Cruise FAQs
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 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, specialty restaurants, optional shore excursions, and personal services such as massage or hairstyling.)
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 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.
What can I do in port?
You can explore on your own or take a guided tour (referred to as shore excursions). Cruising is the perfect way to sample a number of new destinations and try all the things you've ever dreamed of doing.
What about meal times?
There are choices and more choices. During the day, there are many different places to eat - in the formal dining room, on deck, 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.
Is motion sickness a problem?
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.
What about tipping?
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.
What about the stomach flu affecting passengers on cruise ships?
Stomach flu-like symptoms have recently been reported on cruise ships. There have also been similar reports of the stomach flu throughout North America and Europe. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has conducted extensive lab tests on cruise ships and determined the stomach flu has been passed through person-to-person contact and is not tied to food or water aboard. In fact, a flu bug going around a cruise ship is no different than one being passed around a school or office building. Nevertheless, guests on cruises will need to observe precautionary measures being taken to promote their well-being.
What about Life Boat Drills?
The "Lifeboat Drill" is a mandatory drill for everyone on board to attend. Have fun with it but pay attention. It only takes about 30 minutes.
Can we celebrate a special occasions onboard?
Yes. Let your travel agent know if you will be celebrating a special occasion at least 4 weeks prior to departure date. Most cruise lines also offer an array of theme baskets, merchandise, and other items for you to celebrate the occasion.
