Cruise FAQ

Cruising is an excellent vacation value because so much is included in the cruise price: your accommodations, excellent meals, pampering service, fun activities and lavish entertainment. In between visiting exciting ports of call and discovering new cruise destinations, you can lounge by the pool, enjoy spa treatments, work out, leave your kids to play in the supervised kid’s center, take in a lecture or class, or a host of other activities. And perhaps best of all, you only have to unpack once! Cruising is an excellent vacation value, with choices that match most every pocketbook. See our introduction on cruises.

The best and only way to answer that question is to take a cruise and try it out. We’re certain there are cruise lines and ships that will more than satisfy you. We sell thousands of cruises each year, and rarely do we have customers that aren’t eager to cruise again. Our cruise agents are full-time employees who will answer your questions and help ensure your cruise best meets your vacation needs. They are happy to assist you.

Indeed we do. On many cruises we also have exclusive offers. Read about our lowest price guarantee and our superior service. But understand: We don't set the prices for cruises, the cruise lines do that. Cruise agents all get the same prices across the board. Sometimes there are price differences based on an agency promoting cruise specials or a particular group where the group price can be lower than the individual price.

No travel company can guarantee the lowest price on every single cruise, on every cruise line, whether a travel agency or a large on-line mega-company. No one has exclusive pricing across the board. Also, cruise prices are always changing, particularly as inventory on a particular sailing is reduced.

We maintain our business and our services based on the commissions the cruise line pays us for selling their products. For that commission we provide you a variety of services. The cruise line does not sell their cruises direct to the public for any less than travel agents do. And a number of online cruise agents do not provide very good services when a problem occurs. As a result, we hope to earn your business and loyalty based on the value we provide you with our exclusive offers and superior service, and in many cases we will have better pricing and values than many if not most other agencies. if you do find a lower price and would like to work with us, please let us know and give us the opportunity to research and assure you the best possible price.

As long or short as you want. There are cruise lines that offer itineraries from two days to year-around. Whatever your schedule, we'll do our best to find the cruise that’s right for you.

Many first-time cruisers will start with a 3-night or 4-night cruise. The most typical cruise length is seven days, while experienced cruisers often prefer more exotic itineraries of 10- to 14-days or longer.

One rule of thumb: the longer the cruise itinerary you select, the less the cruise will cost on a per-day cost basis. For ideas on where to cruise, check our Cruise Destinations section.

Anytime is the best time to take a cruise, depending on where you'd like to go. The Caribbean is fantastic year round, though you may wish to avoid hurricane season (August till early October). Some destinations are seasonal. You can only cruise to Alaska between May and September; to Europe between April and November; to Bermuda, between April and October; the Panama Canal, between September and April. So no matter what time of year it is, it's a perfect time to cruise. For more on seasonal destinations, see our three seasons of cruising page, or see Cruise Destinations for where you can cruise.

Where do you want to go? Cruises visit practically any destination accessible by water -- the Caribbean, Bahamas, Alaska, Bermuda, Europe, Hawaii, the Greek Isles, Asia and the Orient, Australia & New Zealand, Tahiti, the Galapagos Islands, the Amazon, Africa, around South America, India, the Panama Canal and even around the globe on a world cruise. If you can name it, we can probably find a cruise for you.

Cruising has become so popular, and today’s cruise ships so advanced in what they offer and how they’re designed, that you’ll find all types of people aboard. Cruise ships don’t cater to certain types of people – no more than a popular hotel or resort does.

More importantly, the newest ships are so well designed you can find many intimate places to relax or socialize. As a result, you can be as private or as sociable as you’d like.

On an average cruise vacation, we have senior citizens on anniversary cruises; first and second honeymooners; families with toddlers, tots and teens (who love the supervised kids activities); and single men and women who always seem to find each other. And, of course, lots of happy couples who are even happier on a cruise vacation. We have first-time cruisers and returning guests (many sail with us every year), business and social groups and lots of family reunions. Cruises are for everyone.

Yes. Multi-generational groups and family cruises are becoming very popular. The larger ships (70,000 tons up) offer a variety of activities and services to suit your entire family. Your kids can spend the day with the ship’s youth counselors on a treasure hunt, while you get a massage at the spa or brush up on your stroke at a golf clinic. The grandparents can lounge by the pool, play shuffleboard, or watch a cooking demonstration by a gourmet chef. Then, at the end of the day, you can all meet for dinner and compare your day’s activities.

