TOP TEN REASONS TO CRUISE:

1 Choose to cruise for VALUE. One price buys your cabin, dining, entertainment and more.

2 Choose to cruise for ROMANCE. Secluded beaches, en suite dining on a balcony overlooking the ocean and spa services for two are just some of the romantic pursuits available.

3 Choose to cruise for CUISINE. Tantalize your taste buds with gourmet fare that showcases exotic ingredients, old standbys like pizza and ice cream or spa cuisine for a healthy alternative. Depending on your mood, dine in a traditional ballroom setting, a small bistro or a casual eatery.

4 Choose to cruise for VARIETY. With over 150 distinctive ships, 1800 ports-of-call and an unbelievable array of places to see and things to do, there is a perfect cruise for you. For even more choice, consider a pre- or post-land tour.

5 Choose to cruise for ACTIVITIES. Fill your days with sightseeing, sports activities, cultural lectures, educational tours led by naturalists and historians or simply lounge by the pool and relax. At night, enjoy dance extravaganzas,
musical revues, gaming or a quiet evening gazing at the stars.

6 Choose to cruise for SIMPLICITY. Don't come back from your vacation needing a vacation. Planning a cruise is simple; We can handle all of the details. Once you're on board, nearly all expenses are pre-paid... talk about hassle-free.

7 Choose to cruise for NEW LIFE EXPERIENCES.  Fall asleep in one destination and awake to a new one... and you don’t have to pack and unpack again!

8 Choose to cruise for FAMILY. Families love cruising. Children's programs, kid-friendly menus and tours of the ship will keep your children happy, while affording you some time alone.

9   Choose to cruise for PAMPERING. Regardless of your budget, all cruise lines pamper their guests with first-class service around the clock.

10        Choose to cruise for SATISFACTION. It's a fact that cruises have a higher percentage of satisfied customers than any other vacation experience.

But most importantly choose to cruise for YOU. You can have the vacation of a lifetime, see the world, completely unwind, take a walk on the wild side, dance the night away, feast on fabulous cuisine, learn something new, make friends, bond with your family, steal quiet moments with your spouse. Whatever your heart desires is yours, when you choose to cruise.        

(Back To Previous Page)

TRUTH, FACTS AND LIES

1/ Who cruises?

Every day, more and more people are discovering the all-inclusive pleasures of a cruise vacation. More singles, families, couples, honeymooners, second honeymooners and groups of friends are sailing away on the vacation of their lives. Last year alone approximately seven million people enjoyed a cruise vacation.   So each ship will have passengers from all segments of life.  So no matter how old or young you are; single or married; traveling with kids or grandparents; when you sail you will find people sharing similar likes and dislikes.

2/ Isn’t cruising expensive?

Cruising is the best vacation value! There are cruise vacations to suit every budget. Your cruise fare includes meals, your stateroom, on-board activities and entertainment, plus transportation from port to port. You'll know what your vacation will end up costing you before you go. (Typically, your only extra expenses will be drinks, specialty restaurants, optional shore excursions, and personal services such as massage or hairstyling.) Do a cost comparison of a cruise to the total cost of other vacations. You'll be amazed!

3/ Motion sickness?

Probably not.  Popular cruise itineraries sail some of the calmest waters in the world. In addition, stabilizers on modern ships, availability of advance weather information, and development of effective preventative medications have, for the most part, eliminated the incidence of motion discomfort.  Keep in mind, that with the major cost of the new cruise ships, Captains are sure to sail around any storms that could possibly damage the ship in anyway.  But if you find yourself feeling a bit ‘queasy’, make your way to the purser’s desk.  Some lines offer complementary seasickness pill but if not they will direct you to the Doctor’s office who usually offers a pill or an injection to eliminate your symptoms.

4/ Will I get bored or feel confined?

NO WAY! Being at sea gives you a feeling of total freedom that no land-based resort can offer. There's plenty of room. And it will probably take you two or three days just to discover everything that's on board. Plus, you get the added adventure of exploring many exciting ports of call.

Cruise ships are floating resorts with all the choices fine resorts have to offer. You can lie back in a lounge chair, breathe in the sea air, soak up the sun, read good books, or watch the ever-changing seascape.  If you're more active, join in exercise or dance classes, and sports contests. Practice your tennis stroke or golf swing, or take some fresh air on the jogging deck. On some of the latest ships, you can ice skate, bowl or rock climb.  Plus you can swim, stretch out in the sauna or work out in the gym. You can also see a feature film, attend an enrichment lecture by experts, play backgammon or play bridge. And that's just when you're on board!

