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 What’s included in the cost of my cruise? Most cruises included the following items in their basic cruise packages:
Accommodations (i.e. your stateroom or suite)
Meals in main dining rooms and some alternative dining rooms
Most entertainment
Most onboard activities
Transportation! Remember - your ship moves from port to port!
Unlike a hotel or a resort, your ship is moving, taking you from place to place.
Almost every day brings you a new destination!
What’s
not included in the cost of a cruise? Typically, those
items and services that are of a personal nature cost extra.
Alcoholic beverages & soft drinks*
Gratuities*
Meals in some specialty restaurants
Shipboard purchases at gift shops, etc.
Spa & beauty salon services
Shore excursions*
Casino gaming, Internet usage, telephone calls
Transportation from/to your home city and your cruise ship
*Aboard "ULTRA-LUXURY" cruise lines such as Seabourn and
Silversea, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks and gratuities are included in the
cruise fare. Radisson offers complimentary wine with dinner and in-suite set up
at the beginning of the cruise. On luxury cruise lines a complimentary shore
excursion event is included, too!
How
much are gratuities and how can I pay them? Suggested
Gratuities Per Person Per Day per Cruise Line Policy and in most instances may
be prepaid. These gratuities range from $8.50 to $11.50 per person per
day. Gratuities for guests in upper categories (Suites or Concierge Class,
for example) may be higher. Most cruise lijnes will allow you to prepay your
gratuities. Some cruise lines provide alternaties to prepaid and
automatic gratuities so you should check with the Purser's Office before the end
of your cruise if you are not satisfied with some aspect of the service you
recieved during your cruise. It should be noted that luxuary cruises such
as Seabourn and Silversea include grattuities in the price of the cruise.
Windstar does not charge require a gratuity.
Isn’t cruising
expensive? No, it's not. On average, here's what you might
expect to pay on the major cruise lines. We've organized them into four,
generalized groups based primarily on a cruise fare "per diem" cost analysis
(i.e. cost per person per day averaged throughout each cruise line's ships).
Mainstream: Carnival, Celebrity, Costa, Holland America,
Norwegian, Princess, Royal Caribbean. Average per diems range from $80 to $160.
Premium: Disney, Cunard (standard accommodations). Average per
diems range from $200 to $250.
Luxury: Crystal, Cunard (Suites & Penthouses), Oceania,
Windstar. Average per diem ranges between $275 and $350.
Ultra-Luxury: Silversea, Seabourn and Radisson. Average per
diems hover between $550 and $650.
Again, the above ranges are fleetwide accommodation averages and
can vary considerably within a cruise line, within a ship, and even by sailing
season. For example, the "Ultra-Luxury" Celebrity Xpedition is an exception
within the otherwise excellent, "Mainstream" Celebrity Cruises fleet.
What's so great
about cruising? In a word: VALUE. When comparing a cruise
vacation to a land-based holiday (package tour to Hawaii, Las Vegas, Jamaica,
etc.) consider this: accommodations, meals, entertainment, and most activities
are ALL INCLUDED WITH YOUR CRUISE PRICE! Even an all-inclusive land resort
package can’t match a cruise - and your land-based hotel doesn’t go anywhere!
Isn’t
my time at each port limited on a cruise? Yes, of course it
is. Typically, port visits are full day stops, usually from about 8 a.m. to 5
p.m. But here's how that 8 or 9 hours of valuable time isn't spent:
You won't spend time waiting for your luggage on arrival at the
airport.
You won't spend time waiting to pick up a rental car.
You won't spend time checking into a hotel.
You won't spend time checking out of a hotel.
You won't spend time returning your rental car.
You won't spend time checking in for your flight to your next
destination. On a cruise your time in port is just that - your time. Your ship
usually docks downtown or very close by (versus arrival at a distant airport).
Your tour bus is waiting because you've had the option of pre-selecting your
tour onboard. You just step off the ship and onto your bus and your visit
begins! Your time in port is utilized more efficiently than on almost any other
form of vacation travel.
If you fall in love with a destination - Excellent! Come back on
another vacation and schedule all the time you can! Just remember that it was a
cruise that introduced you with an overview of that city!
When’s
the best time to go on a cruise? That depends on where you
want to go - but it also depends on when the cruise lines go there! If you're
looking for a cruise to Alaska in January, you won't find one. That's because
cruise ship - like birds - generally follow the warm weather! Here are some
general guidelines:
Caribbean & Bahamas - Year round
Mexico - Year round
Hawaii - Year round
Panama Canal - Fall, winter & spring
Alaska - Late spring & summer
Europe - Spring, summer & fall
South America & Australia/New Zealand - Winter (i.e. N.
America's winter)
Asia, Africa & S. Pacific - Fall, winter & spring
Tip: Check out our Destination pages! Within
each listed destination region we've included information on the cruise season
and other hints and trends to help you pick the best time to visit that region.
