Planning Your Cruise
What To Expect On A Cruise
STONEY CREEK TRAVEL
Weaverville / Asheville, NC
Phone: 828-658-2582 / 877-658-2582
When planning a cruise, which matters most -- the destination, the ship, the cost, or the cruise line?
They are all of equal importance.
The cruise destination is of importance because most people want to see something new and exciting. After 3 Eastern Caribbean cruises, a cruise to Alaska, the Western Caribbean, Europe and the Mediterranean, Austrailia / New Zealand, a New England cruise, or a steamboat experience offer a new insights and areas for exploration.
The cruise ship is also important. If you choose the newest ship or one that is fairly new, the cost will be higher. Almost all ships have children's programs; however, some ships cater to children more than others. Disney Cruise Line, Carnival, and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines have outstanding activities for kids and, therefore, are more attractive for families. Adults will enjoy more mature activites on Celebrity, Regent (formerly Radisson) Seven Seas, Holland America, Seabourn, Crystal cruises, Delta Queen Steamboat Company, and American West Steamboat Co. cruises. MSC and Princess cruise lines provide good overall cruises. Carnival cruise line attracts all ages; however, in general, I believe, it caters more to a younger crowd -- more so on its shorter cruises -- which can be also said for Royal Caribbean.
The cruise cost can vary: In general Eastern Caribbean cruises are more expensive than Western Caribbean cruises. Bahamas cruises are the least expensve, because the ships generally are older ships and the cruise length average is 3 to 4 days. Cruises to Alaska, Europe and the Mediterranean, New England, or on a steamboat are expensive. Just as with hotel stars, cruise ships can be categorized into moderate and luxury. Carnival and Royal Caribbean cruises are the least expensive. Princess, Celebrity, Holland, Delta Queen Steamboat, and America West Steamboat cruises -- as well as small ship cruise lines such as Cruise West are mid-range, leaning to expensive. Regent and Crystal cruises are expensive and Seaborn is the most expensive. The more expensive cruise lines, excluding Crystal, include gratuities. As with any type of travel, to get the best prices, it is good if you have flexibility in your travel dates in order to take advantage of special rates. So, when is the best time to cruise to get the lowest rates? That again varies with your destination. Cruises to the Caribbean generally will be less in the fall through early December and then again in early January through the first part of February. Cruises to Alaska are less in the last part of May and in September. European cruises are most expensive during late spring, summer and early fall.
Another factor in cruise cost is the type of stateroom you choose.
Guarantee Staterooms: You usually pay for the lowest category inside or outside stateroom. You do not get to choose your stateroom. This is chosen by the cruise line and can be anywhere on the ship as long as it is the room type you purchased. For example, if you chose a guaranteed inside stateroom, you could end up in any inside stateroom, on any deck, in the middle or front or back of the ship. Pros: You could get an upgrade to a higher deck for less money. Cons: You could end up in a less than desireable area on the ship such as in the front or next to an elevator.
Assigned staterooms: The staterooms with the least motion (on the new ships the stabilizers are very good so this isn't a significant factor) are located mid-ship on lower decks. However, you do not want to choose the lowest category room on the lowest deck in the back of the ship, because there is always the possibility of hearing engine noise which can get annoying. Usually the cost to upgrade to the next deck level isn't significantly more.
Outside Stateroom Factors: On some ships you will only get a porthole in the lower priced outside staterooms. Also, in some ocean view categories, you may only get a partial ocean view because life boats block your view. On some cruise lines, this can also be a factor with balcony staterooms. So, you have to really understand what you're buying to avoid disappointment. A good travel agent should be able to advise you.
Cruise line choice is also a factor. Do you want just a good time regardless of destination or cruise ship luxury -- looking for lowest price? If so, choose a Carnival or Royal Caribbean cruise. ships. If you want destination experiences, almost any cruise line can offer this with their wide variety of ports available -- and new are being added all the time; however the more luxury cruise lines also offer educational and upscale activities such as bridge, seminars, and learning workshops.
Regardless of your budget, you will feel like a king or queen, because cruises offer decent to luxury accommodations, beautiful ambiance, usually good food. However, when you book an upscale or luxury cruise, you can expect and receive gourmet dining. There are activities galore and exotic places to explore. Cruises will never leave you bored. They are great for family reunions. Most of the newer ships are so large that you only have to see each other when and if you desire -- yet everyone comes away from the experience feeling good about their trip.
Planning Your Cruise
Security Measures: Per Information From Cruise Lines International Association and International Council of Cruise Lines via E-mail to Stoney Creek Travel, 3/6/06.
