Cruise101
10 popular questions
1. Are there discounts for groups?
The standard minimum group size 8 double occupancy cabins or16 travelers, often cruise lines will add perks such as a complimentary meeting space or onboard credit.
2. Does the ship have traditional cruise dining, in which the passengers are told when, where, and with whom they'll be eating?
Some do, the others don’t. Many cruise lines offer both options. If so, request your time slot when you book your cruise and specify that your group must dine together.
3. Are there specialty restaurants?
If you would like to have a nice meal together one night, make a reservation as early as possible. Alternative restaurants are growing in popularity and tend to fill up quickly. Also: Find out in advance if a surcharge will be applied to the meal.
4. Do we need to worry about a dress code?
Some cruise lines have a relaxed dress code during the day, some call for "country-club casual" throughout the cruise, and others have formal nights, when proper attire can range from fun cocktail dresses to full-length formal gowns.
5. What types of official ID should we bring?
In addition to your passport (at least six month valid beyond the end of travel), some destinations require visas. Find out what you'll need early, so you have time to apply for the proper documentation.
6. What organized tours does the cruise line offer at each port?
Ships give passengers a range of onshore tour options, from leisurely bus tours to thrilling zip-line excursions. If you wants to go on any of these, book early while there's still space for all of you. You can also book tours independently or explore on your own. Either of those options is usually cheaper, but knows that getting back to the ship on time is your responsibility. The captain will almost always wait if you're on one of the tours the cruise line has arranged, but no if you're on your own.
7. Does the cruise line offer special rates for pre- and post-cruise hotel stays? Do these deals include transfers to and from the ship?
Always find out the hotel's rates when book separately to make sure you're actually getting a deal. Also, some hotels will let you park your car in their lots for the duration of the cruise, saving you the fees for parking at the port.
8. Can we book transportation to and from the departure port through the cruise line?
Some cruise lines offer package fares that include airline tickets. Lines also have air/sea departments that will offer to book your tickets for you. The service is convenient, but the price isn't always the best; compare what it would cost if you bought the tickets on your own.
9. What's the policy on deposits and refunds?
Policies depend on the cruise line, your rate code, trip length and time of travel(for example, holiday cruise or adventure cruise has more strict policies). A seven-night cruise usually requires a deposit of about $250 or 20% total cruise fare; the full amount is usually due 75 to 90 days before departure. Refund rules vary, too, but most lines allow you to cancel with no penalty up to one day before your final payment is due.
10. What is a fuel surcharge, and how much will I pay?
In response to the rising cost of fuel, cruise lines now tack on a fuel surcharge. It's usually per person, per cabin, and per day (with a maximum amount). You pay it on top of your cruise fare—and the cruise lines reserve the right to increase it at any time.
Choosing Your Cruise
You can find great values on cruises during shoulder seasons, which are just before and after high season. For the Caribbean and the Mexican Riviera, this is post-spring break (usually late March) through May, and late fall. For Alaska,
it's May and September. If you're bound for New England or Canada, go during the window of time after the leaves have changed but before they've fallen from the trees—think late October. No matter where you're heading, the best fares are between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and just after New Year's.
Feeling brave? You can find deals during hurricane season, especially mid-August through October. Please make sure to invest in travel insurance!
Another way to save is to book a trip on a repositioning liner, when cruise lines move ships from one region to another for a new season. Routes include transatlantic crossings, when lines transfer vessels between Europe and the Caribbean, and coastal voyages, when ships travel from Alaska to the Mexican Riviera and from Canada and New England to the Bahamas and the Caribbean. There's one caveat to the great prices: These are one-way trips, so you'll embark in one city and depart in another—which means the airfare can be costly.
Beware of school-holiday periods: Presidents' Day weekend, spring break, Christmas, and New Year's are among the priciest sailings. They're also hugely popular with traveling families—and dodging other people's kids is no one's idea of a
getaway.
Staying on a Budget
Imbibe wisely
Beverages aren't included in the price of most cruises. If you plan to order soft drinks or alcohol, ask about all-you-can-drink soda deals or cocktail specials.
Exercise caution
Spa treatments are offered at resort-price levels, and most fitness classes run about $10 to $20. (Note: Packages are often available.) Many ships now have thermal-treatment rooms and thalassotherapy (sea-water) pools, which start around $10 a day. Fitness facilities, locker and steam rooms, however, should never cost extra. And there are often spa-treatment deals when the ship is in port.
