TIPS BEFORE YOU CRUISE
Documents
In order to check in for your cruise, you must have two (2) forms of ID. You must have a certified birth certificate or a
passport. Please check with your travel agent to insure you can use a birth certificate for your particular cruise. You will
also need a government issued, photo ID. The name on your ID MUST exactly match the name on your reservation. If it
does not, contact your travel agent and have this corrected immediately. The cruise line can deny you boarding if this is not
correct. Passports are HIGHLY recommended! We suggest you get one before cruising. Once you have applied for your
passport, it can take several weeks before it arrives so be sure to apply for it well in advance of your cruise. Click here to
see how to apply for your passport.
The cruise lines are also requiring that passengers complete immigration and pre-boarding information online prior to the
cruise. You will need to print off the cruise documents after your final payment has been made and take them with you to
the dock when checking in. Doing this will speed your check in time.
Your Flight
We always try to fly in the day before the cruise departs. This is not necessary but, in our experience, it saves a lot of worry
about flight delays or cancellations and lost or delayed luggage concerns. If you do fly in the same day as the cruise, allow
yourself sufficient time to get from the airport to the dock. You must be checked in at least one and a half hours prior to the
ship's departure. You also need to allow sufficient time for your return flight. Most cruise lines suggest you book your
departing flight no earlier than 1:00 PM. Remember - Check with your airline regarding their size, quantity and weight limits
for your luggage. Remember that most air lines now charge a fee for your checked luggage. SOME CRUISE LINES
ALSO HAVE WEIGHT AND SIZE RESTRICTION FOR YOUR LUGGAGE! Check with your travel agent for
information about any restrictions your cruise line may have.
Choosing a Cabin
Accommodations on board the ship are referred to as either a "Stateroom" or "Cabin". Both of these terms mean the same
thing. Be sure to choose your cabin carefully. The middle of the ship has the least amount of motion and the front of the
ship having the most motion. If you are at all claustrophobic, you will want to avoid an inside cabin. These staterooms are
very small and have no windows. They are usually smaller then the other types of cabins on the ship. Cabins with a port
hole or a window might suit you better. The best option is a cabin with a balcony. They are usually larger than other rooms
and enable you to go outside and sit on your own private balcony. The balcony cabin usually has at least two chairs and a
table on them. If you are traveling with a family, most newer ships have larger cabins designed for families. These are larger
in size and sometimes have a separate sleeping areas. For a much larger cabin, you could choose a Junior suite, a regular
Suite or an Owners Suite. If you have any accessibility concerns, there are also handicap accessible cabins. There are few
of these types of cabins available on board the ship. If you need an accessible cabin, book early and be sure to request one
with your travel agent when booking. You will be required to fill out a form showing the need for this type of cabin. This is
an easy form to fill out and your travel agent can submit it for you. All cabins will include a private bath with a shower,
limited closet space, a phone, and television. Some cabins also include a refrigerator, mini bar and a bath tub.
Alcohol Policies
Check with your cruise line about their policies on bringing alcohol on board with you and the age limit for purchasing and
consuming alcohol while on board. Most cruise lines will not allow you to bring your own alcohol on board. Some cruise
lines allow you to bring a bottle of wine, if you are celebrating something special. If you purchase alcohol on board or on
shore, the cruise line will retain your purchase until the end of your voyage. Your purchases will be delivered to your cabin
on the last night of the cruise. The age limit for purchasing and consuming alcohol on board is generally determined by the
age you are when you board the ship, not the age you might be turning while on the cruise. The age limit ranges from 18 to
21 years old.
Sea Sickness
Sea sickness should not be much of a concern. The newer ships now have stabilizers that keep the ship from rocking side to
side. Unless you are in stormy weather, the ships do not have a lot of motion. If this is a concern, pack sea sickness
medication in your carry on bag. However, if you should experience sea sickness (or any other illness) and have no
medication with you, there is an infirmary on board. There is a charge for using this service which will be billed to your sail
card. You can also purchase over the counter medicines in the Sundries store on board, after sail away. If you do
experience sea sickness, ask your cabin steward if they have any sea sickness medicine, as some times they offer them to
passengers at no charge.
