Cruise Guide
Is cruising a good value?
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.)
top
How long are cruises?
From three days to three months.
top
Where can I go?
Wherever you want! Cruises visit over 1,800 ports worldwide and practically every destination accessible by water. Use the 'Quick Search' above to select a destination.
top
How do I book a cruise?
Visit or call The Cruise Wizards! We have professionals who will help you pick the cruise that fits your vacation schedule, tastes and budget. We can make all the arrangements to get you from your doorstep to your ship and back.
The Cruise Wizards feature CLIA Certified Cruise Counsellors on staff. These specialists have completed an extensive program of training, including sailing on and inspecting a vast number of cruise ships. You can feel confident that a recommendation from our CLIA Accredited Cruise Counsellor is based upon personal knowledge and experience.
top
Are all ships fairly similar?
Far from it. CLIA member lines' 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 4,300. 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.
You can view profiles of many of the types of ships by clicking here.
top
Do I need a passport?
Starting January 2008 you will need a passport to re-enter the US via cruise ship. You'll receive complete information on required documents and the procedure to obtain your passport well in advance of your departure. You should apply for your passport now for 2008 - allow 12 to 15 week for passports.
top
Are there different classes of service?
Today's cruise ships are "one-class." Everyone 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 on board.
top
What can I do in port?
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
What about the kids?
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
What about the night life?
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 shows and Las Vegas-type revues.
top
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. 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
What about meal times?
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.
top
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 CLIA-affiliated travel agent when you book your cruise.
top
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). Most lines provide special services -- from Sunday or Monday departures to champagne and breakfast in bed.
top
Can we stay in touch with the outside world?
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 have computer cafes with Internet access for e-mail communication.
top
What about tipping?
Tipping is a matter of individual preference. A general rule of thumb is to plan for about $3.50 per person per day for your cabin steward and dining room waiter, and $2.50 per day for your assistant waiter. (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
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 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
Are there laundry services aboard ship?
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
Do cruise lines accept group bookings?
Most lines welcome groups -- often at special rates, depending on how many people are involved. Policies vary from company to company and sometimes during certain times of the year. Just consult your CLIA-affiliated travel agent for details.
top
Are there meeting rooms onboard?
Just about every full-size ship has public rooms or a conference center to offer as meeting space for private or corporate groups. If you'd like to make meeting or incentive travel arrangements, ask your CLIA-affiliated travel agent to contact the cruise line's group sales department to coordinate schedules and arrange for any special needs. Your ship may also be able to offer audio-visual equipment, communications, meeting coordinators, secretarial and printing services and more.
top
Can I extend my cruise vacation?
Cruise lines feature special pre-or post-hotel packages that allow you to extend your vacation in either your port of embarkation or debarkation.
top
Who should I see if I have questions that haven't been answered?
877-722-SHIP (7447) - Email a Cruise Wizard
top
Can I get a free hardcopy of the Q&A?
Of course you can. Just call one of The Cruise Wizards at 866-722-SHIP (7447) and request the free cruise Q&A right now.
top
What are the differences in the various cruise lines?
You'll find some lines are geared more towards family, others towards themes, i.e. Disney. There are many subtle differences. Best bet is to contact The Cruise Wizards for more in-depth information. 866.722.SHIP (7447) or via Email
top
|
