Just about anyplace in the world. While the Caribbean remains the most popular cruising destination, there are ships that sail everywhere - - Asia, Europe, the Baltic Sea, South America, the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, the South Pacific, the Indian ocean and even above by the Arctic and Antarctic circles. And many cruises have a land-tour add-on that allow you to explore those cities and regions no accessible by ship.
Absolutely not. Each line has its own personality, from those with a party-hearty atmosphere to ships whose focus is on nature and culture. the size also ranges from ships that carry less than 100 passengers to megaships that hold more than 3,000. And the ships come in different styles - - from basic to super luxurious - - and from sailboats to steam ships to river boats.
That is the cruise lines' term for a tour package that includes both the cruise and the air connections to the port of embarkation. Often, these packages can save you money on the airfare.
No, but if you do not, you are responsible for getting to the ship on time. If the flight you booked through the cruise line is delayed - - by weather or other reasons - - the cruise line will work with the airlines to get you to the ship before it leaves, or to the first port of call if that is impossible. If you have arranged your own air fare, and you miss the ship's departure, catching up with it is on your own tab.
This depends on the type of cruise and your destination. You'll will probably need at least some proof of citizenship. We always advise you to carry a passport anytime you are traveling outside the United States or your home country. Passports can help you cash travelers' checks, serve as indentification in case of emergency and are just the best form of ID around. And if you do carry a passport, keep a Xerox copy of it in a safe place in your bags. if you lose your passport (or if it is stolen), have the copy will make it easier for you to replace it.
Cruise ships are like floating resorts with all the things fine resorts have to offer. You can take dance or bridge lessons, read a book, swim in a pool, play bingo or the slot machines, listen to fine music or take in a Broadway-style show, practice some tennis or golf shots, watch a movie, get a workout in the health club, enjoy a massage in the spa or just get closer to the person you love. Finding something to do has never been the problem. Finding time to do everything we wanted to do was the problem.
Depending on where the ship is cruising, port excursions can range from simple beach and snorkeling trips to more elaborate tours of ancient ruins, visits to grand museums tours of legendary cities and castles, wine tastings, nature hikes and more. Cruising is a great way to sample the world. And if you ever wondered what a particular country was like, visit it by a cruise. if you love it, you can always return for a longer visit on land.
No. On a cruise, you do what you want to do. You are on vacation.
No, while cruises remain great travel bargains, the cruise fare covers the basics: your cabin, all meals and entertainment. Inmost cases, the cruise fare does not include port charges, if applicable; tips to your cabin steward and dining room servers; wine and liquor charges, purchases; shore excursions; gambling expenses and expenses while in port. Still, the cruise fare, which in many cases is around $100 per person per day for room, meals and entertainment, is still a great travel value. If costs are a concern, make a budget and stick to it.
The cruise brochure you get with your cruise documents will answer that question. However, we always include the following: a small first aid kit, with some antibiotic cream, Tylenol, bandaids, an anti-itch cream, or one of those "sting sticks"; an anti-diarrheal medication, like Immodium; a nightlight (to use in the bathroom of the cabin); a small compass, which can help you navigate those confusing crazy-quilt streets in the cities of the Old World; a small flashlight; extra film and batteries for your camera; a pair of binoculars; notes we made from travel guides or tips from experienced friends. We also include on index cards the addresses of all the friends we want to write or send postcards to during out trip. And we also take a Scrabble game (travel version), paper back books (less weight).
Perhaps at one time that stereotype was more valid, but not so today. Today's cruise ships will carry hundreds of thousands of children - - 32% of cruise vacations are booked by families with children. Lines like Carnival, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Holland America, Disney and Premier have included children's and teen programs in the activities and now carry youth counselors. Our boys loved cruises so much that we practically never saw them once we got on board. They took part in sports, teen parties, pizza parties, pool parties, movies, special dances, scavenger hunts and other activities. They had a great time and we had a grand vacation.
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 for just for one last bite to tide you over until breakfast). And the night can go on as long as you want. Even until the spectacle of sunrise at sea.
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.
You know, we have travelled a lot on land and never met anyone we kept in contact with after our trip. yet on a cruise, we have made friends that we still correspond with - - and occasionally still meet - - years afterward. A cruise ship is a great place to make new friends, because everyone's so friendly. The atmosphere is cordial, relaxed. And you will have time to talk.
Cruising is ideal for people traveling alone, because it's so easy to meet other people. But we advise you to cruise on the larger ships, since they are more likely to have larger numbers of singles travelers. In fact, most ships have parties just for singles early on, so you can start to be involved right away
On some cruises, formal dinners or parties are part of the fun. But don't buy a tuxedo just for the trip. If you do want to dress to the nines, many ships offer tuxedo rental services. Even on the most formal of ships, a dark suit and tie are fine for the dressiest occasions.
Some ships ' dining rooms can accommodate all passengers in one seating. But most ships have two seatings which differ only by time. To choose, just decide whether you prefer to dine early or late then have your travel agent request your preference when you book. Whichever seating you choose, remember that one of the best ways to make new friends is to ask for a large table.
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 travel agent of this requirement when you book your cruise.
We've never had this problem, but it does happen. 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.
Today, virtually all ships have smoking and non-smoking table and/or sections in the dining rooms and lounges. In fact, many cruise ship dining rooms are now totally smoke-free, reflecting passenger requests. If you want your dining table in a non-smoking area, just tell your travel agent. Onboard, in open-seating situations, you can advise your waiter or the maitre d '.
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 your travel agent in advance.
In many cases, yes, but not at sea. Captains can no longer perform wedding ceremonies, but most of the major lines will help you arrange a wedding, usually while the ship is in port.
It's a great place for a honeymoon, and very, very romantic - - with one caveat: make certain that your cabin does not have fixed twin beds. The newer ships have cabins with king, queen and even twin beds that can be joined into a double Without a doubt.
Most ships have a daily newsletter with news, headlines, selected stock quotes and sports scores. Staterooms on many ships are even equipped with televisions. While many ships now have telephones in passenger cabins, you can also call someone on shore through the ship's radio operator while at sea, although this is an expensive proposition, but itıs there if you need it. And, you can make phone calls from most ports.
Tipping is a matter of individual preference. A general rule of thumb is to plan for about $2.50 to $3.00 per person per day for your room steward and dining room waiter, and about half that amount for your busboy. (A few cruise lines include tipping in the price and will so inform you.) Other ship board personnel can be tipped for special services at your discretion.
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. These services are not included in your cruise fare, but may be covered by your regular or travel insurcance policies.
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.
Yes, read the cruise brochure carefully before you book. Ask your travel agent a lot of questions. Buy (or check out from a library) a travel guidebook to the area you want to cruise. After you get your tickets, read the cruise pamphlet that comes with the travel documents. It will have lots of answers to your questions. And it may also give you some valuable advice on what to pack - - and what not to pack - - tipping, how relatives can contact you and more.