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| Frequently Asked Questions About
Cruising Is cruising an affordable vaction? How long are cruises? When's the best time to take a cruise? When is Hurricane season? When's the most affordable time to take a cruise? Where can I go? Are all ships and cruises fairly similar? I have never been on a cruise? Which is the best cruise line for me? Are there different classes of service? Will I get bored? Feel confined? Is motion-discomfort a problem? What's there to do in port? Do I have to participate in the activities? Do cruise lines welcome families with kids? What's there to do at night? Is there a charge for entertainment? Is it easy to meet people? Is cruising right for honeymooners? Is cruising affordable and a good vacation value? Yes! There are cruise vacations to suit every budget, from the cost-conscious to the most luxurious. Even more important, a cruise offers the best travel value for your money. Your fare includes all meals, your cabin, onboard daytime activities, nighttime parties and entertainment. So for once, you'll know what your vacation will end up costing you before you go. (Your only extra expenses will be drinks, optional shore excursions, and personal services such as massage or hairstyling.)
How long are cruises? As long or short as you want. There are cruise lines that offer trips that last three days to three months. Whatever your schedule, we'll do our best to find the cruise for you.
What's the best time to take a cruise? Any time is the best time to take a cruise, but it also depends on where you'd like to go. The Caribbean is fantastic year round; however, some of the more exotic destinations are seasonal. For example, you can only cruise to Alaska between May and September; to Europe between April and November; to Bermuda, between April and October; the Panama Canal, between September and April. So you see, no matter what time of year it is, it's a perfect time to cruise.
When is Hurricane Season? If we could only predict the future. Officially, the National Hurricane Service states that hurricane season starts on June 1 and ends November 31st. That's 6 months of the year. However, history has shown us the the greatest concentration of hurricane and tropical storm activity tends to be between late August and mid-October. Does this mean you shouldn't cruise during September? Not at all. Some of your best rates are during this period and your Captain would never jeopardize your safety. Cruise ships are certainly safer than land-locked Caribbean Islands during a hurricane. With speeds of 20 - 22 knots, cruise ships can outrun a 14 knot hurricane. Today's ships are equipped with state of the art weather equipment that keeps the Captain and his crew fully aware of a storm's position and if he feels that there is any danger to his passengers, crew, or his vessel he can simply "move" this floating resort to safer waters.
When is the most affordable time to take a cruise? If you are looking for the very, least expensive time to take a cruise, then consider sailing between the end of August and before Christmas, but not over Christmas or Thanksgiving. Most families have children that are back to school, folks begin saving vacation time for holiday travel, and everyone's saving money for the holiday season. Considering all of these factors, expect to cruise prices that are better than 2-for-1 with reduced rates for 3rd and 4th passengers. A 7 night cruise that normally sells for $899 per person in the summer could be $499 per person during this period with the 3rd and 4th sailing for $99. That's a potential average of $300 per person for a one week cruise. If you're looking for a senior citizen rate, a regional promotion, a past passenger promotion, or a last minute deal, you'll likely find it during this period.
Where can I go? Where do you want to go? Cruises visit practically any destination accessible by water -- the Caribbean, Bahamas, Alaska, Bermuda, Europe, Hawaii, the Greek Isles, the Orient, Australia, Tahiti, the Galapagos Islands, South America, India, the Panama Canal and more. If you can name it, we can probably get you there by ship.
Are all ships and cruises fairly similar? Far from it. Ships range from under 200 feet to over 1,000 feet. You can sail with anywhere from fewer than 100 fellow passengers to over 2,600. Experience atmospheres ranging from casual to formal, classically simple to ultra-deluxe. You can even choose between traditional propeller-driven craft, sail-assisted cruise ships, or even a paddle-wheel river boat.
I have never been on a cruise. Which is the best cruise line for me? This is a common question, and the answer is - it depends. Taste is subjective. The best cruise line for you might not be the best line for someone else because everyone has different priorities, interests, etc. Give us a call and we will help you choose the best cruise line that will suit you.
Are there different classes of service? Today's cruise ships are one-class. Everyone onboard can use all of the ship's facilities. The price of a stateroom is based primarily on its size and location. Regardless of the category you book, you'll enjoy the same courteous service, menus, activities, and entertainment as everyone else onboard.