Prices do fluctuate on cruise. Many cruise lines manage pricing based on availability. As a particular departure fills up, the price for new bookings on that cruise increases. That's why the best policy is to book early to obtain the lowest price on a cruise. On some occasions, if a large group cancels a cruise reservation resulting in many cabins becoming available, the cruise line may find a need to lower prices to sell those cabins again.

We do our best to monitor price fluctuations, but often the cruise lines don't advise you or us of price decreases when they occur, and may offer special offers only regionally. If you see a lower advertised price for a cruise after you've booked, please let us know right away. We'll review the promotions the cruise line may be offering, and do our best to secure you any savings or get you an upgraded stateroom. While some cruise lines will honor a lower price should it be made available, others will not do so. The cruise line has the final say.

As one example, Carnival Cruise Line encourages travelers to book months in advance to guarantee the lowest price and will provide an onboard credit for a price difference should the price decline after it's booked under the Early Booking program.

However, waiting to book a cruise you want in hopes of a close-in lower price is more of a losing proposition than a savings opportunity, as you risk not getting a lower price and lose the option to secure the best available staterooms by not booking early.

Prices do fluctuate on cruise. Many cruise lines manage pricing based on availability. As a particular departure fills up, the price for new bookings on that cruise increases. That's why the best policy is to book early to obtain the lowest price on a cruise. On some occasions, if a large group cancels a cruise reservation resulting in many cabins becoming available, the cruise line may find a need to lower prices to sell those cabins again.

We do our best to monitor price fluctuations, but often the cruise lines don't advise you or us of price decreases when they occur, and may offer special offers only regionally. If you see a lower advertised price for a cruise after you've booked, please let us know right away. We'll review the promotions the cruise line may be offering, and do our best to secure you any savings or get you an upgraded stateroom. While some cruise lines will honor a lower price should it be made available, others will not do so. The cruise line has the final say.

As one example, Carnival Cruise Line encourages travelers to book months in advance to guarantee the lowest price and will provide an onboard credit for a price difference should the price decline after it's booked under the Early Booking program.

However, waiting to book a cruise you want in hopes of a close-in lower price is more of a losing proposition than a savings opportunity, as you risk not getting a lower price and lose the option to secure the best available staterooms by not booking early.

Only a small percentage of bookings are made directly with cruise lines, and for good reasons. Cruise lines are not properly staffed to provide the level of service qualified cruise experts can provide. The level of experience and training of their reservationists is quite limited.

High-producing agencies such as ours that specialize in cruise vacations will always be a better bet than booking with the cruise line directly. We can offer you the best rates, in some cases rates lower than the cruise line will charge you, as well as exclusive amenities on a variety of cruises that can include prepaid gratuities, shipboard credits and complimentary shoreside excursions. See our superior services.

We can connect to the cruise line's inventory directly, and secure the best available staterooms at the best rates available.

Our cruise experts provide you a level of personal attention and service that a cruise line's telemarketing reservationists will not. More imporantly, our cruise experts go beyond just booking your cruise, to ensuring that important details are attended to, including when things don't go as they should, as occasionally happens.

Our cruise experts can also look after things that cruise line's reservationists won't. If less expensive airfare is available or desired, we can arrange it. If you'd like a pre- or post-cruise hotel stay at altenative hotels from those offered by the cruise lines, we can assist. We can recommend 3rd-party travel insurance coverage so you are not limited to the cruise line's coverage. And we can arrange personalized shore excursions in ports of call.

We've provided some reasons above. In addition:

• We sell all major cruise lines.
• Our goal is to provide the cruise that’s the best fit for you.
• We offer all the discounts available and we negotiate exclusive offers for our customers on a number of select voyages, many as part of our affiliation with Signature Travel Group, a network that's respected as one of the nation’s finest travel organizations.
• Most of our cruise specialists are certified by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) as Accredited Cruise Counselors (ACC’s), Master Cruise Counselors (MCC’s), or Elite Cruise Counselor Scholar (ECC’s).
• We inspect cruise ships on a frequent basis: There’s hardly a ship that at least one of our cruise specialists hasn’t been on (and often more than once)!
• Our recommendations aren’t based solely on our own specialists’ points of view, but on feedback from the thousands of travelers we’ve booked on cruises. This further underscores the value of booking your cruise with a TravelStore/CruiseLocator cruise expert.
• We offer powerful relationships with the major cruise lines.

