FAQ's about Cruise Vacations

Not sure what to expect on a cruise?
Well, if your idea of fun includes great food, exciting activities, lavish entertainment, pampering service and discovering exciting new places, you'll find all that on a cruise vacation.

Unpack once and relax. Cruising is the best vacation value, with vacations to match every pocketbook. No hotels, restaurants, or travel reservations to make. It’s all included in your one low cruise price.

The cost of your cruise will depend on your choice of accommodations, which can range from an inside stateroom to a Suite with a private balcony overlooking the sea. You'll find that a cruise vacation is an unbeatable value. It's so easy - nothing to decide, except what part of the world you want to visit, which of dozens of shore tours you want to take when you get there, which of five entrees you want to order for dinner (your waiter will bring you as many as you want!) or whether to lounge around the pool, get a spa treatment, workout or enjoy a myriad day and night entertainment options.

Many first time cruisers or those looking for a quick getaway select a three- or four-night cruise. These shorter cruises operate from either a Florida or California port and visit a port or two in the Bahamas and Caribbean; or Baja and the Mexican Riviera.

Ships leaving from Florida often include a stop at a lovely tropical island owned and operated by the cruise line, where a day-long beach party breaks the pace of shipboard life. Aboard ship passengers experience the rhythm of being at sea while working out in a state-of-the-art gym, enjoying a massage or facial, taking bridge or dance lessons, or listening to a port lecturer.

On a cruise, there's fun for every family member: kids and teens have special events; adults have a huge range of activities, day and night. So the whole family has a fine time at each member's level of interest.

Entertainment ranges from Broadway-style musicals to Vegas-style Nightclub Revues and specialty performers. There are Big Band Cruises, Sports Celebrity, Lectures Series, even College Credit cruises. Most ships have lavish facilities for active passengers. For fitness buffs, glass walled health centers and spas overlook the sea and offer the latest high tech exercise equipment and treatment. It's foreign travel without the worry - you take your hotel with you, the Captain of the ship does the driving and the ship's personnel becomes your personal staff, freeing you to experience new activities while you sample the culture of foreign destinations around the world.

If you are looking for a seven-day sailing, the Caribbean is the No. 1 cruise destination. Diverse Caribbean ports range from the ever-popular St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands to the lesser-visited Trinidad in the Southern Caribbean. Alaska Inside Passage seven-day cruises are a popular alternative from May through September. East Coast sailings to Bermuda offer yet another choice from May to September, with three or more days spent in Bermuda.

Consulting a qualified cruise expert is one of the best ways to gather the information you need to choose the right cruise. For example, our staff has collectively sailed on over 100 cruise ships. One of our experienced cruise planners can give you invaluable information about cruise ships and their destinations, and provide you with exceptional pricing and exclusive SevenSeas travel offerings.

Is cruising affordable and a good vacation value?

Yes! There are cruise vacations to suit every budget, from the cost-conscious to the most luxurious. Even more important, a cruise offers the best travel value for your money. Your fare includes all meals, your cabin, onboard daytime activities, nighttime parties and entertainment. So for once, you'll know what your vacation will end up costing you before you go. (Your only extra expenses will be drinks, optional shore excursions, and personal services such as massage or hairstyling.)

How long are cruises?

As long or short as you want. There are cruise lines that offer itineraries from three days to three months. Whatever your schedule, we'll do our best to find the cruise for you.

What's the best time to take a cruise?

Anytime is the best time to take a cruise, but it also depends on where you'd like to go. The Caribbean is fantastic year round; however, some of the more exotic destinations are seasonal. For example, you can only cruise to Alaska between May and September; to Europe between April and November; to Bermuda, between April and October; the Panama Canal, between September and April. So you see, no matter what time of year it is, it's a perfect time to cruise.

Where can I go?

Where do you want to go? Cruises visit practically any destination accessible by water -- the Caribbean, Bahamas, Alaska, Bermuda, Europe, Hawaii, the Greek Isles, the Orient, Australia, Tahiti, the Galapagos Islands, South America, India, the Panama Canal and more. If you can name it, we can probably get you there by cruise ship.

Are all ships and cruises fairly similar?

