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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, night time parties and entertainment. So for once, you'll
know what your vacation will end up costing you before you go.
(Depending on the cruise lines you choose, your only extra expenses are
drinks, optional shore excursions, and personal services such as massage
or hairstyling.)
What is "Free-style
Cruising"?
Freestyle Cruising gives you freedom of choice.
Whether you're dining, exercising or relaxing, you now have greater
flexibility to do what you do when you want to do it.
What is "Free-style Dining"?
In addition to the Fixed Traditional Seating, some
of the cruise lines are now offering "Free-style Dining." This means
that you no longer have to appear at a fixed time in the dining room.
Instead, the choice of when and where you wish to enjoy your cuisine is
up to you. In some cases, Freestyle Dining gives you dining options with
more restaurants and a greater variety of menus than ever before.
How long are cruises?
As long or short as you want. Cruise lines offer
itineraries from three days to three months.
Where can I go?
Where do you want to go? Cruises visit practically
any destination accessible by water.
How do I book a cruise?
Visit or call your CLIA-affiliated travel agency.
Our Cruise Specialists will help you pick the cruise that fits your
vacation schedule, tastes, and budget; then make all the arrangements to
get you from your doorstep to your cabin and back.
Are all ships and cruises fairly similar?
Far from it. CLIA member lines' ships 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.
What's an air/sea cruise?
A fly/cruise or air/sea cruise vacation package
includes either free or much reduced airfare along with your cruise
ticket. These money-saving options are available from most major North
American cities and include transfers between the airport and ship as
well as baggage handling.
Can I book on short notice?
Even the most popular cruises sometimes have space
available because of late cancellations. So, have your professional
cruise specialist check. 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!
Do I need a passport?
New Requirements for Travelers
The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention
Act of 2004 requires that by January 1, 2008, travelers to and from the
Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Canada have a passport or other
secure, accepted document to enter or re-enter the United States. In
order to facilitate the implementation of this requirement, the
Administration is proposing to complete it in phases following a
proposed timeline, which will be published in the Federal Register in
the near future. (Click
here to obtain passport application and additional information).
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.
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!
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
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 water-skiing 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!
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?
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
that 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, 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 until
breakfast). And the night can go on as long as you want. Even until the
spectacle of sunrise at sea.
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.
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.
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 our Cruises Specialist for advice on the best ship
for you, based on your tastes and lifestyle.
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. For the Captain's Gala, 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.
Will I need a tuxedo?
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.
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 assist you in
finding a roommate to share a double if you ask them.
Can I use my hair dryer or shaver?
Most ships have 110-volt outlets in the
staterooms. Do check with your cruise specialist to be sure. Many ships
even feature hair dryers in your cabin.
What are different
meal seatings?
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 cruise specialist 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. In addition,
some ships offer new flexible dining options.
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!
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 cruise specialist 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 maitre d'. He'll make every effort
to seat you with more compatible dining companions ... discretely and
politely.
Are there non-smoking areas?
Today, virtually all ships have smoking and
nonsmoking 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
nonsmoking area, just tell your cruise specialist. Onboard, in
"open-seating situations," you can advise your waiter or the maitre d'.
Can we celebrate a "special" day?
Absolutely! Most cruise lines will even treat you
to a complimentary cake and a chorus to honor the occasion. Your
birthday or anniversary can be more festive with champagne, flowers,
canapés, wine or cheese. You can even arrange for a special private
party. All you have to do is advise your cruise specialist in advance.
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.
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.
Staterooms on many ships are even equipped with televisions. While most
ships now have telephones in passenger cabins, you can also call someone
on shore through the ship's radio operator while at sea. And, you can
make phone calls from most ports. In addition, many ships have fax
capabilities.
What about tipping?
Tipping is a matter of individual preference. A
general rule of thumb is to plan for about $3.50 to $5.00 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.
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.
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.
Do cruise lines accept group bookings?
Most lines will work with groups-often at reduced
rates-depending on how many people are involved. Policies vary from
company to company and sometimes during certain times of the year. Our
cruise specialists have extensive experience in working with cruise
groups, so call for additional information.
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 your cruise specialist 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.
Can I extend my cruise vacation?
Your cruise specialist can arrange pre- or
post-cruise land packages at the same time you book you 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.
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, advanced availability of accurate weather information, and
development of effective preventative medications have, for the most
part, eliminated the incidence of motion discomfort. There's also a
non-medication relief from motion-discomfort. ( Sea-Band wrist bands.)
It sounds too good
to be true! Is it?
The one major complaint we hear over and over
again is that cruises end far too soon! Beyond that, it's hard to find
any negatives. After all, you don't have to run to make plane
connections to get from one port to the next. You don't have the hassles
of making dinner or nightclub reservations. You don't have the bother of
packing and unpacking as you move from place to place. You don't get
unexpected, expensive surprises at restaurants or nightclubs. You have a
wealth of options for shopping, adventure, sightseeing, exploring,
entertaining and sports activities. All you have to worry about is
relaxing and enjoying your vacation. More importantly, every crew and
staff member onboard is dedicated to making your cruise vacation the
best vacation of your life (until you top it next year with your next
cruise!)
Who should I see if I have questions that
haven't been answered?
Just call our professional cruise specialists at
1-888-898-3628. They will get answers to all your cruise questions.
Thank you for taking the time to review
this guide.
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