Accessibility
On modern ships, nearly everything is handicapped accessible. However, this is not the case on shore and with some shore
excursions. Some destinations require you to step from the ship onto a small tender boat to get to shore. When the ship
docks, some locations have narrow, broken sidewalks. You may also encounter uneven terrain. Many stores are not
handicapped accessible on shore. If you have questions prior to sailing, you should check with the special needs or
accessibility department of the cruise line. They will be able to give you a more detailed description of the area. On board,
the Purser should be able to answer questions about the ports you will be visiting and help you with any special needs you
have while on board. If you have questions before you book your cruise or prior to your sailing, please email us. We have
years of experience cruising with mobility limitations. We have used a mobility scooter while on the ship and can give you
some first hand advise. We can ALWAYS help you in booking your cruise and answering questions about your cruise.
If you have any special dietary needs, be sure to tell your travel agent so he or she can notify the cruise line. This will be
noted on your information in the dining room.
Packing
There are several tips we can give you on packing. For a convenient packing list, click here. Make sure you pack both
casual and dressy clothes. One of the most important things to pack is comfortable shoes. You will do a lot of walking and
comfortable shoes are very important. If you take any kind of medication, be sure to pack it in a carry on bag. Your luggage
may not be delivered to your stateroom for several hours after you have boarded the ship. If you are flying, be sure to pack
your medications in a carry on bad. Remember to check with your airline regarding weight limitations, fees for checked
luggage, number of bags allowed, the allowable size of your carry on and restriction of carry on items. Soft sided luggage is
best. There is very little room to store your luggage in your cabin. Remember, there is usually room under your bed to place
empty luggage. It is a good idea to use brightly colored luggage. If you do not have brightly colored luggage, tie colorful
ribbons on your luggage or use some kind of distinguishing marking. At the end of your cruise, EVERYONE'S luggage is
placed in a large room, grouped by deck floors or color codes. It is very difficult to pick yours out of the 3,000 plus pieces
of luggage.
Documents
In order to check in for your cruise, you must have two (2) forms of ID. You must have a certified birth certificate or a
passport. Please check with your travel agent to insure you can use a birth certificate for your particular cruise. You will
also need a government issued, photo ID. The name on your ID MUST exactly match the name on your reservation. If it
does not, contact your travel agent and have this corrected immediately. The cruise line can deny you boarding if this is not
correct. Passports are HIGHLY recommended! We suggest you get one before cruising. Once you have applied for your
passport, it can take several weeks before it arrives so be sure to apply for it well in advance of your cruise. Click here to
see how to apply for your passport.
The cruise lines are also requiring that passengers complete immigration and pre-boarding information online prior to the
cruise. You will need to print off the cruise documents after your final payment has been made and take them with you to
the dock when checking in. Doing this will speed your check in time.
Your Flight
We always try to fly in the day before the cruise departs. This is not necessary but, in our experience, it saves a lot of worry
about flight delays or cancellations and lost or delayed luggage concerns. If you do fly in the same day as the cruise, allow
yourself sufficient time to get from the airport to the dock. You must be checked in at least one and a half hours prior to the
ship's departure. You also need to allow sufficient time for your return flight. Most cruise lines suggest you book your
departing flight no earlier than 1:00 PM. Remember - Check with your airline regarding their size, quantity and weight limits
for your luggage. Remember that most air lines now charge a fee for your checked luggage. SOME CRUISE LINES
ALSO HAVE WEIGHT AND SIZE RESTRICTION FOR YOUR LUGGAGE! Check with your travel agent for
information about any restrictions your cruise line may have.
Choosing a Cabin
Accommodations on board the ship are referred to as either a "Stateroom" or "Cabin". Both of these terms mean the same
thing. Be sure to choose your cabin carefully. The middle of the ship has the least amount of motion and the front of the
ship having the most motion. If you are at all claustrophobic, you will want to avoid an inside cabin. These staterooms are
very small and have no windows. They are usually smaller then the other types of cabins on the ship. Cabins with a port
hole or a window might suit you better. The best option is a cabin with a balcony. They are usually larger than other rooms
and enable you to go outside and sit on your own private balcony. The balcony cabin usually has at least two chairs and a
table on them. If you are traveling with a family, most newer ships have larger cabins designed for families. These are larger
in size and sometimes have a separate sleeping areas. For a much larger cabin, you could choose a Junior suite, a regular
Suite or an Owners Suite. If you have any accessibility concerns, there are also handicap accessible cabins. There are few
of these types of cabins available on board the ship. If you need an accessible cabin, book early and be sure to request one
with your travel agent when booking. You will be required to fill out a form showing the need for this type of cabin. This is
an easy form to fill out and your travel agent can submit it for you. All cabins will include a private bath with a shower,
limited closet space, a phone, and television. Some cabins also include a refrigerator, mini bar and a bath tub.
