What does a quote include?
What do you get on board for the money you paid?
What should I consider when choosing my stateroom?
What is a guaranteed stateroom?
When is the best time to book your cruise?
How can I pay for my cruise?
What’s there to do on board?
What’s there to do in port?
Is a cruise vacation safe?
Is a cruise family friendly?
Do I need a passport?
What does a quote include?
When you get a quote for the cost of the cruise, make sure you understand the bottom line – exactly what does that quote include. The quote is usually on a per person basis.
First let’s look at what’s included in a cruise quote. There are three basic parts of a cruise vacation quote. 1. The cost of the stateroom. 2. The port fees (the cost added to each passengers fare for docking the ship at the pier). 3. The government taxes and fees. Most of the time the port fees are included in the quote, but not always. Government taxes are generally not included in online quotes and will depend on the length of your cruise. A lower price may be misleading, as it may not include everything.
Additional items that can be contained in your quote may include roundtrip air transportation and gratuities. Be specific as to whether you want these included. If the cruise line will be supplying your air transportation from your hometown to the port of departure, the cost of the air fare portion is usually quoted separately and will effect the cost of the government taxes and fees. Transfers will be included. Be clear on this point, because whether the cost of air is included or not, is often the easiest place for a serious misunderstanding. Onboard gratuities can be included in your quote and we talk more about those below.
Travel insurance is almost never included in your quote unless you ask for it, as it is an optional item. So, in summary, your mandatory costs are probably the sum of:
Your stateroom fare + port charges + government taxes and fees. Roundtrip air transportation, including transfers to and from the airport, and onboard gratuities are separately stated.
What do you get on board for the money you paid?
Included are all of your food, entertainment shows, dance lounges and use of facilities. If you would like to partake of alcoholic beverages, bottled water, or soft drinks (on most ships) expect to pay extra for them. At meals juices, milk, coffee and tea are available for no charge.
Although it is not "mandatory", the cruise staff that takes care of your every need makes their living from gratuities. Onboard gratuities are generally given to your table and assistant waiter and your cabin steward. For budgeting purposes plan on tips adding $10.00 per person / per day. Therefore, if a couple goes on a 7-day cruise, they would expect to give a total of $140.00 in gratuities at the end of the cruise. Some cruise lines will automatically add these gratuities to your onboard account. Others will give you the option of doing so.
Items NOT INCLUDED in your cruise are those of a personal nature, such as a visit to the beauty salon, photos, or portraits from the ship's photographer, or a trip to the ship's casino.
The costs of shore excursions are also NOT INCLUDED. Tours can greatly vary in price and description. We highly suggest you take the time to research the shore excursions that may interest you. Usually you may purchase these excursions online. Please note that shore excursion operators are subcontracted by the cruise lines and the cruise line is not responsible for your enjoyment.
Shopping, of course, is extra and purchases that you make from the ship's shops or ashore are subject to U.S. Customs duty & possible charges. You are limited to the amount of goods you may bring back into your country duty free so it is always advisable to know that information before you begin making your purchase
What should I consider when choosing my stateroom?
The location of your stateroom can be an important decision. Although the passenger staterooms are generally located on specific decks, public rooms will also be interspersed on those decks. You should be aware of where your stateroom is located in connection with the public rooms. If you tend to turn in early, you probably don’t want a stateroom above, below or near the disco. If you have difficulty walking, you want to try and get a stateroom near an elevator. You should know that often times the staterooms on higher decks are the same size as those on the lower decks but the higher deck staterooms are generally more expensive.
There are three basic "kinds" of staterooms (also called cabins): Balcony, Ocean View (also called "Outside" cabins) and Interior (also called inside cabins). Each kind of stateroom is divided into categories and the category of the stateroom will effect the price. Here are a few things to consider:
Balcony staterooms are located on the exterior wall of the ship and are so named because they have a small balcony to which you have access. Depending on the type of balcony stateroom desired, the size of the balcony will vary. Suites are larger balcony staterooms and will have various additional amenities. These type staterooms are generally the most expensive. However, many feel the opportunity to spend romantic evenings in the moonlight or seeing spectacular scenery from your private veranda well worth the added cost.
Ocean View staterooms are located on the exterior wall of the ship as well, and are so named because there is a window, which allows you to see outside and the ocean. Inexperienced cruisers may be of the misconception that ocean view staterooms are located beneath the water’s surface. This is not the case. You should be aware that the windows might vary in size from a porthole to a full-length picture window. The size of the window will be determined by the category of ocean view stateroom selected. These type staterooms are suggested for customers who might be a little claustrophobic. The window provides a glimpse into the day ahead and makes your cabin feel more like home.
Interior staterooms have no windows and are so named because they are located inside the corridors of the ship. These type staterooms are generally the least expensive. You should know that passengers in the interior staterooms are afforded the exact same amenities as those in any other stateroom category. These staterooms are great for people who need plenty of darkness for sleeping; however, when you awaken, it may be difficult to know whether it’s night or day.
What is a guaranteed stateroom?
Most often when you book a cruise, you are assigned a stateroom. You know the specific cabin you will be occupying. You will be able to look in your cruise lines brochure at the ship deck plan, and see exactly where the cabin is located. You specify your stateroom guidelines and your travel professional will do their best to accommodate you. But what about a possible upgrade? An upgrade is probably the most over-used and over-rated word in the cruise industry. If you are assigned a specific stateroom, the odds of getting a free upgrade are remote. What is an upgrade? It means you pay for a certain category stateroom and possibly get a higher priced stateroom. Remember, the upgrade is not guaranteed. What is guaranteed is that you will get at least the type of stateroom you paid for and the possibility exists that you may get an upgrade. But the cruise line has complete control over where that stateroom is located. You may end up right underneath the disco or above the show lounge or you may end up in a perfect mid-ship location. One more thing to consider, if you’re traveling with friends or family, there is no guarantee the staterooms will be in close proximity. Your cruise consultant can help you weigh all the options. That’s the value of a travel agent.