Beware food fees
Alternative eateries charge $10 to $35 per person for dinner. This covers a meal, but not drinks.
Be your own guide
Cruise lines have increased the variety of shore excursions, but only a few cruises—mostly river and barge lines—include them in your ticket price. Research port cities before your cruise and organize your own outings.
Factor in the tip
Gratuities run from $10 per person per day and usually will be billed to your account. For some cruise lines, you can ask that the amount be adjusted higher or lower at the purser's desk.
Cabins 101
Cabin fever
Embarking on a cruise feels very old-world glamorous—until you open the door to your cabin and wonder where the room went. A typical cabin is about 165 square feet. Most have twin beds that can be pushed together to make a queen, and some have upper berths that fold out from the walls or the ceiling.
Special rooms
Cruise lines are designing a variety of cabin styles, like spa cabins, which are close enough to the spa that you can wander over in your bathrobe. Some include exclusive entry into spa-style restaurants. Expect to pay 20 percent more for
these rooms.
If you've got the budget, consider one of cruising's splashiest suites. A Royal Caribbean Presidential Family Suite sleeps 14 and feels like a cottage at sea, and Norwegian Cruise Line's Garden Villas sleep six and include a garden, a hot tub, and a butler.
Stateroom location
Worried about motion sickness? Stay in a stateroom on a lower deck in the ship's midsection, where the rocking is at a minimum. Light sleepers should avoid cabins under nightclubs, which stay open late, and under the buffet venue, which
opens early. Also, rooms next to traffic-heavy areas like elevators may get noisy. But if you want to avoid trekking all over the ship, a cabin near an elevator lobby will serve you well—the major attractions will probably be nearby.
Money matters
Cruises are priced per person, not per cabin. So that three-night Bahamas getaway for $399 doesn't mean you and your roomie get to go for $199.50 a piece. You each pay $399 (third and fourth roommates get a reduced rate) plus government tax and fuel surcharge. If you want to sleep solo, ask about single-supplement fares.
Amenities
Staterooms have toiletries in the bathrooms and a few hangers in the closets. Most cabins have hairdryers. More
and more cabins have mini fridges—some empty, others with food and drink for sale. You're not likely to find an iron in your cabin. You can press your clothes in the ship's laundry room or pay for the dry-cleaning and pressing service.
1. Are there discounts for groups?
The standard minimum group size 8 double occupancy cabins or16 travelers, often cruise lines will add perks such as a complimentary meeting space or onboard credit.
2. Does the ship have traditional cruise dining, in which the passengers are told when, where, and with whom they'll be eating?
Some do, the others don’t. Many cruise lines offer both options. If so, request your time slot when you book your cruise and specify that your group must dine together.
3. Are there specialty restaurants?
If you would like to have a nice meal together one night, make a reservation as early as possible. Alternative restaurants are growing in popularity and tend to fill up quickly. Also: Find out in advance if a surcharge will be applied to the meal.
4. Do we need to worry about a dress code?
Some cruise lines have a relaxed dress code during the day, some call for "country-club casual" throughout the cruise, and others have formal nights, when proper attire can range from fun cocktail dresses to full-length formal gowns.
5. What types of official ID should we bring?
In addition to your passport (at least six month valid beyond the end of travel), some destinations require visas. Find out what you'll need early, so you have time to apply for the proper documentation.
6. What organized tours does the cruise line offer at each port?
Ships give passengers a range of onshore tour options, from leisurely bus tours to thrilling zip-line excursions. If you wants to go on any of these, book early while there's still space for all of you. You can also book tours independently or explore on your own. Either of those options is usually cheaper, but knows that getting back to the ship on time is your responsibility. The captain will almost always wait if you're on one of the tours the cruise line has arranged, but no if you're on your own.
7. Does the cruise line offer special rates for pre- and post-cruise hotel stays? Do these deals include transfers to and from the ship?
Always find out the hotel's rates when book separately to make sure you're actually getting a deal. Also, some hotels will let you park your car in their lots for the duration of the cruise, saving you the fees for parking at the port.
8. Can we book transportation to and from the departure port through the cruise line?
Some cruise lines offer package fares that include airline tickets. Lines also have air/sea departments that will offer to book your tickets for you. The service is convenient, but the price isn't always the best; compare what it would cost if you bought the tickets on your own.
9. What's the policy on deposits and refunds?
Policies depend on the cruise line, your rate code, trip length and time of travel(for example, holiday cruise or adventure cruise has more strict policies). A seven-night cruise usually requires a deposit of about $250 or 20% total cruise fare; the full amount is usually due 75 to 90 days before departure. Refund rules vary, too, but most lines allow you to cancel with no penalty up to one day before your final payment is due.