Alcohol Policies
Check with your cruise line about their policies on bringing alcohol on board with you and the age limit for purchasing and
consuming alcohol while on board. Most cruise lines will not allow you to bring your own alcohol on board. Some cruise
lines allow you to bring a bottle of wine, if you are celebrating something special. If you purchase alcohol on board or on
shore, the cruise line will retain your purchase until the end of your voyage. Your purchases will be delivered to your cabin
on the last night of the cruise. The age limit for purchasing and consuming alcohol on board is generally determined by the
age you are when you board the ship, not the age you might be turning while on the cruise. The age limit ranges from 18 to
21 years old.
Sea Sickness
Sea sickness should not be much of a concern. The newer ships now have stabilizers that keep the ship from rocking side to
side. Unless you are in stormy weather, the ships do not have a lot of motion. If this is a concern, pack sea sickness
medication in your carry on bag. However, if you should experience sea sickness (or any other illness) and have no
medication with you, there is an infirmary on board. There is a charge for using this service which will be billed to your sail
card. You can also purchase over the counter medicines in the Sundries store on board, after sail away. If you do
experience sea sickness, ask your cabin steward if they have any sea sickness medicine, as some times they offer them to
passengers at no charge.
Accessibility
On modern ships, nearly everything is handicapped accessible. However, this is not the case on shore and with some shore
excursions. Some destinations require you to step from the ship onto a small tender boat to get to shore. When the ship
docks, some locations have narrow, broken sidewalks. You may also encounter uneven terrain. Many stores are not
handicapped accessible on shore. If you have questions prior to sailing, you should check with the special needs or
accessibility department of the cruise line. They will be able to give you a more detailed description of the area. On board,
the Purser should be able to answer questions about the ports you will be visiting and help you with any special needs you
have while on board. If you have questions before you book your cruise or prior to your sailing, please email us. We have
years of experience cruising with mobility limitations. We have used a mobility scooter while on the ship and can give you
some first hand advise. We can ALWAYS help you in booking your cruise and answering questions about your cruise.
If you have any special dietary needs, be sure to tell your travel agent so he or she can notify the cruise line. This will be
noted on your information in the dining room.
Packing
There are several tips we can give you on packing. For a convenient packing list, click here. Make sure you pack both
casual and dressy clothes. One of the most important things to pack is comfortable shoes. You will do a lot of walking and
comfortable shoes are very important. If you take any kind of medication, be sure to pack it in a carry on bag. Your luggage
may not be delivered to your stateroom for several hours after you have boarded the ship. If you are flying, be sure to pack
your medications in a carry on bad. Remember to check with your airline regarding weight limitations, fees for checked
luggage, number of bags allowed, the allowable size of your carry on and restriction of carry on items. Soft sided luggage is
best. There is very little room to store your luggage in your cabin. Remember, there is usually room under your bed to place
empty luggage. It is a good idea to use brightly colored luggage. If you do not have brightly colored luggage, tie colorful
ribbons on your luggage or use some kind of distinguishing marking. At the end of your cruise, EVERYONE'S luggage is
placed in a large room, grouped by deck floors or color codes. It is very difficult to pick yours out of the 3,000 plus pieces
of luggage.
Here are tips on what documents you will need for your cruise, how to book the right cruise, what
to expect while onboard the ship and much more. These tips should answer most of your questions
about cruising. If you have any further questions please contact us at 419-293-2276 or email us at
agents@cruisesnyou.com
to expect while onboard the ship and much more. These tips should answer most of your questions
about cruising. If you have any further questions please contact us at 419-293-2276 or email us at
agents@cruisesnyou.com
BOARDING AND LIFE ON BOARD
Transportation
You may book your transportation to and from the airport with the cruise line when booking your cruise. There is a fee for
this service and it varies depending on which port you are departing from. A representative of the cruise line will meet you
either at the gate or at baggage claim and direct you to their transportation busses. If you do not book this ahead of time,
you can also purchase the cruise line transportation at the airport. Just ask one of the cruise line representatives about doing
this. You will find a representative either at the gate or baggage claim area. If you fly in a day before your cruise, you will
need to go back to the airport to catch the cruise line shuttles.
