Cruise FAQs

Cruise Related Frequently Asked Questions – Answered

 

Cruising with Kids

What BABY-SITTING services and KIDS CLUBS are offered on-board?

Most child-friendly cruise lines have extensive Kid’s Clubs (broken down into various age groups) and will take children from 6 months upwards (some even take infants as young as 3 months). These cruise lines offer crèches or baby-sitting services – some up until 2am – but this is often offered at an extra cost. Cruise lines can organise junior shore excursions, have early dining times for children and some ships even have pools, restaurants, discos and even decks just for kids!  Cruise is really well set up for families with kids of all ages – and if the kids are happy, so too are the parents.

 

Can you Cruise if you are Pregnant?

Yes, generally you can cruise up to your 28th week (on the day you return). They may also require a doctor’s certificate to say you are fit to travel. Let the cruise line know at time of booking.

 

Are there any Adult-Only Cruises?

Yes! Several cruise lines have Adult-only ships and others may just be aimed at adult guests, but may have a limited number of children on-board (this may include some small luxury cruise ships, river cruise ships, and expedition cruise ships).

 

Cruising with Disabilities

Do cruises cater for disabled people?

Yes cruising offers a relaxing easy holiday for people with disabilities. Most ships have specially equipped staterooms depending upon need. It is always worth checking with the specific cruise line.

 

Can people who are on dialysis or need oxygen regularly cruise?

Yes, but not on all ships – Check with the operators to see if this is something that they offer.

 

Foreign Exchange (FE)

How do I go about getting Cash whilst on-board?

Some larger ships have ATM cash machines on-board. Other cruise lines you can get cash from the Purser’s Office/Guest Relations Desk.

 

What currency should you take?

Most ships primarily take US$ or Euros, some however do take other currencies so check with the cruise line at time of booking.

 

What is Cashless Cruising?

This is now the norm. Basically the passengers settle their bill in one payment before disembarkation on the last day, and no cash is used on-board at all. This generally means providing a credit card at embarkation where the costs will be taken from.

 

How much are Gratuities?

It varies by cruise line as some include them in the cruise fare, some are taken on-board, and others do not expect any at all – check with the cruise line.

 

General

What is generally NOT – INCLUDED in the PRICE OF A CRUISE?

Individual lines may vary so please check at time of booking. Generally speaking extras include all beverages (including non-alcoholic drinks), any treatments in the beauty salon and spa, shore excursions, purchases from the on-board shops, gratuities and dry-cleaning services.

 

Can I Cruise All-Inclusive?

All-inclusive differs from ship to ship. It is hard to define due to all the extra facilities that a cruise has to offer. Therefore all-inclusive usually includes transport, accommodation, entertainment and food. So do check when booking exactly what they do and do not include. Luxury cruise lines tend to include wine with lunch and dinner and all soft drinks in the cruise price, some even include Champagne! Other cruise lines do offer drinks packages to purchase on-board.

 

What do you get if it is a Special Occasion?

If it is one of the passenger’s birthday or anniversary, you can arrange a cake for passengers (usually at an extra charge). Many cruise lines now offer Anniversary Packages (for significant milestones), which include a cake, portrait photo and breakfast served in your stateroom. You can also arrange special dinners in one of the alternative dining restaurants however there may be an extra charge for this.

 

Are Cruises Cheaper if I Book Early?

The earlier you book the more choice you will have. You will also get the stateroom and location on the ship that you want as well as the choice of dinner seating (where appropriate). Prices can fluctuate, but generally booking early is advisable.

 

What is Category Guarantee?

This means that the customer will get the accommodation type that they have requested, but their stateroom number may not be allocated at the time of booking.

 

Do cruise companies charge single supplements?

Some cruise lines have dedicated staterooms for singles occupancy. Others charge a single supplement. From time to time some companies may offer no single supplements or reduced supplements on specific departures.

 

Can you smoke on a cruise?

Yes some ships still allow smoking in certain bars and areas of the ship. Some also have cigar lounges/bars. Most ships dining areas are totally non-smoking and there are even a couple of cruise ships that are non-smoking throughout.

 

Facilities and Services

Can I access the Internet when onboard?

Most ships now have email and Internet facilities on board. Many now have Internet Cafes and some you can access the Internet in your stateroom. Please note charges vary, and it can be slow.

 

Do Mobile Phones work on a ship?

Yes, some cruise companies have contracts with land-based phone companies and other cruise lines have connect services in place. The connect services are generally switched off when the ship is in port so you will pay the local rate.

 

Do ships now have Wireless Access to the Internet?

Almost all ships now come equipped with Wi-Fi hotspots on-board so you can take your lap-top and keep in touch with the office or home.

 

How do I book Shore Excursions once on-board?

You can either book these at the Shore Excursions Desk or on some ships via the interactive TV system in your stateroom.  We always recommend booking shore excursions before travel as many popular trips may sell out.

 

Is there a Laundry/ Dry Cleaning Service available on board?

Most ships offer a laundry service however there is often a charge for this. Some cruise lines offer a passenger laundry room on each deck of their ship, please check at the time of booking which service your chosen line offers.

 

Do higher category Staterooms have Butler Service or Concierge Lounges?

Some Penthouse or higher end category suites come with Butler Service. Some cruise lines also have a dedicated Lounge exclusively for suite guests – some even have their own pool!

 

Can I get Married Onboard?

Yes! Quite a few cruise lines offer wedding packages, some you can get married in port, others whilst at sea. Please note the Captain or a Senior Officer will perform the ceremony and just like at home they will also arrange a cake, flowers and your wedding breakfast.

 

Are Cruises good for Honeymooners?

Yes cruising is a perfect romantic experience for honeymooners. Many lines offer a Honeymoon package and with some you can also renew vows on-board.

 

What is the Legal Drinking Age onboard ships?

This can vary depending on the nationality of the cruise line, but as a general rule on British ships the age over 18 and on American ships the age is over 21 (although on some lines 18-21 year olds can buy wine and beer (not spirits) with parental consent).

 

 

If you did not find the answer to a specific question you have please do contact us directly and we will try our best to resolve it 

You can contact us on our main telephone no. 028 66322 116 or email [email protected] .