While instances of crime on board cruise ships are rare, it is important that whenever traveling to be observant of one's possessions and surroundings at all times -- you are basically on a large floating resort hotel, and the same precautions should be taken as if you were visiting a large hotel in New York City, Miami, Chicago, etc. -- or a Caribbean resort, for example. Cruise passengers are reminded of this, as they are in any hotel, by safety information, daily bulletins, port visit briefings and the provision of a room safe or safety deposit box. In the event of an incident, the cruise industry takes all allegations and incidents very seriously, reports them to the proper authorities and fully cooperates in any investigation. In many instances, cruise lines do not publicly disclose detailed information to comply with directions from law enforcement and out of respect for grieving families.
Cruise ships are comparable to secure buildings with 24-hour security. Every person on board a cruise ship, from the captain to the cleaning staff and all guests, are placed on official manifests. When sailing to or from U.S. ports , these manifests are provided to U.S. federal law enforcement officials – prior to the ship's departure – to compare to U.S. databases.
Guests should be very comfortable with the security measures they see during their cruise vacation. These include the screening of 100 percent of all luggage, carry-ons and provisions coming onto our ships. Screening is done with X-ray machines, metal detectors and human and detector dog searches .
Passengers and crew may embark or disembark only after passing through security. Once a ship is underway, access is strictly limited to documented employees and fare-paying passengers.
Each passenger is issued an identification card which contains their digital photo and personal identification information on a magnetic strip that he or she must present when entering or leaving the ship. This technology allows the ship to know which guests and crew members are on board and which are not.
Each cruise ship has a dedicated security officer and staff whose sole function is the security of its passenger and crew. Typically, security staff personnel have former law enforcement or military background and are trained according to international security regulations.
Foreign crewmembers on ICCL ships are required to obtain a visa issued by the U.S. State Department for entry into the United States. This visa requires the completion of a background check. In addition, cruise ship employees are pre-screened by recruiting agencies.
Cruise lines operate within a legal framework under which international, federal and state authorities investigate crimes on board cruise ships. Unlike most instances of shore side crime, the FBI has the authority to investigate and prosecute alleged crimes in international waters involving Americans.
The U.S. Coast Guard has jurisdiction for inspection and enforcement of international safety and security standards for all ships calling at U.S. ports.
In summary: All cruise ship lines have heightened their security programs. The primary responsibility for the safety and security of cruise vessels in the United States territorial waters lies with the US Coast Guard. A cruise ship is comparable to a secure building with a 24-hour security guard. Since a vessel operates in a controlled environment, access can be strictly enforced. Every person onboard a cruise ship, from the captain to the cleaning staff and all guests, are placed on an official manifest. Passengers and crew may embark or disembark only after passing through security. A cruise ship’s work force is pre-screened. The US State Department oversees the issuance of work visas to foreign nationals who sail with ships into US ports. US embassy personnel in the crew member’s country or origin conduct background checks. At US cruise terminals, port security includes passenger screen procedures similar to those found at airports. These procedures include the inspection of all carry-on baggage and the use of metal detectors for embarking passengers. Many additional security measures are routinely utilized by both port and cruise line security but remain invisible to passengers’ eyes.
Cruising is among the most popular vacation options in large part because of its excellent safety record and the high level of quality service cruise ships provide. The industry will continue to do its part to maintain a safe, secure and healthy shipboard environment.
Cruise Safety and Security
Contacting Family and Friends: Most newer cruise ships now have satellite Internet cafes where for a nominal setup fee and a pay per minute (maybe $.50 for example) charge. Some cruise lines have plans for “block” minutes at a one-time charge. You can E-mail family and friends using their E-mail system or your own — if your E-mail is not connected to your home computer only. You can also send photos and receive E-mail from your family. Phone charges can be steep -- about $7 - $8 a minute. Ships are now offering cell phone useage but your roaming charges can also cost about $7 - $8 a minute. I recall on the last cruise, a teen was sitting on the stairs having a great, and long, conversation with her boyfriend back home. Oops! There just might be a surprise waiting for Mom and Dad when they get their next bill. One stateroom incurred over $400 in phone charges; so be careful.
Beverage Policies: You are not allowed to bring alcoholic beverages on board. A small quantity of non-alcoholic beverages is usually allowed. You may be allowed to purchase beverages in the onboard shops or at ports of call. Some ships allow these purchases to be consumed onboard and charge a “corking fee” — maybe about $10; some will hold them for you until disembarkation on the last day. Persons under 21 are not served alcoholic beverages onboard. Various beverage cards are available for purchase at check in or onboard — these cards allow consumption of a certain number of drinks at a preset charge. For example, on a 7-night Royal Caribbean cruise, the cost is $48 per adult. On a 5-night Carnival cruise, the cost is $31.65 per adult. Bottled water is not usually included, and a bottle of water will cost about $2. Tip: there are usually cafes on the ship. Look around; they may have a container with filtered water. Save your bottles and refill.
