Question and Answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about cruising. These questions and answers were provided by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

Is cruising affordable and a good vacation value?

Yes! There are cruise vacations to suit every budget. Your cruise fare includes most meals, your stateroom, onboard activities and entertainment. You'll know what your vacation will end up costing before you go. (Typically your only extra expenses will be drinks, specialty restaurants, optional shore excursions, and personal services such as massage or hair styling.)

How long are cruises?

As long or as short as you want. CLIA's member lines offer itineraries from three days to three months.

Where can I go?

Wherever you want! Cruises visit ports worldwide and practically every destination accessible by water. And you can embark on your cruise vacation from a wide variety of North American ports or exciting and exotic locations around the globe. 

Are all ships and cruises fairly similar?

Far from it. CLIA member lines' ships range from intimate and yacht-like to vessels stretching longer than three football fields. You can sail from anywhere from fewer than 100 fellow guests or with more than 3,000. Enjoy atmospheres ranging from casual to formal, contemporary to classic. You can even choose sail-assisted. Enjoy the endless activities offered on a contemporary resort-style cruise, or immerse yourself in the culture of a destination on a special interest cruise.

Can I book on short notice?

Even the most popular cruises sometimes have space available because of late cancellations. But to get the ship, cabin, and sailing date that you want, you should plan and book early. Most cruise lines also offer early booking discounts for customers who plan ahead. Then, just sit back and anticipate all the fun you're going to have!

Are ther any special educational programs on-board?

To complement the spirit of discovery that travel evokes, many cruise lines feature an extensive program of on-board enrichment seminars hosted by distinguished guest experts.

Do I need a passport?

The U.S. Government passed the Homeland Security Appropriations Bill in October 2006.

AIR

January 8, 2007 - Passport required for all air travel within the Western Hemisphere and abroad. United States citizens departing and returning to the United States by air will be required to have a valid U.S. Passport.

SEA and LAND

June 1, 2009 - Passport required for land border crossings and sea travel withing the Western Hemisphere. The Departments of State and Homeland Security can accelerate this June 1, 2009.

Information regarding obtaining or renewing a U.S. Passport can be found on the State Department's Web site at http://www.travel.state.gov/passport

Are there different classes of service?

With very few exceptions, today's cruise ships are "one class". Everyone can use all of the ship's facilities. The price of a stateroom is based primarily on its size and location. Regardless of the category you book, you'll enjoy the same courteous service, menus, activities, and entertainment as everyone else onboard.

Will I get bored? Feel Confined?

Hardly! Being at sea gives you a feeling of total freedom few places can offer. There's plenty of room. And it will probably take you two or three days just to discover everything that's on board. Plus, you get the added adventure of exploring many exciting ports of call.

Cruise ships are floating resorts with all the choices fine resorts have to offer. You can can lie back in a lounge chair, breathe in the sea air, soak up the sun, read good books, or watch the ever changing seascape. 

If you're more active, join in the exercise or dance classes, or sports contests. Practice your tennis stroke or golf swing, or take in some fresh air on the jogging deck. Or you can swim, stretch out in the sauna or work out in the gym. 

You can also see a feature film, attend an enrichment lecture by experts, play backgammon or bridge. And that's just when you're onboard ! You can do everything or do absolutely nothing. It's your vacation!

What about meal times?

Again, there are choices and more choices. During the day, there are many different dining options - in the formal dining room, on deck, in a pizzeria and at an expresso bar, to name just a few. Many ships offer you a choice of several seating times, and others encourage you to come to dinner whenever you like. Frequently, you can choose to enjoy dinner someplace other than the formal dining room, such as in an intimate restaurant that features Italian, Chinese, Japanese or Southwestern cuisine. More and more cruise lines are opening up their informal lido areas to evening dining, where the dress and dishes are always casual.

Most ships can also accommodate salt-free, low-carbohydrate, low cholesterol, diabetic, or other diet preferences. This request must be made in advance.

What about tipping?

To thank those who have served you well, the cruise lines' suggested guidelines are $10 per person per day.  For your convenience most cruise lines charge your on-board account automatically and distribute the gratuities for you.  The general rule of thumb is about $3.50 per person per day for your cabin steward and dining room waiter, and about half that amount for your busboy. Other shipboard personnel can be tipped for special services at your discretion.  Tipping is a matter of individual preference.

Are there medical services on-board?

While cruise ships are not comprehiensive medical facilities, cruise lines understand that some people may have health needs during a cruise. Most cruise lines have 24-hour medical services and staff operating under guidelines developed in conjunction with the American College of Emergency Physicians.

Are there laundry services aboard ship?

Almost all cruise ships have laundry facilities and many provide dry-cleaning services. There is, however, an additional charge for professional laundry and dry-cleaning services. Many ships also have self-service launderettes.

Is motion discomfort a problem?

Rarely. Popular cruise itineraries sail some of the calmest waters in the world. In addition, stabilizers on modern ships, availablity of advance weather information, and development of effective preventative medications have for the most part reduced or eliminated the incidence of motion discomfort.

Who should I see if I have questions that haven't been answered?

Call or email one of our experienced travel agents.