| FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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| 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 cruise fare includes: ship board accommodations in cabin category purchased, use of all onboard public facilities including pools, spas, saunas, gyms, ocean transportation to ports of call, all meals onboard ship including breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, midnight buffets (most ships) and 24-hour complimentary room service (most ships), all of your basic beverages including coffees, teas, milk and juices (soft drinks and alcohol must be purchased from the bar), onboard entertainment including shows, entertainers, bands, games and activities are complimentary. Casinos and bingo are at your own risk. (Your only extra expenses will be drinks, optional shore excursions and personal services, such as spa treatments, and ship to shore phone or fax. | CERTIFICATES
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| ARE ALL SHIPS AND CRUISES FAIRLY SIMILAR? | |||
| Far from it. CLIA member lines shipsrange from under 200 feet to over 1,000 feet. You can sail with anywherefrom fewer than 100 fellow passengers to over 2,600. Experience atmospheresranging from casual to formal, classically simple to ultradeluxe. You caneven choose between traditional propeller-driven craft, sail-assisted cruiseships, or even a paddle-wheel river boat. | ||||
| WHAT IS REQUIRED TO PURCHASE A CRUISE? | |||
| A deposit only is required to confirmyour cruise vacation. Most 3 and 4 day cruises require a deposit of $100per person with a final payment normally due 60 days prior to sailing.Most 7 day cruises require $250 to $300 per person deposit (varies by cruiseline)with a final payment normally due 60 days prior to your sail date. | ||||
| WILL I GET BORED? FEEL CONFINED? | |||
| Hardly. Being at sea gives you a feelingof freedom few places can offer. Theres plenty of room. And itll probablytake you two or three days just to discover whats on-board. Plus, youget the added adventure of exploring new and exciting ports of call. Cruiseships are like floating resorts with all the choices fine resorts haveto offer. You can be by yourself and lie back in a lounge chair, breathein the sea air, soak up the sun, read good books, or watch the ever-changingview. Or, you can join in exercise classes, dance classes, sports contestsand other organized deck activities. Perhaps you can practice your tennisstroke or golf swing, or shoot some baskets. You can go for a swim, stretchout in the sauna or work out in the gym. You can see a feature movie, attenda lecture by renowned experts, play backgammon or bridge. And thats justwhen youre on-board! | ||||
| DOES THE CRUISE LINE OFFER AIRFARE TO GET ME TO THE CRUISE? | |||
| Yes, the cruise lines do offer airfarefrom most major air cities within the U.S. and Canada for most cruises.When purchasing airfare as a package from the cruise line, you are confirmingyour transportation from your air city to the ship and return after thecruise. The cruise lines do not issue flight schedules until 30 days priorto your cruise. Air schedules are at the sole discretion of the cruiseline (if you are in need of an exact airline schedule, you must requestan air deviation with your cruise specialist, additional fees may rangebetween $35 to $50 for air deviations, plus additional air cost, if any).The cruise lines do reserve the right to substitute charter air/commoncarrier service without prior notice. | ||||
| WHATS THERE TO DO AT NIGHT? | |||
| At night, life aboard a cruise ship reallyturns on. Theres dancing, live entertainment in nightclubs, discos andlounges, feature films, and parties with all your new friends. Most shipshave casinos. There are also many special events like the Captains CocktailParty, Passenger Talent Night, the Masquerade Parade, the Late Night Buffet(just for one last bite to tide you over til breakfast). And the nightcan go on as long as you want. Even until the spectacle of sunrise at sea. | ||||
| HOW DO I PAY FOR MY CRUISE? | |||
| CRUISE123 will take payments by majorcredit card, personal checks, money orders or bank cashiers check. Whenpayment is made by check, the check must be made payable to Cruise Marketing & Travel. We will send an agency check to the cruise line for your payment. | ||||
| IS CRUISING RIGHT FOR HONEYMOONERS? | |||
| Without a doubt. Cruising offers an atmospherethats just right for romance . . . . cozy dinners for two, strolling ondeck at sunset, dancing the night away (even under the stars) and so muchmore to remember forever. Most cruise lines provide special services -from Sunday or Monday departures to welcome champagne and breakfast inbed. (And, speaking of beds, most ships have them in double, queen, orking sizes! Also, some ships offer special programs for performing a marriageceremony or renewing your marriage vows in port. | ||||
| WHAT ARE CANCELLATION PENALTIES? | |||
| If you should need to cancel your cruise,cruise lines do definitely have penalties for cancellation on every ship,penalties will vary by cruise line, destination and length of cruise. Cruise123can inform you of penalties when you book your cruise. | ||||
| SHOULD I PURCHASE TRAVEL PROTECTION? | |||
| Cruise123 highly recommends the purchaseof travel protection for every cruise we offer. Coverage can include, butnot limited to: trip cancellation due to medical emergency, illness ordeath for your immediate family or traveling companions (pre-existing conditionsif travel protection is purchased at time of booking, trip interruption,trip delay, baggage protection, medical expense coverage and emergencyevacuation. | ||||
