Is Cruising affordable and a good vacation value?
How long are cruises?
Where can I go?
How do I book a cruise?
Are all ships fairly similar?
Are there different types of cruises?
Are there any special educational programs on-board?
What's an air/sea cruise package?
Do I need a passport?
Are there different classes of service?
Will I get bored? Feel confined?
What can I do in port?
Do I have to participate in activities?
Do cruise lines welcome families with kids?
What's there to do at night?
Is there a charge for entertainment?
Will there be people like me?
What should I pack?
19. Will I need a tuxedo?
20. Can singles have fun on a cruise?
21. Can I use my hair dryer or shaver?
22. What about meal times?
23 Is cruise ship dining as good as I've been told?
24. Can I get a special diet?
25. Can we stay in touch with the outside wordl?
26. What about tipping?
Is Cruising affordable and a good Vacation Value?
Cruising is the best vacation value! There are cruise vacations to suite every budget. Your cruise fare includes most 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.)
As long or short as you want. CLIA'S member lines offer itineraries from three days to three months.
Wherever you want! Cruises visit ports worldwide and practically every destination accessible by water. and you can embark on your cruise vacation from a wide variety of North American ports or exciting and exotic locations around the globe.
Visit or call a CLIA member travel agency! These professionals will help you pick the cruise that fits your vacation schedule, tastes and budget. They can make all the arrangements to get you from your doorstep to your ship and back. Plus, many travel agencies have CLIA Certified Cruise Counsellors on staff. These cruise specialist have completed and extensive program of training, including sailing on and inspecting a number of cruise ships. You can feel confident that a recommendation from a CLIA Accredited, Master or Elite Cruise Counsellor, is based on personal knowledge and experience. To find a CLIA member travel agency and a Certified Cruise Counsellor visit www.cruising.org.
Are all ships fairly similar?
Far from it. CLIA member lines' ships range from intimate and yacht-like to vessel stretching longer than three football fields. You can sail with fewer than 100 fellow guests or with more than 3,000. 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.
Are there different types of cruises?
There are cruises designed to suit virtually every interest and personal preference.
The choices include: boutique, luxury cruises with globe-trotting itineraries; large, contemporary ships with a fantastic array of recreational facilities; classic vessels evoking the time-honored traditions of cruising; special interest or exploration cruises specializing in unique destinations with an accent on cultural enrichment.
What's an air/sea cruise package?
A fly/cruise or and air/sea vacation package includes, along with your cruise ticket, either free or reduced-cost airfare to and from the ship's port of embarkation. These convenient money-saving options are available from most major North American cities and include ground transfers between the airport and ship as well as baggage handling.
There are cruiser lines that feature soft adventure expeditions to such unusual and rustic frontiers as Antarctica, the Amazon Rain Forest or African Serengeti. Or, discover historical legacies closer to home with enlightening itineraries to New England, French Canada and the Colonial America coast.
For experienced travelers, destination-focused cruises specialize in culturally-rich ports of call with itineraries dedicated to illuminating such historic, world-class treasures as the antiquities of classical Greece, the Polynesian paradise of Hawaii or the fabled splendor of Norwegian Fjords.
For many, the perfect vacation includes the non-stop fun and sun of a tropical resort-style cruise to the Caribbean, where you can sample a variety of island cultures and cuisines while working on a terrific sun tan.
plus, many cruise lines create special "themes" on-board, with entertainment ranging from jazz festivals and classical music concerts to golf clinics and murder mysteries at sea!
Are there any special educational programs on-board?
To complement the spirit of discovery that travel evokes, many cruise lines feature an extensive program of on-board enrichment seminars hosted by distinguished guest experts. In addition to lectures highlighting the history and sights of ports you will be visiting. there may also be special in-depth presentations ranging from Renaissance works of art and strategic financial planning to epicurean secrets of classic French cuisine.
What's an air/sea cruise package?
A fly/cruise or and air/sea vacation package includes, along with your cruise ticket, either free or reduced-cost airfare to and from the ship's port of embarkation. These convenient money-saving options are available from most major North American cities and include ground transfers between the airport and ship as well as baggage handling.
The U.S. Government passed the Homeland Security Appropriations Bill (H.R. 5441) in October 2006 which included a provision extending the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative(WHTI) implementation deadlines. That means the new Passport rules for all U.S. Citizens, and other travelers coming to and leaving from the United States, will be put in place.
By June 1, 2009, a Passport(or other accepted document) will be required for U.S. Citizens, who travel by air, sea, and land to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Central and South America, Canada, and Mexico.
