Frequently Asked Questions

Is a cruise for me?
How old do I have to be to sail aboard a cruise ship?
Where can I go?
What types of cruises are there?
What kinds of ships can I cruise on?
How do I know the ship won't sink?
How do I decide which cruise line to choose?
How much do cruises cost and how do I get the best price?
How far in advance should I plan?
What should I pack?
Will I need formalwear?
What travel documents do I need?
What currency should I bring, and how much of it?
How do I get to the departing port from my city?
What if I arrive at the departing port a day or so before my cruise?
How do I get to the ship?
What time do I board the ship?
What if I miss the ship?
Are cruises safe onboard?
Where should I keep my valuables?
Will I become seasick on my cruise?
What if I get sick or need medical attention?
Can I get off the ship if I don't like the cruise?
What about passengers with special needs?
Are there children's programs? Is babysitting available?
Are there religious services onboard?
Can I bring my pet?
Is smoking allowed?
What is the legal drinking age?
What "extras" can I expect to pay for?
How much do I tip?
What can I purchase while onboard?
What services can I expect onboard?
Are there laundry services onboard?
Can others contact me, and can I contact others, while onboard?
Are visitors permitted onboard?
What will my cabin be like?
Is it worth the extra money for an oceanview cabin?
Can I switch cabins if I don't like the one I get?
When can I upgrade my cabin?
How much food is there?
What are different meal seatings?
Are special diets available?
Can I order room service?
What kind of activities can I participate in while onboard?
What is there to do at night?
Do I have to participate in the activities?
How do I find out about shore excursions?
Can I celebrate a special occasion onboard?
How much time will I have at each port?
What activities or excursions can I expect? How much extra will they cost?
Is food provided while at port?
How much can I expect to spend while at each port?
Will there be buying pressure?
How do I exchange money at port?
Can I stay on the ship while it's at port?
What if I miss the ship while at port?
What if there is bad weather on port days?
Are ports safe?

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Is a cruise for me?
Anyone can enjoy a cruise. You just need to find the cruise that's right for you. Different cruise lines cater to different ages of guests, price ranges, and activity levels, so you should be able to find one that fits your style. In addition, think about what type of vacation you're looking for. Do you want something that's laid-back, active, romantic, party-oriented, or a little of each?

Once you have an idea of what you want, you can judge the different cruises based on how well they meet your expectations. Ask your friends, travel agents, or anyone who has been on a cruise before what specific cruises are like. Also read cruise line brochures, cruise websites, and articles on cruising to see what types of activities particular cruises have planned. The Cruise Team provides profiles on each major cruise line, features on choosing the cruise that's best for you, and blog entries on the latest cruise line innovations. By doing a little research, you'll be able to tell which cruises are best for you.

How old do I have to be to sail aboard a cruise ship?
Age requirements vary by cruise line. The majority of cruise lines state that guests under age 21 must be accompanied by a parent, relative, or guardian 25 years of age or older staying in the same stateroom. The only exceptions to this policy are when parents traveling with their children have booked more than one stateroom and when minors are traveling together as a married couple.

Where can I go?
You can go on a cruise pretty much anywhere in the world where there is water. Although the most popular cruises are on the ocean, you can also take a cruise on a lake, river, or other waterway, depending on the cruise company.

What types of cruises are there?
There are many types of cruise holidays that suit different interests and personal preferences. Luxury cruises, for example, offer high-class amenities along with cultural enrichment programs. Exploration-based cruises offer expeditions to places like Antarctica, the Amazon, the Galapagos Islands, and other exotic destinations. Some cruises are destination-focused, offering opportunities to tour many different countries and port cities. Others feature special interests, centering on themes such as health and wellness, wine, music, sports, and finance.

What kinds of ships can I cruise on?
Cruises can take place on a variety of vessels, including ships (and megaliners), windjammers, barges, freighters, and yachts. These vessels can be very small (carrying only 10 people), very large (carrying over 3,000 people), or anything in between.

How do I know the ship won't sink?
You don't need to worry whether the ship will stay afloat. All passenger-carrying vessels must abide by strict maritime standards. All cruise ships for the major cruise lines are regularly inspected for safety. In the rare case of a catastrophic event, crew members are trained in emergency procedures and can help passengers to safety.

How do I decide which cruise line to choose?
Cruises are big-ticket items, so doing some homework is essential in helping you find a great cruise that's right for you. When it comes to picking a cruise line, there are many different factors to consider. For one thing, ships vary in size, age, and amenities - one cruise line's most luxurious ship may be equivalent to another's oldest, most run-down ship. Which cruise line you pick really depends on your vacation style and budget. Some of the things you need to consider include:

• price
• ship quality (age, size, accommodations, etc.)
• itineraries
• passengers (interests, ages, etc.)

