You are thinking of Booking a Cruise, what do you need to know?

Categories

Helpful Hints for your upcoming cruise:

• Cruises are fun so don’t overthink it but be prepared.
• You are responsible for confirming the accuracy of the information on your travel documents. This includes
  1. Your name needs to match your Passport or driver’s license exactly
  2. Birthdate
  3. Visa requirements
  4. Your Passport must be valid 6 months after you return
• Please read and respond to the information you will get from me and the cruise line.
• It’s best to arrive early so you can start your vacation as soon as you board. Rooms are usually available around 1:30pm. Keep a change of clothes in your carry-on if you want to go to the pool or enjoy a cocktail in one of the outdoor bars. You can always go to the buffet for lunch while you’re waiting for your room.
• Dress codes vary per cruise line, but they are much more relaxed than they were years ago. Wear what makes you happy, some people like to dress up, some like to be casual, it’s your choice. Most cruise lines still have dressy nights, so you might see people in gowns, or you might see people dressed more casually.
• There are specialty restaurants on the ships, and they offer ala carte or fixed priced menus. It’s always nice to indulge yourself and enjoy a meal or two in one of the specialty restaurants. There are packages available to purchase prior to sailing and reservations are made once on board. On most ships there is an additional cost. In my opinion they are worth the price.
• Included in your cruise fare are your meals, some drinks like coffee, tea, lemonade, entertainment, and most on-board activities. There are beverage packages available to purchase for alcoholic beverages which also include specialty coffee, soda, bottled water, fresh juices, etc.
• While in port, you may choose to explore on your own or purchase an excursion. You can pre-purchase your shore excursions on the cruise line website or we closely work with a few shore excursion companies, so you can compare what each has to offer and make the best decision for you. You can always purchase excursions at the shore excursion desk on board, however they will cost more, and you will have less choice if you wait.
• Gratuities for your room steward and dining room servers are added to your bill daily and they vary depending on the cruise line and room type. I always recommend pre-paying them; they average 18 dollars a day per person.
• We strongly recommend travel insurance. You can purchase an insurance policy through the cruise line, through your travel agent or any insurance company you feel meets your needs. Read through the policies and see what’s covered. Remember your health insurance does not work outside the county.
• Read your travel documents as soon as you receive your confirmation. Agents cannot control the weather, decisions that insurance companies make or your captain’s decision to divert the ship away from a storm. Sometimes you will miss your port of call if the weather doesn’t permit or government unrest in that country. The cruise contract clearly states that they can change your Itinerary at any time.
• If you are flying to your cruise port, it is advisable to come a day early in case there is a delay with your airline. If you book your flights through the cruise lines air department, they guarantee that they’ll get you to the ship if you missed the ship due to a flight cancellation or delay.
• If you are driving to your port, they have onsite parking which is usually around $20 a day. There are off-site park and ride options that cost less but are less convenient.
• The preferred location of your cabin is your personal choice. You have many options from suites to balcony rooms, to ocean view to inside. Some choose the comfort of the suite to be pampered while others would rather spend their money in the casino or on shore excursions.
• Cruises that start and end in the same port are considered closed loop cruises. We always recommend that you travel with a passport, but you can also board with a certified copy of your birth certificate and your driver’s license. You should always check the requirements of the countries you are visiting as you might need a passport to enter that country. If you have an emergency while in port and you need to fly home, you’ll need a passport to board a plane.
• It is advisable to take your passport with you during your shore excursions or in port. Sometimes people lose track of time and miss the on-board time to return to the ship. I’ve seen it happen. Guests were left on the dock in their bathing suits and coverups because they did not return in time. The ship cannot wait for guests to return at their leisure. There are port representatives at each port, and you can find their numbers on the daily activity sheets or your cruise card. Snap a picture before you get off the ship, better safe than sorry.
• If traveling with children, adjoining rooms are a good idea. A regular cabin cannot usually accommodate more than 4 guests. A suite Is a good option, but two rooms are usually less expensive than a suite and you then have two bathrooms. If you are traveling with your grandchildren or any minor child that is not yours, you will need to get a notarized letter from their parents.
• Communicating on board with your traveling party varies from ship to ship. The cruise lines have apps now that you need to download prior to your trip. This is where you do your online check in, make dining reservations, view your daily calendar and onboard purchases. Some ships offer the option to message people in your party while others charge a fee.
• If traveling with a group of friends, it’s best to book at the same time, so we can locate rooms next to or near each other.
• Things to do prior to your trip. Thoroughly read your contract and any information that your travel agent has sent you. Let your bank or credit card company know you are leaving the country. Some credit card companies will freeze your account for suspicious activity if they are not notified, contact the USPS to put a hold on your mail, keep your cell phones on airplane mode or you will incur roaming charges in international waters and foreign ports.
• Most countries accept US dollars, so you should have some on hand for small purchases and tips while in town.
• Bring a small purse or a lanyard to hold your sea pass. It is used for everything on board as well as entry to your room. Your stateroom number is not on your key, so you need to remember where your cabin is. Take a photo when you get there, most people always carry their phone.
• It is important to settle all cruise issues before you leave the ship. This includes any challenges or billing disputes. It is much harder and time consuming once you are back on land.
• Try to make a note of the servers or bartenders that gave you exceptional service and mention them on your post cruise survey that you will receive.
• Don’t forget your passport! Make a copy of it and keep it apart from your passport or you can upload the info into Cruise Planners “My Trips” travel vault. Should your passport become lost or stolen, you’ll be glad you have a copy.
• If you love your cruise and want to book again with the same company, it is always going to be the best offer if you book on board. Just mention that you have a travel agency
• Please remember we are your advocate before, during and after the cruise. I cannot solve all problems, but I will always use every resource available to me to resolve challenges. I am available 24/7 when you are traveling.