Click on any topic
1.
Is Cruising affordable and a good vacation value?
5.
Are all ships and cruises fairly similar?
7.
Can I book on short notice?
9.
Are there different classes of service?
10. Will I get bored? Feel Confined?
11. What’s there to do in port?
12. Do I have to participate in the
activities?
13. Do cruise lines welcome
families and kids?
14. What’s there to do at
night?
15. Is there a charge for
entertainment?
16. Is it easy to meet people?
17. Will there be people like me?
18. Can singles have fun on a
cruise?
21. Can I use my hair dryer or shaver?
22. What are different meal seatings?
23. Is cruise ship dining as good as I’ve been told?
25. What if I don’t like my
tablemates?
26. Are there non-smoking
areas?
27. Can we celebrate a
“special” day?
28. Is cruising right for
honeymooners?
29. Can we stay in touch with the
outside?
31. Is motion-discomfort
a problem?
32. Are there medical services
on board?
33. Are there laundry services
aboard?
34. Do cruise lines accept
group booking?
35. Are there meeting rooms
onboard?
36. Can I extend my cruise vacation?
37. It all sounds too good to be
true! Is it?
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 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 massages or hair styling.)
Compare a cruise to the total cost of other vacations. You’ll be amazed at the
value!
How long are cruises?
As
long or short as you want. Our member lines offer
itineraries from three days to three months.
Where can I go?
Where do you want to go?
Cruises visit practically every destination accessible by water.
How do I book a cruise?
Just email D & D
Cruises and a cruise specialist will contact you within 24 hours to help you
select the cruise that fits your vacation schedule, tastes and budgets. D &
D Cruises will make all the arrangements to get you from your doorstep to your
stateroom and back.
Are all ships and cruises fairly similar?
Far
from it. Our CLIA member lines’ ships range in
numerous varieties of sizes. You can sail with anywhere from fewer than 1000
fellow passengers to over 3,600 fellow passengers.
What’s and air/sea cruise?
A fly/cruise or air/sea
cruise vacation package includes either free or much reduced airfare along with
your cruise ticket. These money-saving options are available from most major
North American cities and include transfers between the airport and ship as
well as baggage handling.
Can I book on short notice?
Even the most popular
cruises sometimes have space available because of late cancellations. But, to
get exactly the ship, cabin, and sailing date you want, you should plan and
book early. Most cruise lines also offer early booking discounts for customers
who plan ahead. Then, just sit back and anticipate all the fun you’re going to
have!
Do I need a passport?
Yes, New
All other passengers and/or itineraries which begin in one US Port and return to the same US Port will not require a passport. You will need a certified copy of a birth certificate and a valid Government issued photo ID (or passport may be used). We encourage all travelers to obtain passports to allow the broadest travel opportunities
Are there different classes of service?
Today’s cruise ships are
“one-class”. Everyone onboard can use all of the ships 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 that few other places can offer.
There’s plenty of room, and it’ll probably take you a day or two just to
discover what all is onboard. Plus, you get the added adventure of exploring
new and exciting ports of call.
Cruise Ships are like
floating resorts with all the fine things that 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 every changing view. Or, you can join in
exercise classes, dance classes, sports contests, and other organized deck
activities. Perhaps 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. And that’s just when you are
onboard!
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 ride down the side of a 10,000 ft. 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 waterskiing boat.
If there is 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 the 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 and 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’d dancing; live entertainment in night clubs, discos
and lounges; feature films; and parties with all of your new friends. Most ships
even have casinos. There are also many special events like the Captain’s Reception
Party, Passenger Talent Night, the Masquerade Parade, the Late Night Buffet (just
for one last bite to tide you over ‘til 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 and
relaxed; You’ll have all kinds of things in common to talk
about at dinners, 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!
Will there be people like me?
No matter what you’ve heard
to the contrary, there’s no such thing as a typical cruise passenger! All kinds
of people take cruises…of all ages…from all walks of like…singles, couples and families.
Passengers can vary from ship to ship and cruise to cruise. Just ask us for advice
on the best ship for you based on your tastes and lifestyles.
Can singles have fun on a cruise?
Cruising is ideal for people
traveling alone, because it is so easy to meet other people. In fact, most ships
have parties just for singles-early on, so you can start to be involved right away.
Most ships also have single cabins as well as single rates for double staterooms.
In many cases, a cruise line will even find you a roommate to share a double if
you ask them.
What should I pack?
Pack like you would for any
resort. Cruise vacations are casual by day, whether you are on the ship or ashore.
In the evening, ships vary as to dress. As on shore, attire is dictated by occasion.
For the Captain’s Gala, for example, you’ll probably want you to wear something
more formal, such as a dark suit, or a cocktail dress; perhaps even a dinner jacket
or a gown.