Fortunately, this information is easily accessible. You can begin your research on the Web with The Cruise Teams homepage or another cruise website, or by speaking with a good travel agent.

How much do cruises cost and how do I get the best price?
Cruises can run from as little as £199 per person to over £100,000 per person - the price all depends on the itinerary and cruise line. Other key factors in cruise pricing include the type of cabin (inside cabins are much cheaper than outside cabins), length of cruise, and time of year.

There's really no big secret to getting the best price. Shoulder-season and repositioning cruises tend to have lower per-night rates than peak-season itineraries. If you are willing to go last minute, there may be space available due to cancellations. Many cruise lines also offer Internet specials, which can cut the price substantially. However, it is strongly recommended that you book well in advance to ensure that you get the exact ship, sailing date, cabin, and dinner seating you want. The good news is that many cruise lines offer early booking discounts for customers who plan ahead.

How far in advance should I plan?
The amount you plan in advance depends on what time of year you want to cruise and how much time you have. If your heart is set on a particular cruise and itinerary, it is best to plan as far in advance as possible, particularly if you are traveling during the busy holiday, spring break, or summer seasons. Many customers book cruises over a year in advance because they prefer the higher-class cabins that sell out rather quickly. However, if you like to travel on a whim, last-minute cruises offer great bargains - just don't expect to get the best cabins.

What should I pack?
Attire is dictated by occasion. In general, cruise vacations are casual by day whether you are on the ship or ashore. Evening attire varies, with some evenings being casual and some being formal. For the captain's gala, for example, you'll probably want to wear something more formal such as a dark suit or cocktail dress, perhaps even a tuxedo or gown. For a beach party theme night, you will fit right in with your Hawaiian shirt or sundress.

Don't forget your usual toiletries, as they are quite expensive to replace on the ship. If you are going to a sunny destination, pack sunscreen, a swimsuit, and a hat. If you're going on an Alaska cruise, don't forget a rain jacket and warm layers. Keep all prescription medicine with you in your carry-on bag while traveling. You may also want to stow a change of clothes and a bathing suit in your carry-on in case your luggage gets lost or so you can more comfortably enjoy the ship's amenities while waiting for your bags to arrive in your stateroom.

Will I need formalwear?
On some cruises, formal dinners or parties are part of the fun; however, you don't need to buy a tuxedo just for the trip. You can rent a tuxedo at home or on the ship, or wear a dark suit and tie, which are perfectly acceptable for the dressiest occasions. With today's more relaxed lifestyles, cruise lines such as Norwegian and Windstar only request resort casual attire (jacket and tie not required) for evening dress.

What travel documents do I need?
What travel documents you need depends on the type of cruise and destination; and requirements are subject to change at any time. Under current passport law, all UK citizens traveling by air between the UK and a foreign country will need a valid passport

What currency should I bring, and how much of it?
You can bring whatever currency you want (including sterling) because you'll be able to exchange money at the purser's desk or in port as necessary. You'll typically get the best exchange rate by paying for goods and services with a credit card and getting cash from an ATM machine. Check with your bank about any fees or surcharges on foreign purchases before you leave for your cruise.

Bring only the minimum amount of cash or traveler's checks that you feel is necessary. For convenience throughout the cruise, most cruise lines have a "cashless" credit program that allows guests to charge their onboard purchases directly to their personal account. Registration for this program will take place during the embarkation process or onboard at the purser's office. You must present the completed application form (included with your cruise documents) along with your preferred credit card.

How do I get to the departing port from my city?
If you have purchased an air/sea package, a cruise-line representative will meet you at the airport of the port city, and shuttle you directly to the ship. Some cruise lines arrange to transport your luggage between the airport and the ship, so you don't have to struggle onto the bus with all of your bags. If you are arriving by car, you will find parking (charged at a daily or weekly rate) conveniently located near the cruise terminal. Check with your cruise line for embarkation times - if you're late, you may not be allowed to board.

What if I arrive at the departing port a day or so before my cruise?
If you purchased a pre-cruise package from the cruise line, you will have accommodations and transportation to the ship. If not, you will need to find a hotel and transportation to the ship on your own.

How do I get to the ship?
If you purchased a transfer package from the cruise line, you will be advised on the time to meet your ride to the terminal. If you did not purchase a transfer package from the cruise line, you are responsible for getting to the terminal by whatever means necessary.

What time do I board the ship?
Your cruise documents will advise you what time you should arrive at the terminal and when the embarkation process begins.

