Deciding on your next cruise package

Deciding on your next cruise package Naturally we strongly encourage those interested in booking a cruise use a CRUISE SPECIALIST who knows and is familiar with the varied products available in the cruise market today. Develop a personal relationship with that person so they understand your personal needs and preferences. This is the person you will always turn to for your questions and package needs. Calling a cruise line, call center or using a website does not allow you access to that person in a timely manner or maybe not at all. A real CRUISE SPECIALIST will have personal experience sailing most of the markets so they can give first hand information, ‘talk’ about itineraries, ships, cruise lines and programs with confidence. Is this a family cruise, a group, individuals, special occasion, special needs………………… Cruise lines and ships vary and some may not meet your needs. 1. Family cruises are best booked on Royal Caribbean, Carnival or Disney cruise lines. These offer the best ‘kids & teens’ programs with structured, supervised activities allowing the adults time for themselves. 2. Group reservations vary in their expectations and what will satisfy the individuals participating. Itinerary and ship are very important in meeting individual expectations. 3. Individual cabin reservations, or several wanting to be together, are the easiest to work with because they generally have already decided on the type of itinerary ahead of time. While specific ships and cruise lines offer varied options, some may not provide the best experience for everyone. A good agent will generally direct young adults/couples away from those ships more popular for the older passengers and direct them toward something that would be more appealing to them. 4. Celebrating special occasions is possible on all major lines, but some do better than others with specific types of occasions. Weddings, definitely Princess, while young honeymooners seem to enjoy Carnival, Royal Caribbean or the tall masted ships. 5. Special Needs passengers are most always welcome on the major lines, but be sure to discuss this with your agent. There are limitations that can not be met on some ships due to handicapped access issues. No matter what your needs and expectations are, a good Cruise Specialist should have no problem in presenting you with options and guiding you in the right direction. The ocean liner or river boat becomes your HOTEL providing a variety of DINING OPTIONS, cabin ACCOMODATIONS, ACTIVITIES, and ENTERTAINMENT on and off the ship. It is important that you allow your agent to ‘qualify’ your needs and expectations before you even begin your search. Ship or destination? Which is most important? Large or small ship, cruise liner, masted ship or river boat? What type of accommodations do you prefer? Is price an issue? Location? Type of cabin? Do you want to be in the forward section, mid ship or aft? Cabins vary from inside (no windows/natural light), ocean view, balcony or suites? Handicapped accessible? Normally, cabins come with hairdryers, TV, refrigerator, phone, safe and limited toiletries. But, be sure to confirm this when you book your cruise. Casual or formal environment? A luxury line is going to be more formal than the family oriented line. Even so, most lines have formal dining nights. You do not have to participate with all the options available on most ships and you may not need a tux/formal. On most ships a dark business suit and dressy or Sunday dress for ladies is adequate, though you may still see some formal attire. Good food or gourmet food? Dining options, open or assigned seating? Flexibility? Dietary needs? All this needs to be discussed. Most ships offer 24 hour access to ‘food’ items. Buffet? Dining Room? Room Service? Specialty Restaurant? Midnight Buffet? Activities or relaxation? Adults, kids, singles, couples ……………. Cost! For many this is a major factor in their planning. You may think in terms of luxury, but a luxury line may not be appropriate for you. Luxury is available on most ships, not just the luxury lines. No longer are we in the days of best rates are within several weeks of sailing. Available cabins are generally at a premium rate because many ships are ‘selling out’ well before sailing. The best time to book is EARLY, 9-12 months ahead. For some specialty itineraries (Alaska) or cruise lines (Disney), even earlier. The best values are the ‘repositioning’ cruises when lines are relocating ships. This occurs most often in the fall and late spring when ships are relocating to/from Alaska, Europe, Hawaii, etc. You can also save by booking your next cruise on board the current cruise if you find something you like on that cruise line. AND, your agent will get credit for the booking! Compare cost………………. In most cases a cruise package will cost less than a land package. Even all-inclusive packages. Gratuities for select crew members are common practice and most cruise lines place these on your ship board account. But, with the exception of NCL America (Hawaii), these amounts can be adjusted by going to the Purser’s Desk prior to the last night out. Tips average $10 per person, per night ($70 per person for a 7-night cruise) and go to