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New To Cruise
Booking your first cruise can be daunting, with an array of decisions to make. To ensure your experience is as satisfying and easy as possible, we have anticipated some of your concerns. Please contact us for any other questions you may have.Cruise line policies and services differ so the information below is general and may not apply to every single cruise line. For specific cruise line information please contact one of our cruise experts today on 0800 043 0010.
Why Cruise?
Cruising offers you a fantastic opportunity to visit many different places of interest and exciting new destinations without the hassle of a multi-centre holiday. Wake up each morning in a different port and experience all the great facilities that modern ships have to offer. Food is all included, and many ships offer fantastic child facilties too.
People from all walks of life, all age ranges, families, couples and singles are now choosing a cruise for their holiday plans. There are many different cruise lines catering for all tastes and budgets.
Formal or Informal cruising?
Informal cruise lines are very popular with first time cruisers, young couples and families - with a more relaxed atmosphere and no strict dress codes, Ocean Village, Island Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) offer great value for money cruise holidays with a varied selection of dining options and activities, both onboard and ashore.
If you would prefer a more formal cruise, Royal Caribbean, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruise Line, and Cunard offer luxurious worldwide cruises and voyages throughout the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Far East, Alaska, South America, Australasia and Hawaii.
Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Princess offer style and glamour with an American twist. Décor on board is fresh and elegant, the staff are helpful and friendly and all cater well for families too.
Cunard and P&O cater specifically for the UK market and the atmosphere on board is traditional and refined.
There are usually 2 - 3 formal nights per week but this is dependant on the cruise length and cruise line.
How do I join my cruise?
On Ex-UK cruises regional flights may be available. Car parking is available at all ports in the UK and coach transfers from regional pick up points are often available to book through the cruise lines too. Some Cruises sailing from UK ports offer free parking -further information can be given by our cruise experts.
On Fly-Cruise packages the price usually includes a scheduled or charter flight, all flight taxes and transfers by coach between the airport and port. Please note that flights may not be direct and could involve a change of plane en route. For most Caribbean and US departures a pre cruise hotel will be included as you will fly out the day before the cruise sails.
What is included in my cruise price?
Your cruise fare will include shipboard accommodation, meals and entertainment whilst aboard the ship.
What about tipping?
You will receive fantastic service whilst onboard your cruise and tipping is a traditional way to thank the crew looking after you.
Some cruise lines include gratuities in the fare; others will add it automatically to your onboard account. The amount can be changed at your discretion.
Ocean Village, Island Cruises and Thomson Cruises all include basic tips within the fare. Any extra you would like to give for outstanding service is completely at your discretion.
The following are suggestions only. Waiters and cabin stewards - £2.00 per passenger per day, Assistant Waiters - £1.00 per passenger per day, Head Waiters - £1.50 per passenger per day.
For US cruise lines approximately $10 per person per day for all crew is recommended. A 15% gratuity is added to most bar and wine bills.
What is not included in my cruise price?
The price will not include organized shore excursions, soft drinks or alcoholic beverages ,photographs, gratuities (Included in the cost on some cruise lines - ask for details), medical services, casino expenditures, spa and beauty treatments or items you can purchase in the shops on board.
What grade of cabin should I choose?
An inside cabin is well ventilated but has no natural light. An inside cabin is usually the same size as an outside cabin and is always the best priced option.
An outside cabin will have a window or porthole and is considered an "Ocean View" room.
The better priced outside cabins have a partially or fully obstructed view, you will still get some natural light into the cabin but the view in front of the window is usually covered by a lifeboat or other safety equipment.
If you opt for a balcony cabin you will have your own personal balcony, usually furnished with table and chairs.
Suites vary from ship to ship and there are usually many different types of suites from junior Suites or mini suites - To Presidential / Owners Suites. Suites are the largest and most luxurious accommodations onboard any ship.
Are the cruise itineraries subject to change?
Yes, all cruise itineraries are subject to change. With guest safety as the number one priority for the cruise lines, on the rare occasions that weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances may occur, it may cause a change in the original itinerary. In these circumstances, the cruise line staff will do everything within their power to visit an alternate port of call and will write to you advising of the change.
Can I get married / renew my vows onboard?
Some Cruise lines are licensed to perform marriages onboard or whilst in port, the ceremonies are usually conducted by the Captain; an onboard coordinator ensures everything runs smoothly. It is advisable to book as far in advance as possible as the amount of services are limited.