Another option is to take a taxi or shuttle bus to and from the airport. This is usually much quicker than waiting on the cruise
line bus to fill. However, it may be more expensive, depending on the port you are going out of. If you are flying in the day
before your cruise and stay at hotel, check with the front desk to see if they offer a free shuttle to the cruise port. If not,
there are usually taxi's available at the hotel to transport you to the cruise port. You can also ask the front desk of the hotel
to call a cab for you.
If you live close to the departure port or if you are driving to the port, most cruise port have a parking areas. These parking
areas will charge a fee to park there. If you are staying in a hotel prior to your departure, check to see if they offer a "park
and cruise" rate. Many hotels, close to cruise ports, allow you to park your vehicle at their hotel while you are on your
cruise. They usually will include transportation to and from the cruise port in this hotel rate.
Embarkation & Check-In
When you arrive at the ship dock, Porters will take your luggage and place it aboard the ship. Be sure you do not give them
your carry on bag. Also, be sure you have not packed your cruise documents in your checked luggage. The porters do not
work for the cruise line. Always tip the porters directly, at least $1.00 per bag (we tip $2.00 per bag).
You may have to wait to check-in if you arrive at the dock early. There is a waiting area for passengers. Normally you can
begin check-in by 11:00 A.M. Have your documentation and ID's ready when you go to the check-in desk. At this desk,
you will be asked for: two (2) forms of ID (passport or certified birth certificate and Government issued photo ID), your
pre-boarding pass, (which should be completed online prior to arriving at the port), and a credit card for your onboard
purchases. You will be issued a "credit" card from the cruise line. This is your charge card for all onboard purchases,
including beverages and onboard shopping. This will also be your room key and your ID to get on and off the ship. It is
important that you do not lose this card. It is encoded with your credit card information and it is your ID that allows you to
get on and off the ship at shore. If you do misplace this card, check with the Pursers desk to obtain a new one or to see if
anyone has turned your lost card into them. At check-in, you will be assigned your table number and dining time. This
information usually is written on your sail card. If you do not already have a cabin assigned to you, this is when you will be
given your cabin number.
You may be given a ship Deck Plan. Keep this handy at all times. It guides you to all various facilities on the ship. It's easy to
get lost and this will help you find your way. You will be allowed on the ship around noon time. Please check with your
cruise line or agent to inquire about boarding times. You MUST be at check-in at least 90 minutes prior to your sail time.
There is always lunch ready on the ship when you board - so don't eat lunch prior to boarding!!!
Muster Drills
Before the ship sets sail, every passenger is required to attend the Muster Drill. An announcement will be made over the
loud speaker instructing you to go your muster station. Every passenger must do this. The crew will search cabins to make
sure everyone is at the drill. This is required by the Coast Guard. This drill is designed to show everyone what to do in the
unlikely event you have to abandon ship. This drill will take approximately 15 minutes. Your assigned Muster Station is
located on your cabin door.. If you have any question about where your Muster Station is, ask your cabin steward or any
crew member.
Daily Newsletter
Each evening you will have a "Ship Newsletter" delivered to your cabin. This will detail the times and places for all of the
ships activities. It will also tell you what time each of the dining venues, bars and pools open and close. It will also tell you
what the weather forecast is, information about the next port of call and much more. Here's a TIP - Carry a Hi Liter with
you to mark the activities you are most interested in.
On Board Activities
There is always something going on! Most ships offer a spa, a fitness center and a jogging track. There are usually several
swimming pools and hot tubs for public use. Some ships have movie theaters, rock climbing walls, skating rinks, mini-golf
courses, driving ranges and Flow Riders.
For those who want more relaxing activities, the ships have a library where you can check out books or sit in a quiet area to
read. There is also a card/game room which will have table for playing cards or playing games.
Most cruise lines offer an internet cafe. For a charge you can log on to the internet. Most of the newer ships have Wi Fi
throughout the ship and in the cabins for a fee..