What if I miss the ship?
If you booked an air/sea package through the cruise line, you have more protection than if you book your airfare separately. Cruise lines are more likely to make accommodations for you and work with the airline if it was their booking that did not get you to the ship on time. Also, they will be better able to track your late flight, and might even delay the ship if they know you will only be a little late. If they can't hold the ship, they might pay for you to stay in a hotel, or pay for flights so you can catch up with the ship at the next port. Depending on the circumstances, they might even rebate some of your cruise or give you a discount toward your next cruise with them.

However, remember that airlines are independent contractors. Most cruise conditions of carriage state that since airlines are independent contractors, the cruise line makes no warranty, and assumes no responsibility, for any failures or delays in their contractor's (the airline's) services. Therefore, purchasing a trip insurance package is strongly recommended.

If you booked the flight separately or used frequent flyer miles to pay for your airfare, the best thing to do is to arrive a day or more before the sailing date. Otherwise, if you miss the ship, it will be very expensive for you to catch the ship at the next port.

Are cruises safe onboard?
In general, cruises are quite safe onboard. Each ship has a staff of security personnel that is always on duty. However, guests should treat a cruise ship like any public place, and be on their guard against theft or personal harm. Leave valuables at home or store them in a stateroom safe or at the purser's office. Passengers should always be aware of their surroundings and in control of their faculties. If you plan on drinking a lot, it's wise to designate one person to remain sober to ensure the safety of inebriated friends.

Where should I keep my valuables?
You can store your valuables in safes that are often provided in each stateroom. If not, there is a ship's safe located at the purser's desk. In general, it's best to leave most valuables at home.

Will I become seasick on my cruise?
All modern ships are equipped with stabilizers to minimize side-to-side rolling. In most cases, you will feel no motion at all. However, if you are prone to motion sickness, it is recommended that you bring medication along with you. Otherwise, medication is available through the doctor onboard.

What if I get sick or need medical attention?
Most cruise ships have a fully equipped medical facility and staff (with doctors and nurses) onboard that can handle almost any emergency. In the event that you may need to seek treatment on land or receive a medical evacuation from the ship, it's always recommended to carry medical insurance as part of your travel insurance policy.

Can I get off the ship if I don't like the cruise?
If you are unhappy while onboard and want to leave the ship, you can get off at the next port-of-call. Arrangements to get home and refunds vary by cruise line.

What about passengers with special needs?
Cruise lines welcome passengers with special needs and will work hard to assist them throughout their cruise. Most modern cruise ships have a number of cabins that are specially designed to accommodate passengers in need of wheelchairs. Service animals are permitted onboard if prior arrangements have been made. Professional medical services are also available on all cruise ships. At least one qualified physician and two registered nurses are normally in attendance on every cruise.

Although the cruise line will do all it can to accommodate passengers with special needs, there are some limitations. Passengers requiring oxygen must meet certain requirements before boarding the ship. Passengers who are entering their third trimester of pregnancy by the beginning of their cruise will not be accepted. In ports-of-call that require tenders to go ashore, wheelchair access may be limited, or may be unavailable if sea conditions are unfavorable. Furthermore, it is highly recommended that passengers with special needs travel with a companion who can provide required assistance.

All passengers must insure that they are medically and physically fit for travel, and that such travel will not endanger themselves or others. It is essential that the cruise line know well in advance if you have any special medical, physical, or other requirements. To receive appropriate assistance, you must inform your travel agent or the cruise line of any special requirements (or other relevant information) in writing at the time of booking. If special needs arise after booking, they must be reported prior to the embarkation date.

Are there children's programs? Is babysitting available?
Kids adapt to shipboard life with ease, and you will not have to wonder what they are up to every minute. Most mainstream and premium cruise lines offer special children's rooms and programs run by trained youth counselors. Children's programs cater to kids of all ages, from toddlers to teens, and provide plenty of supervised activities. Depending upon the cruise line, babysitting is often available for an additional fee.

Are there religious services onboard?
The types of services held onboard depend on the clergy the cruise line invites on each cruise. Some ships provide nondenominational religious services on Sundays and religious holidays, and some offer daily Catholic masses and Friday-evening Jewish services. Although some ships have chapels, services can be held in the ship's library, theater, or private lounges.

Can I bring my pet?
On almost cruise lines, only service animals are allowed onboard by special arrangement. The one exception is the Queen Mary 2's kennel program on transatlantic crossings. The ship has 12 kennels to accommodate traveling dogs and cats.

Is smoking allowed?
Virtually all ships have smoking and nonsmoking sections in lounges and public areas, but most onboard restaurants are now smoke-free. Guests can generally smoke in outdoor areas and on balconies, but some cruise lines restrict smoking in staterooms.