Far from it. Ships range from under 200 feet to well over 1,000 feet. You can sail with anywhere from fewer than 100 fellow passengers to over 2,600. Experience atmospheres ranging from casual to formal, classically simple to ultra-deluxe. You can even choose between traditional propeller-driven craft, sail-assisted cruise ships, or even a paddle-wheel river boat.

Who Would You Find Onboard: EVERYBODY.

On an average cruise vacation, we have senior citizens on anniversary cruises; first and second honeymooners from 21 to over 50; families with toddlers, tots and teenagers (who love our supervised kids activities); and single men and women who always seem to find each other. And, of course, lots of happy couples who are even happier on a cruise vacation. We have first-time cruisers and returning guests (many sail with us every year), business and social groups and lots of family reunions.

Are there cruises out there that fit all generations of my family?

Yes. The larger ships (70,000 tons up) offer a variety of activities and services to suit your entire family — from second graders to senior citizens. For instance, the kids can spend the day with the ship’s youth counselors on a treasure hunt, while you get a massage at the spa or brush up on your stroke at a golf clinic. The grandparents can lounge by the pool, play shuffleboard, or watch a cooking demonstration by a gourmet chef. Then, at the end of the day, you can all meet for dinner and compare your day’s activities.

Are there different classes of service?

Today's cruise ships are one-class. Everyone onboard 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.

What's does "inside" or "outside" cabin really mean?

An "outside" or ocean-view cabin is one with a picture window or, in the case of much older ships, a porthole. The cruiselines also make distinctions when there are obstructed views (that's when the view is partially blocked by a part of the ship). "Outside" cabins, because they offer a view, are usually priced a bit higher than "inside" cabins, which do not have a window or oceanview.

What is the best cabin location?

That depends on your personal preference. Generally, there is less motion the further down and the more mid-ship you are. Some people like to be higher up and nearer to the public areas of the ship, even though most ships have elevators. Generally speaking, the higher you go, the larger and more expensive the cabins will be.

There are 3 major types of accommodations on a ship—suites, outside cabins and inside cabins. Within these groups are 3 additional types—mini-suites, family suites and outside cabins with private balconies, but some of these are not available on all ships.

SUITES: These are the most spacious accommodations and usually provide added amenities such as a separate living area, large private balcony, mini-bar, refrigerator, oversized whirlpool bath, and VCR. Some suites also feature a dining area, a baby grand piano or fireplace and the services of a private butler or concierge. Ranging from less than 300 square feet to a size equal to a large apartment, a suite is definitely a "home away from home."

FAMILY SUITES: Designed for the large family, these feature two bedrooms and two bathrooms, plus a living area with a sofa bed and usually a private balcony. Most can accommodate up to 8 passengers in comfort. Limited to only 2 or 3 per ship and not available at all on some cruise lines, it's usually necessary to reserve a family suite at least a year in advance.

MINI-SUITES: These offer more space than a standard cabin as well as some of the suite amenities such as VCRs, whirlpool baths, and often have private balconies. In fact, on many ships this is the minimum category that does offer a balcony.

OUTSIDE/BALCONY: Standard outside cabins with balconies aren't available on all ships, but are becoming increasingly available as new ships enter the marketplace. Not as spacious and therefore not as expensive as a suite, these are the most popular accommodations with experienced cruisers and those who prefer to spend more time in the privacy of their own cabin without spending the extra money for a suite.

OUTSIDE/WINDOW: These cabins offer a view of the outside world and most of the newer ships have actual picture windows measuring approximately 3 X 5 feet. On ships that were built prior to 1990 many of the windows are actually "portholes," small round windows no larger than about two feet in diameter. There are also some cabins on the newer ships with portholes or an obstructed view (such as a lifeboat or steel girder outside the window), so if you're paying extra for a window, it's important to determine which type of window the cabin has.

INSIDE/NO WINDOWS: The most economical accommodations on a ship, these are usually located on an interior hallway. A few inside cabins may also be found either at the front or back of the ship or (on some of the older ships) on the bottom deck. However, NONE of the passenger cabins are below the water line of the ship. Providing the same space & amenities as standard outside cabins (with the exception of a view), these are a frequent choice of first-time cruisers on a limited budget and those who spend very little time in their cabins.

