Question 1

Can I make restaurant and other onboard reservations in advance?

Accepted Answer

Many cruise lines now offer a variety of dining options including specialty restaurants. As these restaurants tend to be smaller it is recommended to make reservations in advance during the pre-cruise registration process. Reservations can also be made in advance for the Spa and for some other onboard activities and entertainment venues.

Question 2

When will my airline itenery be available?

Accepted Answer

Air arrangements purchased through the cruise line are generally made available about 3 weeks prior to departure. Please note that air schedules are booked at the discretion of the cruise line and cannot be changed. Anyone requiring special itineraries/air carriers must arrange for custom air prior to final payment. The minimum charge for custom air itineraries ranges from approximately $35-$100 per person and additional charges may apply. Custom air should be booked as early as possible to insure flight availability. It is the traveler's responsibility to confirm seat assignments and other special services, such as special meals or wheelchair assistance directly with the airline.

Question 3

What should I pack?

Accepted Answer

First and foremost, dress for comfort. Daily life aboard ship and in ports of call is laid-back and casual. You are encouraged to wear whatever makes you feel most comfortable: sportswear, shorts, slacks, sundresses and so on. Warmer temperatures call for clothing made of lightweight, breathable fabrics. For cooler temperatures we suggest casual clothes that can be layered easily. On some days you may need a raincoat and waterproof hat or umbrella. Gloves are a good idea as well. Footwear should include comfortable walking shoes for visits ashore and sandals or rubber-soled shoes for strolling on deck.   In the evening the dress codes varies according to the ship that you are sailing on. Most ships now offer a variety of restaurants to choose from and the dress codes for those restaurants will vary from casual to smart casual to formal. The suggested dress code in the ships' main dining rooms is generally sport shirts and slacks for men and sundresses or pants for women although some guests prefer to dress up for the occasion and are welcome to do so. In specialty restaurants and on the luxury cruise ships, jackets and ties for men are suggested for men and cocktail dresses or a nice pantsuit outfit would be appropriate for women. Tuxedos are no longer the norm for formal nights as even on the most formal of ships, a dark suit and tie are fine for the dressiest occasions. Tuxedos are usually available for rental if preferred. Again, these are guidelines and your evening attire is left up to your discretion.

Question 4

When can I expect to receive my final documents?

Accepted Answer

Cruise vouchers will be sent to you via mail or email 2-3 weeks prior to departure. Please note that cruise tickets will not be released by the cruise line until after each guest has completed the pre-cruise registration. Pre-cruise registration can generally be completed after final payment is made.

Question 5

Should I re-confirm my airline reservations?

Accepted Answer

Most airlines require passengers to check in online on their website 24 hours prior to the flight departure time and to print out boarding passes. At this time you can set your profile preferences to be notified about schedule changes either by email, text or a phone call. Please note that while you need to check in 24 hours prior to your flight departure, boarding passes generally cannot be obtained in advance for international flights as the airlines need to be able to verify the validity of your passport and other boarding documents. Plan to be at the airline counter at least 1-1/2 hours before flight time for domestic flights and 2-1/2 hours before flight time for international flights to account for any possible delays.

Question 6

How do transfers work?

Accepted Answer

Most cruise lines include transfers between the airport and the pier on embarkation/disembarkation day if you have purchased an air/sea package directly with them. Passengers providing their own air must get their own transportation to/from the pier. Prepaid transfers can be purchased separately from most cruise lines. Flight information must be provided to the cruise line with final payment if separate transfers have been purchased.

Question 7

Is parking available at the pier?

Accepted Answer

Parking available at most of the piers and the rates vary by location. Visit our Cruise Port Parking page for links and additional information about the parking facilities for specific ports. Please note that at some piers only cash is accepted.

Question 8

What is the visitor policy?

Accepted Answer

For security reasons most cruise lines have implemented a "no visitor" policy aboard their vessels.

Question 9

What are boarding procedures?

