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| Is
cruising affordable and a good vacation value? |
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| Cruising
is the best vacation value! There are cruise vacations
to suit every budget. Your cruise fare includes
all meals, your stateroom, on-board activities and
entertainment, plus transportation from port to
port. You'll know what your vacation will end up
costing you before you go. (Typically, your only
extra expenses will be drinks, optional shore excursions,
and personal services such as massage or hairstyling.)
See the cost comparison chart to compare the value
of a cruise to the total cost of other vacations.
You'll be amazed!TOP |
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| Are
all ships fairly similar? |
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| Far
from it. Ships range from intimate and yacht-like
to vessels stretching longer than three football
fields. You can sail with fewer than 100 fellow
guests or with more than 2,600. Enjoy atmospheres
ranging from casual to formal, contemporary to classic.
You can even choose sail-assisted ships. Enjoy the
endless activities offered on a contemporary resort-style
cruise, or immerse yourself in the culture of a
destination on a special interest cruise.TOP |
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| Are
there different types of cruises? |
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| There
are cruises designed to suit virtually every interest
and personal preference.
The
choices include: boutique, luxury cruises with
globetrotting itineraries; large, contemporary
ships with a fantastic array of recreational facilities;
classic vessels evoking the time-honored traditions
of cruising; special-interest or exploration cruises
specializing in unique destinations with an accent
on cultural enrichment.
There
are cruise lines that feature soft adventure expeditions
to such unusual and rustic frontiers as Antarctica,
the Amazon rain forest or African Serengeti. Or
discover historical legacies closer to home with
enlightening itineraries to New England, French
Canada and the Colonial America coast.
For
experienced travelers, destination-focused cruises
specialize in premium, culturally-rich ports of
call with itineraries dedicated to illuminating
such historic, world-class treasures as the antiquities
of classical Greece, the Polynesian paradise of
Hawaii or the fabled splendor of Norwegian fjords.
For
many, the perfect vacation includes the non-stop
fun and sun of a tropical resort-style cruise
to the Caribbean, where you can sample a variety
of island cultures and cuisines while working
on a terrific sun tan.
Plus, many cruise lines create special "themes"
on-board, with entertainment ranging from jazz
festivals and classical music concerts to golf
clinics and murder mysteries at sea!TOP
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| Are
there any special education programs on-board? |
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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.
In addition to lectures highlighting the history and
sights of ports you will be visiting, there may also
be special in-depth presentations ranging from Renaissance
works of art and strategic financial planning to epicurean
secrets of classic French cuisine.TOP
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| What's
an air/sea cruise? |
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| A
fly/cruise or an air/sea vacation package includes,
along with your cruise ticket, either free or reduced-cost
airfare to and from the ship's port of embarkation.
These convenient money-saving options are available
from most major North American cities and include
ground transfers between the airport and ship as
well as baggage handling. TOP |
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| Is
motion discomfort a problem? |
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| Rarely.
Popular cruise itineraries ply some of the calmest
waters in the world. In addition, stabilizers on
modern ships, availability of advance weather information,
and development of effective preventative medications
have, for the most part, eliminated the incidence
of motion discomfort.TOP |
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| Will
I get bored? Feel confined? |
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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 two or
three days just to discover everything that's
on board. Plus, you get the added adventure of
exploring many exciting ports of call. Cruise
ships are floating resorts with all the choices
fine resorts have to offer. You can lie back in
a lounge chair, breathe in the sea air, soak up
the sun, read good books, or watch the ever-changing
seascape. If you're more active, join in exercise
or dance classes, and sports contests. Practice
your tennis stroke or golf swing, or take some
fresh air on the jogging deck. Or you can swim,
stretch out in the sauna or work out in the gym.
You can also see a feature film, attend an enrichment
lecture by experts, play backgammon or bridge.
And that's just when you're on board!TOP
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| What
can I do in a port? |
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So
much you'll have a hard time choosing! You can
explore on your own or take a guided tour (referred
to as shore excursions). Search ancient ruins
or hunt for shopping bargains. Ride a raft over
river rapids, or a horse across miles of hills
and beaches. Climb a waterfall or pyramid. Follow
the footsteps of history or the wake of a waterskiing
boat. If there's still time, play golf or tennis.
Learn how to windsurf. Sun and swim at some of
the world's best beaches. Catch a record marlin.
Sail, snorkel, or scuba dive. Take a cable car
to the top of a mountain. Explore dark catacombs.