Better yet, read what our clients have to say! Our cruise experts are eager to arrange a terrific cruise vacation for you, at the best value.

The best time to book a cruise is as soon as you've decided to take one -- and not to wait. You want to secure a reservation at the best price as well as the best available stateroom in the category you select. The best staterooms always sell out first, and the most expensive and least expensive staterooms are the first to sell out. So if you're traveling on a budget and looking for the least expensive stateroom, or want all the amenities and luxuries of a suite, you need to book early! For these staterooms, a year out is not too early to be planning your cruise. Prices usually rise as it gets closer to departure. While this isn't aways the case, it's more the case thn not. Waiting until the last minute in hopes of a last minute deal works occasionally, but rarely. And if you book early and the price drops, our agents are on top of the change and will rebook and/or reprice you, except the rare occasions where the cruise line may not permit us to do so.

The number of cruise ships increases each year, so finding the right cruise line and ship is more complicated than ever. With all the discounts and offers and all the changes in the cruise industry, it’s more valuable than ever to find a cruise expert who can guide you. You don’t just want the best priced cruise vacation, you want the one that offers you the most satisfying experience.

We classify cruises in the general categories of Luxury, Premium and Mainstream. There also are niche categories like River Cruising and barges, expedition cruising, and private yachts.

• Mainstream cruises are often larger, more casual ships, and often less costly vacations that offer good overall value.
• Premium cruises cater to a slightly more discerning traveler, often featuring more sophisticated dining experiences.
• Luxury cruises offer far more upscale staterooms and top service, with superior dining.

You might compare a Mainstream cruise with a Sheraton or Hilton resort; a Premium cruise with a Hyatt or Westin resort; and a Luxury cruise with a Ritz Carlton or Four Seasons resort.

Another manner of evaluating level of luxury is by crew to passenger ratio. Mainstream lines generally have one crew member for every 2.5 passengers or more. Luxury lines generally have one crew passenger for fewer than every 2 passengers. The lower the ratio of crew to passengers onboard, the more attentive and personal the service should be. Finally, luxury might also be defined by space ratio -- how much elbow room each passenger has on a ship. While some feel a small ship with fewer people is more intimate,the size of the ship isn't alays relevant. What is relevant is how many passengers can be accommodated on a ship relative to its size. For example, while Crystal is a large ship luxury cruise line, they accommodate about 1,000 guests on a ship that mainstream lines will generally accommodate two to three times as many passengers on.

Within each of the major categories: Moderate, Premium Cruises and Luxury Cruises, you can find larger ships and mid-size or smaller vessels. Vessels range from huge “cities at sea” (over 4,500 passengers), to small river barges (carrying as few as six passengers). Generally, the larger the vessel, the more amenities: spas, casinos, restaurants, bars, and more entertainment options -- even ice skating rinks, rock-climbing walls and golf simulators! On smaller ships the experience is far more intimate.

One measure of size isn’t the overall size of the ship, but the space ratio: how many passengers there are relative to the size of the ship. Some travelers assume that smaller cruise ships may offer more intimate cruise vacations. While this can be true, there are some larger ships that are designed for fewer passengers, thereby providing each passenger on board much more space. Generally, Moderate ships have a lower space ratio per passenger than Premium or Luxury ships.

Some niche cruise products include expedition cruises with naturalists to guide the way (e.g., Galapagos Islands). Explorer-class vessels ply the Antarctic and other remote regions of the planet. Some are designed specifically for scuba enthusiasts. There are even smaller boats you can self-drive thru the canals and waterways of Europe.

Consulting a qualified cruise expert is one of the best ways to gather the information you need to choose the right cruise.

Your cruise fare includes accommodations, all meals onboard ship (including 24-hour room service), onboard daytime activities, and on most ships, night-time entertainment including live stage shows. One reason cruising is a good value is because you'll know what most of your cruise vacation will cost before you go. Generally your only extra expenses will be airfare, drinks (though these are often included on luxury cruise ships), optional shore excursions, pre- or post-cruise extensions, and personal services such as spa treatments or hairstyling.

There are basic price differences between Moderate Cruises, Premium Cruises and Luxury Cruises. However, a suite with private balcony on a moderate cruise may cost more than the least expensive stateroom on a luxury cruise!

