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Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO TAKE?
On October 4, 2006, the U.S. Government extended the deadline for Guests to obtain passports for sea travel to the Caribbean, including the Bahamas and Mexico. The deadline, which was originally January 8, 2007, is now expected to be January 1, 2008. Please note, however, that recent legislative changes may permit an even later deadline depending on whether certain requirements are in place by January 1, 2008. However, it is important to note some Cruise Lines are requiring a valid passport for travel. If you are unsure of the necessary documentation, please don't hesitate to ask. The Cruise Line will deny boarding to those passengers without the required documentation and no refund will be provided. Your passport must have an expiration date that meets or exceeds 6 months post return to the US.
For air travel, however, the deadline remains January 8, 2007. This means that all travelers, including U.S. Citizens and all foreign nationals, traveling to the United States by air on or after January 8, 2007, such as Guests flying to Orlando, Florida from Canada, are still required to carry a valid passport.
WHAT ABOUT MOTION SICKNESS?
Ships today are so well stabilized that most of the time you won't notice you are even moving! It's a good idea though to take along some Motion Sickness precaution (follow the directions on the box) as well as aspirin and sunscreen. If you do have a problem onboard, all ships have a doctor and a nurse aboard. And be sure not to forget any prescription drugs you are taking. These should be put in your carry-on-luggage. Consult your physician before taking any medication.
DO CRUISE LINES WELCOME FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN?
Many of the cruise vacations are booked by families with children. Most cruise lines make a special point of providing supervised activities for youngsters, particularly during school holidays. If your children enjoy swimming, sports, games, movies, and being with other children, they'll love a family cruise. The cruise staff will help keep them busy and entertained. Best of all, children generally travel at a substantially reduced rate.
ARE THERE ANY POOL REGULATIONS?
According to United States Public Health (U.S.P.H.) regulations, no diapers of any kind are permitted in the swimming pools or jacuzzi, including those marketed as "swimmers."
IS IT EASY TO MEET PEOPLE?
Most definitely! A cruise ship is a great place to make new friends, because everyone is out to have a great time. The atmosphere is cordial and relaxed. You’ll be making plans to meet them aboard your next cruise.
WHAT DOES MY CRUISE FARE INCLUDE?
Your cruise fare entitles you to accommodations, meals and entertainment aboard ship. Certain specialty restaurants are available with either nominal cover charges or fixed price menus and à la carte pricing in addition to the standard dining program. Items such as alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, spa treatments, indoor pool relaxation areas, certain specialty exercise classes, laundry, photographs, casino, ship-to-shore phone, email, Internet, fax and Shore Excursions.
HOW DO I PAY FOR ITEMS ONBOARD AND IN PORT?
The Cruise Lines will open an onboard account for bar purchases, soft drinks, souvenirs, shore excursions, spa treatments, etc, which you can settle by credit card, travelers checks or cash at the end of the cruise. The purser's office will also cash traveler’s checks for you. Most shops in port will accept major credit cards as well as US dollars or traveler’s checks. In most cases, the cruise line and shops will not accept personal checks.
WHAT ABOUT GUESTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS?
All cruise lines welcome guests with special needs. It is highly recommended that advance notice be given so that proper accommodations can be provided.
The ships generally have designated staterooms with wider doorways and bathrooms that will accommodate wheelchairs. Many staterooms have refrigerators that can be used to store medications that must be kept cold. Guests who need oxygen or require oxygen therapy are welcome; however, they must supply their own oxygen and liquid oxygen is not permitted onboard. Guests who use wheelchairs may be rented.
HOW CAN WE CELEBRATE A SPECIAL OCCASION?
You may purchase wine, or bon voyage gifts, such as fruit baskets, champagne, birthday cakes, canapés, flowers or other gifts for your stateroom. Let your travel agent know at least three weeks before sailing to help prepare for the occasion.
HOW WILL I KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON ONBOARD THE SHIP, OR FIND OUT ABOUT SHORE EXCURSIONS?
There will be all kinds of "goodies" about this in your cabin when you arrive and prior to sailing is a good time to explore and get your bearings as to where the dining room, gym, lounges, etc.are located. There will be a daily program of activities put in your cabin each night for the next day. It is recommended that you attend "shore excursion talks" and the “debarkation talk”, both of which will be listed on the daily program. These are very informative.
To avoid the long lines, shore excursions can be booked weeks before the cruise, either online or with your travel agent. If you are booking on the ship, it is recommended that they are booked as soon as you arrive on the ship. The more popular ones have a tendency to sell out. Some cruise lines will allow you to book "shore excursions" through your TV in your cabin.
IS THERE A DOCTOR ONBOARD?
A physician and nurse are on all ships to provide medical care and services at customary charges. Commonly used medications are kept on board and may be prescribed by the ship's doctor.
WHERE CAN I KEEP MY VALUABLES?
Security envelopes and/or safe deposit boxes are available from the ship's purser at no charge. Most staterooms and suites have mini-safes.
WHAT IS THE FINAL BOARDING TIME POLICY?
Generally, all guests must be onboard the ship no less than one hour from the ship’s scheduled departure time on Embarkation Day.
In addition, in all ports of call, it is also the guest’s responsibility to be back onboard the ship no less than one hour from the ship’s scheduled departure time. Be aware that shipboard time may differ from the port of call and it is the guest’s responsibility to follow the shipboard time.
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FAQs