In short, cruising is the perfect way to sample
a number of new destinations and try all the things
you've ever dreamed of doing, while never having
to pack and unpack!TOP
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| Do
cruise lines welcome families with kids? |
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| More
and more cruise vacations are booked by families
with children. Most cruise lines provide plenty
of 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 children adapt to shipboard life with ease,
and you won't have to wonder what they're up to
every minute. The youth counselors will help keep
them busy and entertained. Ships even offer different
types of age-appropriate activities, suitable for
toddlers to teens. Best of all, children often travel
at a reduced rate.TOP |
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| What's
there to do at night? |
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| When
the stars come out, a cruise ship really turns on. There's
dancing, live entertainment, nightclubs and lounges, feature
films, and parties with all your new friends. Most ships
also have casinos. What's more, there are many special
events like the Captain's Cocktail Party, Passenger Talent
Night, Broadway-style shops and Las Vegas-type revues.TOP |
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| Is
there a charge for entertainment? |
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| Never.
On a cruise vacation, the entertainment is on the
house. There's no cover, minimum, or charge for
an admission ticket. The shows are live, films first-rate
and all included in your cruise fare.TOP |
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| What
should I pack? |
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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. At
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.TOP
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| Will
I need a tuxedo? |
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| 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.TOP
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| Can
singles have fun on a cruise? |
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| Cruising
is ideal for people traveling alone, because it's
so easy to meet other people. In fact, most ships
have parties for singles -- early on, so you can
get to know people right away. Many ships even offer
social hosts who can be dance partners, dinner companions
or a fourth at cards.
Most
ships also have single cabins as well as single
rates for double staterooms. If you ask them,
many cruise lines will even find you a roommate
to share a cabin so you can obtain the per person/double
occupancy rate, saving you even more on a great
vacation.TOP
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| Can
I use my hair dryer or shaver? |
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| Most
ships have 110-volt outlets in the staterooms. But
do check with your CLIA-affiliated travel agent
or agency to be sure. Most ships even feature hair-dryers
in your cabin.TOP |
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| What
about meal times? |
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| Again,
there are choices and more choices. During the day,
there are many different places to eat - in the
formal dining room, on deck is a casual setting,
in a pizzeria, at an espresso bar, to name 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 eating 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 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. To choose,
just decide whether you prefer to dine early or
late--then have your CLIA-affiliated travel agent
request your preference when you book your cruise.
Frequently, you can chose to dine at night someplace
other than the formal dining room, such as in an
intimate restaurant that features, for example,
Italian, Chinese, Japanese or Southwestern cuisine.
More and more cruise lines also a opening up their
informal lido areas to evening dining, where the
dress and dishes always are casual, and sometimes,
you can even eat out under the stars. And a large
number of ships also offer romantic in-cabin dinners.
The choice is yours!TOP |
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| Can
I get a special diet? |
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| 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 CLIA-affiliated travel agent when you book
your cruise.TOP |
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| What
about dining companions - can I sit with my spouse
and friends only, or will I have tablemates? |
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| Experienced
cruisers say they prefer sitting at a table with
several other diners; some lifelong friendships
have been made this way. But the cruise lines are
geared to accommodate each guest's wishes, and it
is possible to request a table for two or four.
In the unlikely event that you do wish to change
tablemates, speak with the maitre d', who will make
every effort to seat you with more compatible dining
companions... discretely and politely.TOP |
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| Are
there non-smoking areas? |
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| Virtually
all ships have smoking and non-smoking sections
in the public rooms. In fact, many dining rooms,
and even some entire ships, are now totally smoke-free,
reflecting passenger requests. If you want your
dining table in a non-smoking area, just tell your
CLIA-affiliated travel agent. On board, you can
advise the maitre d'.TOP |
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| Is
cruising right for honeymooners? |
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| 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). Most lines provide special services
-- from Sunday or Monday departures to champagne
and breakfast in bed. For more details just check
the Cruise Guide for Honeymooners. Also, some ships
offer special programs for performing a marriage
ceremony or renewing your marriage vows.TOP |
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| Can
we stay in touch with the outside world? |
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| Quite
easily. Most ships have a daily newsletter with
news, headlines, selected stock quotes and sports
scores. Many staterooms are equipped with televisions
and have satellite or cellular telephones. You can
also call someone on shore through the ship's radio
officer while at sea. In addition, most ships have
fax capabilities and a growing number are adding
computer cafes with Internet access for e-mail communication.TOP |
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| What
about tipping? |
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Tipping
is a matter of individual preference. A general
rule of thumb is to plan for about $3.00 per person
per day for your cabin 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 shipboard personnel
can be tipped for special services at your discretion.TOP
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| Are
there medical services on board? |
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| Virtually
every cruise ship (except for some smaller vessels
operating in coastal waters) has a medical facility
and health care professionals on staff to handle
almost any emergency. If you have a medical condition
that might put you at risk, discuss it with your
doctor and inform the cruise lines at the time of
booking. And, whenever you travel, check to see
what your health insurance covers.TOP |
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| Are
there laundry services aboard ship? |
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| Almost
all cruise ships have laundry facilities and many
provide dry-cleaning services. There is, however,
an additional charge for professional laundry and
dry-cleaning services. Many ships also have self-service
launderettes.TOP
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