Accepted Answer

Generally, you will be allowed to board two or three hours before the ship sails. Keep in mind that you must be on the ship at least one hour before departure, and the gangway will be pulled thirty minutes before sailing.   Upon completion of check-in, you will receive a guest identification card. This card will serve as your identification on-board and will be used as your payment method for all onboard charges. In addition, it will also serve as your identification for security procedures when embarking and disembarking the ship and when making purchases on board.   As you walk up the gangway, a member of the cruise staff will welcome you aboard. Your luggage will be delivered to your cabin shortly after it arrives at the ship. You will only have your hand luggage while boarding so be sure to keep important articles such as medicines, cameras, diapers and other necessary items in your carry-on luggage. It's also a good idea to pack your bathing suit in your carry-on luggage so that you can enjoy the pool area while waiting for your luggage to be delivered. Once you are on board you are free to explore the ship. Refreshments are available during embarkation and most cruise lines offer a nice buffet lunch (depending on the departure time).

Question 10

Can we celebrate a "special" day?"

Accepted Answer

Can we celebrate a "special" day? All cruise lines will make your "special" day special. Most will even treat you to a complimentary cake and a chorus of Happy Whatever to honor the occasion. Are there medical services onboard? Do the cruise lines offer shore excursions?

Question 11

Do the cruise lines offer shore excursions?

Accepted Answer

Shore excursions can be purchased in advance with us or with the cruise line. Royaltys will help you make the most of your time in port and provide you with the best transportation and guide services available. Excursions can range from simple walking tours to zip-lining, helicopter rides and even custom shore excursions.

Question 12

Are there medical services onboard?

Accepted Answer

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. Your prescription medication should be kept close at hand in your purse or carry-on bag rather than in your checked luggage. Be sure to bring a sufficient supply of medication and transport it in the original container. It is also a good idea to carry a written list of your medications in case they are lost. The list should include the name of the drug, dosage, and times taken.   Please note that charges are usually incurred for services provided by onboard medical personnel. This is another reason why the purchase of travel insurance is very strongly suggested. Do the cruise lines offer shore excursions?

Question 13

We can stay in touch with the outside?

Accepted Answer

Mass Media: Most ships have a daily newsletter with news, headlines, selected stock quotes and sports scores. Staterooms on most ships are equipped with televisions featuring a variety of news and entertainment channels.   Telephone: While most ships have telephones in passenger cabins, you can also call someone on shore through the ship's radio operator while at sea. Please note that the costs for ship to shore calling can be quite high. You can make phone calls from most ports and most cellular carriers offer international calling plans as well as Cellular at Sea plans that you can purchase for the specific time period before you depart for your trip. If you plan of making phone calls while abroad then pre-purchasing an international calling plan from your cellular carrier can help save you money. Please note that the Caribbean is considered international and roaming charges will apply if an international calling plan is not purchased. Please contact your specific mobile carrier for detailed information about the calling plans that they offer.   Fax and Internet: Many ships have fax capabilities and internet access. If you plan on using internet while onboard it is often less expensive to purchase an internet plan. Internet packages vary according to the amount of minutes purchased and can be used by most cell phones, laptops or other mobile devices. Information about specific plans can usually be found in your stateroom or at guest services.

Question 14

Are there laundry services aboard?

Accepted Answer

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. Many ships also have self-service launderettes. Can we celebrate a "special" day? Are there medical services onboard? Do the cruise lines offer shore excursions?

Question 15

What about tipping?

Accepted Answer

Gratuities vary by cruise line and are usually added to your shipboard account. A general rule of thumb is to plan for about $12.50 to $15.00 per person per day which includes gratuities for your room steward and dining room staff. On many cruise lines it is now possible to prepay the above gratuities. Certainly, if you have received exceptional service from an employee and want to give an additional tip as a token of appreciation, then cash can certainly be offered. On most cruise lines a 15%-18% gratuity is automatically added to beverage purchases, spa packages and other service related items which you may adjust according to services rendered. Most luxury cruise lines and river cruise lines include tipping in the price and will advise you accordingly.

Question 16

Can I use my hair-dryer, shaver or other electronic equipment?"

Accepted Answer

Most ships have 110-volt outlets in the staterooms however nearly all ships now feature hair-dryers in the cabins. While traveling outside of the US a converter and an adapter is usually necessary for most electronic devices. Some ships sailing outside of North America offer both 110 and 220-volt outlets. Most hotels outside of the US only offer 220-volt outlets.

Question 17

What is the ship-board check policy?

Accepted Answer

Most cruise lines will cash traveler's checks. Personal checks cannot be cashed and cash cannot be drawn from your shipboard account.

Question 18

Will I have a ship-board account?

