|
 1.
Is cruising affordable and a good vacation value?
Cruising
is the best vacation value! There are cruise vacations to suit
every budget. Your cruise fare includes all meals, your
stateroom, onboard activities and entertainment, plus
transportation from port to port. You'll know what your
vacation will end up costing before you go (typically, your
only extra expenses will be drinks, optional shore excursions,
and personal services.
2.
Where can I go?
Wherever
you want! Cruises visit over 1,800 ports worldwide and
practically every destination accessible by water.
3.
Is cruising the safest way to travel?
The
United States Coast Guard has declared cruise ships to be one
of the safest forms of transportation. A cruise ship is
comparable to a secure building with a 24-hour security guard.
Passengers and crew embark and disembark only after passing
through a security check. This check provides metal detectors
and a credit card-type of scanning that reveals your photo on
a screen.
4.
How do I book a cruise?
Visit
or call a CLIA-affiliated travel agency. These professionals
will help you pick the cruise that fits your vacation
schedule, taste, and budget. They can make all of the
arrangements to get you from your doorstep to your ship and
back.
5.
Are there any special educational programs onboard?
To
complement the spirit of discovery that travel evokes, many
cruise lines feature an extensive program of onboard
enrichment seminars hosted by distinguished guest experts.
6. Do I need a passport?
This
depends on the type of cruise and the destination. You will
need some proof of citizenship and identification; your agent
will inform you of required documents well in advance of your
departure.
7.
Are there different classes of service?
Today's
cruise ships are "one-class." Everyone can use the
ship's facilities. The price of a cabin is based primarily on
its size and location. Regardless of the category that you
book, you'll enjoy the same courteous service, menus,
activities, and entertainment as everyone else onboard.
8.
Will I get bored? Feel confined?
Hardly!
Being at sea gives you a feeling of total freedom that no
land-based resort can offer. There's plenty of room, and it
will probably take you 2 to 3 days just to discover everything
that is onboard. Plus, you get the added adventure of
exploring many ports of call.
9.
Do I have to participate in the activities?
On
a cruise, you do what you want, when you want. (You can do
everything or do absolutely nothing - it's your vacation).
10.
Do cruise lines welcome families with children?
Families
book more and more cruise vacations with children. Most cruise
lines provide plenty of supervised activities (some
educational) 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.
 11.
What's there to do at night?
When
the stars come out, a cruise ship really turns on. There is
dancing, live entertainment, nightclubs and lounges, feature
films, and parties with all of your new friends. Most ships
also have casinos.
12. What should I pack?
Pack
like you would for any resort. Cruise vacations are casual by
day, whether you are on the ship or ashore. In the evening,
ships vary as to dress.
13.
Will I need a tuxedo?
Many
cruise lines now feature a more relaxed and casual approach to
dress throughout the cruise - while on others, formal dinners
or parties are part of the fun. But don't buy a tuxedo just
for the trip - even on the most formal of ships, a dark suit
and tie are fine for the dressiest occasions. Plus, many ships
offer tuxedo rental services.
14.
Can singles have fun on a cruise?
Cruising
is ideal for people traveling alone, because it is so easy to
meet other people. In fact, most ships have parties for
singles - early on, so you can get to know other guests right
away. Many ships even offer gentleman hosts, who can be dance
partners, dinner companions, or a fourth at cards.
15.
What about mealtimes?
Again,
there are many, many choices. During the day, there
are many different dining options - in the formal dining room,
on deck is a casual setting, in a pizzeria, at an espresso bar,
to name just a few. At night, most ships offer several venues.
Some ships' dining rooms can accommodate all guests at one
time called "a seating." Many ships offer you a
choice of several seating times, and others encourage you to
come to dinner whenever you like. More traditional ships have
two seatings in their formal dining rooms, which differ only
by time: typically 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
16.
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.
17. Are there nonsmoking areas?
Virtually
all ships have smoking and nonsmoking areas in the public
rooms. In fact, many dining rooms, and even some entire ships,
are now totally smoke-free, reflecting passenger request.
18.
Can we celebrate a special occasion?
Absolutely!
Most cruise lines will even treat you to a complimentary cake
and a chorus of "Happy Whatever" to honor the
occasion.
19.
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).
20.
What about tipping?
Tipping
is a matter of individual preference. A general rule of thumb
is to plan for about $3.75 per person per day for your cabin
steward and dining room waiter, and about ˝ that amount for
your busboy - a few cruise lines include tipping in the price
and will so inform you.
 21.
Are there medical services onboard?
Virtually
every cruise ship has a medical facility and healthcare
professionals on staff to handle almost any emergency.
22.
Are there laundry services onboard the ship?
Almost
all cruise ships have laundry facilities and many provide dry
cleaning services.
23.
Do cruise lines accept group bookings?
Most
lines welcome groups - often at special rates, depending on
how many people are involved.
24.
Is motion discomfort a problem?
Rarely.
Popular cruise itineraries sail some of the calmest waters in
the world. In addition, stabilizers on modern ships,
availability of advanced weather information, and development
of effective preventive medicines have, for the most part,
eliminated the incidence of motion discomfort.
25.
Are there meeting rooms onboard?
Just
about every full-sized ship has public rooms or a conference
center to offer as meeting space for private or corporate
groups. Reservation of these rooms must be done well in
advance.
|