When is the best time to book your cruise?
NOW! You figured we would say that didn’t you? But it’s true and here’s why. It is not unusual for some cruises to sell out almost a year in advance. Cruise lines used to offer great last minute sales; however, with the increase in security, this is becoming increasingly rare. Also the cruise lines are trying to honor the early booking clients by not lowering the rates. In most cases, the price of a cabin will go up the closer you get to the sailing date, sometimes as much as $450.00 or more. For best pricing and availability, we suggest booking as early as possible, especially if your booking a holiday sailing, spring break sailing, any sailing from June through mid-August or when multiple parties are traveling together. We recommend at least 9-12 months, longer if you want a balcony or suite, or need a cabin for more than two persons.
How can you pay for your cruise?
There are two basic ways: credit card or check. Most clients like to pay both their cruise deposit and final payment with a credit card. The payment information is relayed to the cruise line. Remember it should be the cruise line that debits your credit card, not the travel agency. Paying by check can be a bit more complicated and risky. Cruise lines only accept checks written by a Bonded & Licensed Travel Agency. This means that your travel agent must first deposit your check into the agency account, and then write a check to the cruise line. Because of the length of the cruise line options, timing could become an issue. Many banks require 3 days or more for an out of state check to clear (funds to actually become available). Depending on when your cruise option is set to expire, your travel agent may require you to pay with a Bank Cashier Check or Money Order, and send it by overnight or priority mail. And if you plan on making your final payment by check, your agent may require final payment two weeks earlier to give your check time to process through your bank and your travel agency time to write a check and send it to the cruise line.
Cruise lines have established cancellation guidelines and penalties, which are strictly followed. Cancellation policies do vary by cruise line, so it is important that you familiarize yourself with the guidelines and penalties of your specific cruise line. Like other Terms and Conditions related to your cruise, the cancellation policy is listed in the back of the cruise line brochure.
Remember you must give your travel agent sufficient time to contact the cruise line and process your cancellation. Cancellation penalties are imposed on a chronological basis so the closer you get to your cruise, the higher the penalty assessed.
It is important to note that these penalties are imposed by the cruise lines and are not influenced in any way by Cruisenegotiators. No matter how special your case is, it is very unlikely the cruise line will waive any penalty terms. Even if you would like to re-book for a different sailing date, you almost always still pay the penalty. That’s why travel protection is so important. All cruise lines offer the insurance for a fee or you can purchase travel protection from an independent company, such as CSA Travel Protection.
Deciding not to get insurance and accepting the risk is a personal decision. But, accepting the risk and then trying to go back to the cruise line and plead a special case is much like trying to talk an Auto Insurance Company to retroactively give you collision damage coverage after you've had your auto accident!
What’s there to do on board?
As much or as little as you’d like. How active you want to be is up to you. While at sea, you can relaxon a deck chair, work on your suntan, read a good book, play cards, participate in pool games, try your luck in the casino and so much more.
You can stay in shape with exercise classes, visit the health club, enjoy a relaxing sauna or massage. And at night there's lots of entertainment from Broadway-style revues to stand-up comics and musicals to specialty acts. Go dancing or just enjoy the music of every style and preference, from Top 40 hits to the oldies to country to big band. And don’t forget to take time to experience a beautiful sunset.
What’s there to do in port?
Again, as much or as little as you’d like. Your choices are almost endless. Perhaps you’d prefer a leisurely walk through an exotic port of call or shop for those bargains you’ve heard so much about? Or if you’d like to be a little more active, take an organized sightseeing tour or visit a world-renowned beach. Explore the many wonders of the sea life below as you snorkel on the surface of clear Caribbean water. Take a helicopter ride to the top of a glacier or swim with the dolphins. Wherever your cruise takes you, there’s an exciting world for you to experience.
Is a cruise vacation safe?
According to the FBI and the U.S. Coast Guard, a cruise is among the safest of travel options. Of course that's contrary to what the media would have you believe. All passengers are subject to metal detection every time they board the ship and all luggage is screened prior to being loaded onto the ship.
You may also have heard about travelers getting sick on board cruise ships. The likelihood of getting a virus on board a cruise ship is no better or worse than anywhere else. Any time you have a lot of people in a confined area, such as an office building, vacation resort, your home, a school, nursing home or church, you run the risk of getting flu like symptoms from incidental contact. The best defense against catching the flu is to wash your hands frequently. Many cruise ships even have hand sanitizers placed at the gangway and at other locations throughout the ship. The media loves to sensationalize the reports but in fact, the number of cases on board cruise ships represents less than .01% of all cruise passengers annually.
Is a cruise family friendly?
Some of the most satisfied passengers are the kids! Most major cruise lines have special children’s programs separated into specific age groups and all are run by children’s’ counselors with college degrees. And children, who represent the third or fourth person in the stateroom, travel at a reduced rate, so you save money as well!
Your children will be busy all day and best of all, the cruise staff looks after them, freeing you up to enjoy your vacation too!
Do I need a passport?
At the present time you do not need a passport to cruise, as long as your cruise ship leaves from and returns to a U.S. port. A passport is required for all air travel to Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda. Beginning January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), will be required to present a valid passport. Our suggestion would be to apply well in advance of your trip as the closer we get to the deadline, the processing time will be increasingly longer. Your cruise 800 travel professional will be able to advise you of the documentation needs. You may also click here for additional information (link to http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html ) Click on traveling to the Caribbean and then on FAQ's.
