What should I wear?
Day wear includes shorts, pants, blouses, t-shirts, knit tops or polo shirts. Your attire will depend on that day's activities. For cooler days or evenings, pack a sweater or lightweight windbreaker. For Alaska cruises, sweaters and raincoats 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.

What do I do about money?
Most cruise lines allow you to establish an onboard credit account that permit 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. In most ports, U.S. currency may be accepted or easily exchanged. It is best to bring cash in small denominations, since it is easier to get change for these bills. It is also advisable to carry a limited amount of cash, since it is irreplaceable if lost. Travelers checks and/or credit cards are also recommended. Exact conversions rates fluctuate on a daily basis.

If I don't purchase airfare through the cruise line, how can I get to the ship from the airport?
Many cruise lines offer transportation from the airport to the pier for their guests. The cost for this service varies, and in most cases, may be paid in advance. Reservations for this service are typically accepted up until approximately 3 weeks prior to your departure, and you may often choose a one way or round trip service. The cruise line will need to know your flight itinerary at the time of purchase so that they may coordinate the transfer service. If purchasing the transfers in advance is not an option, you may typically purchase them at the airport on the day of the cruise's departure. To do this, proceed to the baggage claim area and see the cruise line's representative to inquire about being added to their transfer manifest. Guests who do not purchase the transfer service through the cruise line are responsible for their own transportation to and from the pier.

If I'm on the bottom deck, am I below the water?
All passenger staterooms are located above sea level.

What is a fuel surcharge? How much is it?
Due to the increased cost of fuel, many airlines are charging a fuel surcharge. We will do everything possible to get your tickets at the lowest price. However, we cannot be responsible for vendor surcharges. These additional charges, which typically range from $20.00 - $60.00 per person, need to be paid in cash at the airport on the day of your departure. In some cases, these may be collected in advance.

What is the average age group?
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. Crystal Cruise Line - 60+ years of age. Holland America Line- Mixed, 40-60 generally with some younger guests. Norwegian Cruise Line- 25-54 years of age. Princess Cruise Line- 35-64 years of age. Windstar Cruise Line- 40-50 years of age, some honeymooners as well. Keep in mind that the above information involves rough averages. Typically, on any cruise, you will find a mix of all age groups.

How will I know when my final payment is due?
Your final payment due date will be reflected on your invoice and confirmation. Additionally, when the due date approaches, we will send you a payment reminder via mail. For your convenience, you may authorize us to automatically charge the final payment for your reservation on the date that it is due. Simply fill out this form and fax it to us. For your convenience, you may authorize us to automatically charge the final payment for your reservation on the date that it is due. Simply fill out the form and fax it to us.

What time does my flight have to land/leave for the cruise?
If you have chosen to purchase airfare independently of the cruise line, there are a few things to take into consideration when selecting your flight times: For your inbound flights prior to your cruise, you should plan on being on board the ship at least 1 1/2 hours prior to its scheduled departure time. You will need to allow enough time not only to arrive at the airport and collect your luggage, but also to obtain transportation to the ship. Familiarize yourself with the estimated travel time to the pier and plan accordingly. Book flights that are early enough to allow for delays. If you experience flight delays or cancellations, you will want to have time to spare since the ship is not able to wait for delayed guests. For your outbound flights after your cruise, do not book flights too early! Although the ship may return to port early in the morning, it will have to clear customs prior to passengers being allowed to disembark. The cruise line recommends that passenger book their return flights 6 1/2 hours after the scheduled arrival time into port.

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.

Can I fly the night before?
Most cruise lines offer pre-night packages that you can purchase at an additional cost. The space is limited for these, so it is best to book them early. Should you not be able to book a pre-night through the cruise line, you may also reserve a room on your own and customize your flight schedule. There is a non-refundable fee to do this, in addition to any increased airfare cost. Purchasing a pre-night benefits you since it will provide you with extra time to make it to the cruise if you experience inclement weather.

