What visas do I need for my cruise?
We are not authorised to give such information but we would advise customers to contact www.visaservice.co.uk or telephone them on 0870 8900185.
Is my passport valid?
British Citizens will be required to have a full British passport which is valid for at least 6 months after the end of the cruise holiday. Further information may be obtained from the www.passport.gov.uk. We would advise those customers that are not British passport holders to contact the Embassy of the country of destination and the Home Office Immigration department to obtain guidance on the documentation required.
What inoculations do I require for my cruise holiday?
Please refer to the tour operator’s brochure but for the most up to date information or your GP or health professional.
Do you provide insurance?
Please ask at the time of the booking and we shall be happy to assist you and provide a quote.
Are the cruise itineraries subject to change?
Yes, all cruise itineraries are subject to change. With guest safety as the number one priority for the cruise lines, on the rare occasions that weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances may occur, it may cause a change in the original itinerary. In these circumstances, the cruise line staff will do everything within their power to visit an alternate port of call.
Is cruising right for honeymooners?
Without a doubt. Cruising offers an atmosphere that's just right for romance... cosy 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 programs for performing a marriage ceremony or renewing your marriage vows.
Are there non-smoking areas?
Virtually all ships have smoking and non-smoking sections in the public rooms. In fact, many dining rooms, and even some entire ships, are now totally smoke-free, reflecting passenger requests. If you want your dining table in a non-smoking area, please advise the restaurant manager when boarding.
Will I get bored or feel confined?
It's not likely. Most ships are a good size and it usually takes a couple of days to fully explore the different options available on board. You can rest by the poolside, join a dance class or sports activity, see a movie, or try your luck in a casino - the options are endless! In addition to the activities onboard, you also have the opportunity to explore new and exciting ports of call.
What if I have medication?
Please carry any medication in its original bottle. It is recommended that medications be carried in your pocket or purse so they will be available when needed because checked luggage may not be accessible at all times. If you are using any prescription drugs, vitamins, or other medication on a regular basis, you should bring an adequate supply since they may not be readily available aboard the ship or in ports of call. Commonly used medications may be purchased at the office of the ship's doctor.
Will I get seasick?
Seasickness is not common on larger cruise ships. Larger ships are equipped with stabilizers designed to minimize the feeling of movement. If you should feel queasy, medicine is available from your cabin steward or the ship's doctor. If you are prone to motion sickness, you may want to consider consulting your doctor prior to departure.
What is an assembly drill? Do I have to go?
These are generally referred to as lifeboat drills. Everyone on board the ship is required to attend a compulsory safety drill comply with Coast Guard and international safety regulations.
How will I know what activities are happening on the ship?
Your cabin steward will leave a news update in your room, which will provide a schedule of events for the following day. This update will detail the events and their locations and times.
Is cruising affordable?
Yes! There are cruise holidays that suit every budget from the cost conscious to the most luxurious. Even more important, a cruise offers the best value for your money. The price you pay will typically cover your flights (if applicable), meals, accommodation, onboard activities, nightime parties and all entertainment.
What's a fly / cruise?
A fly/cruise holiday package includes your airfare along with your cruise. The price you pay would include all transfers as well as any baggage handling.
What's there to do at night?
At night, life aboard a cruise ship is really exciting. Try dancing until the early hours in the nightclubs or gamble in the casinos, take in a show or watch a movie. The activities will take place after your dinner from one of the many restaurants or maybe after you have eaten from the late night buffet do stroll the decks at night and enjoy the moonlight.
Do all cruises have buffet style dining?
You will find a variety of dining options on most ships, some will have both formal and buffet dining onboard to suit all preferences. However, the informal cruise lines tend to use buffet style dining as the main restaurant, with formal alternatives at a supplement.
Are bigger cruise ships better than small ones?
Not necessarily, whilst the larger ships tend to be newer and have more facilties, this can also lead to longer queues and less opportunity to use all the facilties. Smaller ships offer a more intimate cruise experience which cannot be had on the larger style ships.
Which dining time should I choose?
You will have a choice of an early or late sitting for your evening meal. Early or main dining will be around 6.30 and late will be 8.30. You will be asked at the time of booking which is your preference, you will then be seated at this time every evening when onboard. If this is on request, you may not get your preferred choice of dining. Whichever you choose, bear in mind that the evening entertainment is scheduled to accommodate both dining times, so you will not miss out on anything. There will nearly always be alternative dining venues which will not require you to turn up at a certain time.
What table size should I book?
Table size ranges from 2 to10. You will find that a table for 2 is normally requested but never guaranteed as they are few and far between. Cruising is very sociable and is a great way to meet other people so a large table for 8-10 people is a popular choice. You will be sat on the same table, with the same people for the duration of your cruise, so a table for 4-6 can be risky if you don’t get on with the other couples!
Do I need to take cash with me?
Onboard, the cruise lines operate a cashless system. Your room keycard will act as a form of payment; any purchases made onboard will go onto your room card, this will then be paid at the end of your cruise by credit card. You will need cash for purchases made ashore.
Do I need my passport?
Always! You must have a 10 year readable passport with at least 6 months remaining on your date of return.
I am sailing from a UK port, how do I get there?
You may choose to drive and park at the port, take a train, coach, taxi or plane! Often the cruise lines have special deals on a range of transfer options that will get you to your starting point.
What facilities are provided for families?
Family friendly cruise lines will have supervised kids clubs suitable for a range of ages that operate throughout the day and evening, as well as children’s pools and play areas, games rooms, even their own hang out area and night clubs for the teens! You may find you don’t see much of them!
Will there be lots of children onboard?
Whilst many cruise lines cater for families, they also provide the children with their own supervised areas, and often enforce curfews in the evenings. During the day, the children are mostly kept busy and entertained indoors rather than out on deck and around the pools. Certain areas may be adult only at all times on the ship.
Can people see me off?
Your family and friends are more than welcome to come and see you off at the port, however, due to security risks, they are not allowed to step onboard the ship.
What should I wear?
During the day, casual is the usual dress code, smart casual is required on most ships for the evening. You may find you have a formal evening on your cruise; this is an opportunity for guests to get dressed up in their formal attire. The dress code for formal evenings will be a suit or tuxedo (may be hired onboard) for the gents and smart dress suit, cocktail dress or even a ball gown for the ladies.
How many formal evenings will there be?
Usually you will have one formal evening for each week you are onboard.
How do I get ashore?
Usually the ship will dock beside the port, so you can walk off the ship and onto land. Sometimes, a small boat, called a tender, will take you from the ship to the port.
My cabin is on the lowest deck, will I be underwater?
No, cabins are not under the water. Below the lowest passenger deck will be further decks for crew accommodation and facilties and storage areas.
Do I have to get off the ship at each port of call?
No, you can stay on the ship the whole time if you wish, or you can get off the ship for just a short time or the whole day!