The crew also organizes various activities throughout the cruise. They host talent contests, trivia games, bingo games,
gambling tournaments, swimming pool games and a variety of other activities. Get your bingo cards early! Bingo is very
popular on board! They do a "Jack Pot" Bingo game on every cruise. Other activities include a Las Vegas style shows in
the main show rooms, live bands or DJ's in the lounges, DJ's, sing-alongs and much more. On some cruise lines, they offer
a midnight buffet during the cruise.
Shopping
If you plan to do some shopping on shore, you should attend the Cruise Director's shopping talk. These talks are
informational and entertaining. They will give you guidelines on where to shop for the best bargains and their recommended
stores. Some cruise lines offer guarantees on your purchases, but only at specific stores. In most ports, you can bargain with
the vendors on price. Almost everyone speaks fluent English in the stores. All shops take U.S. currency and prices are
usually in U.S. dollars. However, should you purchase from a shop that does not take U.S. dollars, you can use your credit
card. Be aware that most credit card companies now charge a currency exchange fee.
There are several shops on board the ship as well. These shops sell cruise line logo items, alcohol, tobacco products,
sundries, jewelry and much more.
Shore Excursions
Shore excursions are a wonderful way to experience the sights, culture, and arts of the ports of call. There are several ways
to purchase shore excursions. The cruise line offers a large variety of on shore excursions. You can book these either prior
to your cruise (these must be booked no later then 10 days prior to your sail date), or on board. Either way you reserve
them, book early, as they do sometimes sell out. The best part about booking excursions through the cruise line is, the crew
will guide you to and from the transportation for the excursion and if the tour is delayed, the ship will not sail without you!
You can also purchase tours on shore through local tour companies. Sometimes, this is less expensive. Another option is
finding a taxi and have them take you where you want to go. The taxis are always at the end of the dock. You can bargain
with the taxi drivers on price. Make sure you agree on a price before you get in the cab. Have exact change for the cab or
the driver may try to make you believe they can't make change. The disadvantage to booking excursions on your own is, if
you are delayed and do not get back to the ship on time, the ship could leave without you! In your daily newsletters, there is
always a phone number for the port agent where you can reach the ship. Be sure you ALWAYS take this phone number
with you on shore.
Dining
You have several choices for dining on board. The main dining room is a real treat. You are assigned a specific table and
dining time, which you can dine at each night. You can choose from several items on the menu. The same waiters will be
serving you each night. If your travel agent has informed the dining room staff of any dietary needs you have, your head
waiter should already be aware of this. It won't hurt to mention this to the wait staff to insure they know what your needs
are Depending on the length of your cruise, there are both formal dress nights and casual dress nights. Your daily
newsletter will tell you the type of dining dress code is recommended each evening. Most cruise lines do not allow you to
wear shorts, bathing suits, tank tops, caps/hats or t-shirts when eating in the main dining room. If you want a more casual
dining atmosphere, there are buffets and specialty grills available in different areas of the ship. You can also order room
service 24 hours a day. Room service menu options sometimes are limited to a few select items. Ask your cabin attendant if
there is a special room service menu available for evening dining.
Some cruise lines are now offering "Any Time", "My Time" or "Open" dining. With this option, you can eat in a main dining
room but are not required to eat at a specific time. You can either call each night for a reservation or go to the entrance of
the dining room and request seating. There may be a wait period if you do the later. You will be seated at a different table
each night. Some cruise lines allow you to request the same dining time each night if you like.
There are also "Specialty Dining" available on some ships and on some cruise lines. There is a fee for this type of dining,
ranging from $15 to $75 per person. These meals are served in several courses and are worth the extra money.
On Board Tipping
Tipping is optional but highly recommended. Most cruise lines allow you to prepay your gratuities or they automatically add
them to your cruise charge account on board. Ask your travel agency (hopefully us) about this. This is a real time saver. It
eliminates the hassle of coming up with cash at the end of your cruise for tips. The charges are based on the suggested
tipping guidelines for each cruise line. You can at any time, prior to the last night of the cruise, increase or decrease these tips
on your account. You will be given envelopes on the last night of the cruise to place either your tips in or the vouchers for
your pre-paid tips. Printed on the outside of the envelopes are the department name you are giving a tip to. You can hand
these envelopes directly to the person who served you throughout your cruise. FYI - When purchasing beverages on
board, the gratuities are automatically charged to your sail card and are included on the bill they hand you at the time of
purchase! No need to tip each drink waiter separately.
