
want to return to for another vacation...and you
never have to pack and unpack - the destinations
come to you!
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How physically challenging
are the shore excursions?
It really depends on the tour. For example in some
of the European cities you'll be visiting are
ancient. Their quaint, narrow, cobblestone streets
have been in existence long before motorized
transportation. To preserve their beauty, some
cities and old towns are pedestrian only. Most tours
require some degree of walking; however, some
excursions require extensive walking. Likewise,
grand entryways and sprawling gardens of certain
castles and cathedrals make walking and
stair-climbing a necessity.
Most cruise lines indicate which tours are more
physical than others in their brochures and at the
Shore Excursion Desk. Whatever your fitness level,
we highly recommend comfortable, low-heeled walking
shoes.
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What do shore excursions
Include?
Shore excursions include transportation according to
the itinerary, and meals, refreshments, guides, and
entrance fees as indicated in the tour description
book. Fares for shore excursions are subject to
change without notice.
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How do I book
shore excursions?
When you receive your tickets, your package should
include a shore excursion guide. Once you’ve
selected the excursions you wish to take, you can
make reservations by booking on the cruise line’s
website, calling the cruise line directly, or
booking once you’re onboard the ship. Many popular
excursions sell out quickly, so we recommend
reserving as far in advance as possible.
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When and where do shore
excursions depart?
Prepaid tickets will indicate the departure location
and time. If you are reserving an excursion in
advance, you will be notified as to the times and
locations along with other important details.
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Is it possible to "miss the
boat?"
All guests are required to be back aboard their ship
no later than 30 minutes prior to the scheduled
departure time, which is listed in the daily
bulletin and at the gangway as you leave the ship.
The scheduling of all shore excursions conform with
this requirement. However, if you leave a tour en
route, it will be your responsibility to secure
transportation and return to the pier on time. If
you don't make it, they'll see you at the next port
at your expense.
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What type of transportation
is used for Shore Excursions?
Standards of transport vary considerably from
country to country; however, excursions utilize the
best quality transportation possible in each port.
Air-conditioned vehicles are not always available.
Guest wishing to travel together with friends should
leave the ship together, as this will help the tour
staff allocate space in the same vehicle.
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Will transportation be
available to the city centers?
There are many ports in Europe that are not located
in the city center. For the convenience of their
guests, some cruise lines like Royal Caribbean,
shuttle bus service is arranged in those ports that
are located a 1/2 mile or more away from the closest
city center and do not have adequate local
transportation available. (Believe us, finding local
transportation is not a problem in the Caribbean.
They will find you.) Schedules and days of operation
are usually posted in the ship's bulletin.
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How should I tip our
Guide/Driver?
Extending a gratuity to your guide or driver is
strictly optional; however, in some countries, these
personnel may anticipate that if you were pleased
with their services, you will reward them in a
monetary way. A commonly accepted guideline is $1
per person for a half day and $2 per person for a
full day.
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How can I find out more
about the ports we'll be visiting?
On most cruise ships, a qualified lecturer will hold
informative talks on each port of call you visit. If
you still have questions, the Port Lecturer will be
glad to answer them. You should also do a little
research before you go. Your local library should
have all kinds of books pertaining to your
destination. Frommer's and Fodor's also have
wonderfully informative books i