Myth: "Cruise prices are lower in the fall
because it's "Hurricane Season" and nobody wants to cruise the Caribbean then."
In fact, the "Hurricane Season" begins in June and therefore includes the
higher-priced peak summer months of July and August. Prices drop in the fall
primarily because school's back in session and fewer vacations are scheduled!
When are the best
cruise deals? There are just too many variables to give a
specific answer to this question. But, in general, there tends to be a vacation
lull - and therefore more likihood of finding a "deal," during these times of
the year:
First week or two of January, after the New Year's holiday
May & early June (before school's out)
Late August & early September (when school starts)
First two weeks of December
Tip: Great deals can come at any time. We
suggest you frequently check our Home Page for our Hot Deals pages. Better
yet, sign up for our Hot Sales Newsletter!
Hurricanes!
How can I avoid them? You don’t have to - your ship will.
Today's ships are like moving meteorological stations, what with all the weather
tracking systems installed onboard. (Plan a Bridge visit during your cruise and
check out those systems!) The Captain's #1 concern is passenger & crew
safety and the ship will do whatever necessary to avoid a hurricane's path.
This is not to say that if you're cruising the Caribbean during
the "hurricane season" (June through November, but especially August &
September) you'll always avoid the effects of distant storms. Winds and high
seas can affect a cruise ship hundreds of miles from a storm center sometimes
causing itinerary adjustments. Again - it's all about your safety.
What about motion
sickness? Most cruise ships avoid rough
seas wherever possible. When rough seas are encountered, out go the stabilizers
to help smooth the way. The operative word here is "help." Even a 100,000-ton
ship is subject to the motion of the seas just as a 747 jumbo jet often reminds
you you’re still airborne.
Having said this, there are a number of readers out there who
are probably feeling a bit queasy just reading these lines. If you’re one of
them, know that there are plenty of medications out there! In most cases, these
medications either eliminate or minimize motion sickness discomfort. Some are
available over the counter (Dramamine, Bonine, the wristbands, for instance) and
some require a doctor’s prescription (the "patch"). Keep in mind, most require
intake or application before embarkation.
Bottom line? Thousands and thousands of passengers sensitive to
motion sickness discomfort cruise every year with no problems whatsoever. If
you're still not convinced, talk with friends who've cruised.
I’m taking
prescription medications. Will I have problems bringing the pills I need?
No. Just be sure to leave them in their original prescription
containers. Also, be sure that your prescription medications will be sufficient
to cover the duration of your cruise - plus a few days. Re-filling subscriptions
in some ports can be difficult and often time-consuming.
Tip: Don’t ever pack prescription medicine in
checked luggage. That’s what your carry on luggage is for!
What
are the age restrictions for cruise travel? Alcohol? Gaming? Generally, cruise lines won’t accept anyone under the age of 21 unless
accompanied by an adult aged 25 or over. Underage married couples are the
exception, but written proof of marriage is required.
Bars generally restrict alcoholic beverages to guests 21 or
over.
Casino Gaming is generally limited to guests age 18 or
older.
Health spas are generally limited to guests age 18 or older,
unless accompanied by an adult.
Fitness Centers (gyms) are generally limited to guests age 16 or
older, unless accompanied by an adult.
Many cruise ships offer "adults-only" pools, sunning areas or
late-night entertainment venues. Age restrictions vary but are always posted.
I’m
pregnant. Can I still go on a cruise? Congratulations, and
yes - you can cruise! But you must not have entered your third trimester by the
completion of your cruise.
What
are the baggage allowances on cruise ships? In general,
cruise lines will not limit the amount of luggage you bring onboard though there
may be limited storage space in your cabin for empty suitcases (though most beds
are designed to allow most suitcases to fit underneath). Check with your cabin
attendant if you can't find space in your cabin for empty suitcases. Airlines,
however, do have restrictions on number, size, and weight of checked luggage and
you may be charged for exceeding any of those limitations.
Tip: Most First-time Cruisers (many Frequent
Cruisers, too!) over-pack! Plan your wardrobe if you can, but know that most
cruisers return home with at least a few clothing items they never wore. Know
also that if you've missed something, chances are you can buy it onboard your
ship or in port.
What if I
forgot to pack something! It happens all the time. You have
your brown shoes but forgot your brown purse or belt. You left your razor in the
toilet kit you left on the bed - at home. Not to worry. Cruise boutiques are
ready with all sorts of things for the forgetful packer. Or, you might turn
around your loss and rationalize away a day of serious shopping at the next port
of call! Rarely, however, does anyone walk off a cruise ship claiming they
didn’t pack enough!
Dress
Codes - What should I wear to dinner? Clothes-wise, you
probably have everything you'll need or want to wear on your cruise in your
closet or dresser right now. Cruise line dress codes have loosened up
considerably over the last few years and the days of rigid, "must-have-tuxedo"
or "must-have-evening-gown" days are largely gone.