| WHAT SHOULD I PACK? | |||
You definitely want to travel preparedfor both daytime and evening, as well as on land or at sea. Warm Destinations: Resort wear,shorts, slacks, sundresses, jeans are all appropriate daytime attire. Besure to take a sweater or jacket along for occasional cool evenings. Bringcomfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunhat or visor, swim wear, andsunscreen. For formal evenings, cocktail dresses or gowns are recommendedfor the ladies, and the men wear a jacket and tie or tuxedo. On the informalevenings, just about anything but shorts is fine. If you forget to packsomething, dont worry, the shops onboard ship sell everything from beadedgowns to sunscreen. Cool Destinations: These climatesare a little tricky. The air temperature at sea is moderated by the coolor cold ocean temperature, something like standing in an open door of arefrigerator. Yet on land, it can be quite warm. You want to pack longpants, sweaters, mittens, warm hat and sunglasses for sightseeing. Shortsand long pants, windbreakers, walking shoes, sun hats and sunglasses onland. Indoors on ship should include resort wear as well as formal attiresuch as cocktail dresses or gowns recommended for the ladies, jacket andtie or tuxedo for the men. | ||||
| WILL I REALLY NEED A TUXEDO? | |||
| On some cruises, formal dinners or partiesare part of the fun. But dont buy a tuxedo just for the trip. If you dowant to dress to the nines, many ships offer tuxedo rental services. Evenon the most formal of ships, a dark suit and tie are fine for the dressiestoccasions. | ||||
| HOW DO I PAY FOR ON-BOARD EXPENSES? | |||
| For your convenience, an on-board roomaccount will be set up for you at time of check-in. Virtually everythingon-board ship may be charged to your room account, so that you do not haveto carry cash. Your account will be settled the last day on ship, and maybe applied to most major credit cards, cash or travelers checks. | ||||
| ARE THERE LAUNDRY SERVICES ABOARD? | |||
| Almost all cruise ships have laundry facilitiesand a great many provide dry-cleaning services. There is, however, an additionalcharge for professional laundry and dry-cleaning services. Most ships alsohave self-service launderettes. | ||||
| WHAT ABOUT FOREIGN CURRENCIES? | |||
| Travelers checks and currency exchangeis available at prevailing rates at the pursers desk. | ||||
| WHAT ARE CUSTOM ALLOWANCES? | |||
| U.S. Citizens are allowed $400 worth ofmerchandise when returning to the United States from abroad. Passengersover the age of 21 may also bring 1 quart of liquor or wine and 200 cigarettes.Non U.S. Citizens should check with their local authorities for customallowance information. | ||||
| HOW MANY SUITCASES CAN I TAKE? | |||
| Most cruise lines allow luggage up to200 pounds per person. However, if you are traveling by air, your airlinemay have different restrictions. Please contact your airline for restrictions. | ||||
| WHAT TIME IS DINNER? | |||
| You may request early or late seatingfor your meals. Most cruise lines offer a main seating (normally 6-6:30pm) or a late seating (normally 8-8:30 pm) for dinner. Lunch is early (noon)or late (1:30 pm) in conjunction with your dinner seating. Breakfast isnormally an open seating from 7 am to 9 am. Remember, you also have 24-hourcomplimentary room service if you choose to have a meal in your cabin. | ||||
| CAN I GET A SPECIAL DIET? | |||
| Most ships can accommodate salt-free,low-carbohydrate, Kosher, or other diet preferences. However, this requestmust be made in advance, so be sure to advise your CLIA-affiliated travelagent of this requirement when you book your cruise. | ||||
| WILL I NEED AN ELECTRICAL CONVERTER? | |||
| Most ships have 110 volts AC. However,some high-voltage hair dryers, electric rollers and electric razors mayrequire a converter. | ||||
| WHAT ABOUT SPECIAL NEEDS? | |||
| Wherever possible, the cruise lines tryto accommodate passengers with physical or mental disabilities. All shipshave staterooms designed for people with physical disabilities. Any conditionor disability that may require special attention must be reported to thepassenger courtesy department when cruise reservations are made. Passengerstraveling with wheelchairs, please be advised that cabin doors are normally22" wide, bathroom doors are 20" wide, and there is a 3" lip to the shower.Elevator service may not be available to all decks of the ship. | ||||
| IS THERE A DOCTOR? | |||
| Yes, physician and nurse are on-boardeach ship. Customary charges will be made for all medical care and services. | ||||
| PREGNANCY? | |||
| Expectant mothers, most cruise lines willrequire a medical certificate establishing your due date and fitness totravel. The cruise line will make every effort to accommodate you. Pleaseinform your cruise specialist of your condition so that they make you awareof any other conditions or restrictions that may apply by each individualcruise line. | ||||
| SHORE EXCURSIONS? | |||
| Shore excursions can be purchased at theshore excursion desk on-board ship. If you prefer to go on your own, informationabout ports of call will be available at the shore excursion desk. | ||||
| WHATS THERE TO DO IN PORT? | |||