Beyond these category differences, the cost of your cruise depends on your choice of accommodations, from the least expensive inside stateroom (a room with no windows) to a suite with private balcony, Jacuzzi and butler service. Generally, the least expensive staterooms are found on the lower decks of the ship (but above the water line!) and increase in price on higher decks. "Inside" staterooms are less expensive than ocean-view staterooms. The most desirable staterooms are those with private balconies or verandahs.

Whichever stateroom category you prefer, the rest of the cruise experience, with few exceptions such as the Cunard liners, is largely the same for everyone: excellent dining, entertainment, services and onboard activities.

There are 3 major types of accommodations on a ship—suites, ocean-view staterooms and inside staterooms. Within these are some options—mini-suites, family suites and outside cabins with private balconies. Not all types are available on all ships.

• SUITES: The most spacious accommodations, suites range from less than 300 square feet to the size of a large townhouse on two floors. They usually include a separate living area, large private balcony, mini-bar, refrigerator, oversized whirlpool bath, and in-room stereo and DVD. Some suites feature a dining area, a baby grand piano and the services of a private butler or concierge. The most expensive accommodations, they’re also the first to sell out, so it’s important to reserve well in advance.
• FAMILY SUITES: Designed for the large family, these feature two or more bedrooms and two or more bathrooms, plus a living area with a sofa bed and usually a private balcony. Most can accommodate up to 8 passengers in comfort. Limited to only 2 or 3 per ship and not available on many ships, it's usually necessary to reserve a family suite a year in advance.
• MINI-SUITES: These offer more space than a standard ocean-view stateroom and include a small sitting area, some suite amenities, and often have private balconies.
• OCEAN-VIEW/BALCONY: Standard “outside” staterooms with balconies are becoming increasingly available on new ships. Not as spacious (and not as expensive) as a suite, these are the most popular.
• OCEAN-VIEW/WINDOW: These staterooms offer a view of the outside world, and most newer ships have picture windows. There may be portholes on older vessels. Some cabins may have obstructed views (such as a lifeboat or steel girder outside the window). These categories are available at less cost than an unobstructed view.
• INSIDE/NO WINDOWS: The most economical accommodations, these are usually located on an interior hallway. Providing the same space & amenities as standard ocean -view cabins, these are a frequent choice of cruisers on a limited budget.

Also worth mentioning are triple and quad accommodations. Most staterooms are designed for two people, (cruise pricing is based on double occupancy), but there are some staterooms with additional beds for a third and/or fourth passenger. These are either "upper berths" which either fold down from the wall or drop from the ceiling above the other beds, while some ships offer a sofa bed for the third and/or fourth passengers. These can be economical for families or persons traveling together on a budget.

An "inside" stateroom is one that does not have a window or porthole. These are the least expensive staterooms on a cruise ship. An"outside," or ocean-view stateroom, is one with a picture window or porthole, and/or a glass door to a balcony or verandah. Cruise lines also make distinctions when there are obstructed view staterooms (the view is partially blocked by a part of the ship). "Outside" cabins, because they offer a view, are usually priced higher than "inside" cabins, which do not have a view.

To some dgree this depends on your personal preference and from a practical standpoint, on availability. Generally, there is less motion the closer you are to the water line and the more mid-ship you are. Some people like to be higher up and nearer to the public areas of the ship, (not unlike those desiring higher floors in a hotel). It used to be that mid-ship staterooms were the most desirable because older ships didn’t have the sophisticated stabilization systems of today’s cruise liners. Today’s technology has advanced enormously, and location on most ships is much less of an issue. Some of the best stateroom may face the front (forward) of the ship, or the back (aft) of the ship (On some ships these have the largest balconies).

We also suggest you study the deck plan for the ship you plan to book your cruise on. While soundproofing on different ships varies somewhat, if your stateroom is located just above or below a disco, theatre or a restaurant, and you are a light sleeper, you may not find that location ideal. Some passengers, particularly those with some walking difficulties, may prefer staterooms nearby an elevator. On the other hand, on some ships staterooms closest to elevators may cause light sleepers some disturbance from possible elevator or human noise. While mid-ship staterooms are often desirable, it pays to look into cabins facing the aft (rear), which may be larger, have balconies overlooking the aft of the vessel. (On some ships, however, aft cabins can experience some slight vibration noise from the engines.)