What is an air deviation? What is the benefit of purchasing an air deviation?
An air deviation, also referred to as customizing your flights, allows you to select specific dates, times, airlines, air cities, or non-stop flights. The cruise lines charge $35-$75 per person, plus any additional airfare cost. The benefit to doing an air deviation is that it guarantees you to have the flights that you want. Without doing so, we are unable to guarantee specific flight times, schedules, or non-stop flights. In addition, if people of 2 or more staterooms are traveling together, we are unable to guarantee that they will all share the same flight schedule unless an air deviation is requested. Also, without an air deviation, you will not know your flight schedule until approximately 21-30 days prior to your departure.

Can I have specific room that I stayed in before?
We would be happy to request the room that you had on a previous trip. However, this is only a request and cannot be guaranteed

What does all-inclusive mean?
The exact definition can vary from resort to resort. Generally, it includes all of your meals, non-motorized water sports, tipping, and beverages. Since this differs between properties, it is a good idea to inquire about your specific vacation.

What are the taxes/port charges?
The port charges include taxes and fees assessed by governmental and other agencies, costs incident to entering and leaving ports such as pilotage, costs incurred while in port such as stevedoring, waste removal, and payroll for port-related functions. Taxes associated with flights, if you have purchased any, would also be included.

What if another person wants to come along later, can I add them on after making payment?
All rates are based on the present occupancy and availability. While in most cases, it is possible to add an extra person, providing the room permits this, your present rate will not be protected and could possibly change. The person you are adding could pay a different rate as well, and there may be change fees involved. In addition, in some cases, changes will not be permitted.

Why is it so expensive for one person to go alone?
Cruise Lines and resorts base their rates on double occupancy. Therefore, when traveling alone, you will be charged a supplemental fee. Please note that this fee only applies to the room rate. Taxes and airfare costs do not increase for this reason.

Is there a benefit in purchasing trip insurance?
Absolutely. In life, we never know what is going to happen. Trip insurance offers you protection if you have to cancel due to injury, sickness, or death of you, a traveling companion, or immediate family member. It does not cover unstable, pre-existing conditions. Additionally, it provides emergency assistance while you are on your vacation. If you have specific questions regarding the insurance policy, you may contact us at 800-310-4983

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.

What does run of ship mean?
Run of ship means that your stateroom could be literally anywhere on the ship. This could be from the lowest deck to the highest, inside or outside staterooms, front, back, or mid-ship. You will not receive your stateroom number until you arrive at the pier.

How do I get a passport or birth certificate?
You may apply for a passport at your local post office. Many cities also have local passport offices. To acquire a copy of your birth certificate, you would need to contact the city hall from your place of birth. Please keep in mind that your birth certificate should be an original with a raised seal. There are costs associated with acquiring either of these documents.

How much are gratuities on a cruise?
A 15% gratuity is automatically added to your bar bill. Cruise lines will provide a suggested tipping guide. The average tends to be $3.50 per guest, per day, for your stateroom steward and your waiter, $2.00 per guest, per day, for assistant waiters, and other staff such as head waiters. The maitre'd may be tipped at your discretion, depending on the services rendered.

My passport has my middle name printed on it. Do I need to have my middle name on my tickets?
Your tickets will be printed to reflect your first and last name only. Middle names and suffixes are not necessary.

I'm a married U.S. citizen. My birth certificate lists my maiden name, but my license reflects my married name. What should I do?
You may either obtain a passport to reflect your married name or you may carry a copy of your marriage certificate in addition to your original birth certificate with raised seal and government-issued photo ID. Please be advised that Proof of Citizenship requirements vary by destination, and in some cases, an original birth certificate and ID are not sufficient.

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 happens if my flight is delayed for the cruise?
Both the cruise line and airline will work to assist you in getting to your cruise. In the event of minor scheduling delays or flight cancellations, speak to the airline first to find out when you will be able to depart. Then, contact our Customer Service Department; we will alert the cruise line to your situation. If your delay is only minor, we may be able to have the transfer shuttle meet you as planned. For major delays and flight cancellations, the resolutions are determined on a case-by-case basis. In some instances, the airline will fly you to the next port of call. In other instances, the airline may provide hotel accommodations or other options. If you purchased airfare independently of the cruise line, you will need to work directly with the airline. In either case, we recommend advising the airline that you are on your way to meet a cruise ship. The airline may then prioritize you above other passengers. Please consider the purchase of travel insurance, as there may be times when the airline and cruise line cannot help you, but the insurance can.

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