Things to know about cruising

Is cruising affordable and a good vacation value?

Cruising is considered one of the best vacation values, as it is all-inclusive. Your fare includes meals, your cabin, onboard activities, parties and entertainment. Additional costs may include drinks, shore excursions, photographs, spa services, and shopping. Some alternative restaurants onboard the ship also have a surcharge.

How long are cruises?

Cruises vary in length, but are typically are three-, four-, five-, seven- and 10-day sailings. Longer itineraries are 10-, 11- and 14 nights, while world voyages may last for three months.

When's the best time to take a cruise?

There are cruises to a varied destinations offered year-round, including warm weather regions such as the Caribbean, Mexico, the Bahamas, and the Panama Canal, which are always popular. Cooler climate destinations, such as Alaska, are offered between May and September. Europe cruises are between April and November and to Bermuda, between April and October. You can even cruise to Antarctica between December and March.

What is the most affordable time to take a cruise?

The most affordable cruise times are non-holidays and during school session. However, with so many new ships and cabins to fill, there are excellent values to all destinations available year-round, including summers and holidays.

Are all ships and cruises fairly similar?

No. There is a wide selection of cruise ships to select from to suit all tastes, including size of ship, number of passengers and onboard ambiance, such as casual and casual elegance. You may choose from an intimate yacht to the latest floating resort.

As a first time cruiser, which is the best cruise line for me?

To help you make a decision, you should take into consideration: price; ship (age, size accommodations, amenities; itineraries; passengers (interests, ages, etc.); length of cruise; style of vacation (active or relaxed); interests.

For comprehensive information, explore the resources available on this website, and Deborah, Isaiah or Anissa will be glad to assist you.

Will I get bored or feel confined onboard?

Cruise ships offer a wide variety of activities and onboard amenities. Depending on the ship you select, there may be everything from relaxing at the pool, to lectures, wine-tastings, art auctions, fitness centers equipped with the latest machines and top-rate spas with a wide range of services, as well as movies, backgammon or bridge and shopping. Libraries offer books, magazines, as well as videos, while some ships even have golf, ice skating rinks and rock-climbing walls. Cruisers can be as active or non-active as they choose. Many ships also offer Internet centers.

Is seasickness a problem?

While today's ships feature the most advanced stabilizers, limiting the amount of motion one may feel, some people do get seasick. There are over-the-counter products available that should be taken before the onset of any seasickness, but always consult with your doctor first. The onboard physician should also be able to provide medication.

What impact does tropical weather have on cruises?

Thanks to the latest in high-tech equipment, cruise ships not only know about storms in advance but are able to avoid them. At times, this could mean altering the itinerary for the benefit of the passengers.

Where can I cruise?

You can cruise to destinations worldwide. These include the Caribbean, Mexico, Bahamas, Alaska, Bermuda, Europe, Hawaii, the Greek Isles, the Far East, South Pacific, including Australia, New Zealand and Tahiti; the Galapagos Islands, South America, India, the Panama Canal and transatlantic crossings.

What is there to do in port?

Countless tours and choices are available and there is the option of taking a guided tour or traveling on your own. There is a wide selection of shore excursions are offered, and these will be based on what part of the world you are in. For example, in Alaska, you may want to go on a salmon bake tour; in the Caribbean, diving. Of course, there is always shopping. Whatever port you are in, you will find exciting and informative tours and activities.

What if I don't want to take a tour while in port?

You have the option of staying onboard instead of going on land, and enjoying the many onboard amenities or doing nothing at all - this is your vacation! Depending on the climate and the ship, you can relax at the pool or play volleyball or basketball. Indoors, you can go to a movie, read or listen to music at the library, take a complimentary class, including wine-tasting; enjoy the spa and fitness center facilities, enjoy high tea and much more.

Do I have to participate in activities?

This is your vacation, you can do as much or as little as you choose.

Do cruise lines welcome families with children?

More and more families are choosing a cruise as their vacation choice. Most cruise lines provide supervised activities for children based on their age group. Many offer babysitting as well, at an additional cost.

What is there to do at night?

Ships come to life at night and can be very exciting. There is dancing; live entertainment in nightclubs; karaoke; discos and lounges; feature films and various parties. Most ships also have casinos. There are also special events like the Captain's Cocktail Party, Passenger Talent Night, a masquerade parade and late night buffet. Some ships have formal nights for dinner, where passengers dress-up. The nighttime activities will vary by ship and cruiseline.

Is there a charge for entertainment?

Never. There is no cover, no minimum or charge for an admission ticket. The shows are live and diverse. They include Vegas-style, lounge, and dance band.

Is it easy to meet people?

A cruise ship is a great place to make new friends, because everyone's so friendly. The atmosphere is cordial, relaxed. And you'll have all kinds of things in common to talk about. At dinner, at cocktails, around the pool, or along the promenade rail. And don't be surprised if you find yourself making arrangements to meet them aboard ship again next year.

Will there be people like me?

There's no such thing as a typical cruise passenger! All kinds of people take cruises...of all ages...from all walks of life...singles, couples and families. Passengers can vary from ship to ship and cruise to cruise. Just ask your cruise counselor for advice on the best ship for you, based on your tastes and lifestyle. 

Can singles have fun on a cruise?

Cruising is ideal for people traveling alone, because it's so easy to meet other people. In fact, most ships have parties just for singles at the beginning of the cruise, so you can start to be involved right away. Most ships also have single cabins as well as single rates for double staterooms. In many cases, a cruise line will even find you a roommate to share a double if you ask them. Shore excursions are a comfortable and easy way to meet others who enjoy the same activities.

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) and so much more to remember forever. Most lines provide special services from Sunday or Monday departures to welcome champagne and breakfast in bed. Also, some ships offer special programs for performing a marriage ceremony or renewing your marriage vows in port. By the way, honeymooners should email or call us at 888-292-1997 for details about planning for this special occasion.  

It all sounds too good to be true! Is it?

The one major complaint we hear over and over again is that cruises end far too soon! After all, you don't have to run to make plane connections to get from one port to the next. You don't have the hassles of making dinner or nightclub reservations. You don't have the bother of packing and unpacking as you move from place to place. You don't get unexpected, expensive surprises at restaurants or nightclubs. You have a wealth of options for shopping, adventure, sightseeing, exploring, entertaining, and sports activities. All you have to worry about is relaxing and enjoying your vacation. Most importantly, every crew and staff member onboard is dedicated to making your cruise vacation the best vacation of your life (until you top it with your next cruise!)

How old do you have to be to go on a cruise?

This is really a two-part question:

1. How old do you have to be to cruise without a guardian?

Most cruise lines have a minimum requirement of 21 years of age for young people traveling without their parents. If any occupant in the cabin is under 21, then a passenger at least 25 years old must be booked in the cabin with them. Exceptions can be made for married couples, and the specific age requirements vary by cruise line.

2. What's the minimum age to get on a cruise ship?

Passengers of all ages are welcome aboard cruises, although some cruiselines may require that babies be at least 12-16 months old to cruise. Once on board, some cruiselines will have a minimum age of 2-3 years for the children's activity program. For more information, be sure to check with us.

What's the Drinking Age on a Cruise Ship?

You must be at least 21 years old to legally consume beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages onboard.