Planning your cruise holiday can sometimes be complicated. Use our list frequently asked questions to help you on your way.
What visas do I need for my cruise?
Although we are not authorised to give information on visas, we would highly recommend our customers to contact www.visaservice.co.uk, or telephone the visa service on 0870 8900185.
Is my passport valid?
British Citizens are required to hold a full British passport that must be valid for a further six months at the end of your cruise holiday. For further information go to www.passport.gov.uk. We would advise all non-British passport holders to contact the Country of destination Embassy, and the Home Office Immigration department to obtain information on which documentation is required.
What inoculations do I require for my cruise holiday?
For up-to-date information please contact your own GP or health practioner, or refer to the tour operator?s brochure.
Do you provide insurance?
Please ask us about insurance at the time of your booking, when we will be happy to provide you with a quote and answer any further questions.
Are the cruise itineraries subject to change?
All cruise itineraries are at times subject to change, and as passenger safety is a number one priority there can be rare occasions due to weather conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances where a cruise ship will have to change its itinerary. If these circumstances should arise you can be assured that the cruise line staff will do everything to ensure that your cruise is not disrupted, and an alternative port of call is found.
Is cruising right for honeymooners?
Cruising offers the ideal atmosphere in which to spend your honeymoon. Expect romantic cosy dinners for two, beautiful sunsets, dancing under star lit skies, champagne and flowers on your arrival and excursions to some of the most interesting places in the world. Some of the larger cruise lines also offer special programs for performing marriage ceremonies, anniversaries or renewing of your vows.
Are there non-smoking areas?
Smoking policies have changed over the last five years, but most cruise ships have smoking areas and non-smoking areas. As a rule the European cruise lines have a more relaxed smoking policy than the American cruise companies. When booking ask your tour operator what the smoking policy is on your chosen cruise line.
Will I get bored or feel confined?
If you choose the correct ship to spend your cruise upon then the answer will definitely be no, see are article on ?New to Cruising? to help you best ship that will fulfil all of your expectations. All cruise ships offer extensive activities, dining options and the opportunity to visit and explore new and exciting ports of call.
What if I have medication?
Remember to carry any medication that you have been prescribed with you, because until your luggage is checked it many not be available to you. Always make sure your medication if in its original bottles and that you carry an adequate supply, as onboard doctors may not always carry your prescribed drug. For more commonly used drugs the ship?s medical facility should carry them. If you have any questions concerning medication please call our tour operators.
Will I get seasick?
The larger cruise ships have modern stabilizers to minimise the feeling of movement. If you are at all concerned about becoming seasick choose a cabin in the middle of the ship on a lower deck, or take a mini-cruise first to help you get your sea-legs. Alternatively consult your doctor for medication that can help with the symptoms of sea sickness.
What is an assembly drill? Do I have to go?
An assembly drill is also known as a life boat drill, and everyone onboard is required to attend this compulsory safety drill, which complies with the Coast Guard and International Safety regulations.
How will I know what activities are happening on the ship?
Each evening your cabin steward will leave you a news update in your cabin, which will provide you with all the details of the following day?s events, times and locations.
Is cruising affordable?
Yes more so than ever before. There is a cruise holiday to suit every budget from the more cost aware to the luxurious cruises. A cruise holiday certainly offers the best value for money as it includes, flights (if applicable), your accommodation, meals, onboard activates and first-class entertainment.
What's there to do at night?
At night time a cruise ship really comes to life, with dancing to the early hours, West-End production and Broadway shows, casinos, movies, comedians and on-deck parties. Most of the activities commence after dinner but continue throughout the evening so there is never any need to rush.
What's a fly / cruise?
A fly/cruise package includes your airfare and your cruise. The price includes all of your transfers and your baggage handling.
Do all cruises have buffet style dining?
All cruise ships offer a form of buffet-style dining, some even have extra midnight buffets. Other ships offer more formal types of dining so it is well worth checking with your tour operator before you make your booking.
Are bigger cruise ships better than small ones?
Larger mega-cruise ships tend to have the most facilities and onboard activities, but this can lead to longer ques and more time taken-up waiting for the use of the ships popular facilities. A smaller ship offers a more intimate cruise experience but will not always have the state-of-the-art entertainment that a larger cruise ship will.
Which dining time should I choose?
On all cruise ships with set dining ties you have the choice of an early or a late sitting for your evening meal. Early dining is around 6.30 pm, and late sittings are usually 8.30 pm onwards. When you make your booking you will be asked for your preference. Evening entertainment is always scheduled to accommodate both dining times, so you will never miss out, and of course there are always a host of many other dining options to choose from.
What table size should I book?
Table sizes on cruise ships range from 2 - 10 persons. If you require a table for two it is best to make a reservation in advance. Cruising is also a great way to meet other people, especially if you join a table for 8 - 10. Remember that you could be sat at the same table each evening, so check which dining options you chosen cruise adopts. Some of the major cruise lines offer open-dining where you can dine where and when you wish.
Do I need to take cash with me?
All cruise lines operate a cashless system, your cabin key card will act as your form of payment. All purchases made onboard will be forwarded to your onboard account which can then be paid at the end of your cruise by either debit or credit card. Remember that you will need cash for excursions that is in the local or popular world currency, this can be purchased onboard your cruise ship.
I am sailing from a UK port, how do I get there?
Most of the cruise lines offer special deals on arranged options to transfer you to the port of embarkation. Or you can choose to drive and park free of charge at the port, or travel by train, coach or take a taxi.
Do I need my passport?
Yes you will always need a valid 10 year passport with at least 6 months remaing on your passport at the end of your cruise.
What facilities are provided for families?
So many facilities are provided by cruise lines that it is almost impossible to list them all here. Most of the major cruise lines have clubs for children with pools, play areas and age related activities. There are also family oriented deck games, mother and daughter spa days and father and son sport competitions.
Will there be lots of children onboard?
This will greatly depend on which ship and cruise line you choose to take your cruise holiday with. Bur which ever ship you sail on children now have their own dedicated area, clubs, activities and pool areas. Indeed most parents only complaint is that they don?t see their children enough.
Can people see me off?
Yes your family and friend are most welcome to come and see you board the ship. At ports such as Southampton there is departure area with a caf? and bar. But please note that yours friends and family will not be able to board the ship.
What should I wear?
During the day on a cruise ship the attire is usually casual, and on most ships smart casual is required for the evening. Cruise ships also host formal evenings where guests are invited to dress in their cocktail dresses, suits and tuxedos. Check with your chosen cruise line what their dress code is before departure.
How many formal evenings will there be?
Usually there is one formal evening for each week that you spend onboard the ship.
How do I get ashore?
The ships usually dock beside the port of call, so that you can walk off the ship. If a ship has to dock further out to see due to a shallow harbour, then a small boat called a tender will transfer you to the port.
My cabin is on the lowest deck, will I be underwater?
None of the passenger cabins are below the water line. The lowest decks onboard are reserved for the ship?s crew accommodation, ship facilities and storage areas.
Do I have to get off the ship at each port of call?
You never have to leave the ship if you do not want to, you are welcome to stay onboard and enjoy all the ship?s facilities, or if you prefer you can choose a half day or full day excursion, the choice is always yours.