| So much youll have a hard time choosing!You can go off on your own. Or take a guided tour. You can search ancientruins or hunt for shopping bargains. Ride a raft over river rapids, a bicycledown the side of a 10,000 foot volcano, or ride a horse across miles ofhills and beaches. Climb a waterfall or pyramid. See the birthplace ofcivilization or listen to steel drum bands. Follow the footsteps of historyor the wake of a water-skiing boat. If theres still time, play golf ortennis. Eat native foods. Learn how to windsurf. Sun and swim at some ofthe worlds best beaches. Catch a record marlin. Sail, snorkel, or go scubadiving. Go to a nightclub or glittering casino. Take a cable car to thetop of a mountain. Explore dark catacombs. In short, a cruise is the easiestway to see new places and do all the things you dream of. Cruising is theperfect way to sample a number of destinations that you may want to returnto for another vacation ..... and you never have to pack and unpack - thedestinations come to you! | ||||
| SPECIAL CELEBRATIONS? | |||
| To help you celebrate your special occasion,you may purchase wine, fruit baskets, champagne, birthday cakes, canapés,flowers or other gifts for your cabin. A gifts catalog will be includedwith your cruise documents. Additionally, the cruise lines offer complimentarycelebrations at dinner for your special occasion. Please inform your cruisespecialist of any special occasion you wish to have celebrated. | ||||
| WHAT IF I NEED TO CALL HOME? | |||
| Most ships now offer phones in your cabinthat may be used to call anywhere in the world via international marinesatellite. A word of caution, use of these phones are very expensive, normally$10 per minute from the moment you dial, and including through satelliteconnection (not from when the phone rings). Even the shortest call is normally$30. We recommend that phone calls be made sparingly or in emergency situationsonly. | ||||
| TIPPING? | |||
When on ship you will enjoy the servicesof a wonderful waiter, busboy and cabin steward. You will have the samewaiter, busboy and cabin steward throughout your entire cruise. You willnot tip until your last day on-board ship, at which time 3 tip envelopeswill be left in your cabin for you. Recommended tipping guidelines:Waiter: $3.00 per day per personAny on-board purchases made such as alcohol,beauty salon and spa service already include a 15% gratuity. Other staffmay be tipped as services are rendered. | ||||
| ARE CHILDRENS FARES FREE? | |||
| Several cruise lines will allow childrenunder the age of 2 to travel in the same cabin as third or fourth passengersfor free, plus port taxes. Normally children will travel at a reduced thirdor fourth passenger fare. Reason: U.S. Coast Guard regulations dictatethe maximum number of passengers allowed on each ship. Children are passengerstoo. When a child travels, it may mean that another passenger will notbe allowed to travel, as these ships normally reach passenger capacitybefore the ships cabins are sold out. | ||||
| ARE THERE CHILDRENS PROGRAMS? | |||
| Most cruise lines have wonderful childrensprograms available on-board ship. These programs vary by cruise line, andare normally available to children ages 3 to 17. Programs include coordinatedand supervised parties, dances, games and activities throughout the cruise.Most cruise lines will offer activities or babysitting for the evenings. | ||||
| DO I NEED A PASSPORT? | |||
| It is the passengers responsibility toprovide acceptable proof of citizenship. This proof will vary by destinationand citizenship of the traveling passengers. There are no refunds to passengersdenied boarding lack of proper documents. U.S. Departures: U.S. and CanadianCitizens need photo I.D. with a passport, original birth certificate orcertified copy of birth certificate with raised seals. U.S. Resident Aliens** need Alien residentcard with photo I.D. Citizens from other countries** need validpassport and valid U.S. multiple re-entry visa. ** Resident aliens and citizens from othercountries must contact the appropriate consulate to inquire about any additionaltravel documentation requirements. Non U.S. Departures: All passengers mustcontact the appropriate consulate to inquire about necessary travel documentationrequirements (normally passports and visas). These requirements vary bythe countries being visited and the citizenship of each of the travelingpassengers. Please consult your cruise specialist for the exact documentationrequirements for your cruise. | ||||
| WHERE CAN I KEEP MY VALUABLES? | |||
| Many cruise lines now offer in-cabin safesfor your valuables and cash. Additionally, most cruise lines offer securityenvelopes and/or safe deposit boxes at the pursers desk at no charge. Thecruise lines and CRUISE123.COM are not responsible for valuables left incabins or elsewhere on-board ship. | ||||
| ARE VISITORS ALLOWED? | |||
| No, sorry. Cruise lines will not allowvisitors due to security reasons. Only ticketed traveling passengers willbe allowed on ship. On-board weddings in ports of call are allowed an advanceguest list, and will be allowed boarding per cruise line regulations. | ||||
| PETS? | |||
| With the exception of seeing eye dogsor dogs for the disabled, no pets will be allowed on-board ship. | ||||
| To receive a cruise quote - call 1-800-394-3708 | ||||
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| 1~800~394~3708 Albuquerque Callers Dial Local: 881~8222 www.cruise123.com |
| Brought to you by Cruise Marketing & Travel Official Travel Agency for the Cruise Industry Cruise Lines International Association Member Cruise 123 and Honeymoon Vacations are subsidiaries of Cruise Marketing & Travel |