Frequently asked questions
Not everyone knows everything and if you have never cruised before you will have many unanswered questions. Here, we've tried to think of as many as we can and provided the answers. If you do not see the question that is on your mind, please call us - one of our dedicated, professional team will be pleased to share their knowledge with you.
- Is cruising affordable and good value?
- Cruising is the best value!
There are cruise holidays to suit every budget. Your cruise fare includes accommodation, meals, on-board activities and entertainment. Unlike a traditional resort holiday, you'll know what your final holiday cost will be before you go (typically, your only extra expenses will be drinks, speciality restaurants, optional shore excursions, and personal services such as spa facilities or hairstyling).
- How long are cruises?
- Cruises can vary from 2-3 night short breaks to World Cruises lasting over 100 days!!!
- Where can I go?
- Wherever you want!
Cruises visit over 1,800 ports worldwide and practically every destination accessible by water.
- Are all ships fairly similar?
- Far from it!
Cruise ships range from intimate and yacht-like to vessels stretching longer than three football fields. You can sail with fewer than 100 fellow guests or with more than 3,500. 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: luxury cruises with globetrotting itineraries; large, contemporary ships with a fantastic array of recreational facilities; classic vessels evoking the time-honoured traditions of cruising; special-interest or exploration cruises specializing in unique destinations with an accent on cultural enrichment.
There are cruise lines that feature soft adventure expeditions to unusual and rustic frontiers like Antarctica, the Amazon rain forest or African Serengeti. Explore historical legacies with enlightening itineraries to New England, French Canada and the Colonial American coast.
For experienced travellers, destination-focused cruises specialize in premium, 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 splendour of the 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!
- Do I need a passport?
- All UK Citizens require a full UK passport with minimum 6 months validity for a cruise regardless of destination.
- 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 honour the occasion. Your birthday or anniversary can be more festive with champagne, flowers, or canapes. You can even arrange for a special private party
- Can I use my hair dryer or shaver?
- Most ships have 110-volt US and 220-volt European outlets in the cabins, but do check. Most ships even feature hair-dryers in your cabin.
- Can we stay in touch with the outside world?
- Easily!
Most ships have a daily newsletter with news, headlines and selected stock quotes and sports results. Many cabins 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 a growing number have computer cafes with Internet access for e-mailing.
- What about tipping?
- Tipping is a matter of individual preference. A general rule of thumb is to plan for about £6 per person per day for your cabin steward, dining room waiter, and room steward. Other shipboard personnel can be tipped for special services at your discretion.
- Do cruise lines accept group bookings?
- Most lines welcome groups - often at special rates, depending on how many people are involved.
- It sounds too good to be true! Is it?
- The one complaint we hear time and again is that cruises end far too soon!
Beyond that, it's hard to find any negatives. All you have to do is relax and enjoy your holiday. Most importantly, every crew and staff member on board is dedicated to making your cruise the best holiday of your life (until you top it with your next cruise!).
- Will I be above sea level ?
- Yes!
Some of the crew quarters are below the water line but passengers areas are all above sea level
- Will I have bunk beds?
- Your cabin will have twin or queen size beds, sometimes a 3rd or 4th berth will be available which drops down for sleeping but is stored away during the day.
- Is a balcony safe for a child?
- Yes there are child locks on the doors onto the balcony
- Does my window open?
- Windows do not open. The cabins are individually climate controlled, but if you prefer fresh air you should consider a balcony which you can step outside onto
- Do I have a luggage restriction?
- You may take as much luggage as you like, but a restriction may be imposed by the airline if you are flying to your departure point.
- Is the water safe to drink?
- The water in your cabin is ok for cleaning your teeth, but it is not advisable to drink it. However, drinking water is available around the ship and bottled water can be purchased on board.
- What language is spoken?
- On most ships the main language spoken is English. However, your crew and cruise staff may come from anywhere in the world.
- Will I be sea sick?
- Today's modern ships have stabilisers which should reduce the effects of sea sickness. In the unlikely event that you do suffer from sea sickness, pressure pads purchased from a pharmacy can help along with chewing ginger tablets. As a last resort, the Ships Doctor can prescribe a more powerful remedy, however that would be at your expense.
- What do I do if I miss the ship?
- If you miss the ship it is your responsibility to get to the next port. The port authorities may be able to assist but the expense will not be covered. If you are not good at keeping to schedules it is advisable to take an organised excursion.
- Can I pay by personal cheque on board?
- When you board the ship you will be asked for an imprint of a credit card and a credit card check may be processed to ensure you can cover any on board expenses. As with many hotels, ships have a fast check out procedure whereby a statement is given to you on the last night of sailing and, providing you agree with the figure, you can simply disembark the next day.
- What currency is used on board?
- Ships that sail from the UK often use Sterling. Occasionally you may find the ship uses US dollars.
- What does a guarantee cabin mean and when will I get a cabin number?