Will I need a tuxedo?
On some cruises, formal dinners
or parties are part of the fun. But don’t buy a tuxedo just for the trip. If you
do want to dress, many ships offer tuxedo rental services. Even on the most formal
of ships, a dark suit and tie are fine for the dressiest occasions.
Can I use my hair dryer or shaver?
Most
ships have 110 Volt outlets in the staterooms. But do check with us to be sure!
What are different meal seatings?
Some ships’ dining rooms can
accommodate all passengers in one “seating”. But, most ships have between two(2) to four(4) seatings which differ
only by times. To choose, just decide whether you prefer to dine early or late.
Then let us know, so we can request your preference when you book. Whichever seating
you choose, remember that one of the best ways to make new friends is to ask for
a large table.
Is cruise ship dining as good as
I’ve been told?
Everything you’ve heard about
cruise ship dining is true. You’ll find a varied selection on entreés (appetizers, salads, soups, vegetables, and
desserts too!) every time you sit down. There’s usually no limit on what or how
much you can order.
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, or fitness menu selections that are just as
tempting as the regular menu. You can also jog, do aerobics, work out in the
gym, swim, golf, play tennis, and much more! Burning
calories was never so much fun! Best of all, the one thing you’ll never see on
a cruise ship menu is a price.
Can I get a special diet?
Most ships can accommodate salt-free,
low carbohydrate, diabetic, Kosher, or other diet preferences. However, this request
must be made in advance, so be sure to advise us of this requirement when you
book your cruise.
What if I don’t like my tablemates?
Rarely is this a problem.
However, if you wish to move to another table speak
with the maitre d’. He’ll make every effort to seat you with more compatible
dining companions…discretely and politely.
Are there non-smoking areas?
Today, virtually all ships
have smoking and non smoking sections. In act, cruise ships dining rooms are
now totally smoke free, reflecting passenger requests.
Can we celebrate a “special” day?
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, canapés,
wine or cheese. You can even arrange for a special private party. All you have
to do is advise us in advance.
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.
Can we stay in touch with the outside?
Quite
easily. Most ships have a daily newsletter with
news, headlines, selected stock quotes and sports
scores. State rooms on many ships are even equipped with televisions. While
many ships now have telephones in passenger cabins, you can also call someone
on shore through the ship’s radio operator while at sea. And, you can make
phone calls from most ports. In addition, many ships have fax capabilities.
Many ships have internet access as well.
What about tipping?
Tipping is a matter of
individual preference. A general rule of thumb is to plan for about $2.50 to
$3.00 a day for your room steward and dining room waiter, and about half that
amount for your busboy. (A few cruise lines include the tipping in the price
and will so inform you.) Other ship board personnel can be tipped for special
services at your discretion.
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 preventive medications have, for the most part, eliminated the
incidence of motion discomfort.
Are there medical services on board?
Virtually every cruise ship
(except for some smaller vessels operating in coastal waters) has a
fully-equipped medical facility and staff to handle almost any emergency.
Are there laundry services aboard?
Yes. Almost all cruise
ships have laundry facilities and a great many provide dry-cleaning services.
There is, however, an additional charge for professional laundry and
dry-cleaning services. Most ships also have self-services launderettes.
Do cruise lines accept group booking?
Most lines will work with
groups-often as reduced rates-depending on how many people are involved.
Policies vary from company to company and sometimes during certain times of the
year. Just consult us for details.
Are there meeting rooms onboard?
Just about every full size
ship has public rooms to offer as meeting space for groups. If you’d like to
make such arrangements, ask us to contact the cruise line’s group sales
department to coordinate schedules and arrange for any catering needs. Your
ship may also be able to offer audio-visual equipment.
Can I extend my cruise vacation?
We can arrange pre or post
cruise land packages at the same time you book your cruise. And in many cases,
your airline ticket will include helpful options, such as free stopovers, they
enable you to make your own special arrangements.
It all sounds too good to be true! Is it?
The one major complaint we
hear over and over again is that cruises end far too soon! Beyond that, it’s
hard to find any negatives. After all, you don’t have to run to make plane
connections to get from one port to the next. You don’t have the hassles of
making dinner or nightclub reservations. You don’t have the bother of packing
and unpacking as you move from place to place. You don’t get unexpected,
expensive surprises at restaurants or nightclubs. You have a wealth of options
for shopping, adventure, sightseeing, exploring, entertainment
and sports activities. All you have to worry about is relaxing and enjoying your vacation.
Most importantly, every
crew and staff member onboard is dedicated to making your cruise vacation the
best vacation of your life (until you top it next year with your next cruise.)