Speaking of balconies, the size of balconies varies on ships -- with some sporting balconies just large enough to be cramped while sitting, while others are spacious enough to accommodate a lounge chair. And finally, some new ships feature balconies that are recessed on higher decks which means persons above you can see your balcony. While this design may increase the sunlight on your balcony, it also compromises one's privacy. One reason to book with a cruise expert is to help get you the best available stateroom assignment.

When you make your cruise reservation, you will either be confirmed in a specific stateroom or offered a “category guarantee.” This means the cruise line is unable to confirm a specific stateroom in the category you wish to book and guarantees you will be assigned a stateroom in that category, or a higher category -- at no additional cost. You will be advised of your stateroom prior to sailing, possibly in advance or at the pier upon check-in. Either way, you are assured accommodations on the cruise.

Some travelers prefer a “category guarantee” in the hopes they will be upgraded to a higher category than what they’ve paid for.

The port charges, taxes & fees are charges assessed by government and other agencies, security fees, costs incidental to entering or leaving ports, costs incurred while in port, waste removal, and other port-related functions. Taxes associated with any flights could also be part of this category.

Cruise lines have become experts at monitoring sales trends electronically and maintaining flexible pricing structures based on supply and demand. Technology has enabled cruise lines to be very sophisticated in managing sales trends. Cruise prices fluctuate: as it gets closer to sailing and fewer staterooms are available, the price increases. With the growing popularity of cruising, it's rare to find the last-minute sales that were more common years ago. The best pricing is usually the initial pricing offered when sailings are announced for the new season, because as sailings fill up, prices are often adjusted upwards.

Cruise lines base their rates on double occupancy. When traveling alone, you will be charged a supplement to cover the cost of the unsold berth in your stateroom. Please note that this fee only applies to the cabin rate. Taxes and airfare costs do not increase for this reason. it's not unlike hotel pricing, which is usually quoted as a room rate, rather than a per-person rate, which is what the cruise lines do. A hotel room costs the same regardless of whether one or two people occupy the room. Cruise prices are quoted per person, not per stateroom.

There's not a conclusive answer, and it depends on your needs and travel plans.

The cruise line's airfare charge is not always your best-priced option for airfare. In some cases it will be, and in others it won't be, depending on what pricing strategies the airlines may be executing in the marketplace. (Cruise line's have a fixed contract rate for the year from the airlines, while the airlines can lower or increase their rates at any time.) Airline pricing strategies also change from time to time.

The cruise line's airfare supplement will include transfers between the airport and the pier, or in the very least, make transfers available to you for a nominal charge. Should we book your airfare separately, we can either arrange private transfers for you to the pier, or you can always take a cab ride. But depending on the distance and city, the cab fare both ways may cost more than the savings on less expensive airfare.

If you wish to extend your holiday with a hotel package (see next FAQ), we can book the airfare and the hotel package for you, in many locations, separate of using the cruise line's services, as well as customize your options. (Cruise Lines offer very limited hotel choices.)

To be certain of your options, ask your cruise expert to compare the cruise line's airfare to what we might otherwise purchase for you, particularly if you wish to extend your stay. Keep in mind, however, that any airline quotes we provide you are only good at that time, as they can change daily (even hourly). If we quote you an airfare today, and you call to book it a week later, there's no assurance space will be available at that price, or if that price is still valid.

New laws went into effect in 2008, requiring all cruise passengers to check in at the pier for their cruise at least 90 minutes prior to sailing time. The reason for this is that cruise lines are now required to turn in final departure manifests within that time frame. Guests not checking in 90 minutes prior to sailing time may be denied boarding.

Cruise lines also require guests to provide some basic information as part of the check-in process. This information can include the ship name, sailing date, each guest's name, date of birth, country of birth, country of citizenship, legal document (passport information).

With many cruise lines much of the check-in process can be done days in advance on-line on the cruise line's website. This reduces the amount of time guests have to wait for their final boarding documents at the pier.

At the pier, you will need to show proof of citizenship and in most cases that will mean a passport. (See Passport Rules for more information,)

Cruise lines offer a limited number of pre-cruise and post-cruise hotel packages you may purchase which include transfers between airport and hotel upon arrival, and hotel to pier on the day of sailing. If you wish to consider the convenience of this option, we recommend you inquire and reserve it when you make your cruise reservation (but don’t delay reserving your cruise if you’re undecided about a pre- or post-cruise hotel package).

