INCLUDED WITH YOUR SAILING
Stateroom accommodations
Room Steward to help with all your needs
Gourmet dinners, lunches, and breakfasts (shorts and bathing suits are not allowed in the dining halls)
24 hour room service (great from a nice breakfast on the balcony), buffets, and snacks
Most non-alcoholic beverages (usually tea, coffee, juice, water, and lemonade)
Broadway show quality entertainment each evening
Onboard activities such as exercise classes, dance classes, various contests, children’s programs, art shows, swimming pools, spas, gym facilities, lectures, and so much more!
Tips: You can choose early, late, or my time dining for dinners. We like ‘my time’ in case we get back late from an excursion. Also, you can upgrade to a drink package which will be better if you drink 2 or more alcoholic beverages a day. This package usually includes specialty coffees, fresh squeezed OJ, and much more.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Gratuities which can be prepaid or charged to your account at the end of the trip.
Spa treatments book quickly on sea days, so book early if interested
Upgraded dining experiences
Drink packages
Excursions
Wifi is not included but we will usually find a cafe with free wifi when when go to port, or you can purchase in inexpensive pair of walkie talkies to use. The latter comes in handy with kids.
TIP: River cruises, luxury and ultra-luxury will always include excursions … sometimes one each day.
BEFORE YOU GO
A passport is recommended and is always a good idea to have. If you do not have one it usually takes less than six weeks to process. I can assist you with information about obtaining a passport or you can call (202) 647-0518, the office of Passport Services for further information. If you do not have a passport and are a US citizen, then you will need the original or a notarized copy of your birth certificate or proof of citizenship (they need to see the raised seal) and a picture ID. For non- US citizens you will need to check the document requirements based on your country of citizenship.
Make two copies of your passport, driver’s license, and credit cards before leaving home. Leave one set of copies with a friend or family member at home and leave the second set in a safe place on your ship. Carry the passport copy ashore with you.
Complete the cruise check-in prior to arriving at the port. Generally, your travel agent will do this for you if you provide them with your log in information. This will speed up the boarding process and you can board quicker and begin your cruise experience.
Bottom line, have your passport, picture identification and boarding pass handy upon arriving at the pier for quick boarding process.
WHAT TO PACK
Clothes - Typically you would bring clothes that you would normally wear at a resort. Research your destination and see what the weather will be at your time of travel. Cruises will normally have a minimum of one formal night. This can mean a dark suit, a tuxedo, or dress shirt and dress pants for men and cocktail dresses, gowns or dressy pant suits for women. Although, cruise lines are changing with the times and are offering the dress option of ‘evening chic’ which is allowing you to dress nicely but not necessarily in gowns and tuxedos. During the day your ship is casual. You will want to bring a light jacket or sweater for the evening if you’ll be walking on the upper decks. Many of the ships have laundry facilities or your cabin steward can have clothes laundered or dry-cleaned at a nominal charge. TIP: Bring a pair of comfortable shoes for the evenings. I will wear my nice shoes to start the night and bring an extra pair in my purse just in case my feet need a break.
Carry-ons Bags - You will want to bring a small carry-on bag with you when wandering the ship your first day. You luggage will arrive sometime in the afternoon and you want to make sure you have anything you need with you in case it’s running late. Think medications, swim suit, change of clothes, etc. TIP: I like to wear something casual nice onboard my first day just in case my luggage doesn’t arrive prior to dinner time.
Sun Protection & First Aid – For those of you headed someplace warm, remember to bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses and aloe cream (for post-burn relief). Make certain to bring a cap/hat/bandanna to wear to protect your scalp. Bring any over the counter meds you may need as well. Buying band aids, pain relievers, and dramamine can be pricey on the ship. TIP: SPF lip balm is a must!
Extra Storage – If needed, a “pop-up” mesh clothes hamper packs flat in your suitcase and keeps your closet neat. Also, a collapsible hanging shoe organizer keeps your shoes off the floor. The pocket-type collapsible shoe organizer is great to hang over the bathroom door to put small items to keep at your fingertips (i.e., toiletries, receipts, cameras, etc.)
TIP: There are many sites that offer their advise on packing for your vacations. If you are still uncertain check one of them out. ie. https://www.celebritycruises.com/blog/cruise-planning-and-packing-tips-101
Other Odds and Ends - binoculars, post-it-notes (come in handy if you shut your phone off while traveling), power strip for plugging in many devices,
Approximately 3-4 weeks prior to your cruise you will receive documents from your travel advisor. If you booked at the last minute, your docs will be at the dock.
If a transfer service has been arranged to take you from the airport to the ship they will meet you in baggage claim, unless otherwise stated. The transfer service will be responsible for getting your luggage to your cabin. You will have received baggage tags from your travel agent or your cruise line in your documents. It is important to have these on your luggage with your cabin number.