- Cruise lines will frequently offer cabins for sale without a specific cabin number, but at a guaranteed category. This means that you will receive a cabin that will be at least the category you've booked. For example, if you buy an outside guarantee cabin you will receive a cabin with a window, as a minimum. You cannot receive an inside cabin, but if you were very lucky, you might end up with a balcony!
- Does the ship generate its own power?
- Yes!
Ships generate their own power and some of them generate enough electricity to light up a small city. The ship's propellers are even driven by electric engines, powered by the massive diesel generators that also supply the electrical current to run your hair dryer. Ships also carry several thousand gallons of fresh water in huge holding tanks which they refill when in port.
- Is the water in the swimming pool chlorinated?
- No the water is salt water
- Do cruise lines welcome families with kids?
- More and more cruise holidays are booked by families with children. 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 youth counsellors will help keep them busy and entertained. Ships even offer different types of age-appropriate activities, suitable for toddlers to teens. Best of all, children often travel at a reduced rate.
- Can singles have fun?
- Of course!
Cruising is the very best holiday for single people. Firstly there should be many other like minded people on board. Secondly, you will find your dining companions will be single people also wishing to share the experience of the holiday. This is where friendships are made and throughout your cruise you could meet up with your new found friends in one of the many lounges or bars, on a sightseeing trip, by the pool or one of the special single "get together" evenings. There is nothing to match a cruise for singles!
- 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. Some ships even offer special programmes for performing a marriage ceremony or renewing your marriage vows.
- Are there any special educational programmes on-board?
- To complement the spirit of discovery that travel evokes, many cruise lines feature an extensive programme 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.
- 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, menus, activities, and entertainment as everyone else on board
- Will I get bored? Feel confined?
- Hardly!
Being at sea gives 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. You get the added adventure of exploring many exciting ports of call. Cruise ships are floating resorts with all the choices you'd expect. 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 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, play backgammon or bridge - and that's just when you're on board!
- What can I do in port?
- So much you'll have a hard time choosing!
You can explore on your own or take guided tours (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 or sun-bathe and swim at some of the world's best beaches. You could catch a record-breaking marlin, sail, snorkel, or scuba dive. Take a cable car to the top of a mountain or 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 the activities?
- On a cruise, you do what you want, when you want. You can do everything or do absolutely nothing. It's your holiday!
- What about meal times?
- Again, there are choices and more choices. During the day, there are many different places to eat - in the formal dining room, on deck, in a pizzeria, 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 eating times, and others encourage you to come to dinner whenever you like. More traditional ships have two sittings in their formal dining rooms, which differ only by time: typically 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. To choose, just decide whether you prefer to dine early or late and then tell us your preference when you book your cruise. Frequently, you can choose to dine at night somewhere other than the formal dining room, such as in an intimate restaurant that features, for example, Italian, Chinese, Japanese or American cuisine. More and more cruise lines are opening up their informal lido areas to evening dining,
where the dress and dishes are always casual. 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 appetizers, salads, soups, main courses and desserts. 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 main course or appetizer (or dessert!). However, just because your cruise ship offers plenty of delicious food, that doesn't mean you'll come home out of shape. You can choose low-cal, spa, vegetarian or fitness menu selections that are just as tempting as the regular menu.
- Can I get a special diet?
- Most ships can accommodate salt-free, low-carbohydrate, low cholesterol, Kosher, or other diet preferences. However, this request must be made in advance, so be sure to advise us when you book your cruise.
- What about dining companions - can I sit with my spouse and friends only, or will I have tablemates?
- Experienced cruisers say they prefer sitting at a table with several other diners; some lifelong friendships have been made this way. 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 tablemates, 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 rooms, and even some entire ships, are now totally smoke-free, reflecting passenger preferences.
Social Activities Onboard
- 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 Captain's Cocktail Party, Passenger Talent Night, Broadway-style shows 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, all ages, from all walks of life; singles, couples and families. Just ask us for advice on the best ship for you, based on your tastes and lifestyle.
- What should I pack?
- Pack like you would for any resort. Cruise holidays are casual by day, whether you're on the ship or ashore. In the evening, ships' dress codes vary. 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.
- Will I need a dinner suit?
- 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.
- Are there medical services onboard?
- Virtually every cruise ship (except for some smaller vessels operating in coastal waters) has a medical facility and health care professionals on staff to handle almost any emergency. If you have a medical condition that might put you at risk, discuss it with your doctor and inform the cruise lines at the time of booking. Whenever you travel, check to see what your health insurance covers.
- Are there laundry services aboard ship?
- Almost all cruise ships have laundry facilities and many provide dry-cleaning services. Many ships also have self-service launderettes.
- Are there meeting rooms onboard?
- Just about every full-size ship has public rooms or a conference centre to offer as meeting space for private or corporate groups. Your ship may also be able to offer audio-visual equipment, communications, meeting coordinators, secretarial and printing services and more.