Also worth mentioning in a discussion of types of cabins is that of triple and quad accommodations. Most cabins are designed for two people but there are some with additional beds for a third and/or fourth passenger. These are usually "upper berths" which either fold down from the wall or drop from the ceiling above the other beds. Some ships offer a sofa bed for the third and/or fourth passengers.

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 does 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 be assigned a 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 are the taxes and port charges?

The port charges include taxes/fees assessed by government and other agencies, costs incident to entering or leaving ports such as pilotage, costs incurred while in port, such as stevedoring, waste removal, and payroll for port-related functions. Taxes associated with any flights would also be part of this category.

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

Cruiselines do offer pre-night and post-cruise packages that may be purchased at an additional cost. However, there is a limited quantity. The sooner you purchase such a package, the greater the chances of it being available. Should you not be able to purchase one of these packages, then you can book a room on your own and customize your flights; this process is often 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 to pack on a Caribbean cruise.

Days onboard are casual and you'll be most comfortable in sport clothes and resort wear. Shoes should be low-heeled for deck activities. Bring a few swimsuits so you'll always have a dry one. You don't have to bring towels, as they are provided. But don't forget your camera and binoculars, so you don't miss a thing.

For evening wear, count on three basic types of attire:
    Casual: Dresses or slacks and blouses for women, sport shirts and trousers for men
    Smart Casual: Dresses or pantsuits for women, jackets for men
    Formal: Cocktail dresses for women, suits and ties or tuxedos for men (you can arrange to rent a tuxedo onboard)

Ashore, you'll need comfortable walking shoes as well as a hat and sunscreen for protection from the sun.

What to pack on a Alaskan cruise.

Days onboard are casual. To be most comfortable, we recommend:
Jeans or slacks
Several sweaters, a jacket, a windbreaker and a raincoat
Warm socks
Low-heeled shoes for deck activities
Don't forget your swimsuit, camera and a pair of binoculars (towels are provided)

For evening wear, count on three basic types of attire:
Casual: Dresses or slacks and blouses for women, sport shirts and trousers for men
Smart Casual: Dresses or pantsuits for women, jackets for men
Formal: Cocktail dresses for women, suits and ties or tuxedos for men (you can arrange to rent a tuxedo onboard)

Ashore, you'll need comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots. Cruisetours are casual, both during the day and in the evening.

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, pre-existing 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 then file for reimbursement. If you have specific questions about trip insurance and its coverage, please contact one of our cruise planners at 800-951-5581.

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

Cruiselines 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. The various cruiselines will occasionally offer single supplement rates. Please feel free to ask about what is currently available for the single cruise traveler.

Do I have to participate in the activities?

On a cruise, you do what you want to. You can do everything. Or lie back and do absolutely nothing. It's your vacation.

Are there any age restrictions for onboard activites?

There are certain age restrictions that will be implemented onboard the ship.
Alcoholic beverages - Guests must be 21 or older in order to be served alcohol onboard. Proper I.D. is required.
Gambling – Guests must be at least 18 to enter the casino.
Spa & Gym – Guests must be at least 17 in order to use the gym/spa facilities onboard.
Lounges, Shows & the Disco – Guests under 18 should be accompanied by an adult while in the lounges or theatres onboard. Guests under 18 should not be in the disco after midnight.

Are there things for children to do?

Many cruise ships have year-round children's programs with fully-trained youth counselors on board. Newer ships have playrooms, teen discos, video arcades or computer rooms. Some ships even have "kids only" shore excursions. Your cruise consultant will be able to tell you about the ships best suited to children and families.

Most cruise lines offer age-specific, supervised activities that will not only keep them happy, occupied, and interested, but will also teach them a thing or two. Games, parties, treasure and scavenger hunts, talent shows, movies, arts and crafts, puppet shows, pool games, water slides, the list goes on and on. But check out this brief sampling:

• Disney: Almost an entire DECK of activities — activities room, theater, science lab — plus a pool just for kids and one for families, too.
• Norwegian Cruise Lines: “Circus at Sea” where kids learn and perform circus acts.
• Royal Caribbean: Explore marine life with real scientists in an atmospheric and oceanographic lab. Princess: The line offers special “behind the scenes” ship tours, slumber and deck parties, and stateroom TVs featuring Nickelodeon programs.
• Celebrity: A youth program focusing on theater where kids learn the ins and outs of acting, directing, and staging a real play.
• Carnival: Camp Carnival divides kids into several groups by age and their newest ships even feature high-tech video game centers.
• Holland America: On selected sailings the line offers special shore excursions designed for the interests and abilities of children.
  