5/ Aren’t all ships the same?

Far from it!  Ships range from intimate and yacht-like to vessels stretching longer than three football fields. You can sail with fewer than 100 fellow guests or with more than 4,000. Enjoy atmospheres ranging from casual to formal, contemporary to classic. You can even choose sail-assisted ships. Enjoy the endless activities offered on a contemporary resort-style cruise, or immerse yourself in the culture of a destination on a special interest cruise.

6/  Is this all too good to be true?

Normally, if it sounds too good to be true, it is.  BUT with cruising, it just seems to be getting better and better.  Cruise Lines try to out-do each other in service, food and entertainment.  The result is better food, service and entertainment on ALL the cruise lines;  a no-loose situation for cruise passengers.  The one complaint we hear time and again is that cruises end far too soon!  Beyond that, it's hard to find any negatives. All you have to do is relax and enjoy your vacation.  Most importantly, every crew and staff member on board is dedicated to making your cruise the best vacation of your life (until you top it with your next cruise!)        

(Back To Previous Page)

HOW TO FIND YOUR PERFECT CRUISE

There are cruises designed to suit virtually every interest and personal preference.

The choices include: boutique, luxury cruises with globetrotting itineraries; large, contemporary ships with a fantastic array of recreational facilities; classic vessels evoking the time-honored traditions of cruising; special-interest or exploration cruises specializing in unique destinations with an accent on cultural enrichment.

There are cruise lines that feature soft adventure expeditions to such unusual and rustic frontiers as Antarctica, the Amazon rain forest or African Serengeti. Or discover historical legacies closer to home with enlightening itineraries to New England, French Canada and the Colonial America coast.

So initially, we suggest you make a list of your preferences – how do you want to spend your time:  on beautiful beaches, shopping, visiting historic sites, museums, viewing wildlife?    From this list we can determine some itinerary choices for you.                                                           

Next, you will need to consider the type of cabin you would like to sail in.  There are inside rooms that do not have windows; rooms with windows of varying sizes; ones with balconies and even suites with lots of luxury space and special features.  If you are a person who will not be in your room much, it may not matter if you do not have a window.  But this is a personal preference.  When you call us, talk more with our cruise counselors about this.  We were all first time cruisers once too.  Our well cruised staff can provide the information to allow you to make an informed decision!

BE SURE NOT TO PURCHASE ANY AIR TICKETS BEFORE YOUR CRUISE IS CONFIRMED.  Space on both the ship and the airlines is constantly in flux.  So it is imperative that you have your cruise space confirmed before you buy your air tickets.  I can not tell you how horrible we feel when we have quoted (NOT confirmed) a cruise vacation and when people call back they have purchased their air tickets but the cruise space is gone.         

(Back To Previous Page)

WHAT TO DO BEFORE YOU SAIL

The time between when you deposit on your cruise and when you sail will pass much more quickly than you can imagine. This is the time to make sure all your buoys are in a row!!!  Make a list.   Remember, anything you can do in advance of sailing day should be.  Departure day is exciting.  You don’t want it to get spoiled by last minute ‘stuff’.   We feel the following items should make your check list.

~       Check all your confirmations to ensure all the information is correct.  It is very important that names on your confirmation match EXACTLY the names on your passport.  Any mistakes could cost you money to have them corrected if noticed in time OR cause you to be denied boarding if not caught until boarding time. 

~      Locate your passport and ensure it will be valid for at least 6 months from the day you returned from your cruise.  This is part of the new Home Land Security requirements.

~       The same way, check your documents as soon as you receive them for any mistakes.  We double check them in house but ‘to err is human’ so be divine and check them again.

~      If you have booked your air through the cruise line, you can call for your flights about 30 days before you sail.  At that time, it is important to call the airline directly to book your seats if they are available.

~       All cruise lines require pre cruise registration done either via a completed long form or on-line.  If you have the on-line capability, it is much easier to go on line and have it done with.  If not, you will receive a form from us to complete and either mail or fax into the cruise line directly.  This registration MUST be done at least 3 weeks before boarding or you may be held up at the pier completing another form. 

~      When you receive your documents, you will receive emergency contract information to be left behind.  Find it and make extra copies.  As you get closer to sailing, you will realized you want to leave this emergency information with more people than you originally thought.  You don’t want to be searching for it at the last minute.