If you are arriving at the pier on your own, parking is generally available near the dock, but please check for current costs. From the parking lot, head toward the terminal entrance with your luggage. If you are being dropped off, pull up to designated areas and head toward the terminal entrance with your luggage. TIP: Have clear identification and luggage tags on all pieces of luggage … including carry-ons.
EMBARKATION (Process of getting on the ship)
Keep in mind that your embarkation day cannot officially begin until the ship is clear of departing guests and their luggage. While the previous weeks’ passengers make their way reluctantly down the gangway, the staff and crew are busy readying the ship for the next sailing. By the time the last straggler departs, trucks are already arriving at the dock with provisions and a lot of heavy work is going on behind the scenes. Staterooms and public lounges are thoroughly cleaned and readied and a steady stream of supplies and luggage are brought aboard. There can even be an exchange of crew members, with some leaving and others arriving.
The first people you encounter at the terminal are baggage handlers. They are not cruise line employees and they do expect a tip – a couple dollars per suitcase is sufficient. Be sure your ship’s luggage tags are securely fastened to your suitcases before you hand them over.
Cruise line shore side staff are milling about to point you in the right direction – they are easily recognizable in official looking attire with name tags and, often, a clipboard. At some point, usually before you enter the check-in area, you and your hand luggage will have to pass through a security procedure, somewhat like that at airports. Most cruise ships allow you to bring one bottle per person per cruise of wine or champagne for consumption in your cabin. There is a corkage fee if consumed in the dining room. All other liquor will be confiscated at this time.
Boarding times are scheduled prior to your arrival to the port. If you arrive prior to your designated boarding time, they will turn you away and tell you to return at your designated time. If you arrive after the designated time, they will try to accommodate you as soon as possible. During check- in, you will be asked to produce your citizenship documents and any forms you completed ahead of time, plus a photo I.D., and a credit/debit card or cash (for your onboard charges). You are issued a boarding card that also doubles as your stateroom “key” and shipboard charge card and directed to the gangway.
TIP: Have the gift shop make a hole in your plastic room key-card (where it won’t interfere with the magnetic strip) and wear it on a lanyard around your neck. You won’t have to waste time waiting in line for a new card if you lose it.
PHOTOGRAPHS
There is no obligation to buy any of the photographs taken during the cruise. However, they will be displayed in the photo shop, and generally they are very reasonable and quite good. The evening of the Captain's dinner there will be an opportunity for a formal portrait. Check your daily notice for time and location.
ALL ABOARD!
Congratulations! Your cruise has finally begun! Procedures vary somewhat once you are greeted by staff members lined up just inside the ship’s hull; however, you’ll usually have to produce your boarding card for the security officer. Depending on the cruise line, you will be directed to your cabin, or if the cabins are not ready, you’ll be directed to the buffet where lunch is being served on the Lido Deck. Once you are able to locate your cabin, check it out to make sure that everything is in order. You should find life jackets (ready for the muster drill later if they are required) and a copy of the ship’s daily schedule. Take a moment to look over the schedule—you’ll want to know what time the muster drill takes place (a placard on the back of your cabin door will indicate directions to your emergency station), as well as meal hours and the schedule for various activities and entertainment.
If you haven’t pre-booked your excursions on-line, I recommend that you book your shore excursions as soon as you get on board. You don't want to be disappointed if the tour you want is sold out. TIP: The more popular excursions do sell out quickly.
For the rest of the afternoon and into the evening you may find other introductory activities such as tours of the spa and fitness center, port and shopping talks, and casino gaming lessons available. Of course, there will be the compulsory muster drill, followed by sail away festivities on the pool deck.
A highlight of embarkation day is that first dinner in the main restaurant where you’ll meet your wait staff and table mates. Order whatever you like from the menu of appetizers, salads, soups, and entrees, but save room for dessert! TIP: Order your dinner and if you cannot decide which menu item to try… order a 2nd item and share with someone at your table. A cruise is a great time to leave your diet at home!
After dinner the ship comes to life with a shows, gambling, shopping, as well as live bands playing in various lounges and on deck.
Back in your cabin for the night, you’ll find that your steward has straightened things up during your absence, filled the ice bucket, provided fresh linens in the bathroom, turned down your bed, and left the next day’s schedule of activities. If you need anything, remember to ask your cabin steward.
MANDATORY LIFEBOAT DRILL
Sometime after embarkation everyone on board the ship will be required to attend a mandatory lifeboat drill. You need to do so and listen carefully. You will have life vests in your cabin with instructions and location and directions to your station. When they make the announcement to go to your station you may need to put on your life vest and go to your designated station. Once at your station, emergency procedures will be explained and your name will be called to make sure you are in attendance. If you have any questions or need directions ask any available staff.
