FAQ
Good customer service is as important to your holiday as good weather. That is why our customer service staff is dedicated to resolving any problems that may arise, and to answering your questions when your agent is not available. Below, we have some Frequently Asked Questions to help explain the things most people wonder about when going on vacation.Feel free to submit a FAQ if you think we have missed a common question. But please note that we cannot guarantee its inclusion in our list, and that we will be unable to reply to you. For a direct reply to your question please click on the Contact Us link on the left of the page.
You can submit it your FAQ here
Cruising
- Isn't cruising for old people?
- When is my final payment due? Will you notify me?
- Can I stay in touch with home events from the ship?
- Where can I cruise?
- Do I have to pay for meals?
- What if I get ill?
- What should I wear?
- What do I do about money?
- What is the average age group?
- What does all-inclusive mean?
- What are the taxes/port charges?
- What if another person wants to come along later, can I add them on after making payment?
- Is there a benefit in purchasing trip insurance?
- What does a category guarantee mean?
- How much are gratuities on a cruise?
- What does my cruise price include?
- What does my cruise price not include?
- Are cruise itineraries subject to change?
- Will I get bored or feel confined?
- What about my medication?
- What about electrical appliances?
- How do I get to the ship?
- Can I bring visitors on the ship?
- Will I get seasick?
- How do I pay for onboard purchases?
- What are my dining options?
- I'm on a special diet. Can I get special meals on board?
- What if I am celebrating my birthday/anniversary?
- What is an assembly drill, and do I have to go?
- Do cruise lines have activities for kids?
- What about the evenings?
- Are the casinos and shops open all day?
- How will I know what activities are happening aboard the ship?
Cruising
Isn't cruising for old people?
No, the age group is getting lower every year. Carnival Cruise Lines, for example, operates 'fun' ships, particularly aimed at the younger generation and Disney Cruise Lines caters for the child in all of us.
When is my final payment due? Will you notify me?
After the initial deposit is paid, the final payment is due 60 days before departure for most cruises and 90 days in the case of a world cruise.
Can I stay in touch with home events from the ship?
Quite easily. Most ships have televisions in the rooms plus a daily newsletter with headlines. There are either phones in the rooms or you can have the ship's radio operator contact the mainland for you. Also many ships offer fax capabilities or internet lounges. There are charges to contact the mainland in any form. Please check with the purser to find out exact amounts.
Where can I cruise?
Almost anywhere. The most popular destinations are the Caribbean in the Winter and the Mediterranean in the Summer, but other favourites include the Baltics, Scandinavia, Alaska or river cruises.
Do I have to pay for meals?
No. The vast majority of cruise ships include on-board meals in the price. Unless you are on an all-inclusive ship, you will have to pay for drinks.
What if I get ill?
There will be a doctor on-board, and a shop selling everyday medicines. If you feel sea sick you can pick up tablets from the purser's office, or pay for an injection.
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 for cool areas on the ship. Your cruise will include 1 or more formal nights during which gentlemen 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 that 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.
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.
What does all-inclusive mean?
The exact definition can vary from resort to resort. Generally, it includes all of your meals, non-motorized water sports, tipping, and beverages. Since this differs between properties, it is a good idea to inquire about your specific vacation.
What are the taxes/port charges?
The port charges include taxes and fees assessed by governmental and other agencies, costs incident to entering and leaving ports such as pilotage, costs incurred while in port such as stevedoring, waste removal, and payroll for port-related functions. Taxes associated with flights, if you have purchased any, would also be included.
What if another person wants to come along later, can I add them on 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 permits this, your present rate will not be protected and could possibly change. The person you are adding could pay a different rate as well, and there may be change fees involved. In addition, in some cases, changes will not be permitted.
Is there a benefit in purchasing trip insurance?
Absolutely. In life, we never know what is going to happen. Trip insurance offers you protection if you have to cancel due to injury, sickness, or death of you, a traveling companion, or immediate family member. It does not cover unstable, pre-existing conditions. Additionally, it provides emergency assistance while you are on your vacation. If you have specific questions regarding the insurance policy, please contact us directly.
What does a category guarantee mean?
This guarantees you to have at least the category that you have purchased, with the possibility of an upgrade. If you have chosen this option, you will not receive an exact cabin number at the time of booking. Typically, the cabin assignment is made at the pier. However, you may occasionally find out a couple of weeks in advance.
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. The maitre'd may be tipped at your discretion, depending on the services rendered.
What does my cruise price include?
Your cruise includes shipboard accommodations, meals, and most entertainment aboard the vessel.
What does my cruise price not include?
Your cruise price does not include organized shore excursions, alcoholic beverages or carbonated soft drinks, photographs, gratuities, spa and beauty treatments, medical services, casino expenditures or other miscellaneous items you may purchase on board.