Evening Dress Codes fall into four main groupings:
Casual. For women – a pants suit, skirt and blouse, or casual
dress. For men – slacks and a sport shirt with collar. "Casual" never means
shorts or flip flops, however.
Resort Casual. Same as above, but maybe just a bit "dressier."
Women may prefer a slightly more "elegant" look to their "casual" wear choices.
Men may wear a sports jacket to wear over their open-collar shirt, if they like.
Some cruise lines use the "dress like you're going to a country club for dinner"
analogy. Others call this "smart casual."
Informal. For women – a nice pants suit or dress. As with Resort
Casual, elegant but comfortable resort wear is fine. For men, a jacket, dress
shirt - and usually a tie - is the norm.
Formal. For women – dressy pants suit, cocktail dress or evening
gown. For men – a dark suit and tie or a tuxedo.
On most cruise lines, the number of "Formal" nights is largely
dependent on the length of the cruise. Typically, for cruises of 3 to 6 nights,
expect one formal evening. For 7 to 11 nights, expect two. Almost without
exception, the first and last nights of a cruise are designated as "Casual" or
"Resort Casual." Note that many cruise lines offer formalwear rentals!
Note: Most cruise lines will not permit jeans,
shorts, or bathing attire in any restaurant during evening meal times.
Tip: On most cruise lines, particularly the
more "formal" lines such as Cunard, Crystal, Radisson and Silversea (except in
their "always-casual" dining alternatives) the evening's dress code is generally
observed throughout most areas of the ship including bars, lounges and
casinos.
Dress
Codes - What "daytime" wear is appropriate on a cruise ship? Across the board, casual is the general rule. But within that guideline,
weather is the biggest factor in determining daytime attire aboard cruise ships.
If you're heading for Alaska, pack for cooler weather. If you're headed to the
Caribbean, pack for heat and humidity! Still, there are some tips we think will
be helpful:
1. Layers! If heading to cooler climes, leave the bulky sweaters
and heavy-quilted jackets at home. Instead, pack light sweaters, light jackets,
nylon windbreakers or parkas. Temperature swings from morning to mid-afternoon
can be great; you'll want lightweight jackets or sweaters you can "peel off" or
slip back on as the weather changes. These items are easier to pack, too! Even
if you're headed to the Caribbean, bring along a light jacket or sweater.
Evenings at sea can be surprisingly cool - not just out on deck but in the
casinos, as well.
Think "Casual." Comfortable slacks, shorts, jeans, sport shirts,
t-shirts, tank tops - all are fine for daytime wear on most cruise ships. Pool
side attire is appropriate for the pool and most deck areas; bathing suits
without coverups are not acceptable indoor daytime attire regardless of the
cruise line.
2. Respect Local Norms. There are often local customs or
regulations regarding head coverings, shorts, sandals, tank tops or similar
attire. Shore excursions to places of worship or museums often require head
coverings or frown on shorts or tank tops.
3. Comfortable Shoes. A cruise vacation is NOT the time to
break-in a new pair of shoes or sandals. You'll be doing a lot of walking - not
just ashore but on the ship. Pack comfortable walking shoes (tennis shoes are
perfect for daytime wear) and sandals.
4. Cover-Ups. Bring along hats with broad brims, sunglasses, and
plenty of sun-screen!
Note: Consider the company you're keeping. Some
cruises - say, a Cunard transatlantic - tend towards the dressier side, both day
and night. But aboard a weekend getaway cruise, casual is the word.
What
kind of travel documents do I need to cruise? Get yourself
a passport! If you already have one, be sure it has at least 6 months remaining
validity. With heightened worldwide security, it is becoming increasingly
difficult to travel from the country without a passport.
Effective December 31, 2006 (recently extended from the previous
deadline of December 31, 2005), passports will be required of U.S. citizens for
all air and sea travel to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda and Central and South
America.
Effective December 31, 2006, passports will be required of U.S.
citizens for all air and sea travel to and from Canada and Mexico.
Effective December 31, 2007, passports or other accepted travel
documents will be required for land border crossings to and from Canada or
Mexico.
Effective December 31, 2008, all U.S. citizens departing and
returning to the United States will be required to have a valid U.S. passport.
Non U.S. Citizens: You will need a valid passport and, in some
cases, a visa. If you live in the U.S., you will also need the original copy of
your Alien Registration Car (ARC or "Green Card") and any other documentation
the countries on your itinerary may require due to your alien status.
If you're a U.S. citizen traveling ENTIRELY within the U.S. (an
intra-Hawaii cruise on Norwegian Cruise Lines, for example), you do not need a
passport.
Tip: For information on obtaining or renewing a
passport, visit the State Department's Website. - Click here - U.S. passports
are valid for 10 years.