10. What is a fuel surcharge, and how much will I pay?
In response to the rising cost of fuel, cruise lines now tack on a fuel surcharge. It's usually per person, per cabin, and per day (with a maximum amount). You pay it on top of your cruise fare—and the cruise lines reserve the right to increase it at any time.
Choosing Your Cruise
You can find great values on cruises during shoulder seasons, which are just before and after high season. For the Caribbean and the Mexican Riviera, this is post-spring break (usually late March) through May, and late fall. For Alaska,
it's May and September. If you're bound for New England or Canada, go during the window of time after the leaves have changed but before they've fallen from the trees—think late October. No matter where you're heading, the best fares are between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and just after New Year's.
Feeling brave? You can find deals during hurricane season, especially mid-August through October. Please make sure to invest in travel insurance!
Another way to save is to book a trip on a repositioning liner, when cruise lines move ships from one region to another for a new season. Routes include transatlantic crossings, when lines transfer vessels between Europe and the Caribbean, and coastal voyages, when ships travel from Alaska to the Mexican Riviera and from Canada and New England to the Bahamas and the Caribbean. There's one caveat to the great prices: These are one-way trips, so you'll embark in one city and depart in another—which means the airfare can be costly.
Beware of school-holiday periods: Presidents' Day weekend, spring break, Christmas, and New Year's are among the priciest sailings. They're also hugely popular with traveling families—and dodging other people's kids is no one's idea of a
getaway.
Staying on a Budget
Imbibe wisely
Beverages aren't included in the price of most cruises. If you plan to order soft drinks or alcohol, ask about all-you-can-drink soda deals or cocktail specials.
Exercise caution
Spa treatments are offered at resort-price levels, and most fitness classes run about $10 to $20. (Note: Packages are often available.) Many ships now have thermal-treatment rooms and thalassotherapy (sea-water) pools, which start around $10 a day. Fitness facilities, locker and steam rooms, however, should never cost extra. And there are often spa-treatment deals when the ship is in port.
Beware food fees
Alternative eateries charge $10 to $35 per person for dinner. This covers a meal, but not drinks.
Be your own guide
Cruise lines have increased the variety of shore excursions, but only a few cruises—mostly river and barge lines—include them in your ticket price. Research port cities before your cruise and organize your own outings.
Factor in the tip
Gratuities run from $10 per person per day and usually will be billed to your account. For some cruise lines, you can ask that the amount be adjusted higher or lower at the purser's desk.
Cabins 101
Cabin fever
Embarking on a cruise feels very old-world glamorous—until you open the door to your cabin and wonder where the room went. A typical cabin is about 165 square feet. Most have twin beds that can be pushed together to make a queen, and some have upper berths that fold out from the walls or the ceiling.
Special rooms
Cruise lines are designing a variety of cabin styles, like spa cabins, which are close enough to the spa that you can wander over in your bathrobe. Some include exclusive entry into spa-style restaurants. Expect to pay 20 percent more for
these rooms.
If you've got the budget, consider one of cruising's splashiest suites. A Royal Caribbean Presidential Family Suite sleeps 14 and feels like a cottage at sea, and Norwegian Cruise Line's Garden Villas sleep six and include a garden, a hot tub, and a butler.
Stateroom location
Worried about motion sickness? Stay in a stateroom on a lower deck in the ship's midsection, where the rocking is at a minimum. Light sleepers should avoid cabins under nightclubs, which stay open late, and under the buffet venue, which
opens early. Also, rooms next to traffic-heavy areas like elevators may get noisy. But if you want to avoid trekking all over the ship, a cabin near an elevator lobby will serve you well—the major attractions will probably be nearby.
Money matters
Cruises are priced per person, not per cabin. So that three-night Bahamas getaway for $399 doesn't mean you and your roomie get to go for $199.50 a piece. You each pay $399 (third and fourth roommates get a reduced rate) plus government tax and fuel surcharge. If you want to sleep solo, ask about single-supplement fares.
Amenities
Staterooms have toiletries in the bathrooms and a few hangers in the closets. Most cabins have hairdryers. More
and more cabins have mini fridges—some empty, others with food and drink for sale. You're not likely to find an iron in your cabin. You can press your clothes in the ship's laundry room or pay for the dry-cleaning and pressing service.
