Cruises

Q: What is included in my cruise fare?
A: The cruise fare includes your stateroom, meals, some beverages (coffee, tea, non-bottled water, lemonade), and on-board activities and entertainment. Some dining venues will have a surcharge.

Q: What is NOT included in my cruise fare?
A: Some of the dining venues, spa services, shore excursions, on-board gratuities, alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, personal expenses, and on-board purchases.

Q: What do I need to wear?
A: Most major cruise lines fall under the same guidelines, with the exception of Norwegian Cruise lines, day dress is very casual and you can wear whatever you’re comfortable in. If you would like to eat in the main dining room and it’s not a formal night you will not be able to wear baseball hats, worn out clothes, jeans, t-shirts, sweatshirts, or swimwear. If there is a formal night on-board men will be required to wear slacks and a collared shirt. A coat and tie is optional. For ladies, you can wear formal dresses or dress slacks with a blouse. Most seven night cruises will have two formal nights. Every cruise line has a buffet with no dress code.

Q: How is tipping handled?
A: All your on-board gratuities are billed through your on-board account which you will establish when you board the ship. Generally, most cruise lines charge $12/person per day. This covers gratuities to housekeeping, waiters, bartenders, and other cruise line staff. You may adjust this rate at the end of the cruise.

Q: Is cruising safe?
A: Yes. Now more than ever cruise lines are taking extra precautions to make sure their ships are fully operational and safe. Also, prior to boarding all passengers and their luggage must go through security similar to boarding a flight. Whenever you enter the ship after a port of call you will go through security again. Cruises also have on-board security personnel for your safety.

Q: What about motion sickness?
A: There are a lot of different products on the market for motion sickness and you may want to bring something along just in case. If you know you have motion sickness, it’s best to request a stateroom mid-ship. Most cruise ships are large enough that footing is very steady and there is not a huge amount of motion felt.

Q: What can I expect with my stateroom?
A: Each ship and each cruise line do vary but most will have approximately 170 square feet of living space, either one bed or two beds, a television, a minibar, a private bathroom with a toilet, sink, hairdryer and shower, and a small closet. If you select an oceanview room you will also have a window, if you select a balcony stateroom you will have the same room but a small balcony off your room with seating space. There is limited outlets available for your electronics. Staterooms will be cleaned daily, unless otherwise requested.

Q: I need a wheelchair, how is this handled?
A: You are able to bring your own wheelchair or a wheelchair can be rented for you. The ship does not have them available on-board but they will provide wheelchair assistance on and off the ship.

Q: I have food allergies, can I cruise?
A: Yes, if you notify us in writing, we can put the request in for special meals on-board. When you get on-board you will need to sit down with a representative of the cruise line staff to discuss your dietary needs and they will make sure you have the appropriate meals.