Most "first timers" have a lot of questions - so here's a list of questions most commonly asked to help you get ready and ensure "smooth sailing" both before and during your cruise. If your question isn't here, please do not hesitate to call me.
WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO TAKE?
For the most current government requirements, please go to: htt;://travel.state.gov/
HOW DO I PAY FOR ITEMS ONBOARD AND IN PORT?
The Cruise Lines will open an onboard account for bar purchases, soft drinks, souvenirs, to pay for shore excursions, etc., which you can settle by credit card, travelers checks or cash at the end of the cruise. The purser's office will also cash travelrs checks for you. In addition, most of the duty-free shops onboard and most shops in port will also cash travelers checks. Most shops in port will accept major credit cards as well as American dollars or travelers checks. YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CASH PERSONAL CHECKS ONBOARD THE SHIP.
WHAT ABOUT TIPPING ONBOARD SHIP?
Tipping with most cruise lines is now included on your onboard account. While this makes tipping the proper people more convenient, you may alter these amounts according to your cruise experience in these areas. Your tips will affect these services on your cruise ship: Your Cabin Steward, Waiter and Assistant Waiter. These amounts will range from $9.00 to $12 per person per day on most cruise lines. On luxury cruise lines these amounts may be higher and sometimes included. If you wish to change the amounts either by reducing or adding to your account, you should visit the purser onboard your cruise ship. Note: most cruise lines add gratuties to bar tabs. Always check your bills.
DO I NEED TO PACK A TUXEDO OR FORMAL DRESS?
Many cruise lines allow you to rent a tuxedo onboard. This will reduce additional packing and you will have a pressed tuxedo on each formal night of your cruise. Although prices may vary on different cruise lines, the average price is between $75-$100. This will cover all cruises of 11 days or less. Included on Standard Tuxedo Rental Packaes are 1 black jacket, 1 pair of black pants, 2 white formal shirts, 1 dinner jackeg package and a package for both The Standard Black and White Dinner Jacket Tuxedos. Note: Shoes & socks are additional.
Rentals are available for the Ladies as well on Celebrity, Holland, Princess and Royal Caribbean. If you are sailing on "back-to-back" cruises (two consecutive sailings of the same ship), then each voyage is considered a separate rental. If you are not sure, please call our toll free number for assistance. Not all cruise lines have a "formal night".
WHAT ABOUT MOTION SICKNESS?
Ships today are so well stabilized that mos of the time you won't notice you are even moving! It's a good idea though to take along some Motion Sickness precaution (follow the directions on the box) as well as aspirin and sunscreen. If you do have a problem onboard, all ships have a doctor and a nurse aboard. And be sure not to forget any prescription drugs you are taking. These should be put in your carry-on luggage. Consult your physician before taking any medication.
WHAT HAPPENS TO MY LUGGAGE AFTER I LEAVE IT AT THE AIRPORT (OR PORT, IF YOU ARE DRIVING)?
If you are using the cruise line's airfare program, you will affix the luggage tags sent with your cruise documents and check your luggage at the airport. The next time you see it will be in your cabin! There are a few ports where you will need to claim your luggage at the airport--this will be indicated in your cruise documents and, again, call me if you have any questions. If you are flying but NOT using the cruise line's airfare program you still need to affix your cruise line tag but you will need to claim your own luggage at the airport baggage area when you arrive in your port city and take it with you to the port. If you are driving to the port, you will check your luggage when you arrive at the port and they will take your bags to your cabin. It's a good idea to check your cabin about 1/2 hour before sailing to be sure your luggage has arrived and to check with your steward or the purser's office if it is not there. They have thousands of bags to deliver to cabins and it does take awhile. the most important thing is your luggage tag - without it, how will they know where to find you?
On the last night of your cruise you will be asked to put your luggage (except your carry-on bags) outside your cabin so that it can be taken to the holding area, and off loaded early the next morning. You will claim your bags in the customs area, don't worry, all this will be explained on the ship. It would be a good idea to pack an overnight bag on your cruise.
HOW CAN I BE REACHED ONBOARD THE SHIP IN AN EMERGENCY?
An emergency number will be on all your final cruise documents.
HOW WILL I KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON ONBOARD THE SHIP, OR FIND OUT ABOUT SHORE EXCURSIONS?
There will be all kinds of "goodies" about this in your cabin when you arrive and prior to sailing is a good time to "explore" and get your bearings as to where the dining room, gym, lounges etc are located. There will be a daily program of activities put in your cabin each night for the next day. For first timers, it's best to work with your Cruise Planners Travel Advisor to seek the best possible options. Through their knowledge and contacts, your Advisor will recommend an excursion perfect for you and your budget. It is recommended that shore excursions be prebooked so once you board the ship your days are already planned and all you will need to do is relax. You can book all of your Shore Excursions through this website (www.apassion4travel.com) under Resources.
IS IT BETTER TO TAKE A SHORE EXCURSION OR EXPLORE PORTS OF CALL ON MY OWN?
A lot of that is really up to you! It is recommended that you take some time before the cruise to check out the shore excursions to get an idea what there is to do (on t his website under Resources as noted above). We have some of the best shore excursions possible at competitive rates. You can view and buy shore trips right from there. That way you can truly relax once on board knowing everything is handled. Additionally, most ships include a program of their shore excursions with your cruise documents and/or in your cabin. .
Some of the islands/ports that are easy to explore on your own (by cab, or even on foot in some places) are: St. Thomas, Grand Cayman, Key West, Freeport, Cozumel, San Juan, Bermuda, Canadian ports, Grenada and St. Barts.
DO I NEED TO CHECK IN AHEAD OF TIME?
Many cruise lines now offer e-docs and you can check-in at anytime via your MY TRIPS on this website (www.apassion4travel).