Accepted Answer

Most cruise lines have set up a "cashless" system designed to make your life on board as simple as possible. You simply sign a receipt for each of your on-board purchases and then settle your shipboard account at the end of the cruise. Cash, VISA, American Express, MasterCard, Discover, and personal or traveler's checks are accepted as payment on most cruise lines.

Question 19

Do I need a passport?

Accepted Answer

AIR TRAVEL All U.S. citizens including children must present a passport or other approved travel document when entering the United States by air. U.S. citizens can present a passport, NEXUS card at airports with NEXUS kiosks, U.S. military ID with travel orders, or a U.S. Merchant Mariner Document when on official business.   CRUISE TRAVEL U.S. citizens returning home from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean or Bermuda, by land or sea, will be required to present one of the travel documents listed below.   U.S. Passport – This is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies a person’s identity and nationality. It is accepted for travel by air, land and sea. U.S. Passport Card – This is a new, limited-use travel document that fits in your wallet and costs less than a U.S. Passport. It is only valid for travel by land and sea.   Trusted Traveler Program Cards – NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST enrollment cards can speed your entry into the U.S. and are issued only to pre-approved, low-risk travelers. The cards are valid for use at land or sea; the NEXUS card can be used in airports with a NEXUS kiosk. Note: Cruise Ship Passengers: U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises (cruises that begin and end at the same U.S. port) will be able to enter or depart the country with a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID. Please be aware that you may still be required to present a passport to enter the countries your cruise ship is visiting. Check with your cruise line to ensure you have the appropriate documents.   U.S. and Canadian citizen children under age 16 arriving by land or sea from contiguous territory may also present an original or copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Naturalization Certificate, or a Canadian Citizenship Card. U.S. and Canadian citizen children under age 19 arriving by land or sea from contiguous territory and traveling with a school group, religious group, social or cultural organization, or sports team, may also present an original or copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Naturalization Certificate, or a Canadian Citizenship Card.   The group should be prepared to present a letter on organizational letterhead with the following information:   The name of the group and supervising adult; A list of the children on the trip, and the primary address, phone number, date of birth, place of birth, and name of at least one parent or legal guardian for each child; and A written and signed statement of the supervising adult certifying that he or she has obtained parental or legal guardian consent for each participating child These rules, requirements and regulations became effective on June 1, 2009 and replace all previous requirements. Cruise.com is not liable for any fees or penalties if passengers are denied boarding for failure to provide adequate documentation of citizenship.   OUR RECOMMENDATIONCruise.com strongly recommends that all guests travel with a valid passport during their cruise. This greatly assists guests who may need to fly out of the United States to meet their ship at the next available port should they miss their scheduled embarkation in a U.S. port; guests entering the U.S. at the end of their cruise; and guests needing to fly to the U.S. before their cruise ends, because of medical, family, personal or business emergencies, missing a ship's departure from a port of call, involuntary disembarkation from a ship due to misconduct, or other reasons.   Guests who need to fly to the United States before their cruise ends will likely experience significant delays and complications related to booking airline tickets and entering the United States if they do not have a valid U.S. passport with them.   All Non-U.S. citizens: Any non-US citizen who has previously been admitted to the United States for permanent residence must carry their passport and Alien Registration Receipt Card. All other non-U.S./non-Canadian citizens must have valid passports and any necessary visas. Such guests should verify carefully the existing identification requirements for their particular travel situation, as these requirements may change.   IMPORTANT: ALL guests should carefully verify the existing identification requirements for their particular travel situation DIRECTLY WITH THE CRUISE LINE OR THEIR LOCAL CONSULATES OR EMBASSIES, as these requirements may change. Guests arriving for embarkation without proper documentation may be denied boarding and will not be entitled to a refund.

Question 20

Download Passport Forms

Accepted Answer

Click here to be re-directed to download a copy of the United States passport form(s).

Question 21

Do I need travel insurance?

Accepted Answer

Travel insurance can be purchased through the cruise line or inform us prior to final payment with Royaltys Travel Agency. The price will vary depending on the cost and length of your cruise. We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance. Once you are within the final payment period the cruise lines will impose strict cancellation penalties as outlined in their brochures. These penalties will not be waived even for medical reasons. Insurance also offers certain medical benefits while you are travelling as most personal insurance policies do not cover policy holders outside of the United States. Please contact Royaltys Travel Agency for further details.

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