What is the legal drinking age?
The legal drinking age onboard is either 18 or 21, depending on the cruise line and the port of embarkation.

What "extras" can I expect to pay for?
You can expect to pay for taxes, surcharges, and fees, including airport fees, handling fees, departure taxes, and port charges. You should verify which fees and port taxes are included in your cruise rate.

The cost of reaching the ship, airline tickets not booked in your cruise package, shuttle services, or in-port parking fees are not included. You can also expect to pay for the costs - including hotel, transportation, and meal costs - of staying at port before or after the cruise.

While onboard, alcoholic beverages, bottled water, and soft drinks are not included, except on a few luxury lines. You are responsible for tips and all onboard extras such as gambling, spa treatments, boutique purchases, photos, Internet access, and ship-to-shore calls.

Expenses while in port, including taxis, entertainment, and optional off-ship meals, are not included. You can also expect to pay for most shore excursions and all onshore shopping purchases. Travel insurance is extra as well.

How much do I tip?
Because tipping is a personal matter, most cruise lines do not include gratuities in the cruise fare, with the exception of a small number of luxury lines. While tipping guidelines may vary slightly between cruise lines, the following is a standard suggestion:

• Dining room waiter: $3.50 per person per day
• Cabin steward: $3.50 per person per day
• Assistant waiter: $2 per person per day
• You may also wish to reward your head waiter or maitre d' if they have performed some special service for you.

For your convenience, a 15 percent gratuity is automatically added to all bar bills when you are served. All other gratuities are paid at the end of your cruise, in cash. Some ships will also allow you to charge gratuities to your onboard account.

What can I purchase while onboard?
Most ships have gift, jewelry, and clothing boutiques onboard. In addition, there is a photography studio where you can purchase photos by the ship's photographers, or have your film developed.

What services can I expect onboard?
For a fee, you can indulge in the ship's spa services, which provides facials, massages, manicures, hairstyling, and other treatments. Photography and laundry services are also available for a fee.

Are there laundry services onboard?
Yes, almost all cruise ships have laundry facilities onboard, and a great many provide dry-cleaning services. There is an additional charge for professional laundry and dry-cleaning services, but most ships also have self-service launderettes.

Can others contact me, and can I contact others, while onboard?
Every ship has a phone number that can be used to contact you while the ship is at sea. This information will be included in your cruise documents. If you need to call home, ship-to-shore calling is available, but is very expensive as it's charged at satellite rates. Most ships now offer cell phone service, but your provider will charge you international roaming rates. Email is available onboard through the ship's Internet cafe or your own Internet-enabled computer. Not surprisingly, shipboard connectivity prices tend to be high.

Are visitors permitted onboard?
For security reasons, most cruise lines have a "no visitor" policy. The only exceptions to this policy are wedding guests attending an onboard ceremony that has been arranged well in advance.

What will my cabin be like?
Cabin size depends on the category you booked. First-time cruisers are often taken aback by the compact design of cabins, which should not be compared to hotel rooms. They are built for efficiency and to encourage you to use the much larger public facilities onboard the ship. If you requested an outside cabin, you will have a porthole or picture window, depending on your ship's design. Some outside cabins will also have a small verandah. Most cabins have twin beds that can be converted into a queen-size bed, and some have pullout couches or bunk beds that pull down from the walls.

Your cabin steward is there to make your stay comfortable, whether to change the bed configuration to suit your desires, or to bring you extra towels, pillows, or blankets. Many of the newer ships have safes in the rooms, and TVs that show current movies and provide general cruise information.

Is it worth the extra money for an oceanview cabin?
This is a matter that depends on your budget and how much time you plan to spend in the cabin. If you can afford the extra money to move up to an oceanview cabin, you will probably feel you got your money's worth. The lowest category of outside cabins are not necessarily bigger than inside cabins, but they do provide natural light, which some cruisers prefer.

Can I switch cabins if I don't like the one I get?
If you do not like your cabin, notify the purser's desk as soon as possible. If the ship is full, you probably will not be able to move. However, depending upon the circumstances, the purser will work with you on your problem.

When can I upgrade my cabin?
If you book your cruise and do not get the cabin category you prefer, you can be placed on a waiting list for a different cabin. Once a higher-category cabin opens up, you will be charged the difference. You can also check during the embarkation process to see if a higher-class category is available. If it is, you will pay the difference to upgrade.

How much food is there?
Cruises are notorious for the variety and large amounts of food. With breakfast, brunch, lunch, mid-afternoon snacks, tea, dinner, midnight buffet, and room service, there are many eating opportunities.