What is Pre-Registration?
To expedite immigration procedures, cruise lines require
that you pre-register with them either online or by fax or mail.
How
do I get from the airport to the ship? It depends on the
arrangements you’ve made. Typically, you have three choices when reserving your
cruise:
Air booked through cruise line - transfers included. With most -
but not all - cruise lines, if you purchase their optional air program then the
necessary ground transfers from airport to pier (and pier to airport on return)
are included at no added cost.
Air booked through cruise line - transfers not included. Those
cruise lines whose air programs do not include ground transfers still offer
those transfers on an optional, extra-cost basis. These costs vary depending on
the distance between the airports and the piers utilized.
Independent arrangements. If you choose to plan your own flights
to/from your ship's embarkation/debarkation ports, then you are also responsible
for making the ground arrangements between the airport and the pier. Still, most
cruise lines give you the option of purchasing airport/pier transfers at extra
cost.
Most cruise lines' transfer programs utilize bus or mini-bus
transport. Luggage handling and portage fees are usually included in the cost of
these transfers. In all cases, uniformed representatives from the cruise line
are available to coordinate and assist in the transfer programs.
Tip: You may often be able to "beat the price"
of the cruise lines' transfer packages by arranging your own, independent
transfers (i.e. taxi, airport shuttle, private car). We recommend this option
only if you are familiar with the city in which the transfer is taking place.
Do
I have to make my own travel arrangements to get to the ship? No. All major cruise lines offer "air programs" which allow you to
purchase air travel to and from your cruise through the cruise line. In most
cases, the airlines featured are major carriers with whom you're familiar;
occasionally, charter airlines may be utilized.
These programs are optional at extra cost. In many cases, the
air programs include ground transfers between airports and the ship. Most cruise
lines, for various added fees, will allow you to request specific carriers,
routing, travel times, alternate dates of travel and upgrades.
Alternatively, you're welcomed to arrange independent travel to
and from your cruise; in fact, most cruise passengers in most cruise regions do
exactly that.
What
exactly IS a "Cruise Wedding?" "Wedding Cruises" fall into four
basic options, all of which are arranged in concert with the cruise line:
Pre-Cruise Wedding - Off Ship. The wedding ceremony is performed
at a location near or adjacent to the ship's embarkation port. A shipboard
reception follows the ceremony.
Pre-Cruise Wedding - On Ship. The wedding ceremony is performed
onboard the ship, usually in the ship's "Wedding Chapel" or private function
room. A shipboard reception follows.
Cruise Wedding - On Ship at sea. The wedding ceremony is
performed during the cruise, usually in the ship's "Wedding Chapel" or private
function room. A shipboard reception follows.
Cruise Wedding - In Port. The wedding is performed at a
pre-arranged port of call in the cruise itinerary. The reception may be ashore
or onboard the ship.
Not all cruise lines offer all four options and wedding packages
can vary considerably in cost and services. The wedding "officiant" can be
arranged by the couple or provided by the cruise line but only on Princess can
the Captain officiate the ceremony.
Wedding prices range from about $750 to $4000, largely dependent
on the location of the wedding service and the package amenities (flowers, cake,
champagne, photographs, etc.) chosen.
Reception prices (usually lasting one hour) range from about $20
to $50 or more per guest, largely dependent on the hors d'oeuvres, bar service,
and enhancements (# of wedding cake layers!, champagne toasts, ice carvings,
etc.). There's usually a minimum (16 or so) and maximum (50 or so) number of
guests that may be accommodated.
Not included is the cost of the cruise or marriage license and
processing fees. But compare these prices to a shore side wedding and you'll see
that a cruise wedding is not only more special and more romantic, but less
expensive!
How
do I go about booking a Cruise Wedding? Set a Wedding Date!
If you've got your heart set on a Wedding Cruise, choose a date that fits well
with your cruise destination - i.e. nix the idea of a March cruise to Alaska!
Check out our "Destination" pages for cruise seasons and destination tips.
Choose a Cruise! Choose well. Consider factors
such as whether you're going to invite guests and where they'll be coming from.
A Venice wedding sounds absolutely romantic but its distance will trim your
guest list considerably!
Do the Math! How many guests are you expecting?
Will there be a shipboard wedding and reception? Will there be an open bar? Will
there be food served and if so, hors d'oeuvres or buffet - or both? And don't
forget to factor in the cost of the cruise and marriage license and fees.
Work with Us! There's a lot of choice out
there. Your Texas Cruise and Travel Specialist can work with the cruise line
(and easily compare among cruise lines) to find you the package that matches
your tastes and budget.
We're interested in "Renewing our Vows" on a cruise. What
documents do we need to bring? Most cruise lines ask only that you to bring
proof of valid marriage. They’ll also provide you a choice of "Vow Renewal
Packages" and exempt you from license fees.
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