Besides extending your vacation, one reason to consider these packages is because you will not have time to visit and enjoy the city of embarkation and/or disembarkation otherwise (unless the ship overnights the first night in your embarkation city), as your flight will arrive on day of sailing, or leave on the day the cruise ends, and not permit you the time to do so.

Another reason to consider a pre-cruise hotel package is in the event you have a flight weather or mechanical delay where you might miss boarding the ship. In the event you do, the airline will try to fly you to the next port-of-call to join your cruise, but in the meantime, you've missed a day or two of your long-anticipated vacation. Flying into your port of embarkation a day early is, in other words, another hedge against possible problems that may occur on day of sailing.  Keep in mind: airlines do not guarantee their schedules, nor do they accept responsibility for any financial loss caused by a delayed or canceled flight. And druise lines assume no liability for delays caused by airlines.

Should you not be able to purchase one of these packages, we can book a hotel room for you and customize your flights. An air deviation fee is involved, but you will be able to choose to fly earlier, and may have more flight options. Adding a pre-cruise hotel package helps ensure you don’t miss your cruise due to flight delays.

Absolutely. We strongly recommend the purchase of trip insurance. Travel insurance offers protection if you cancel due to injury, sickness, or death (to you, a traveling companion, or immediate family member), and in many cases, should an act of terrorism occur. If purchased when making your cruise reservation, it may also cover pre-existing health conditions.

Additionally, trip insurance provides emergency assistance while you are on vacation, and a 24/7 support line. In such a case, you would need to pay at the time of treatment and then file for reimbursement. If you have specific questions about trip insurance and coverage, please ask one of our cruise specialists.

Generally no, but that can depend on the cruise you select. Today's cruise vacation is far more casual than years ago. During the day, dress is casual on all cruise ships. In the evening, many cruise ships are casual and others, generally luxury cruise lines and some premium cruise lines, are more dressy. But even on those cruise ships where dressing up is the norm, there are dining options available that preclude dressing up.

On most cruises, except those that have casual dress code around the clock, there are two dressy or formal occasions per week. This implies a suit or sportscoat for men, and cocktail dress or dressy attire for women. Some guests still wear formal attire on "formal" nights, but it's becoming rarer. It's fun to dress up, and many still do so. Talk to our cruise expert who can guide you further. Bottom line -- there's a cruise style for everybody, and you shouldn't shy away from taking a cruise over a concern with dress codes.

As in any spa, restaurant or bar, tipping is appreciated, expected and deserved. Some luxury cruise lines have a "no tipping" policy, including Regent Seven Seas and Silversea. But on most cruise lines, tipping is standard for your stateroom steward (who cleans your room every day), and your dining room waiter and busboy. Tipping ranges from cruise line to cruise line, but on average is about $10-$15, per person, per day.

On many ships today, a basic gratuity is included in bar orders, or if not, you can add one when you sign the receipt. (All onboard purchases are charged to your shipboard account to be paid at the end of your cruise.) Generally if you take a spa treatment, it's up to you to add a gratuity when you sign your receipt. Finallly, if the headwaiiter or maitre d' has been exemplary or provided you personal attention and service, a small gratuity ($2 per day per person) is the norm.

Tipping guidelines are often printed in the cruise documentation you'll receive, and you can check with a cruise expert who books your cruise to update you on your cruise's tipping guidelines.

Dining can be a highlight of a cruise vacation, and most cruise lines now offer alternative dining venues in addition to the main dining room. There is usually a small charge to dine at an alternative restaurant onboard ($20 - $35 per person). While food is generally very good to exceptional on a cruise, cuisine varies by cruise line and type of cruise. All cruise ships can cater to most any dietary requirements. On a luxury cruise line, you pay more for your cruise and you will also experience a far better dining experience than on a moderate cruise line. On some cruise lines like Crystal, the altenative dining at Nobu's is easily a $150+ dining experience that guests enjoy for the cost of a gratuity.

Some cruise ships offer single-seating dining, which enables all passengers to dine at the same time if they elect to do so. Other (often largest) ships cannot seat all guests in the dining room at the same time, so they offer tiered dining times, or "early" and "late" dining. Your cruise expert can advise you on the dining schedule for the cruise ships.

