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How can I contact family/friends back home if I need to? |
| The most economical way to communicate with friends and family back home is via email. Many cruise ships offer internet service for a nominal fee, so it's likely that you'll be able to send a message if you'd like to. Some cruises lines have started to offer onboard cellular service as well, and of course there are regular in-room telephones as well. However, keep in mind that ship-to-shore phone calls are exhorbitantly expensive.
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Will I have cell phone service while at sea? |
| Although many cruise lines do provide cell phone service while at sea, please keep in mind that such services require additional fees, often at rates much more expensive than your normal roaming charges. |
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Will I have internet access during my cruise? |
| Many cruise lines now feature ?Internet Cafes? onboard, where you can surf the Web and send and receive emails. There is a charge for this service, and the per-minute rates vary by cruise line.
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Do they have babysitting on board? |
| Most of the major cruise lines offer babysitting services, however availability can depend on the destination and time of year. Ask your Vacation Consultant to check with the cruise line about the policy in place for the specific cruise you are considering. There is generally a fee for these services. |
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How much are gratuities on a cruise? |
| Suggested gratuities vary from cruise line to cruise line, and generally range from $10 to $15 per person, per day. Many cruise lines now automatically add gratuities to your shipboard account. With most cruise lines, you will have the option to remove the automatically added gratuities if you are dissatisfied with the level of service provided, or in the event that you wish to tip the staff personally. This is done by visiting the Purser?s desk prior to debarkation. Check with your Vacation Consultant or the cruise line for their specific gratuity policies and charges.
In cases where the gratuities are not automatically added to the shipboard account, the following guidelines are generally suggested by the cruise lines: Stateroom attendant - $3.50 per person, per day; Head Waiter - $3.50 per person, per day; Assistant waiters - $1.75 per person, per day. Gratuities for the Headwaiter/Maitre D and other service personnel are at your discretion. For your convenience aboard the ship, a 15% gratuity is automatically included on all beverage tabs.
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How do I pay for onboard purchases? |
| Most cruise lines allow you to establish an onboard credit account that permits you to charge purchases to your stateroom. You will need to present a credit card, cash, or travelers checks to open this account. This can be done at the designated sign-up area onboard the ship, or during the check-in process.
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Are there non-smoking areas onboard? |
| Yes. Today, virtually all ships have smoking and non-smoking tables and/or sections in the dining rooms and lounges. Dining rooms on many of the major cruise lines today are totally smoke-free.
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Do I have to get off the ship at each port of call? |
| You do not have to disembark at a Port of Call if you do not want to! Although the cruise lines will generally offer a more limited schedule of on-board activities when the ship is in port, you can relax at the pool or participate in one of the cruise line's organized activities. And, there's a good chance that spa appointments will be easier to come by on days when the ship is not at sea.
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What is an assembly drill, and do I have to go? |
| These are commonly referred to as lifeboat drills (or ?muster?). Everyone on board the ship is required to be in attendance for a compulsory safety drill before departure, to comply with Coast Guard and international safety regulations.
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Can I bring visitors onboard? |
| For safety and security reasons, no visitors are allowed on board.
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