Are the onboard activities for children age-specific?

Usually. If there are only a handful of children on a particular cruise, chances are there won’t be much in the way of age-specific activities. But on cruises that are popular with families (3-7-night Caribbean cruises, for example) you can expect to see every ship ready with a long list of activities geared for different age groups. The groupings vary from cruise line to cruise line but you can expect to see three or four distinct “troops” from toddlers (around ages 3-4), juniors (ages 5-8), intermediates (ages 9-13), and teens (ages 14-17), for instance.

What’s available for teens?

Ships these days offer some of the hippest stuff made just for teens. Teens like to mingle with others in their age groups and have a place they can claim as their own. Clubs, discos, computer labs, soda bars, coffee houses and DJ booths are just a few of the places they can hang. Plus, most will get into the same things that appeal to some of the adults onboard: hanging out at the pool, in-line skating, ice skating, miniature golf, arcade games, feature movies, rock-climbing walls, Ping Pong, basketball and volleyball, to mention a few.

Can cruises accommodate kids with disabilities?

More and more ships are broadening the amenities and facilities to welcome young people with disabilities and special needs. For kids with disabilities, Princess Cruises is at the forefront providing innovative programs, services, and facilities. Most Princess ships have a number of cabins that are wheelchair accessible, complete with roll-in showers, lowered closet bars and other amenities. Some cruise lines also cater to passengers with visual or hearing impairments. Guide dogs are welcomed with prior notification. It’s important to note that any condition or disability that may require special attention should be brought up at the time the cruise reservation is made.

Cruising is the perfect vacation...especially if you have a special requirement! CruiseShipAssist can help!
Oxygen, wheelchair, scooter, hoists, lifts or just about any other need is easily provided at most major cruise ports. If you need a reference or referral, simply call any of the major cruiselines including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Holland America, NCL, Celebrity, Cunard, or most others and ask who they use and recommend!

Wheelchairs: Holland America has a limited supply of wheelchairs onboard each of our ships. In order to accommodate our guests, we reserve the wheelchairs exclusively for embarkation and disembarkation assistance in the pier facility and emergency situations.

Will I be able to relax onboard without worrying about my kids?

As on any vacation, you’re going to be concerned with their whereabouts. But keep in mind that shipboard youth activities are directed and organized by a staff that has been specially chosen to work with kids. Many involved in the programs are highly qualified and educated in the fields of child psychology, child development, education, recreation or related fields. Cruises have strict requirements for staff and most require certification in First Aid and CPR. Some cruise lines even provide parents with beepers so they can be contacted at any time their children are under the supervision of the ship’s staff.

Is there a charge for entertainment?

Never. On a cruise vacation, the entertainment is on the house. There's no cover. No minimum. No charge for an admission ticket. The shows are live. The movies are first-rate. The variety is limitless.

FINAL Passport Rule Issued for Land and Sea Borders.
The Departments of Homeland Security and of State issued the final rulemaking concerning the requirements of passports for land and sea border crossings under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. After years of development following 9/11, this ruling is the end of the process and can be considered FINAL when helping to ensure you have the proper identification when traveling.

Effective June 1, 2009, the following rules take effect for cruise passengers:
U.S. citizens on cruise voyages that begin and end at the same U.S. port (closed-loop itineraries) must show proof of citizenship* and government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license). A passport will not be required for passengers that fall into this category. *Documents include: Original or certified copy of birth certificate; Naturalization papers; Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by Department of State

All other passengers and/or itineraries (such as cruises which begin in one U.S. port and return to a different U.S. port or any cruise that begins or ends in a foreign port) will require a passport or other recognized document. For a list of accepted documents, see www.travel.state.gov.

The good news for a majority of cruise passengers – American citizens that leave and return on their cruise from the same U.S. port - is that the travel document requirements will remain largely unchanged from how the industry is operating today. SevenSeas Travel continues to encourage all of our customers to obtain passports to allow them the broadest travel opportunities. You can visit www.travel.state.gov to obtain information on how to apply at more than 9,000 passport acceptance facilities in the United States.