Is there a benefit in purchasing trip insurance?

Absolutely. We recommend the purchase of trip insurance, as some things cannot be anticipated. Trip insurance offers protection if you have to cancel due to injury, sickness, or death to you, a traveling companion, or immediate family member. It does not cover unstable, preexisting conditions. Additionally, trip insurance provides emergency assistance while you are on vacation. In such a case, you would need to pay at the time of treatment and file for reimbursement later.

How do I get a passport or birth certificate?

You can apply for a passport at your local post office. Many larger cities also have a local passport office. To acquire a copy of your birth certificate, you must 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. Costs are associated with acquiring either of these documents.

What is an air deviation? What's the benefit of purchasing an air deviation?

An air deviation, or customizing your flights, allows you to select any combination of dates, times, airlines, departure cities, and other special flight-related requests. An air deviation also allows for requests for nonstop flights. The cruise lines charge $35-50 per person plus any additional cost for the flight incurred by the cruise line. An air deviation guarantees that you and your companions will travel together on the times and airlines of your choice without any connections. In addition, an air deviation usually provides flight information within a week of your request. If you do not choose an air deviation, your flights will be assigned 21-30 days prior to your departure.

Can I fly in the night before or stay an additional night after the cruise?

Cruise lines do offer pre-night and post cruise packages that you can purchase at an additional cost. However, there is a limited quantity. The sooner you purchase one, the greater you chances of it being available. Should you not be able to purchase one of these, then you can book a room on your own and customize your flights; you may hear this process referred to as air deviation. A fee is involved, but you will be able to choose to fly in a day earlier. In this way, you will most likely make your cruise despite inclement weather.

What are the taxes/port charges?

The port charges include taxes and fees assessed by the government and other agencies; costs incidental to entering or leaving ports such as pilotage; and costs incurred while in port such as stevedoring, waste removal, and payroll for port-related functions. Taxes associated with flights also fall into this category.

What does a category guarantee mean?

This means that you have purchased a specific cabin category on the ship but a cabin has not been assigned yet. Usually you will find out the cabin number at the pier. Occasionally the cabin number will be provided in advance. Your cabin can fall anywhere within the category you have purchased. There is a possibility of an upgrade.

What does run of ship mean?

Run of ship means that you could end up anywhere on the ship. You could be placed on the lowest deck to the highest deck, in inside or outside cabins, or front, back, or mid ship.

What kind of things are there to do when we get there?

Activities vary depending on your particular cruise or resort. For Caribbean visitors, snorkeling and other watersports are popular pastimes. Many resorts and cruise ships offer live entertainment. You may also purchase tours at several resorts and on the ships. We are presently working on a feature that will aim to provide specific highlights of your destination. Until then, please feel free to contact us regarding ideas for things to do on your vacation.

What happens if my flight is delayed for the cruise? What should I do?

The cruise line and the airlines work together very closely to assist you in getting to your cruise. Speak to the airline first and find out what time your plane will leave. Then contact us, as we will advise the cruise line and the transfer can meet you as planned. Should you arrive at the point of embarkation, but still miss the ship, the cruise line will place you in a hotel for the evening and the airline will fly you to your first port of call. If you have not purchased your flights through the cruise line, then you will need to work directly with the airline for assistance. In either situation, you want to advise the airline that you are on your way to meet a cruise ship. In some cases, they will prioritize you above other passengers if they have to cancel your flight and reschedule you for a later flight.

What if another person wants to come along later. . . can I add a person 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 allows for this -- your present rate will not be protected and could possibly change. The additional person could pay a different rate as well and change fees may be charged. It is also possible that the availability might not be there at the time you wish to add the other person. In some cases, changes will not be permitted at all.

Why is it so expensive for one person to travel alone?

Cruise lines 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 cabin rate. Taxes and airfare costs do not increase for this reason.

What type of clothes should I pack?

For cold weather destinations, we recommend layers because at points during the day it may be warmer than others. For warm weather destinations, shorts are fine. Some restaurants at resorts do require a tie and jacket. On cruise ships, there is usually at least one formal night. Use your own definition of formal. For men, formal wear can range from tie and jacket to suit to tux. Most cruise ships request no shorts or jeans in the dining room. Some resorts require a collared shirt be worn in their dining rooms.

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 cabin steward and your waiter, $2.00 per guest per day for assistant waiters, and other staff such as head waiters or the maitre d' can be tipped at your discretion depending on services rendered.

How do I get to the ship?

If you have air through the cruise line you will be met by a representative from the cruise line. They will meet you by the baggage claim and escort you to the transfer shuttle that goes from the airport to the pier and back again after the cruise. Most cruise lines offer these for an additional cost to passengers providing their own air.

What should I wear?

Day wear includes slacks, shorts, or pants, blouses or shirts, knit tops or polo shirts. For cooler days or evenings, pack a sweater and a 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 from cool areas on the ship. Your cruise will include 1 or more formal nights during which gentleman should wear a dark suit and tie or a tuxedo. Ladies may wear cocktail dresses or a dressy pant suit. The remaining evenings will be somewhat casual. However, no shorts, T-shirts or jeans are permitted in the dining room. If you have reserved a land package, keep in mind that many hotels observe an evening dress code. This would mean that gentlemen should wear a collared shirt and in some cases, a jacket and tie to dinner.

What do I do about money?

Most cruise lines will allow you to establish an onboard credit account which permits you to charge onboard purchases to your stateroom. In most destinations, American 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. Traveler's checks are recommended and you may also want to carry a credit card. Conversion 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 cabins 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.

When is my final payment due? Will you notify me?

Cruises usually requires final payment at 75 days prior to departure. Princess Cruise Line requires final payment at 60 days prior to departure for Caribbean cruises and at 75 days prior to departure for all others. Norwegian Cruise Line requires final payment at 60 days prior to departure. For cruises of 8 nights or longer, final payment is required at 75 days prior to departure. Europe and South America cruises require final payment at 90 days prior to departure. Holland America requires final payment at 75 days prior to departure. For Grand World Voyages, final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises require final payment at 70 days prior to departure. Crystal Cruises requires final payment at 60 days prior to departure. Carnival Cruise Line requires final payment at 70 days prior to departure. For Alaska cruises, cruise tours and cruises of 10 nights or longer, final payment is required at 75 days prior to departure. Land vacation packages require final payment at 60 days prior to departure. All Holiday Reservations Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure. We make every effort to notify our guests via mail prior to their final payment being due. However, paying the balance of a reservation on time is the guest's responsibility.

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 it's 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 to 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?.?