Traveling with Children
If you are traveling with children, there are many activities especially designed for your children. Each cruise line has their
own children's programs. These activities are age specific. The children are usually grouped by age and are in separate area
of the ship. For a fee, baby sitting services are available on board the ship. Check with your cruise line or with the Pursers
desk for information about these services. If you need a crib in your cabin arrange for this with your cruise line prior to your
cruise. Your travel agent can inform the cruise line for you. Children in diapers are NOT permitted in the pools or hot tubs.
This is a health issue and the cruise line will ask you to remove a child wearing diapers from the pool or hot tub.
Debarkation
On the last night of the cruise, you will need to prepare for debarking the next morning. You will be given forms to fill out
for customs. You will also have to pack and have your luggage sitting out side your stateroom by a specified time. You will
be given color coded luggage tags to place on your luggage prior to setting your bags out. Don't forget to keep clothes
toiletries and medication out for the next morning. On the morning of debarkation, everyone will be told what area of the
ship they are to gather in while waiting for customs and immigration officials to clear the ship. In order to facilitate an orderly
debarkation, passengers are called to leave the ship according to your deck or your color coded luggage tag. If you have an
early flight scheduled, be sure to let the Purser and your cabin steward know in advance. You will be permitted to
disembark earlier than your normal deck assignment.
Most cruise lines now allow "Self Debarkation". If you can carry all of your bags off the ship with no assistance, you can
debark the ship at any time after the ship has been cleared. If you plan to do this DO NOT place your bags outside of your
cabin the last night of the cruise.
Transportation
You may book your transportation to and from the airport with the cruise line when booking your cruise. There is a fee for
this service and it varies depending on which port you are departing from. A representative of the cruise line will meet you
either at the gate or at baggage claim and direct you to their transportation busses. If you do not book this ahead of time,
you can also purchase the cruise line transportation at the airport. Just ask one of the cruise line representatives about doing
this. You will find a representative either at the gate or baggage claim area. If you fly in a day before your cruise, you will
need to go back to the airport to catch the cruise line shuttles.
Another option is to take a taxi or shuttle bus to and from the airport. This is usually much quicker than waiting on the cruise
line bus to fill. However, it may be more expensive, depending on the port you are going out of. If you are flying in the day
before your cruise and stay at hotel, check with the front desk to see if they offer a free shuttle to the cruise port. If not,
there are usually taxi's available at the hotel to transport you to the cruise port. You can also ask the front desk of the hotel
to call a cab for you.
If you live close to the departure port or if you are driving to the port, most cruise port have a parking areas. These parking
areas will charge a fee to park there. If you are staying in a hotel prior to your departure, check to see if they offer a "park
and cruise" rate. Many hotels, close to cruise ports, allow you to park your vehicle at their hotel while you are on your
cruise. They usually will include transportation to and from the cruise port in this hotel rate.
Embarkation & Check-In
When you arrive at the ship dock, Porters will take your luggage and place it aboard the ship. Be sure you do not give them
your carry on bag. Also, be sure you have not packed your cruise documents in your checked luggage. The porters do not
work for the cruise line. Always tip the porters directly, at least $1.00 per bag (we tip $2.00 per bag).
You may have to wait to check-in if you arrive at the dock early. There is a waiting area for passengers. Normally you can
begin check-in by 11:00 A.M. Have your documentation and ID's ready when you go to the check-in desk. At this desk,
you will be asked for: two (2) forms of ID (passport or certified birth certificate and Government issued photo ID), your
pre-boarding pass, (which should be completed online prior to arriving at the port), and a credit card for your onboard
purchases. You will be issued a "credit" card from the cruise line. This is your charge card for all onboard purchases,
including beverages and onboard shopping. This will also be your room key and your ID to get on and off the ship. It is
important that you do not lose this card. It is encoded with your credit card information and it is your ID that allows you to
get on and off the ship at shore. If you do misplace this card, check with the Pursers desk to obtain a new one or to see if
anyone has turned your lost card into them. At check-in, you will be assigned your table number and dining time. This
information usually is written on your sail card. If you do not already have a cabin assigned to you, this is when you will be
given your cabin number.
You may be given a ship Deck Plan. Keep this handy at all times. It guides you to all various facilities on the ship. It's easy to
get lost and this will help you find your way. You will be allowed on the ship around noon time. Please check with your
cruise line or agent to inquire about boarding times. You MUST be at check-in at least 90 minutes prior to your sail time.
