All the Answers
This page is dedicated
to frequently asked questions about cruising. If we haven't
answered your question here, please email
us for more information.
Why a cruise?
Cruising has something for everyone. Whether
you're looking for adventure, romance, fun with the kids, or just
a chance to relax, you'll find it all on a cruise!
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What's a day like aboard a cruise
ship?
On a cruise, you can decide what you want to do and
when you want to do it. You can enjoy fabulous dining options,
a wide variety of activities, dazzling nightlife, sports and fitness,
children’s programs, and exotic ports of call. Or, you can
simply lie back, relax and be pampered. It’s your choice!
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What types of
people will I find on a cruise?
Singles, newlyweds, families, seniors and everything
in between! With the wide variety of things to do aboard
a cruise ship, you’ll find people from all age groups, all
countries, and many different walks of life.
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Is cruising a good family
vacation?
You can enjoy a wide variety of activities together
as a family, plus with children’s programs, your kids can
enjoy dozens of special events and activities just for them. There
are private play areas, a video arcade, a teen disco, and so many
great things to do that kids of all ages will have a ball!
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Will I
feel motion sickness?
Today’s cruise ships are a world apart from
the vessels of the past. Modern ships provide passengers with such
a smooth ride that many people forget they’re even moving.
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What's included in
the price of a cruise?
On top of accommodations at a world-class "floating
resort," the price of your cruise through Cruise Holidays
of Saratoga includes airfare if needed (with transfers), port charges,
all applicable taxes, plus all of your meals, dazzling nightly
entertainment, dozens of activities, sports and fitness facilities,
children’s programs, visits to captivating ports of call and
much, much more!
You don’t need to pay for a rental car to get
from one place to the next. And whatever you choose to do, you’ll
be treated to fabulous, pampered service that would be hard to
beat at even the finest hotels in the world.
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How does that
compare to a land resort?
At a typical land resort, the cost of your room generally
covers…the cost of your room. Dining, entertainment and most
everything else cost extra. But with the all-inclusive pricing
of a cruise, you can relax and enjoy yourself without constantly
reaching for your wallet.
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Is cruising an
affordable vacation?
Yes! Cruises are the best vacation value. We can
offer you great Cruise Holidays values on a wide variety of fabulous
cruises. Many sailings will cost just a little more than US$100
(based on departures from select air gateways) per adult per day,
and kids cruise for even less. At many land-based resorts, you
would pay more than that for your hotel room alone!
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What if I don't
know where I want to go on a cruise?
Since Cruise Holidays is the world’s cruise "specialist," our
business is helping you decide. Call us today! Based on the things
that are most important to you in a vacation, we’ll give you
a free evaluation of your options and find the cruise that’s
just right for you.
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What choices
do I have in accommodations?
You can choose a cabin on an inside aisle of the
ship, or one with an ocean view. On many ships, you can even choose
from a variety of cabins with private balconies. Your cruise
counselor will review your options with you and find the stateroom
that's perfectly suited to your needs.
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How do I
get Cruise Holidays' special offers?
You can get great rates on cruises from Royal Caribbean,
Celebrity, Princess, Carnival, and more by just contacting us today!
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How do I reserve
my cruise?
Cruise Holidays can reserve a stateroom on the cruise
of your choice with just a nominal deposit. If you’d like
to make reservations over the phone, your deposit may be made by
credit card. If you make reservations in person, your deposit may
be made by credit card, cash or check. You can mail us a
check as well. Your deposit is 100% refundable up until your
final payment which is generally due 60 days prior to the sailing
date. It is a good idea to deposit a cruise, even if you
are not 100% sure. Your deposit will protect your rate and
guarantee you a stateroom. The price generally goes up the
closer you get to the sailing date. Many people book
cruises anywhere from 6 months to even 18 months ahead of time.
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Can I extend my vacation
on land?
Yes. If you’d like more time to enjoy your vacation, Cruise Holidays
can arrange a pre or post hotel package for you. Due to limited
availability of these packages, it is easier to book these at the
time you make your cruise arrangements.
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Do
I have to make reservations months in advance?
It’s a good idea to make reservations as early
as you can to take advantage of special early-booking discounts.
Although many sailings will sell out early, even the most popular
cruises will sometimes have space available at a late date due
to cancellations. Your Cruise Holidays counselor can give you details
on the availability of specific sailings.
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Do I need a passport?
Passports are required effective December 31st, 2006
for all cruises. In addition to passport, Non-U.S. citizens residing
in the U.S. must have a valid alien registration (green) card.
Your cruise counselor can give you additional information for the
specific cruise you’re taking.
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What should I wear?
Casual attire is perfect for the daytime. Sport shirts
and slacks are recommended for most evenings. That’s right—no
tie! If you want to dress up, don’t worry—there will
be two nights reserved for formal attire and one night for semi-formal
attire. Most ships have alternative dining for people who do not
want to dress up. (Your cruise counselor can give you detailed
information for the specific cruise you are taking.) Also, be sure
to bring clothing for changes in the weather, along with your favorite
pair of walking shoes.
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How do I find out what's
going on each day?
Each evening, you’ll receive a schedule of the
next day’s activities. When you are visiting a port, you’ll
also receive information about key attractions.
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How do I sign up for an
optional shore excursion?
You will sign up online. By clicking here,
you will
be able to sign up for shore excursions done on a much more intimate
basis. This way you will not be horded with hundreds of people
attending the same tour. The most popular excursions often sell
out, so make your selections quickly!
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Is there a doctor on board?
Yes. There are registered nurses and a qualified
on-call physician aboard every cruise.
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Can I stay in touch
with the outside world?
If you need to speak with someone at home or at the
office, you can make outgoing calls or receive incoming calls aboard
the ship (charges apply to outgoing phone calls).
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How do I pay for on-board
purchases?
Although the vast majority of your vacation is included
in the cost of your cruise, you will need additional funds for
optional expenditures such as shore excursions, alcoholic beverages,
purchases at on-board shops, massages, and other beauty treatments.
Many cruise lines offer an on-board account that can be secured
with a major credit card.
You will need cash if you plan to gamble in the casino,
and for discretionary tipping at the end of the cruise. You can
get a limited cash advance from your credit card, and you can cash
Traveler’s Checks at the Purser’s Desk.
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