the cabin steward and table waiters/assistant waiters. If you have had exceptional service you can always give them something extra at the last evening meal or leave it in the cabin. (Most luxury lines include gratuities in the cruise fare.) A Ship Board Account is set up for each individual in a cabin. Whether charges are to be placed on one persons’ account or individual accounts, everything you purchase on board is placed on your account and settled up the last night out. If you used a credit card to secure the account you will receive an itemized statement delivered to your cabin sometime during the night. Be sure to check your statement. It is hard to get adjustments if something is wrong once you have left the ship. Your first day is going to be stressful to some extent, even seasoned cruisers have some anxieties. Checking in is very similar in all situations so be sure to have the required identification papers (in most cases PASSPORTS) and boarding documents in hand. Arrive to the ship earlier rather than later during the time frame allowed for check-in (11:30 – noon). Due to government regulations imposed on the cruise lines, we recommend you plan to check in at least 2 hours prior to the departure time notated on your documents. For most sailings the ships arrive very early in the morning and passengers have disembarked. Though the crew may still be cleaning cabins you can generally board earlier, enjoy lunch at the buffet and explore the ship while waiting to get to your cabin. (You may also want to talk to your agent about arriving a day early.) Be patient with the lines that develop. Remember everyone is going through the same procedures. (Many Past Passenger programs allow for ‘repeat’ passengers to enter through special, shorter lines.) In all cases the check-in process goes faster if you have completed your on-line immigration registration and printed out your documents on-line. Your luggage will be taken from you and ‘show up’ at your cabin later in the day. Sometimes not until after you’ve sailed if you checked in later in the afternoon. Be sure your CRUISE LUGGAGE TAGS are properly affixed to your bags when you give them to the cruise line representatives/porters. (Using cruise line transfers your luggage will be taken from you as you board the bus. With pier drop off you luggage will be taken from you by the porters.) Try not to over pack because storage space is limited and you generally do not need as many clothing options as you think. (Several airports/piers have private luggage service available for a slight fee.) Limit your carry on items because you may have to carry them with you until your cabin is ready. BUT, do include a change of clothing, medications, and valuables. You may want to change into more comfortable attire before you get your luggage in your cabin. Disembarkation day requires an early start for most passengers and the staff will offer passengers the opportunity to participate in a general meeting explaining the procedures, including customs. 1. The night before, having packed, you will place your luggage outside your cabin door to be picked up during the night so it can be ready for you inside the pier when you get off the ship. Be sure to keep clothing out that you want to wear the next day. (Some ports/ships allow for walk off disembarkation with all your luggage to save time.) Be sure you place the color coded luggage tags that are provided on your luggage before you place it outside your cabin. These designate which area of the luggage area you proceed toward once you leave the ship. You MUST also complete your customs declaration form that was placed in your cabin to turn in at disembarkation. 2. A breakfast buffet is offered early the morning of disembarkation. You may be required to leave your cabin by a specific time. That’s OK. Go eat breakfast and proceed to one of the lounges designated for disembarkation. Keep a book handy since you may not disembark right away. 3. Wait until your tag color is called then proceed to the gangway with your belongings. You will exit the ship for the last time and proceed to luggage claim and claim your luggage and exit the appropriate transportation area. At some point during the process you will have to provide your passport or other approved travel identification to the immigration officers and you will turn your customs declaration form over to the customs agents. You should always be prepared for a delay while they check your carry off luggage and/or question you about your travels and purchases. REMEMBER THERE ARE LIMITS TO WHAT YOU CAN BRING IN DUTY FREE AND RESTRICTED ITEMS. This information is available on the ship and provided in the presentations the staff will make.

4. Some ports of disembarkation now offer “express check-out.” In this case you will not put your luggage out the night before. You keep it in your cabin and carry it off the ship with you. There are some limitations and you will need to sign up for this on board as instructed.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND ANWERS TO THE MANY QUESTIONS that most cruise passengers have, please go to our website www.cruisesinc.com/jhard click on the “About Cruising” icon or click on the “Before you Go” icon