Are cruise itineraries subject to change?
Yes, all cruise itineraries are subject to change. Guest safety is the number one priority for the cruise lines. On rare occasions, weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances require a change in itinerary. In these situations, the cruise line staff will do everything in their power to visit an alternate port of call.
Will I get bored or feel confined?
Not likely. Cruise ships are like floating resorts and offer just as many options as a fine resort. It usually takes a couple of days to fully explore all the onboard possibilities. In addition, you have the opportunity to explore new and exciting ports of call. You can take time to yourself lying poolside on a deck chair or you can join a dance class or sports activity. Later, catch a movie or play backgammon. The choices are endless.
What about my medication?
Please carry any medication in its original bottle. It is recommended that medication be carried in your pocket or purse so that it will be available when needed. Checked luggage may not be accessible at all times. If you're using any prescription drugs, vitamins or other medication on a regular basis, you should bring an adequate supply with you. Many types of medication may not be readily available either aboard ship or in ports of call. Commonly used medication may be purchased at the office of the ship's doctor.
What about electrical appliances?
Electric razors and hair dryers can be brought with you. Staterooms for most cruise lines are equipped with 110 volts AC and are capable of handling all normal appliances. Some appliances may require the use of an adapter.
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. The representative will meet you by the baggage claim and escort you to the transfer shuttle that travels from the airport to the pier and back again after the cruise. Most cruise lines offer these shuttles for an additional cost to passengers providing their own air.
Can I bring visitors on the ship?
For safety and security reasons, no visitors are allowed on board.
Will I get seasick?
Seasickness is rare on larger cruise ships because they are equipped with stabilizers which are designed to minimize the feeling of movement. If you should feel queasy, medicine is available from your cabin steward or the ship's doctor. If you are prone to motion sickness, you may want to consult your physician prior to travel.
How do I pay for onboard purchases?
For your convenience, you may charge most of your purchases on board. A personal account will be set up when you board and purchases will be billed automatically to your major credit card. If you do not have a credit card, you may use a cash deposit. The amount of this deposit varies from cruise line to cruise line, usually ranging from $100 for the week to $100 per day. Traveler's checks may be cashed at the purser's desk to cover gratuities and to pay off your onboard account if you don't want the charges to be applied to your credit card.
What are my dining options?
Most cruise lines offer two seatings for the main dining room: Main Seating and Late Seating. Dining preferences may be requested at the time of the booking. No requests are guaranteed. Your seating and table assignment will be confirmed at embarkation. Either seating will allow you to see all the shows and experience everything your cruise has to offer. For your convenience, in addition to breakfast, lunch, dinner, and midnight buffets, many ships also offer complimentary room service. Low-fat and vegetarian entrees are often offered at lunch and dinner. In addition to the traditional seatings, some cruise lines now offer "freestyle" dining. This provides guests with the flexibility to dine when they wish. You may also choose your dinner companions and request specific table sites rather than being assigned to a particular time and table for the duration of the cruise.
I'm on a special diet. Can I get special meals on board?
Low-sodium meals, kosher meals, and certain other diet-restricted meals will be available. Dietary requests should be made at the time of booking.
What if I am celebrating my birthday/anniversary?
If you'd like to celebrate an anniversary or birthday on the ship, we can add that to your reservation in advance or you can let the maitre d' know. The cruise lines love to celebrate with you.
What is an assembly drill, and do I have to go?
These are commonly referred to as lifeboat drills. Everyone on board the ship is required to be in attendance for a compulsory safety drill before departure to comply with Coast Guard and international safety regulations.
Do cruise lines have activities for kids?
More and more cruises are booked every day by families. Most cruise lines have supervised activities for the kids. Choose from swimming, sports, movies, and games. The cruise staff will keep them busy so you don't have to worry. Some children may be considered too young to participate in these programs.
What about the evenings?
The evenings are just as exciting as the days. From the casinos, to the nightclub, to the entertainment, to passenger talent shows, there is always something going on. If you are a real night owl, you may even have a chance to see a sunrise at sea.
Are the casinos and shops open all day?
Shops and the casino are open while you are at sea; however, they will be closed while the ship is in port.
How will I know what activities are happening aboard the ship?
Your cabin steward will leave a news update in your stateroom which will provide a schedule of events for the following day. This update will tell you where and when everything is happening.
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Please
note all prices are subject to change. All offers are subject to
availability and may be withdrawn at any time.
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"The Cruise Club", M. H. Bland & Co. Ltd.,
Cloister Building, 6-8 Market Lane, P.O. Box 554, Gibraltar. Telephone:
U.K. (+350), from Spain (9567) 77221; Fax: U.K. (+350), from Spain (9567)
79244 The M. H. Bland Cruise Club is a registered trading name of M. H. Bland & Co. Ltd. |
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