Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

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Cruisin Easy has provided answers to Frequently Asked Questions that we encounter from out clients.

Below is a table of contents that you can choose from:

Is cruising affordable and a good vacation value?
Do I need a passport?
Are there different classes of service?
What is an Air/Sea cruise?
When and what airline will I fly on if I purchase an Air/Sea package?
Will I get bored? Feel confined?
Do cruise lines welcome families with kids?
What's there to do at night and do they charge for entertainment?
What should I pack?
Can I use my hair dryer or shaver?
Can I get a special diet?
Are there non-smoking areas?
Can we celebrate a special occasion?
Is cruising right for honeymooners?
Can we stay in touch with the outside?
What about tipping?
Are there medical services onboard?
Are there laundry services aboard ship?
Is motion discomfort a problem?
Can I extend my cruise vacation?
It all sounds too good to be true! Is it?


Q: Is cruising affordable and a good vacation value?

Yes! Cruising is absolutely the best vacation value! There are cruise vacations to suit every budget, be it economy up to luxury. Cruise costs are inclusive of your cabin, all meals, onboard activities, parties and entertainment. There are no hidden costs allowing you to 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 beauty/massage services or trying your luck at the casino.)

Q: Do I need a passport?

The need for a passport really depends on your cruise destinations. If you are a US citizen, you will need a minimum proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate with raised seal for most Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexico, Panama Canal and Alaska cruises plus in addition an acceptable photo id, such as a driver’s license, state id card for adults. Other destinations and a few ports in the area’s mentioned above will require a passport. You will receive complete information on required documents well prior of your departure.

Q: Are there different classes of service?

Unlike days gone by witnessed in the latest Titanic movie, cruise ships today are "one class". All on board can utilize all of the ship’s facilities. You will enjoy the same excellent service and entertainment as everyone else on board.

Q: What is an Air/Sea cruise?

An Air/Sea cruise package includes your cruise, round trip air from your gateway airport and round trip ground transfers to and from the port. Baggage handling is typically included also along with meet and greets service at the arrival airport.

Q: When and what airline will I fly on if I purchase an Air/Sea package?

Cruise lines buy bulk air space with the major airlines. They assign flights and carriers at their discretion. If you want to fly a preferred airline, change your dates of travel for a pre or post cruise holiday, fly business or first class, a service fee charge by the cruise line can accommodate your air deviation.

Q: Will I get bored? Feel confined?

Not likely! The feeling of freedom you experience at sea can be match by few land resorts. There's plenty of room and will probably take you a couple of days just to discover the offerings onboard. Additionally, you benefit the adventure of exploring exciting ports of call. Cruise ships are floating resorts and offer the amenities the same as fine land resorts. You can enjoy private moments lying in a lounge chair, breathing in the sea air, soaking up the sun, reading a good book, while ever-changing view passes. Or be more active joining exercise classes, dance classes, sports contests. You might practice your tennis stroke or golf swing, or shoot some baskets. Swimming, stretching out in the sauna or working out in the gym may be your forte. Maybe you would like to view a feature movie, attend a lecture by renowned experts, and play backgammon or bridge. The activities you choose or not choose to participate onboard are almost limitless.

Q: Do cruise lines welcome families with kids?

Family cruising is the ultimate family vacation. Most cruise lines offer supervised activities for youngsters, especially during school holidays and summer. If your child enjoys swimming, sports, games, movies, and the adventure of new places, then cruising is the perfect vacation. Kids adapt to shipboard life with ease, and you won't have to wonder what they're up to every minute. The cruise youth staff counselors will help keep them busy and entertained. An added bonus is that children generally travel at a substantially reduced rate.

Q: What's there to do at night and do they charge for entertainment?

Nightlife aboard the ship is lively. There's dancing; nightclubs with live music, discos, lounges; feature films; and parties with all your old or new friends. Most ships also have casinos. You can also enjoy additional events such as the Captain's cocktail party, passenger talent night, the Las Vegas style shows, Stage productions, comedians and much more all gratis. The cost of entertainment is included in your cruise fare!

Q: What should I pack?

Pack like you would for any resort or vacation. Cruise vacations are casual by day, whether you're on the ship or ashore. In the evening, ships vary as to dress. Attire is dictated by occasion, the Captain's Cocktail Party for example, you'll probably wear something dressier, such as a dark suit, or cocktail dress; perhaps even a dinner jacket or gown. If you want to dress to the nines, bring or rent a Tuxedo. Some ships even rent them on board. However you dress, dress for fun. At Cruisin Easy, we provide our clients with a basic packing list that you can use as a guideline keeping in mind the weather conditions and making adjustments as needed.

Q: Can I use my hair dryer or shaver?

Most ships have 110-volt outlets in the staterooms. The newer ships are featuring hairdryers in you cabin. If you are sailing on an older ship, make sure you ask your Cruisin Easy Crew Member what to expect for outlets.

Q: Can I get a special diet?

Most ships can accommodate salt-free, low-carbohydrate, Kosher, vegetarian or other diet preferences. However, this request should be made in advance so be sure to advise your Cruisin Easy Crew Member of this requirement when you book your cruise.

Q: Are there non-smoking areas?

Virtually all ships today have smoking and non-smoking tables and/or sections in the lounges and dining rooms. In fact, many dining rooms are now smoke-free. Carnival’s ship Paradise is completely non-smoking for the entire ship. Please make your Cruisin Easy Crew Member aware of your preference when you book your cruise.

Q: Can we celebrate a special occasion?

Absolutely! Most cruise lines will even treat you to a complimentary cake and chorus of "Happy ???" to honor the occasion. If you would like to make the occasion more festive you can purchase champagne, flowers or canapés prior to your cruise, just let your Cruisin Easy Crew Member know in advance and they will take care of the arrangements.

Q: Is cruising right for honeymooners?

Definitely! Cruising offers an atmosphere that's just right for romance such as cozy dinners for two, strolling on deck at sunset, dancing the night away (even under the stars). Most cruise lines provide special services such as: Sunday or Monday departures, to welcome champagne, cabin decorations, breakfast in bed and more. Some ships perform a marriage ceremony or will renew your marriage vows in port.

Q: 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. Staterooms on many ships are even equipped with televisions. While most ships have telephones in passenger cabins, you can also call someone through the ship's radio operator while at sea. You also can phone home from most ports. In addition, many ships are equipped with fax capabilities and new ones are

offer Internet services for a charge. Some of the newer ships have internet hook-ups!

Q: What about tipping?

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 room steward and dining room waiter, and about half that amount for your busboy. Other ship board personnel can be tipped for special services at your discretion. There are cruise lines that do not require, accept, or encourage tipping.

Q: Are there medical services onboard?

Virtually every cruise ship has a fully equipped medical facility and staff to handle almost any emergency.

Q: Are there laundry services aboard ship?

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-service launderettes.

Q: Is motion discomfort a problem?

Not often! Cruise Lines sail popular cruise itineraries that boast some of the calmest waters in the world. In addition to the large size of today's passenger liners, stabilizers, advance availability of accurate weather information, and development of effective preventative medications have eliminated the incidence of motion discomfort.

Q: Can I extend my cruise vacation?

Your Cruisin Easy Crew Member can arrange pre-or post-cruise land packages at the same time you book you cruise through the cruise line or independently.

Q: It all sounds too good to be true! Is it?

Typically the only complaint we hear is that the cruise ended far too soon! Beyond that, it's hard to find any negatives. The only thing you have to worry about on a cruise is relaxing and enjoying your vacation. Most importantly, every crew and staff member on board is dedicated to making your cruise the best vacation of your life, that is until you top it with your next cruise!

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