There is always lunch ready on the ship when you board - so don't eat lunch prior to boarding!!!
Muster Drills
Before the ship sets sail, every passenger is required to attend the Muster Drill. An announcement will be made over the
loud speaker instructing you to go your muster station. Every passenger must do this. The crew will search cabins to make
sure everyone is at the drill. This is required by the Coast Guard. This drill is designed to show everyone what to do in the
unlikely event you have to abandon ship. This drill will take approximately 15 minutes. Your assigned Muster Station is
located on your cabin door.. If you have any question about where your Muster Station is, ask your cabin steward or any
crew member.
Daily Newsletter
Each evening you will have a "Ship Newsletter" delivered to your cabin. This will detail the times and places for all of the
ships activities. It will also tell you what time each of the dining venues, bars and pools open and close. It will also tell you
what the weather forecast is, information about the next port of call and much more. Here's a TIP - Carry a Hi Liter with
you to mark the activities you are most interested in.
On Board Activities
There is always something going on! Most ships offer a spa, a fitness center and a jogging track. There are usually several
swimming pools and hot tubs for public use. Some ships have movie theaters, rock climbing walls, skating rinks, mini-golf
courses, driving ranges and Flow Riders.
For those who want more relaxing activities, the ships have a library where you can check out books or sit in a quiet area to
read. There is also a card/game room which will have table for playing cards or playing games.
Most cruise lines offer an internet cafe. For a charge you can log on to the internet. Most of the newer ships have Wi Fi
throughout the ship and in the cabins for a fee..
The crew also organizes various activities throughout the cruise. They host talent contests, trivia games, bingo games,
gambling tournaments, swimming pool games and a variety of other activities. Get your bingo cards early! Bingo is very
popular on board! They do a "Jack Pot" Bingo game on every cruise. Other activities include a Las Vegas style shows in
the main show rooms, live bands or DJ's in the lounges, DJ's, sing-alongs and much more. On some cruise lines, they offer
a midnight buffet during the cruise.
Shopping
If you plan to do some shopping on shore, you should attend the Cruise Director's shopping talk. These talks are
informational and entertaining. They will give you guidelines on where to shop for the best bargains and their recommended
stores. Some cruise lines offer guarantees on your purchases, but only at specific stores. In most ports, you can bargain with
the vendors on price. Almost everyone speaks fluent English in the stores. All shops take U.S. currency and prices are
usually in U.S. dollars. However, should you purchase from a shop that does not take U.S. dollars, you can use your credit
card. Be aware that most credit card companies now charge a currency exchange fee.
There are several shops on board the ship as well. These shops sell cruise line logo items, alcohol, tobacco products,
sundries, jewelry and much more.
Shore Excursions
Shore excursions are a wonderful way to experience the sights, culture, and arts of the ports of call. There are several ways
to purchase shore excursions. The cruise line offers a large variety of on shore excursions. You can book these either prior
to your cruise (these must be booked no later then 10 days prior to your sail date), or on board. Either way you reserve
them, book early, as they do sometimes sell out. The best part about booking excursions through the cruise line is, the crew
will guide you to and from the transportation for the excursion and if the tour is delayed, the ship will not sail without you!
You can also purchase tours on shore through local tour companies. Sometimes, this is less expensive. Another option is
finding a taxi and have them take you where you want to go. The taxis are always at the end of the dock. You can bargain
with the taxi drivers on price. Make sure you agree on a price before you get in the cab. Have exact change for the cab or
the driver may try to make you believe they can't make change. The disadvantage to booking excursions on your own is, if
you are delayed and do not get back to the ship on time, the ship could leave without you! In your daily newsletters, there is
always a phone number for the port agent where you can reach the ship. Be sure you ALWAYS take this phone number
with you on shore.
Dining
You have several choices for dining on board. The main dining room is a real treat. You are assigned a specific table and
dining time, which you can dine at each night. You can choose from several items on the menu. The same waiters will be
serving you each night. If your travel agent has informed the dining room staff of any dietary needs you have, your head
waiter should already be aware of this. It won't hurt to mention this to the wait staff to insure they know what your needs
are Depending on the length of your cruise, there are both formal dress nights and casual dress nights. Your daily
newsletter will tell you the type of dining dress code is recommended each evening. Most cruise lines do not allow you to
wear shorts, bathing suits, tank tops, caps/hats or t-shirts when eating in the main dining room. If you want a more casual
dining atmosphere, there are buffets and specialty grills available in different areas of the ship. You can also order room
service 24 hours a day. Room service menu options sometimes are limited to a few select items. Ask your cabin attendant if
there is a special room service menu available for evening dining.
