Every day, more and more people discover the all-inclusive pleasures of a cruise vacation. More singles, families, couples, honeymooners and groups of friends are sailing away on the vacation of their lives. You'll find that a cruise ship is like a floating resort hotel and you'll meet new friends with the same tastes and interests as you. The hassles of an ordinary vacation are eliminated... no packing and unpacking, you don't have to make dinner or nightclub reservations, and you can lay back and be completely pampered. When you add it all up it's easy to see why.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF THE CRUISE?
Just about everything! All your meals are included (and there are usually about 7 or 8 per day from which to choose), all accommodations, all shipboard entertainment, all taxes and in some cases your airfare and ground transportation to and from the port is included. You must pay for extras such as liquor, shore excursions, gratuities, photos, incidentals, gambling, etc.
WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO TAKE?
In addition to your cruise documents, proof of citizenship will be required. A current, VALID passport supersedes all other identification and may be accepted alone without other types of ID. Check to make sure your passport does not expire within six months of travel.
HOW DO I PAY FOR ITEMS ON BOARD AND IN PORT?
The cruise lines let you "run a tab" onboard the ship for bar purchases, soft drinks, souvenirs, shore excursions, etc, which you settle by credit card, travelers check or cash at the end of the cruise. Virtually all cruise lines are now cashless.
WHAT ABOUT TIPPING ONBOARD SHIP?
It is generally suggested that you tip $10-12 per person, per day depending on the cabin category selected - although this can vary for luxury lines. On cruises of 10 days or less, it is customary to tip on the last evening and envelopes will be provided for you. On cruises of 14 days or longer, it is customary to tip every 7 days. It is recommended to pay the gratuities in advance; some cruise lines have instituted this rule.
ARE THERE ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN ON A CRUISE?
Are you kidding? Most cruise lines offer programs for children. Many offer special teen and pre-teen scheduled activities. The larger ships almost always include a video arcade, kids disco or other designated "kids area". Cruises are a great way for families to travel together and see a variety of countries and ports. Some ships also offer babysitting services and daycare centers.
DO I HAVE TO PARTICIPATE IN SCHEDULED ACTIVITIES OR CAN I JUST RELAX?
There are dozens of activities going on all over the ship every day. One of the best ones can be "doing nothing at all". Relaxation is what attracts many people to cruise travel. Every ship has one or more pools where you can lay around with a good book, most have a library and several lounges where you can sit and relax by yourself or with friends.
WILL I GET BORED?
Again, are you kidding? That is very unlikely! However, if you are concerned about having enough to do, choose one of the larger ships, they will typically have more activities due to the sheer numbers of people on board. Most ships have dozens of activities going from sunrise to way past midnight. Pool activities, sports, bingo, casino, wine tastings, dance lessons, dancing, Karaoke, live entertainment, movies, television, fitness centers, shore excursions, talent contests, masquerade parties, Captain's party, Country Western Night, just to name a few!
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Packing smart is the best advice! And though your own taste, interests and destinations will determine what you pack, the ship and cruise line will also dictate this as well. Day wear, on the ship or when visiting warmer ports of call, stylish resort wear is fine for both men and women: Swimsuit and cover-up walking shorts and polo shirts, lightweight slacks or skirts and a light sweater (for cooler days). Ashore, dress for comfort, but remember to observe local customs. In many ports, short-shorts, halter-tops and provocative clothing are frowned upon.
DO I NEED TO WORRY ABOUT MOTION SICKNESS?
Ships today are so well stabilized that most of the time you won't notice you are eve
n moving! It's a good idea though to take along some Dramamine as well as aspirin and sunscreen. If you do have a problem, all ships have a doctor and a nurse onboard.
CAN I GET/SEND E-MAIL WHILE ONBOARD THE SHIP?
Most all ships have Internet Cafes. Although it is much less expensive to use the internet cafes while in port, the convenience of being able to check and send emails while onboard is sometimes worth the price. The cruise lines offer packages where you can pre-purchase by the minute, hour or the complete length of the cruise.
I'M SINGLE. HOW DO I CRUISE FOR LESS?
If you're single and tried to price a cruise, then you know the single rates can make choosing a cruise vacation prohibitive. Or, agree to share a stateroom with another nonsmoking guest of the same sex, and you pay only the per-person, double-occupancy rate, guaranteed. Did you know If they can't find a partner for you, you still cruise solo at the agreed upon double occupancy fare in your own cabin? They don't promise you'll find a lifetime friend-but they will tell you that by sharing a room with a "new" travel friend you can save on the single occupancy rates.
Call Ticket to Travel today at 302.442.0225 to help plan and reserve your cruise vacation! Sailings available through December 2014.
Cruising is a great way to see the world, is one of the safest forms of travel and offers fun for everyone. If you're thinking about a cruise vacation - and I encourage you to do so - the Cruising FAQs below will certainly help.