We can't think of a customer that's come back from a cruise and said they were totally bored! There's fun & enjoyments onboard for every family member: kids and teens have special events; adults have a huge range of activities, day and night. So the whole family can have a fine time. On a cruise you can do as much or as little as you like. For many travelers, cruising is a stress-reducing way to travel, and lazy days at sea between ports of call are the perfect remedy for recharging your batteries.

Entertainment onboard ranges from Broadway-style musicals to Vegas-style nightclub revues. There are theme cruises featuring Big Bands, jazz, sports and other celebrities, and guest chefs. Most [larger] ships have lavish facilities for passengers to enjoy a variety of pursuits. Royal Caribbean even has an ice-skating rink on some of it's ships. For fitness buffs, glass-walled health centers and spas overlook the sea and offer the latest exercise equipment and treatments. Aerobics, Pilates, step, spinning and yoga classes are usually offered (sometimes for a slight fee). Some cruises, especially premium cruises and luxury cruises, offer outstanding guest lecturers and onboard learning experiences.

There are age restrictions onboard, which may vary slightly. Guests must be 21 or older to be served alcohol (proper I.D. is required). Guests must be at least 18 to enter the casino; at least 17 to use the gym/spa facilities. Guests under 18 should not be in the disco after midnight.

Many cruise ships have year-round children's programs with trained youth counselors on board. Newer ships have playrooms, teen discos, video arcades or computer rooms. Some ships even have "kids only" shore excursions. Our cruise experts will be able to tell you about the ships best suited to children and families.

Most cruise lines offer age-specific, supervised activities that will not only keep kids happy, occupied, and interested, but will also teach them a thing or two. Games, parties, treasure and scavenger hunts, talent shows, movies, arts and crafts, puppet shows, pool games, water slides¯ the list goes on. But check out this brief sampling:

• Disney: Almost an entire DECK of activities — activities room, theater, science lab — plus a pool just for kids and one for families, too.
• Norwegian Cruise Lines: “Circus at Sea” where kids learn and perform circus acts.
• Royal Caribbean: Explore marine life with real scientists in an atmospheric and oceanographic lab. Princess: The line offers special “behind the scenes” ship tours, slumber and deck parties, and stateroom TVs featuring Nickelodeon programs.
• Celebrity: A youth program focusing on theater where kids learn the ins and outs of acting, directing, and staging a real play.
• Carnival: Camp Carnival divides kids into several groups by age and their newest ships even feature high-tech video game centers.
• Holland America: On selected sailings the line offers special shore excursions designed for the interests and abilities of children.
• Crystal Cruises: In addition to select programs for children, Crystal also offers children’s classes in social graces.

Children are usually grouped by age. You can expect to see three or four distinct “troops” from toddlers (around ages 3-4), juniors (ages 5-8), intermediates (ages 9-13), and teens (ages 14-17).

On ships that have an "open seating" policy, you can select to dine alone or with others each meal. On ships that have fixed seating in the main dining room, you will be assigned a table where you will dine each evening. On most ships, you can request a table for two, four, six, eight or ten, and our cruise expert will take your request and pass it to the cruise ship when your reservation is made. By having your own dining table each evening, your waiter and serve staff get to know you and your preferences. While some guests prefer to dine alone or with their family, others enjoy meeting new people and have others to talk to at the dinner table. (For breakfast and lunch meals are usually open seating.) On most ships that offer alternative dining venues, you would make a reservation to dine at one of these.

If you are traveling with an infant(s), cruising is among the most convenient vacation options.
Some ships offer private babysitting for services for infants as young as three months. Often the sitter is a crew member working on their off-hours and with some experience babysitting,

Most ships upon request provide cribs as well as high chairs and booster seats in the dining room. If you need to store or heat up some milk or formula, you'll find the onboard staff willing to assist. Some cruise lines do have age requirements on how old children have to be in order to cruise with their parents. In some destinations on some ships, children are dissuaded. Your cruise expert can advise you any such restrictions.

Ships these days offer some of the hippest stuff made just for teens. Teens like to mingle with others in their age group and have a place they can claim as their own. Clubs, discos, computer labs, soda bars, coffee houses and DJ booths are just a few of the places they can hang. Plus, most will get into the same things that appeal to some of the adults onboard: hanging out at the pool, in-line skating, ice skating, miniature golf, arcade games, feature movies, rock-climbing walls, Ping Pong, basketball and volleyball, to mention a few.