It is more important than ever that you acquire a Passport soon!
The new rules are as follows:
AIR
January 8, 2007---Passport require for all air travel within the Western Hemisphere and abroad.
U.S. Citizens departing and returning to the United States by air after January 8, 2007 will be required to have a valid U.S. Passport. The Passport office is already busy and this will likely contribute to a backlog that could result in lengthy issuance delays as these rules take effect.
SEA and LAND
By June 1, 2009---Passport or other accepted documents* required for land border crossings and sea travel within the Western Hemisphere. The Departments of State and Homeland Security can accelerate this June 1, 2009 date upon certifying a plan that meets certain standards for the new identification cards to make them easy to use, affordable and ensure privacy.
*Sea and land travelers will also be eligible for the PASScard, a less expensive alternative document.
Remember, without a Passport or PASScard, you will not be able to travel outside of the United States after the above implementation dates and you will be limited in the international leisure vacations that you can take - including cruises. Information regarding obtaining or renewing a U.S. Passport can be found on the State Department's Web site at
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, minus, activities, and entertainment as everyone else on board.
Will I get bored? Feel confined?
Hardly! Being at sea fives 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.
Cruise ships are floating resorts with all the choices fine resorts have to offer. You can lie back in a lounge chair, breathe in the sea air, soak up the sun , read good books, or watch the ever-changing seascape.
If you're more active, join in exercise or dance classes, and sports contests. Practice your tennis stroke or golf swing, or take in some fresh air on the jogging deck. Or you can swim, stretch out in the sauna or work out in the gym.
You can also see a feature film, attend an enrichment lecture by experts, play backgammon or bridge. And that's just when you're on board!
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 raids, or a horse across miles of hills and beaches. Climb a waterfall or pyramid. Follow the footsteps of history or the wake of water skiing boat. If there's still time, play golf or tennis. Learn how to windsurf. Sun and swim at some of the word'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!
Do I have to participate in activities?
On a cruise, you do what you want, when you want. You can do everything or do absolutely nothing. It's your vacation.
Do cruise lines welcome families with kids?
More and more cruise vacation packages are booked by families with children. As evidenced by the over 1,000,000 youngsters who cruised last year, most cruise lines provide plenty of supervised activities for kids, 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 trained youth counselors will help keep them safe, busy and entertained. Ships even offer different types of age appropriate activities, suitable for toddlers to teens.
What's there to do at night?
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 Captains Cocktail Party, Passenger Talent Night, Broadway-style show and Las Vegas-type revues.
Is there a charge for entertainment?
Never. On a cruise vacation, the entertainment is on the house. There's no cover, minimum or charge for an admission ticket. The shows are live, films first-rate and all included in your cruise fare.
Will there be people like me?
There's no such thing as a typical cruise passenger. All kinds of people take cruises now...all ages... from all walks of life...singles, couples and families. Just ask your CLIA member travel agent for advice on the best ship for you, based on your tastes and lifestyle.
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.
Reflecting today's lifestyle trends, many cruise lines now feature a more relaxed and casual approach to dress throughout the cruise - while on others, formal dinners or parties are part of the fun. But don't buy a tuxedo just for the Trip. Even on the most formal of ships, a dark suit and tie are fine for the dressiest occasions. Plus, many ships offer tuxedo rental services.
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 for singles--early on, so you can get to know other guests right away. Many ships even offer gentlemen host who can be cance partners, dinner companions or a fourth at cards.
Some ships also have single staterooms and others offer single rates for double staterooms. If you ask them many cruise lines will even find you a roommate to share a cabin so you can obtain the per person/double occupancy rate, saving you even more on a great vacation.
Can I use my hair dryer or shaver?
Most ships have 110-volt outlets in the staterooms. But do check with your CLIA member travel agent to be sure. Most ships even feature hair-dryers in your stateroom.
Again, there are choices and more choices. During the day, there are many different dining options - in the formal dining room, on deck, in a pizzeria and at an espresso bar, to name just 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 seating times, and others encourage you t come to dinner whenever you like. More traditional ships have two sea tings in their formal dining rooms, which differ only by time: typically 6:00 pm and 8:30 pm. To choose, just decide whether you prefer to dine early or late -- then have your CLIA member travel agent request your preference when you book your cruise. Frequently, you can choose to enjoy dinner someplace other than the formal dining room, such as in an intimate restaurant than features Italian, Chinese, Japanese, or Southwestern cuisine. More and more cruise lines are a opening up their informal lido areas to evening dining, where the dress and dishes are always casual, and sometimes, you can even eat out under the stars. And a large number of ships offer romantic in-cabin dinners. The choice is yours.