~      Get directions to the pier or airport so you can calculate the time needed to get to the port or the airport.  Remember security has increased the time needed to process through lines so be sure to leave yourself enough time to avoid problems and high anxiety.

~       Once you have deposited, you can begin investigating the shore excursions that are offered at the ports you will be visiting.  A complete list is offered on the Cruise Lines web site.  Most Cruise Lines do not allow you actually book excursions until 60-30 days prior to sailing BUT this varies by Cruise Line and itinerary.  With so many options to choose from, it is wise to begin exploring your choices early.        

(Back To Previous Page)

SAILING DAY / EMBARKATION

         DO NOT MISS THE BOAT.  There are so many variables in life, be sure to plan for the unexpected on sailing day to ensure your arrival at the pier in plenty of time to board.  Leave enough time to travel in a relaxed state of mind and when traveling – earlier is always better.

 Upon arrival at the pier, there will be plenty of ship personnel as well as Port Authority people to help you through the check-in process.  There is normally some waiting time involved.  It is a fun people-watching time but if you tend to get bored, you may want to bring a book, magazine or crossword.

         Do not pack your paper work.  It sounds silly but you cannot imagine how many people do it when packing.  At the last minute they end up putting their documents in a safe place which ends up getting checked in as luggage.  Not good.

        Your luggage will be delivered to your room or left just outside your door by the ship porters.  When you find it has arrived, bring it inside your room but leave the unpacking for later – there is so much more important things to do and explore right now.

        If you have not already booked your shore excursions, once on board, go to the shore excursion desk to book those excursions you know you want to choose.  Some tours do sell out so if you have your heart set on a special snorkeling tour, or sunset sail, book it sooner rather than later.

         With so many dining options, if you know you would like to celebrate a special night dining in a specialty restaurant, now is the time to book it.  These restaurants do book up.  To avoid disappointment, make your reservations as soon as you can.  Sometimes, due to the lack of demand on the first night at sea, the restaurants offer a ‘special’ rate.  So, if you are interested, go to the restaurant of choice and ask.

        The same holds true for spa and salon appointments.  Book early to get your preferred treatments and appointment times.

       Your first day on board is a day of discovery. You will be sure to find a spot created just for  you.  But as you discover the ship, be sure to take note of the MANDATORY Muster Drill.  You must go to your cabin for your life preserve then make you way to your appointed Station.  Attendance is mandatory and will be recorded.  If you miss it, you will be required to take the second drill, usually very early in the morning on a day in port.

        Finally do not miss the sail away.  Nothing compares to the feelings you get as the horns blow, people party and you sail away from your port. But I must admit, sail away is best experienced while sipping a glass of champagne!!!        

(Back To Previous Page)

LIFE ABOARD

Cashless Community: you may have heard the term before but on the ship it is a reality.  You receive a card upon check-in that doubles as a door key.  You use this card to charge anything you purchase while on board from souvenirs in the shops, treatments at the Spa , shore excursions, to, as noted before, all drinks.   Most cruise lines ask you to register a credit card when you complete your personal information form specifically to make this cashless society work more smoothly

 Added Expenses:  Cruises are advertised as ‘all-inclusive’ although there are some added expenses you should expect and be watchful of to avoid an excessively large bill on your last day.  

            Alcohol and most soft drinks – Some of the luxury lines include alcohol as part of your cruise cost but most cruise lines do not.  Iced tea, tea and coffee are normally offered complementary in the dining room and at the buffet areas.  On the new modern ships, coffee and tea plus delightful snacks of sandwiches and cookies are available 24 hours a day.  Be watchful as you can be caught off guard. Sometimes, the ‘drink of the day’ is offered in a unique Souvenir glass. Find out the cost difference- you are paying extra for the glass.

If you are a soda drinker, most cruise lines offer a ‘soda fountain’ package.  For one cost, you get unlimited soda during the entire cruise.  Think about how much you will drink over the trip and decide if the plan is good for you.  Also note that even ships offering complimentary soda, may not include all locations.  You may have unlimited soda on deck but not if you order it anywhere else on the ship.

            Shore excursions are additional except on most European Riverboat cruises.  These, sometimes unique and sometime ordinary, tours can add up especially on port intensive or exotic itineraries.  Destinations like Alaska or Europe almost require the purchase of shore excursions to ensure you capture the most of the adventure as possible.  In all probability, you will not be returning to these ports again so you want to see and do as much as possible.  If you prepay the excursions, some cruise lines apply the cost to your credit card but most times, this charge is applied to your shipboard account to be settled at the end of your cruise.