Most parents find vacationing on family cruises is safer and therefore more relaxing than on a land-based vacation, because there aren’t places for children to get lost or to disappear as on land. Shipboard youth activities are directed and organized by a staff that has been specially chosen to work with kids. They are highly qualified and educated in the fields of child psychology, child development, education and recreation. Cruises have strict requirements for staff and most require certification in First Aid and CPR. Some cruise lines even provide parents with beepers so they can be contacted at any time. Cruise ships have proven to be very safe environments for families traveling with children.

Yes. All ships are required to have some staterooms for those with disabilities and welcome people with special needs. There are staterooms that are wheelchair accessible, complete with roll-in showers, lowered closet bars and other amenities. Some cruise lines also cater to passengers with visual or hearing impairments. Guide dogs are welcomed with prior notification. It’s important to note that any condition or disability that may require special attention should be brought up at the time the cruise reservation is made.

Cruising is the perfect vacation...especially if you have a special requirement! We can help! Click to see detail on the many services provided by CruiseShipAssist. Oxygen, wheelchair, scooter, hoists, lifts or just about any other need is easily provided at most major cruise ports.

Ships will have wheelchairs onboard for emergency needs. Persons requiring use of a wheelchair will need to bring their own on the cruise. Our special needs cruise expert is eager to assist you.

Under terms of proposed new regulations, as of Dec 31, 2006, travelers will have to have a passport or "other accepted document" to enter or re-enter the U.S. from the Caribbean, Bermuda and Central and South America, in addition to current regulations requiring passports for other international travel. People entering or re-entering by sea or air from Canada and Mexico will also need passports or other acceptable identification by Dec. 31, 2006. (Until then, legal ID, proof of citizenship and a birth certificate suffice). By the end of 2007, the new requirements will apply to land crossings too.

The proposed rules for the different phase-in dates will be finalized over the coming months, but regardless of the timeframe, by January 1, 2008, all Americans departing and returning to the United States will be required to have a valid U.S. passport. This will undoubtedly cause a backlog in getting passports as these rules take effect. For information on obtaining or renewing a passport, visit the State Department’s Web site at: http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html.

• You should avoid the rush and the possibility of not being able to travel where you wish without a passport.
• A passport can open the doors to travel you may not have considered before, such as cruising in Europe, Australia and Asia.
• Passports are valid for ten years, the initial price of a passport is $97 for a new passport and $67 for a renewal.

A passport is easy to obtain by visiting one of the 6,000 passport acceptance facilities across the U.S. For more information about applying for a passport, U.S. citizens may visit www.travel.state.gov or call the National Passport Information Center toll free at 1-877-487-2778 or TDD/TYY: 1-888-874-7793. Foreign Nationals should contact their respective governments to obtain passports.

Yes, our preferred visa vendor, A Briggs, is one of the world's leading travel document specialists and expediting services. Whether you require U.S.-based passport or visa processing, international passport or visa application forms and instructions, or other related services, A Briggs can assist you. A Briggs also offers complete document expediting services in the United States.

The U.S. Coast Guard has declared cruise ships operating from U.S. ports to be one of the safest forms of transportation. Safety at sea -- of both passengers and crew -- continues to be the cruise industry's number one priority.

In 2004, the International maqritime Organization, the United Nations body that sets global maritime safety standards, implemented the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, and the U.S. implemented the Maritime Transportation Security Act. All guests require proper travel documentation at embarkation. Any guest traveling without proper documentation will not be allowed to board the vessel and no refund will be provided. All packages and provisions brought onboard are scanned with hand-held detection equipment. All luggage is being scanned. Security personnel are stationed at all points of entry to the ship. On most cruises, passengers are photographed and issued an identification card to use to get on and off the ship in port.

U.S. laws protect American cruise line passengers. The FBI and federal authorities investigate and prosecute crimes involving Americans in international waters.

All cruise ships must meet standards set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). Ships operating from U.S. ports are also subject to U.S. federal and state regulations.

The U.S. Coast Guard inspects all ships sailing out of U.S. ports four times a year. The International Council of Cruise Lines (ICCL) sets guidelines and mandatory standards for cruise companies seeking or maintaining membership in the association. These standards meet or exceed international and U.S. laws and regulations that apply to cruise ships.