What are different meal seatings?
Some ships' dining rooms can accommodate all passengers during one seating, but most ships have two seatings that differ only by time slot. To choose a seating, just decide whether you prefer to dine early or late, then have your travel agent or cruise line request your preference when you book your cruise. Certain cruise lines offer open seating (guests can dine anytime during set hours), and Norwegian Cruise Line lets guests eat when they choose at any of a number of smaller restaurants. In addition, some ships offer alternative dining options, such as themed restaurants or particular cuisines such as Italian, Asian, and French.

Are special diets available?
Most ships can accommodate salt-free, low-carbohydrate, Kosher, or other diet preferences. However, special diet requests must be made in advance, so be sure to advise your travel agent of your requirements when you book your cruise.

Can I order room service?
Most cruise lines offer 24-hour room service at no extra charge.

What kind of activities can I participate in while onboard?
It is amazing how much you can do on a cruise. Cruise ships are like floating resorts with all the amenities they have to offer. You can be by yourself and lie back in a lounge chair, soak up the sun, read a good book, or watch the changing view. You can also join in exercise classes, dance classes, sports contests, and other organized deck activities. Perhaps you would like to practice your tennis stroke or golf swing, or shoot some baskets? Other activities include watching a feature movie, attending a lecture by a renowned expert, and playing backgammon or bridge. You can also go for a swim, stretch out in the sauna, or work out in the gym. Some newer ships have ice skating rinks, rock-climbing walls, onboard surfing, bowling alleys, miniature golf, and outdoor movies.

What is there to do at night?
Cruise ships can be quite lively at night. There's dancing and live entertainment in the lounges and discos, feature films, and parties. Most ships also have casinos. There are also many special events like the captain's cocktail party, Las Vegas and Broadway-style shows, magic acts, and the late night buffet.

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.

How do I find out about shore excursions?
Prior to the cruise, most cruise lines will include the available shore excursion information in your cruise documents. Sometimes, information is available on the cruise line's website. No matter what, you will always be able to get information about the tours through the ship's shore excursion desk, which is staffed with personnel who can answer all your questions.

Can I celebrate a special occasion onboard?
Yes, just inform your travel agent or cruise line prior to sailing, and they can make the necessary arrangements for you.

How much time will I have at each port?
The layover time at each port-of-call ranges from half a day to several days, and varies by cruise line and itinerary. In most cases, the ship will arrive in port in the morning and depart in the early evening.

What activities or excursions can I expect? How much extra will they cost?
Every port offers a variety of shore excursions from sightseeing tours to adventure activities, beach shuttles, restaurant visits, shopping trips, and booze cruises. A list of options is available online, in your cruise documents, or at the ship's tour desk. Costs range from as little as $20 to as much as several hundred dollars per excursion, and vary by itinerary and cruise line.

Is food provided while at port?
Food is not provided off the ship unless you take a shore excursion that specifically states that a meal is included. The only exception is on cruise line's private islands where the ship's crew comes ashore to serve a buffet lunch.

How much can I expect to spend while at each port?
How much you spend at port varies by excursion costs, personal preferences, and shopping habits.

Will there be buying pressure?
More than likely, locals will bombard you with offers for things like local tours and crafts anytime you are in port. These locals make their living by selling to the tourists, so there will be some pressure. Whether or not you wish to participate is entirely up to you.

How do I exchange money at port?
You can easily exchange money while in port through ATM machines or at local banks. You can also exchange money prior to the cruise at a bank or at the airport. Once onboard, you can exchange money at the purser's desk.

Can I stay on the ship while it's at port?
Yes, you can stay onboard the ship and enjoy all its amenities and cuisine while others are at port.

What if I miss the ship while at port?
All guests are required to be aboard the ship no later than 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time, which is listed in the ship's daily activity bulletin and posted at the gangway. The scheduling of all shore excursions conforms to this requirement. However, if you miss the boat, it will be your responsibility (and expense) to secure transportation to reach the ship at the next port.

What if there is bad weather on port days?
Weather is unpredictable, but knowing all the possible weather situations before you go will help you plan your wardrobe accordingly, allowing you to enjoy a destination more thoroughly. Most shore excursions take place rain or shine.

Are ports safe?
The majority of ports are safe. However, a large ship full of tourists is prey for local criminals. The fact that you are on the ship pre-labels you as wealthy in comparison to most of the locals in many parts of the world. The more you know about the specific port and country, the better. Always avoid drawing attention to yourself, wearing expensive jewelry, and displaying large amounts of cash. Lastly, do not drink or use substances that could impair your judgment.