Frequently Asked Questions
for First Time Cruisers
Will I Be Sea Sick?
Some of the world's seas are rougher than others but today's modern ships have stabilisers which should reduce the effects of sea sickness. You can also use some over-the-counter motion sickness pills to take until you get your sea legs. If not the ships doctors are old hands at producing the right stuff to settle your stomach.
Will I Feel Trapped On A Ship?
With a different port on offer most days of your cruise, you’d be hard pressed to feel hemmed in! In fact, most passengers look forward to days at sea so they can relax and revel in the ship’s facilities.
Will I Be Surrounded By Old People?
Overall, the age of the average cruise passenger is falling every year, and many now have a mix of children, young singles and couples of every age. Cruises these days are aimed and regularly attract all age groups with a wide range of facilities to suit all needs - after all you would not normally catch grandma rock climbing! You can see from our offers that a wide range of durations are available to fit in with one or two weeks holiday from work.
Do I Have To Be Dressed In Formal Attire All The Time?
The short answer is no, although most cruises have one or two formal evenings. During port calls, casual is the order of the day and on most evenings semi-formal or casual will be fine.
How Much Cash Should I Take?
A credit card or traveller’s cheques are your best friends on a cruise ship – you sign for everything and get an itemised bill at the end.
What About Tipping?
Really it is up to the individual how much they would like to tip but a general rule of thumb is to plan for about £6 per person per day for your cabin steward, dining room waiter, and room steward. Other shipboard personnel can be tipped for special services at your discretion.
Is Cruise Ship Dining As Good As I've Heard?
Yes – and better! There is no limit on what or how much you can order. Don’t worry if you are watching your weight – low calorie varieties can be selected, which are just as delicious. Most cruise ships have two seatings which differ in time only. It is up to you whether you prefer to dine early or late, then advise us when booking. You can ask for a larger table so that it gives you chance to meet other people. It’s your choice. Generally special diets can be catered for, but you must advise us at the time of booking.
Are Laundry Services Available?
Almost all cruise ships have laundry facilities and most provide dry cleaning services. There is, however a charge for professional laundry and dry-cleaning services.
Can I Use My Hairdryer or Shaver?
Most ships have 220-volt European and 110-volt US outlets in the cabins, but do check. Most ships even feature hair dryers in your cabin.
What Are The Baggage Allowances On-Board?
There are no restrictions on how much luggage you can take aboard ship, but do remember that if your Voyage involves a flight, airlines have their own baggage allowance restrictions.
Are There Medical Services Onboard?
Virtually every cruise ship (except for some smaller vessels operating in coastal waters) has a medical facility and health care professionals on-board 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. Whenever you travel, check to see what your health insurance covers.
Do Cruise Lines Welcome Families With Children?
A cruise is the ultimate holiday for families. Food/Entertainment and facilities are included in the cost. The buffet restaurants on these ships are a bonus for children that are fussy eaters or uncomfortable sitting in a more formal environment at set dining times. There are better children's facilities on cruise ships than in the best land based resort hotels. Launderettes and baby sitting services are also available on the bigger ships. Most ships have up to 4 different children's clubs with very different activities to suit 4 distinct age groups. Video arcades, arts and crafts, pirates adventures, burger bars, 24 hour pizza parlours, teen discos and internet cafes can all be found on a number of cruise ships.
Are There Any Disabled Facilities?
Well equipped with roomy cabins and first-rate service, today’s modern ships offer excellent facilities for special needs passengers. Many cruise lines have adapted their cruise ships to cater for guests with special needs, featuring specially designed cabins, toilets, panic buttons, guide-dog facilities and hearing aids. Helpful crew and medical professionals onboard mean you can relax in very safe hands.
What Does My Cruise Fare Include?
Your cruise fare entitles you to accommodation, meals and entertainment aboard ship. Certain specialty restaurants are available with either nominal cover charges or fixed price menus and à la carte pricing in addition to the standard dining program. Items of a personal nature are not included, such as alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, spa treatments, certain specialty exercise classes, laundry, photographs, casino, ship-to-shore phone, e-mail, Internet, fax and Shore Excursions (including all Dive In™ programs). Government taxes and fees are also not included.
Can Singles Have Fun On A Cruise?
Cruising is the very best holiday for single people. Firstly there should be many other like minded people on board. Secondly, you will find your dining companions will be single people also wishing to share the experience of the holiday. This is where friendships are made and throughout your cruise you could meet up with your new found friends in one of the many lounges or bars, on a sightseeing trip, by the pool or one of the special single "get together" evenings. There is nothing to match a cruise for singles!
Is It Better To Take A Shore Excursion Or Explore Ports Of Call On My Own?
A lot of that is really up to you! Most ships include a program of their shore excursions with your cruise documents but if not, you will have one in your cabin when you board the ship. Sailing and snorkelling excursions are lots of fun and much easier than trying to arrange them yourself. Some of the islands/ports that are easy to explore on your own (by cab, or even on foot in some places) are: St. Thomas, Grand Cayman, Key West, Freeport, Cozumel, San Juan, Bermuda, Canadian ports especially Quebec City, Grenada and St. Barts. If you're not the real adventurous type, consider a shore excursion in at least one port. We have information on all the Caribbean islands, Cozumel/Cancun, Bermuda, Hawaii, Alaska and Canada.
Still confused? Why not call our specialist cruise staff who will answer all you need to know.
|
