FAQ's

What should I wear?

Consider your ship’s itinerary when deciding what to pack. For a typical Caribbean cruise, you’ll want to take shorts, skirts or sundresses, pants, blouses, t-shirts, knit tops or polo shirts, and a bathing suit. For cooler days or evenings, pack a sweater or lightweight windbreaker. For Alaska cruises, sweaters, raincoats, and fleece are also suggested. Bring a pair of sneakers or rubber-soled shoes for deck sports and a swimsuit cover-up for cool areas on the ship. Keep in mind that when visiting some countries or participating in shore excursions to shrines or religious sites, a more conservative dress code may be in order. Most cruises will have at least one formal night for dinner. Women generally wear cocktail dresses or gowns, while men can wear a dark suit and tie. Many ships also offer tuxedo rentals. For casual or semi-formal nights, sport shirts and slacks or button-down shirts and sport coats work for men, while women can wear a dress, pantsuit, or slacks and top.

How much money should I bring?

In port and on the ship, you will have many opportunities to enjoy duty free shopping. Depending on your itinerary, there may be a limit to the amount of duty-free merchandise allowed per guest. Major credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, so you will not have to bring much cash (except for some shore side purchases). In fact, it is strongly recommended that you bring a credit card, since it will make your onboard registration very quick and easy. For non-credit card purchases, we encourage you to bring traveler's checks.

If I'm on the bottom deck, am I below water?

All passenger staterooms are located above sea level.

What is the average age group?

While the demographic will potentially vary with each sailing, there are some general patterns. Carnival Cruise Line - 0-35 years of age, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line - 25-54 years of age, Celebrity Cruise Line - 35-64 years of age. Norwegian Cruise Line- 25-54 years of age, Princess Cruise Line- 35-64 years of age, Keep in mind that the above information involves rough averages. Typically, on any cruise, you will find a mix of all age groups.

Why do I have to submit a medical release form for diabetes, I'm bringing my own insulin, etc.?

The cruise lines require all guests with special medical needs to submit this information to them prior to travel. This is to ensure that they have the necessary information to give you the proper care in the event of an emergency. Passengers who carry syringes for medical use must also carry a letter from their physicians indicating this.

What types of activities can we expect once we get there?

Activities and entertainment will vary depending on the destination and cruise line. Many cruise lines offer a variety of activities and entertainment onboard. Shore excursions and land tours may also be run by independent companies, at an additional cost to passengers. Information pertaining to the shore excursions and land tours, if available, may be found at the ship's excursion desk.

Should I purchase trip insurance?

We recommend protecting your vacation investment by purchasing travel insurance. While you may think there’s nothing that could prevent you from departing on your dream vacation, the reality is that life is simply unpredictable. Travel protection provides coverage if you have to cancel due to injury, sickness, or death to you, a traveling companion or family member. However, it does not cover unstable, pre-existing conditions. It will also cover you if you have a medical emergency during your trip, or if your baggage is lost or damaged, among other things, Annual Travel insurance holders should check that their cover includes cruise as some policy's charge a small premium to cover this.

What does a category guarantee mean?

This guarantees you to have at least the category that you have purchased, with the possibility of an upgrade. If you have chosen this option, you will not receive an exact stateroom number at the time of booking. Typically, the stateroom assignment is made at the pier. However, you may occasionally find out a couple of weeks in advance.

My passport lists my first, middle, and last names; do I need to have my middle name listed on my tickets?

Middle names and suffixes are not necessary. Any tickets provided for your vacation will only list your first and last names.

I am planning my honeymoon. Since I'll be newly married at the time of travel, should I use my married name or my maiden name when making a reservation?

Depending on whether or not you can obtain a copy of your marriage certificate prior to departure, you may do one of two things: You may reserve your vacation in your maiden name and carry Proof of Citizenship that reflects your maiden name, OR you may reserve your vacation in your married name and carry Proof of Citizenship that reflects your married name. Please note that if you carry several types of identification reflecting your married and maiden names, it is suggested that you also carry a copy of your marriage certificate to document your name change.

What are the age requirements to sail?

The policies regarding minimum age to sail and minimum age for young adults to sail unaccompanied by a parent, guardian, or other responsible adult, differ for each cruise line. The age requirement policies are strictly enforced by the cruise lines, and passengers who do not meet the minimum requirement will not be permitted to board. The age requirements can be verified either by your Vacation Consultant, or if you are purchasing via our web site, in our terms and conditions, prior to reserving your cruise.

What's the best time to take a cruise?

It depends on where you'd like to go. The Caribbean is fantastic year round; however, some of the more exotic destinations are seasonal. For example, you can only cruise to Alaska between May and September, to Europe between April and November, to Bermuda between April and October, and to the Panama Canal between September and April.

When is Hurricane Season?

The U.S. National Hurricane Service officially designates June 1 to November 30 as hurricane season, however, historically, the greatest concentration of hurricane and tropical storm activity generally tends to be between late August and mid-October

Are cruise itineraries subject to change?

Yes, all cruise itineraries are subject to change. Guest safety is the number one priority for the cruise lines. On rare occasions, weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances require a change in itinerary. In these situations, the cruise line staff will do everything in their power to visit an alternate port of call.

What is the difference between an outside and an inside stateroom?

There are a wide variety of staterooms to choose from on every ship. An outside stateroom or "Oceanview" will have a window or porthole. Some Oceanview staterooms will also have a balcony; some will have a partially or fully obstructed view. An inside or "No View" stateroom will often have artwork or draperies on the walls, in an attempt to create the suggestion of a window.

Are there different classes of service?

Today's cruise ships are "one class." Everyone on board can use all of the ship's facilities.

What about my medication?

Please carry any medication in its original bottle. It is recommended that medication be carried in your pocket or purse so that it will be available when needed. Checked luggage may not be accessible at all times. If you're using any prescription drugs, vitamins or other medication on a regular basis, you should bring an adequate supply with you. Many types of medication may not be readily available either aboard ship or in ports of call. Commonly used medication may be purchased at the office of the ship's doctor.