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About Cruising/FAQ |
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LAND PACKAGES |
Land Packages can be customized with or without airfare and with your
choice of hotel and car rentals. Some destinations will have extra "add-ons" the customer
can purchase such as show tickets, sightseeing tours, adventure activities, etc. Land/Air
packages are available as All-inclusive or European plans, which do not include meals or beverages.
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CRUISES |
Cruises have been described as "floating resorts" offering a variety of
exciting vacation destinations around the world. Prepare to be pampered and experience the
vacation of your life! Cruises are all-inclusive vacations (most exclude drinks) that offer
gourmet, elegant meals (all-day), Broadway style shows, work-out facilities, pools and
full-service spas (additional charge). You can eat,live-it-up, or relax as much as you want!
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On-board Purchases |
Cruise lines have adopted a cash-free policy over the last few years.
In most cases, you will be given a card for purchases at the beginning of your cruise which
doubles as your room key. The account can be settled at the end of the cruise with cash or
credit card for purchases.
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Tipping |
Tipping is typically recommended as follows: $12.00 a day per person, this includes Room Steward,
Waiter and Bus Boy. The Head Waiter and Maitre'D are optional depending on level of service. Gratuities are automatically
billed to your account (sail and sign) so if you want to pay with cash you have to go to the main desk and ask them to
remove these charges.
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Dining |
Most cruise lines offer specialized dining requests such as low fat,
low-sodium, vegetarian or kosher meals. Most ships offer formal dining as well as casual dining
options onboard.
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Attire |
Casual atmospheres are generally the norm during the day. Generally,
3-5 night cruises offer 1 formal night and 7 night cruises offer 2 formal nights. Formal attire
is a suit or tuxedo for men and evening gown or cocktail dress for women. Other evenings are
Sunday-dress. No jeans or casual shorts are allowed in the dining rooms. Some cruise lines may
offer more or less formal nights depending on cruise atmosphere.
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Amenities in the room |
Most ships have 110-volt outlets in the staterooms. Hair-dryers are in
most of the staterooms. The shower has soap and shampoo, no conditioner. Each room has a safe.
All rooms have a TV and phone.
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Travel Documents required |
A Valid photo ID (Government issued and valid), Birth Certificate (Original or copy
with raised seal) or a Passport for most cruises. Land packages (Air and Hotel) International requires a Passport
always, and usually requires it is valid for 3-6 months from the day of your departure. Cruises require a Passport
when you are departing from a Port out of the United States. Some International cruises and Land Packages require
a Passport and a Visa. If you are not sure as your personal travel counselor.
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Staying in Touch |
Most ships has a daily newsletter with news, headlines, selected information
and sport scores. Most 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 computer cafes with internet access for e-mail
communication for a fee.
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Onboard Activities |
Cruise ships offer a wide variety of activities including luxurious spas,
gyms, casinos, cooking classes and even rock climbing and ice skating on some vessels.
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Night Entertainment |
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.
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Port Activities |
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 or tour a rainforest. T
ake a cable car to the top of a mountain. There are also cold weather activities, such as taking a
helicopter to a Glacier or dog-sledding.
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!
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Medical Services |
While cruise ships are not comprehensive medical facilities, cruise
lines understand that some people may have health needs during a cruise. Thus they are committed
to providing first response and emergency care to guests until they can be transferred to a
shoreside medical facility. Most cruise lines have 24 hour medical services and staff.
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Laundry Services |
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.
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Meeting rooms on-board |
Just about every full-size ship has public rooms or a conference center
to offer as meeting space for private or corporate groups. Many feature dedicated meeting
facilities. If you'd like to make meeting or incentive travel arrangements, advise us at the
time you confirm your reservations. The ship may also be able to offer audio visual equipment,
communications, meeting coordinators, secretarial and printing services and more.
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Motion Discomfort |
This is rarely a problem for most passengers. Popular cruise itineraries have
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, reduced or eliminated the incidence of motion discomfort.
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Deposit and Payment |
Deposits and Payments vary depending on the vendor and Promotions that are in effect. The
usual deposit for a land can be anywhere from $150.00 - $400.00 per person. The cruise deposit can be anywhere
from $150.00 - $750.00 per person. Final payments on land are usually 45 days out, on a cruise 60-80 days out
from your date of departure.
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Cancellation and Refunds for Cruise packages |
The penalties for Cruise and Land vary depending on the cruise or tour operator, your vacation
specialist will send all details at the time you confirm your vacation.
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Cancellation and Refunds for Land packages |
Land packages penalties will vary with each vendor. The penalty will be
discussed at the time of booking.
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