Packing: You will want to pack casual, comfortable clothing (including swimwear -- two suits are wonderful when you are visiting the Caribbean and stopping at ports on consecutive days where you will be swimming. You will want a coverup to wear from your room to and from the pool and in the buffet restaurant. Swim suits are not allowed in the main dining areas. Comfortable shoes for daytime wear. In the evening, you will want dress clothing -- like you would wear to church. Jeans and shorts are not allowed. Closed toe shoes are preferrable, but since sandals are common for women, a dressier type is okay. On 3-5 night cruises, there usually is one formal night. On 7-night cruises, usually there are two formal nights. Men can get by with a suit and tie (dark suit would be preferrable). Women wear very dressy dresses, cocktail dresses, or evening gowns.
Money Issues: All cruise lines have a cashless onboard credit program which allows guests to charge their onboard purchases directly to their personal room account with use of their credit card or check debit card (ATM cards are not accepted). IF A DEBIT CARD IS USED, YOUR BANK MUST BE NOTIFIED THAT YOU MAY BE SPENDING OVER THE DAILY LIMIT EITHER IN DAILY PURCHASES OR IN A LUMP SUM ON THE LAST DAY OF THE CRUISE. The credit/check debit card must be in passenger’s name. Registration for this takes place at check in. If a guest does not want to use a credit card, most cruise lines allow a deposits to be made at check in. The amount deposited can be drawn upon for onboard purchases. Recommended amount is $500 per person for a 7-night cruise. US currency and traveler’s checks are accepted as forms of payment for deposits. Any money left over is refunded via check on the last day of the cruise. On some cruise lines, In the casino only, you may pay cash. Guests may cash 1 check (if it is accompanied by an American Express or other credit card) up to $250 in US funds during the cruise. Traveler’s checks can be cashed onboard. Master Card, Visa or Discover credit card cash advances can be obtained. There are ATM’s onboard with a fee for use.
Most ships have a special channel on the TV so you can keep track of purchases.
Shore Excursions: It is recommended that you purchase your shore excursions in advance through the cruise line's website, if available. Excursions are capacity controlled and popular ones sell out fast. Cruise lines usually reserve some space for guests to book when they board the ship, but these are limited. So, don't take a chance, if there is something you really want to do.
If you decide to "do your own thing" (there usually are taxis waiting at the cruise pier, offering tours -- or you can just go into town to shop), be very aware of your time, especially during daylight savings time or of the time difference in other countries. Some cruise ships go by "island" or "country" time. Most do not. So, if you need to return to the ship by 4 PM, for example, make sure you know exactly what time that is. You don't want to miss the ship by an hour.
What To Expect On The Last Night: Even if you have prepaid your optional gratuities, you may still be given envelopes to put gratuities in for your cabin steward, head waiter, bus person, and maitre-d'. If you have prepaid your gratuities, you can either ignore these envelopes or put in a little extra for them, if desired. Some cruise lines now have pre-printed vouchers to put in the envelopes to show you have pre-paid. If you have not prepaid your gratuities, the rule of thumb is $3.60 per guest per day for your cabin steward; $3.60 per guest per day for your head waiter; $2.80 for your bus person / assistant waiter. Maitre d's are tipped $1.00 per day if they have performed some special service for you.
In addition, on the last night, while you are asleep, the Purser's office will make sure a statement of what you have spent on the cruise is waiting for you. If you have charged purchases, there is no need to "settle" your account, unless you notice a discrepancy. If you still owe money to the cruise line, you will need to pay before departing the ship.
You will be asked to put your luggage outside your door on the last night of the cruise. Usually this is by midnight. The cruise line ensures that these bags go through Customs. In the morning, you will be able to pick up your luggage after you pass through Customs. You will want to keep a carry-on bag with you to store your night clothes, personal items, and breakable items you have purchased during your cruise. Make sure all items & receipts are easily accessible if Customs wants to carefully inspect them.
Vaccinations: Not required for Caribbean and Western European cruises. However, it is recommended that you check with your local health department for any recommendations they might have. You also can access www.cdc.gov/travel for more information
Physical Disabilities and Special Needs: The cruise line should be notified BEFORE you arrive at cruise terminal. If you have food allergies, make sure the maitre' d or your waiter is aware of them.
Cruise Facts:
Enjoy your cruise planning. If you need assistance while you are searching for the perfect cruise or perfect ship for you,
please give us a call at 877-658-2582.