Is cruise ship dining as good as I 've been told?
Everything you've heard about cruise ship dining is true. At each meal, you'll find a varied selection of entrees (appetizers, salads, soups, vegetables, and desserts, too), and each day the selection will be different. If you've ever wanted to experiment with a cuisine or try a dish, you can feel free to order more than one entree or appetizer(or dessert!). But, just because your cruise ship offers plenty of delicious food, doesn't mean you'll come home out of shape. You can choose low-cal, spa, vegetarian or health-conscious menu selections that are just as tempting as the regular menu. Best of all, the one thing you'll never see on a cruise ship menu is a price. Because your meals are included!
Can I get a special diet?
Most ships can accommodate sale-free, low-carbohydrate, low cholesterol, diabetic, or other diet preferences. However, this request must be made in advance, so be sure to advise your CLIA member travel agent when you book your cruise.
What about dining companions-can I sit with my spouse and friends only, or will I have a table mates?
Experienced cruisers say they prefer sitting at a table with several other diners; some lifelong friendships have been made this way. But the cruise lines are geared to accommodate each guest's wishes, and it is possible to request a table for two or four. In the unlikely event that you do wish to change table mates, speak with the maitre d', who will make every effort to seat you with more compatible dining companions discretely and politely.
Are there non-smoking areas?
Virtually all ships have smoking and non-smoking sections in the public rooms and on deck. In fact,many dining room are now totally smoke-free. If you want your dining table in a non-smoking area, just tell your CLIA member travel agent. On board, you can advise the maitre's'.
Can we celebrate a special occasion?
Absolutely! Most cruise lines will even treat you to a complimentary cake and a chorus of "Happy Whatever" to honor the occasion. Your birthday or anniversary can to more festive with champagne, flowers or canapes. You can even arrange for as special private party. All you have to do is advise your CLIA member travel agent in advance.
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. Also some ships offer special packages for performing a marriage ceremony ore renewing marriage vows.
Can we stay in touch with the outside word?
Quite easily. Most ships have a daily newsletter with news, headlines, selected stock quotes and sports 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 communications.
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 about half that amount for your busboy. Other ship-board personnel can be tipped for special services at your discretion. A few cruise lines include tipping in the price and will so inform you, while others maintain a no tipping policy.
Are there medical services on-board?
While cruise ships are not comprehensive medical facilities, cruise lines understand that some people many have health needs during a cruise. Thus they are committed to providing first response and emergency care to guest until they can be transferred to a shore side medical facility. Most cruise lines have 24 hour medical services and staff operating under guidelines developed in conjunction with the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). Cruise lines and travel agents encourage vacationers to obtain medical insurance, travel with adequate supplies of medical prescriptions and devices and to disclose pre-existing medical conditions before sailing.
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.
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 member travel agent for details.
Are there 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, ask your CLIA member travel agent to contact the cruise lines's group sales department to coordinate schedules and arrange for any special needs. Your ship may also be Abel to pffer audio-visual equipment, communications, meeting coordinators, secretarial and printing services and more.
Can I extend my cruise vacation?
Cruise lines feature special pre or post-cruise vacation packages that allow yu to extend your vacation in either your port of embarkation or debarkation.
Is motion discomfort 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 developoment of effective preventative medications have, for the most part, reduced or eliminated the incidence of motion discomfort.
Sounds too good to be true! Is it?
The one complaint we hear tiem and again is that cruises end far too soon. Beyond that, it's hard to find any negatrives. All yu have to do is relax and enjoy yur vacatin. Most importantly, every crew and staff member on board is dedicated to making your cruise the best bacation of yur life ( until you top it with your next cruise!)
Who should I see if I have questions that haven't been answered?
Ask yur travel agent, If you don't have one, just check the Yellow Pages for your nearest CLIA member travel agency designated by the CLIA Seal, or visit our website, www.cruising.org. to locate the CLIA member agency near you.
With over 16,500 such agencies in the U. S. and Canada, there's one close by! These travel professionals are knowledgeabel about all the options available for your cruise experience. In fact, you'll find that most have been on the cruises they recommend, so they can advise yu from personal experience.
Many CLIA member agencies have Accredited, Master and Elite Cruise Counsellors on staff. These individuals have successfully compoleted a variety of cruise training programs and have visited or sailed on many of the ships yu may be interested in.
