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Cruising
is the best vacation value! There are cruise vacations to suit
every budget.
Your cruise fare includes all meals, your stateroom, onboard
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, optional shore excursions, and personal services
such as massage or hairstyling.) |
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As
long or short as you want. Cruise lines offer itineraries from three
days
to three months. |
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| Wherever
you want! Cruises visit over 1,800 ports worldwide and practically every destination
accessible by water. |
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| Far
from it. Cruise lines' 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 2,600. 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. Learn more about specific
cruise lines |
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| 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. For experienced travelers, destination-focused
cruises specialize in premium, culturally-rich ports of call with itineraries
dedicated to illuminating such historic, world-class treasures as the antiquities
of classical Greece, the Polynesian paradise of Hawaii or the fabled splendor
of Norwegian fjords. For many, the perfect vacation
includes the non-stop fun and sun of a tropical resort-style cruise to the Caribbean,
where you can sample a variety of island cultures and cuisines while working on
a terrific sun tan. Plus, many cruise lines create
special "themes" on-board, with entertainment ranging from jazz festivals
and classical music concerts to golf clinics and murder mysteries at sea! |
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| To
complement the spirit of discovery that travel evokes, many cruise lines feature
an extensive program of on-board enrichment seminars hosted by distinguished guest
experts. In addition to lectures highlighting the history and sights of ports
you will be visiting, there may also be special in-depth presentations ranging
from Renaissance works of art and strategic financial planning to epicurean secrets
of classic French cuisine. |
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| A
fly/cruise or an air/sea vacation package includes, along with your cruise ticket,
either free or reduced-cost airfare to and from the ship's port of embarkation.
These convenient money-saving options are available from most major North American
cities and include ground transfers between the airport and ship as well as baggage
handling. |
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| This
depends on the type of cruise and your destination. You will need some proof of
citizenship and identification. You'll receive complete information on required
documents well in advance of your departure. |
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| Today's
cruise ships are "one-class." Everyone can use all of the ship's facilities.
The price of a cabin 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 on board. |
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| Hardly!
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.
Or you can swim, stretch out in the sauna or work out in the gym. |
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| So
much you'll have a hard time choosing! You can explore on your own or take a guided
tour (referred to as shore excursions). Search ancient ruins or hunt for shopping
bargains. Ride a raft over river rapids, or a horse across miles of hills and
beaches. Climb a waterfall or pyramid. Follow the footsteps of history or the
wake of a waterskiing boat. If there's still time, play golf or tennis. Learn
how to windsurf. Sun and swim at some of the world's best beaches. Catch a record
marlin. Sail, snorkel, or scuba dive. Take a cable car to the top of a mountain.
Explore dark catacombs. In short, cruising is the perfect
way to sample a number of new destinations and try all the things you've ever
dreamed of doing, while never having to pack and unpack! |
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| On
a cruise, you do what you want, when you want. You can do everything or do absolutely
nothing. It's your vacation! |
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| More
and more cruise vacations are booked by families with children. Most cruise lines
provide plenty of 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 that children adapt to
shipboard life with ease, and you won't have to wonder what they're up to every
minute. The youth counselors will help keep them busy and entertained. Ships even
offer different types of age-appropriate activities, suitable for toddlers to
teens. Best of all, children often travel at a reduced rate. |
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| When
the stars come out, a cruise ship really turns on. There's dancing, live entertainment,
nightclubs and lounges, feature films, and parties with all your new friends.
Most ships also have casinos. What's more, there are many special events like
the Captain's Cocktail Party, Passenger Talent Night, Broadway-style shopws and
Las Vegas-type revues. |
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| Never.
On a cruise vacation, the entertainment is on the house. There's no cover, minimum,
or charge for an admission ticket. The shows are live, films first-rate and all
included in your cruise fare. |
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| There's
no such thing as a typical cruise passenger! All kinds of people take cruises
now... all ages... from all walks of life... singles, couples and families. Just
ask for advice on the best ship for you,
based on your tastes and lifestyle. |
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| Many
cruise lines now feature a more relaxed and casual approach to dress throughout
the cruise -- while on others, formal dinners or parties are part of the fun.
But don't buy a tuxedo just for the trip. Even on the most formal of ships, a
dark suit and tie are fine for the dressiest occasions. Plus, many ships offer
tuxedo rental services. |
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| Cruising
is ideal for people traveling alone, because it's so easy to meet other people.
In fact, most ships have parties for singles -- early on, so you can get to know
people right away. Many ships even offer gentlemen hosts who can be dance partners,
dinner companions or a fourth at cards. |
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| Most
ships have 110-volt outlets in the staterooms. |
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| Again,
there are choices and more choices. During the day, there are many different places
to eat - in the formal dining room, on deck is a casual setting, in a pizzeria,
at an espresso bar, to name a few. At night, most ships offer several venues.