            Tipping: to again, avoid the use of cash (and I am sure to allow the cruise lines to keep better records) the cruise lines charge tips to your account each day.  When purchasing a service or drink, a 15 % gratuity is automatically added to your bill when you sign for the charge.  Even gratuities for you room steward, dining room server and assistance are now being automatically charged to your shipboard account.  The charge is normally $10 per person per day but fluctuates based on the ship and the type of accommodation you have purchased.  Some cruise lines provide envelopes at the end of the cruise for you to give the respective crew member.  Be sure to know the policy before you sail so you can plan accordingly if you need cask for the envelopes

            Laundry: if you ask to have laundry or pressing done by the ship’s staff, there will be a fee.  A few ships (Holland America & Princess) offer self-service laundry facilities but it seems to be a thing of the past.  People are just packing more in case they spill on their favorite blouse or shirt.        

(Back To Previous Page)

LAST PORT (disembarkation)

The day you have been dreading is here and you have to leave the ship.  Just a few tips to make the day go a bit easier

Packing & Luggage handling:  most cruise lines require you to pack your bags the night before you disembark and place them outside your stateroom by a specific time.  Porters then collect then and store them in a place convenient for moving them off the ship quickly in the morning.  They will be  waiting for you on the pier.  This process helps quicken disembarkation BUT, in your hast, do not forget to o leave out items and clothes you need for the morning.   I have seen people who forgot and had to disembark in their pajamas!!!!

Tipping – if the cruise line has included the gratuities in the cost of the cruise or they have been added to your shipboard account, you are all set.  If not, be sure to have envelopes and cash ready to distribute before disembarking the ship.

Settling your account – on the last night of your cruise, you will receive an itemized bill of your week’s charges.  Take time to look it over.  If you have a dispute, contact the purser to hotel desk about making changes.  If you do not have a dispute, keep the bill as your receipt. 

The total will be charged against the credit card you have already  registered via your Personal Information Form

Disembarkation process – every cruise line, ship and port has a different disembarkation process simply because of the different physical structure of each.   To address this, the cruise director will offer a talk the day before to explain the disembarkation process and procedures.  We highly recommend that at least one person from every party attend this talk as details do change.   For your convenience, the talk may also be offered continuously on the TV that day so you can view it in your stateroom.       

 (Back To Previous Page)

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN

Cruises are an ideal setting for a family vacation. Most large ships are designed with kids-only facilities and offer counselors, planned activities and babysitting. Again, 'most' cruise lines welcome children to travel on their ships, though there is a minimum age to travel. It varies from as young as 12 weeks to 4 months old and even to 6 years old. On cruise lines with full youth programs, parents can plan their vacation knowing they will be able to relax and enjoy themselves while their children are being well taken care of, making new friends, and having fun!

Plan with your kids and let them know what to expect when they embark on the ship. Show them pictures of the ship and the ports. This will help alleviate any anxiety they may feel in a new place. Once aboard, spend time introducing little ones to the facilities. Maybe even just drop in for a while just to play together. But to ensure you enjoy your cruise to the fullest, plan for younger ones to spend some time playing in the children’s programs, so you can enjoy the romantic dinner you have been waiting for. You just may find they feel it is so much fun being in the children’s area, it may be difficult to get them to leave!

Children’s Programs

The children’s programs on most ships are flexible to fit your schedule. Your kids can decide to spend one hour in a day or all day every day! Depending on the line, the kids are divided into various age ranges and will have their own area of the ship. Most programs have the standard video games, scavenger hunts, and art projects. Each of the cruise lines will offer something a little bit different than the competition. Some cruise lines allow children to stay on board while you take a shore excursion. Some do not allow parents to leave the ship with out the children. BE sure to check if that is important.

Teen Programs

Teens are entertained throughout the day and into the evening on a cruise ship. Cruise ships create facilities, often with a coffee shop atmosphere during the day and a swinging teen dance club at night. They are free to come and go as they choose. Activities where teens can meet with other teens are arranged throughout the cruise. They can enjoy social interaction with peers their own age at pool parties, teen discos, and special theme parties. There are all types of trivia contests, games, and sports including basketball, volleyball, and ping pong. pizza parties, beach parties… the list of teen friendly activities is endless.        

(Back To Previous Page)