SHIPBOARD ACCOUNTS
All ships are now cashless. When boarding the ship part of the check-in process was giving the cruise line a credit card or cash up front, for onboard charges. You will be given some form of a charge card that you can use for anything onboard, including shore excursions, gifts in the shops, drinks at the bar, wine at dinner, spa treatments, beauty salon, etc. A 15% gratuity will be automatically added to the beverage service bill. All accounts will be settled at the end of the cruise.
LAND HO!
Before anyone can leave the ship, local immigration officials must give their approval – or clear the passengers to allow debarkation. An announcement will be made over the ships P.A. system when the ship has been “cleared”. Be sure to carry your boarding card, as you will need it to depart the ship in port and to board the ship. TIP: Make time for you … don’t feel you have to book something on every day of the cruise. You could stay aboard and enjoy the pool without all the other guests onboard, or just hop off the boat and wander through some of the shops or find a local cafe or taverna.
IMPORTANT: PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE DEPARTURE TIME OF THE SHIP FROM EACH PORT. GIVE YOURSELF AT LEAST A HALF HOUR BEFORE IT’S SCHEDULED TO SAIL. IF YOU SHOULD MISS THE SHIP'S DEPARTURE IT WILL BE YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO GET TO THE NEXT PORT.
FUN DAY AT SEA
Most ships will schedule fun activities, port talks, lectures, games, and fitness programs for you to partake in. This is the time to personalize your cruise experience—you can participate in any or all the activities scheduled or do nothing more strenuous than lift an umbrella drink while reading a book pool side.
The library and card rooms are available, as are many of the ship’s lounges. The swimming pool is a popular spot on board during sunny sea days. Towels are provided, but please don’t “save” deck chairs unless you are occupying them. You’ll often hear lively music poolside, or find entertainment being broadcast on a large movie-style screen overhead, and the pool bar is a great spot to meet and greet new acquaintances. Even if you aren’t a sun worshipper, you can enjoy the festivities from a shaded chair.
Sea days, particularly if they are the second and next-to-the last days of the cruise, are usually capped by formal or dress-up evenings. During one of the formal nights, the Captain usually hosts a reception for all passengers. Upon arrival, you are greeted by the ship’s Captain (another photo opportunity). Complimentary beverages and hors d’oeuvres are often served and the Captain takes the stage to introduce his officers and staff.
THE LAST NIGHT
The last night of the cruise is full of business. Sometime during the day your cabin steward delivers special luggage tags to your stateroom, along with Customs forms and instructions. You will be asked to pack everything and put your luggage (with special luggage tags attached) outside of your cabin door before you go to sleep. You will be instructed to leave the ship by the color or number on the tag. TIP: keep your medications, passport, airline tickets, and a set of clothing to wear the morning you leave the ship in your hand luggage.
STATEMENT OF CHARGES
A statement itemizing your on-board charges are delivered before you arise on debarkation morning. Plan to get up early enough to check it over for accuracy, finish packing your personal belongings, and vacate your stateroom by the appointed hour. Any discrepancies in your on-board account should be taken care of before leaving the ship, usually at the Reception Desk. TIP: To avoid the lines on the last morning check your account a day or two prior to the end of your cruise.
DISEMBARKATION (Getting off the ship)
This is a great day to keep your patience and sense of humor in your back pocket. Room service is not available on most ships on this day; however, breakfast is served in the main restaurant as well as the buffet. After breakfast there isn’t much to do but wait comfortably in a lounge or on deck for your tag color or number to be called. You will be asked to go to breakfast and not return to your cabin (they need to get ready for the next passengers) by 9:00 a.m. I suggest having a leisurely breakfast and if more time is needed to take a book or deck of cards to a nice lounge area and wait till they clear you. Your luggage will have been delivered to the dock.
Once in the terminal, luggage is sorted by color or number. Locate yours and, if desired, flag down a porter for assistance. Then, either proceed to your bus, taxi, or retrieve your vehicle from the parking lot. TIP: Porters can sometimes help you through the process quicker and deserve a nice tip.
You are officially a “veteran” sailor!
One way to lessen the pain of leaving your ship is to book another cruise while you are on board and mention your travel agent.
A FEW HELPFUL NAUTICAL TERMS:
BOW - The front of the ship.
AFT - The rear of the ship.
PORT - Left side of ship when facing the bow.
STARBOARD - Right side of the ship when facing the bow.
BERTH - Dock, pier, or beds in the cabin.
TENDER - Small vessels that move guests from the ship to the port.
GANGWAY - The open ramp where you embark and disembark.
EMBARK - The process of getting on the ship.
DISEMBARK - The process of leaving the ship.
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