Some ships' dining rooms can accommodate all guests at one time, called a "seating."
Many ships offer you a choice of several eating times, and others encourage you
to come to dinner whenever you like. More traditional
ships have two seatings in their formal dining rooms, which differ only by time:
typically 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. To choose, just decide whether you prefer to
dine early or late--then haverequest your
preference when you book your cruise, or you can select you dining time when booking
online! Frequently, you can chose to dine at night someplace other than the formal
dining room, such as in an intimate restaurant that features, for example, Italian,
Chinese, Japanese or Southwestern cuisine. More and more cruise lines also a opening
up their informal lido areas to evening dining, where the dress and dishes always
are casual, and sometimes, you can even eat out under the stars. And a large number
of ships also offer romantic in-cabin dinners. The choice is yours! |
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| Everything
you've heard about cruise ship dining is true. At each meal, you'll find a varied
selection of entrees (appetizers, salads, soups, vegetables, and desserts, too),
and each day the selection will be different. If you've ever wanted to experiment
with a cuisine or try a dish, you can feel free to order more than one entrée
or appetizer (or dessert!). But, just because your cruise ship offers plenty of
delicious food, doesn't mean you'll come home out of shape. You can choose low-cal,
spa, vegetarian or fitness menu selections that are just as tempting as the regular
menu. Best of all, the one thing you'll never see on a cruise ship menu is a price.
Because all your meals are included! |
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| Most
ships can accommodate salt-free, low-carbohydrate, Kosher, or other diet preferences.
However, this request must be made in advance, so be sure to advise
when you book your cruise. |
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| Experienced cruisers say they prefer sitting
at a table with several other diners; some lifelong friendships have been made
this way. But the cruise lines are geared to accommodate each guest's wishes,
and it is possible to request a table for two or four. In the unlikely event that
you do wish to change tablemates, speak with the maitre d', who will make every
effort to seat you with more compatible dining companions... discretely and politely. |
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Virtually
all ships have smoking and non-smoking sections in the public rooms. In fact,
many dining rooms, and even some entire ships, are now totally smoke-free, reflecting
passenger requests. If you want your dining table in a non-smoking area, just
tell your agent. On board, you can advise
the maitre d'.
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Absolutely!
Most cruise lines will even treat you to a complimentary cake and a chorus of
"Happy Whatever" to honor the occasion. Your birthday or anniversary
can be more festive with champagne, flowers, or canapes. You can even arrange
for a special private party. All you have to do is advise your
agent in advance.
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| 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).
Most lines provide special services -- from Sunday or Monday departures to champagne
and breakfast in bed. |
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Quite
easily. Most ships have a daily newsletter with news, headlines, selected stock
quotes and sports scores. Many staterooms are equipped with televisions and have
satellite or cellular telephones. You can also call someone on shore through the
ship's radio officer while at sea. In addition, most ships have fax capabilities
and a growing number are adding computer cafes with Internet access for e-mail
communication.
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Tipping
is a matter of individual preference. A general rule of thumb is to plan for about
$3.00 per person per day for your cabin steward and dining room waiter, and about
half that amount for your busboy. (A few cruise lines include tipping in the price
and will so inform you.) Other shipboard personnel can be tipped for special services
at your discretion.
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Virtually
every cruise ship (except for some smaller vessels operating in coastal waters)
has a medical facility and health care professionals on staff to handle almost
any emergency. If you have a medical condition that might put you at risk, discuss
it with your doctor and inform the cruise lines at the time of booking. And, whenever
you travel, check to see what your health insurance covers.
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Almost
all cruise ships have laundry facilities and many provide dry-cleaning services.
There is, however, an additional charge for professional laundry and dry-cleaning
services. Many ships also have self-service launderettes.
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Most
lines welcome groups -- often at special rates, depending on how many people are
involved. Policies vary from company to company and sometimes during certain times
of the year. To learn more about group booking and the advantages Click
Here
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Just
about every full-size ship has public rooms or a conference center to offer as
meeting space for private or corporate groups. If you'd like to make meeting or
incentive travel arrangements, ask your
agent to contact the cruise line's group sales department to coordinate schedules
and arrange for any special needs. Your ship may also be able to offer audio-visual
equipment, communications, meeting coordinators, secretarial and printing services
and more.
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Rarely.
Popular cruise itineraries ply 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.
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| Feel free to contact eCruises either by phone
or by e-mail. One of our cruise professionals will answer all of your cruising
questions. Please Call eCruises.com @
or e-mail info@eCruises.com |
| Information provided in part by CLIA www.cruising.org |
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The
answer is Yes but only up to a certain time period in your pregnancy.
Each cruise line has a different policy concerning up to what week
in your pregnancy you can sail. As a general rule of thumb most lines
will allow you to sail up till your 24th Week. Our cruise professionals
will check with the cruise line that you select and find out the line’s
specific policy.
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