Will I get bored? Feel confined? Hardly. Being at sea gives you a feeling of freedom few places can offer. There's plenty of room. And it'll probably take you two or three days just to discover what's onboard. Plus, you get the added adventure of exploring new and exciting ports of call. Cruise ships are like floating resorts with all the things fine resorts have to offer. You can be by yourself and lie back in a lounge chair, breathe in the sea air, soak up the sun, read good books, or watch the ever-changing view. Or, you can join in exercise classes, dance classes, sports contests and other organized deck activities. Perhaps you can practice your tennis stroke or golf swing, or shoot some baskets. You can go for a swim, stretch out in the sauna or work out in the gym. You can see a feature movie, attend a lecture by renowned experts, play backgammon or bridge. That is not all of it and that's just when you're onboard!
Is motion-discomfort a problem? Not really. The most popular cruise areas boast some of the calmest waters in the world. In addition, stabilizers on modern ships, advance availability of accurate weather information, and development of effective preventative medications have, for the most part, eliminated the incidence of motion discomfort.
What's there to do in port? So much you'll have a hard time choosing! You can go off on your own. Or take a guided tour. You can search ancient ruins or hunt for shopping bargains. Ride a raft over river rapids, a bicycle down the side of a 10,000 foot volcano, or ride a horse across miles of hills and beaches. Climb a waterfall or pyramid. See the birthplace of civilization or listen to steel drum bands. Follow the footsteps of history or the wake of a water-skiing boat. If there's still time (and you aren't ready to rest yet), enjoy a folkloric show. Play golf or tennis. Eat native foods. Learn how to windsurf. Sun and swim at some of the world's best beaches. Catch a record marlin. Sail, snorkel, or go scuba diving. Go to a nightclub or glittering casino. Take a cable car to the top of a mountain. Explore dark catacombs. In short, a cruise is the easiest way to see new places and do all the things you dream of. Cruising is the perfect way to sample a number of destinations that you may want to return to for another vacation...and you never have to pack and unpack the destinations come to you!
Do I have to participate in the activities? On a cruise, you do what you want to. You can do everything or lie back and do absolutely nothing. It's your vacation.
Do cruise lines welcome families with kids? 32% of cruise vacations are booked by families with children. Most cruise lines make a special point of providing supervised activities for youngsters, especially during school holidays. If your children enjoy swimming, sports, games, movies, and the adventure of new places, they'll love a family cruise. You'll find the kids adapt to shipboard life with ease, and you won't have to wonder what they're up to every minute. The cruise staff will help keep them busy and entertained. Best of all, children generally travel at a substantially reduced rate.
What's there to do at night? At night, life aboard a cruise ship really turns on. There's dancing; live entertainment in nightclubs, discos and lounges; feature films; and parties with all your new friends. Most ships even have casinos. There are also many special events like the Captain's Cocktail Party, Passenger Talent Night, the Masquerade Parade, the Late Night Buffet (just for one last bite to tide you over until breakfast). And the night can go on as long as you want. Even until the spectacle of sunrise at sea.
Is there a charge for entertainment? Never. On a cruise vacation, the entertainment is on the house. There's no cover. No minimum. No charge for an admission ticket. The shows are live. The movies are first-rate. The variety is limitless.
Is it easy to meet people? A cruise ship is a great place to make new friends, because everyone's so friendly. The atmosphere is cordial, relaxed. And you'll have all kinds of things in common to talk about. At dinner, At cocktails, Around the pool, or along the promenade rail. Don't be surprised if you find yourself making arrangements to meet them aboard ship again next year.
Is cruising right for honeymooners? Without a doubt. Cruising offers an atmosphere that's just right for romance...cozy dinners for two, strolling on deck at sunset, dancing the night away (even under the stars) and so much more to remember forever. Most lines provide special services from Sunday or Monday departures to welcome champagne and breakfast in bed. (And, speaking of beds, most ships have them in double, queen, or king sizes!) Also, some ships offer special programs for performing a marriage ceremony or renewing your marriage vows in port.
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