Some cruise lines are now offering "Any Time", "My Time" or "Open" dining. With this option, you can eat in a main dining
room but are not required to eat at a specific time. You can either call each night for a reservation or go to the entrance of
the dining room and request seating. There may be a wait period if you do the later. You will be seated at a different table
each night. Some cruise lines allow you to request the same dining time each night if you like.
There are also "Specialty Dining" available on some ships and on some cruise lines. There is a fee for this type of dining,
ranging from $15 to $75 per person. These meals are served in several courses and are worth the extra money.
On Board Tipping
Tipping is optional but highly recommended. Most cruise lines allow you to prepay your gratuities or they automatically add
them to your cruise charge account on board. Ask your travel agency (hopefully us) about this. This is a real time saver. It
eliminates the hassle of coming up with cash at the end of your cruise for tips. The charges are based on the suggested
tipping guidelines for each cruise line. You can at any time, prior to the last night of the cruise, increase or decrease these tips
on your account. You will be given envelopes on the last night of the cruise to place either your tips in or the vouchers for
your pre-paid tips. Printed on the outside of the envelopes are the department name you are giving a tip to. You can hand
these envelopes directly to the person who served you throughout your cruise. FYI - When purchasing beverages on
board, the gratuities are automatically charged to your sail card and are included on the bill they hand you at the time of
purchase! No need to tip each drink waiter separately.
Traveling with Children
If you are traveling with children, there are many activities especially designed for your children. Each cruise line has their
own children's programs. These activities are age specific. The children are usually grouped by age and are in separate area
of the ship. For a fee, baby sitting services are available on board the ship. Check with your cruise line or with the Pursers
desk for information about these services. If you need a crib in your cabin arrange for this with your cruise line prior to your
cruise. Your travel agent can inform the cruise line for you. Children in diapers are NOT permitted in the pools or hot tubs.
This is a health issue and the cruise line will ask you to remove a child wearing diapers from the pool or hot tub.
Debarkation
On the last night of the cruise, you will need to prepare for debarking the next morning. You will be given forms to fill out
for customs. You will also have to pack and have your luggage sitting out side your stateroom by a specified time. You will
be given color coded luggage tags to place on your luggage prior to setting your bags out. Don't forget to keep clothes
toiletries and medication out for the next morning. On the morning of debarkation, everyone will be told what area of the
ship they are to gather in while waiting for customs and immigration officials to clear the ship. In order to facilitate an orderly
debarkation, passengers are called to leave the ship according to your deck or your color coded luggage tag. If you have an
early flight scheduled, be sure to let the Purser and your cabin steward know in advance. You will be permitted to
disembark earlier than your normal deck assignment.
Most cruise lines now allow "Self Debarkation". If you can carry all of your bags off the ship with no assistance, you can
debark the ship at any time after the ship has been cleared. If you plan to do this DO NOT place your bags outside of your
cabin the last night of the cruise.
If you have additional questions, please e-mail Karen at: karen@cruisesnyou.com If this page was helpful, we'd
love to know! If you have any other suggestions or tips, we'd like to hear those too. Please email us with any
comments, question or suggestions!
We have experience in getting the BEST cabins available. Call Karen or Glenn today at 419-293-2276!! We
run this from our home and are available many more hours of the week then most travel agencies!
If you have a group of at least 8 cabins, please contact Karen. She can set your group up. It is free! Take
advantage of some great prices and perks for your group! Call early for the best prices and cabins!
love to know! If you have any other suggestions or tips, we'd like to hear those too. Please email us with any
comments, question or suggestions!
We have experience in getting the BEST cabins available. Call Karen or Glenn today at 419-293-2276!! We
run this from our home and are available many more hours of the week then most travel agencies!
If you have a group of at least 8 cabins, please contact Karen. She can set your group up. It is free! Take
advantage of some great prices and perks for your group! Call early for the best prices and cabins!
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