Is cruising right for honeymooners?
Cruising offers an atmosphere that's just right for romance... moonlit dinners for two, champagne breakfasts in your cabin, strolls on deck under the stars…
Most lines provide special packages to enhance your experience. You can even add your honeymoon to your wedding list and let your friends and family pay! Please ask for more details.
Are there non-smoking areas?
Ships are governed by Maritime law so are not affected by the UK smoking ban. On most ships designated smoking areas are provided in public areas. Restaurants and some lounges / theatres are all non-smoking.
Will I get bored or feel confined?
It's not likely. Most ships are a good size (larger than some land based resort hotels!) and it usually takes a couple of days to fully explore the different options available on board. You can rest by the poolside, join a dance class or sports activity, see a movie, or try your luck in a casino - the options are endless! In addition to the activities onboard, you also have the opportunity to explore new and exciting ports of call.
Is there a laundry services aboard ship?
Almost all cruise ships have laundry facilities and many provide dry-cleaning services. There is, however, an additional charge for laundry and dry-cleaning services. Many ships also have self-service launderettes as a cheaper option.
Will I get seasick?
Seasickness is not common on larger cruise ships. Larger ships are equipped with stabilizers designed to minimize the feeling of movement. If you should feel queasy, medicine is available from your cabin steward or the ship's doctor. If you are prone to motion sickness, you may want to consider consulting your doctor prior to departure.
Will I need to dress up?
Some cruise lines feature a more relaxed and casual approach to dress throughout the cruise such as Ocean Village, Island Cruises and NCL - while on others, formal dinners or parties are part of the fun. Please ask our cruise team for further information.
How do I pay for onboard purchases?
For your convenience, an account will be set up for you when you board the ship and purchases will be billed automatically to your credit card. If you don't have a credit card you may use a cash deposit. Travellers cheques may be cashed at the Purser's Desk to cover gratuities and can be used to pay off your onboard account if you do not wish to have the charges applied to your credit card. You can view your account at any time by going to the Pursers (reception) desk or even on your cabin television on some ships.
What are my dining options?
Most formal cruise lines offer both a Main Seating (approx 6.30pm) and Late Seating (approx. 8.30pm) in the main dining room. Dining preferences may be requested at the time of the booking, however no requests are guaranteed. Your seating and table assignment will be confirmed at embarkation. Either seating will allow you to see all shows and experience everything your cruise has to offer.
As an alternative to traditional seating, some cruise lines now offer "freestyle / personal choice" dining. This option provides guests with the flexibility to dine when they wish. You may also choose your dinner companions and request specific tables rather than being assigned to a particular time and table for the duration of the cruise.
For your convenience, in addition to breakfast, lunch, dinner, and midnight buffets, many ships also offer complimentary room service as well as a host of other restaurants / buffets onboard available around the clock. Some restaurants do charge an additional cover charge.
Will the cruise line cater for special dietary requirements?
Special meals are available for different dietary needs. Requests should be made at the time of booking and you can request to see the Head chef / Maitre’d on board if required.
What if I am celebrating a special occasion?
If you are celebrating a special occasion on the ship, we can add that information to your reservation in advance or you can let the Maitre'd know.
What is an assembly drill? Do I have to go?
These are generally referred to as lifeboat drills. Everyone on board the ship is required to attend a compulsory safety drill comply with Coast Guard and international safety regulations. This is always performed on the first day usually about an hour before sailing. Important information will then be given to you of what to do in the unlikely event of an emergency onboard.
Do I have to participate in the cruise line's organized activities?
It is your holiday and you can do as little or as much as you prefer!
Do cruise lines have activities for kids?
Children’s facilities are excellent on cruise lines. The programs are designed to give your kids a chance to go swimming, play sports, watch movies and get to know other kids on the ship, while giving you an opportunity for some worry free rest and relaxation. Age restrictions may apply but most cruise lines cater from 3 – 17 year olds with a nursery facility for younger guests.
What's available to do in the evenings?
Nightly activities are just as exciting as during the day. Test your luck in the casinos, dance the night away in the nightclub, go bowling, ice skating, take in a show, live band or even a comedian. There are numerous options to keep you entertained.
Can we stay in touch with the outside?
Most ships have televisions in the rooms with international satellite channels plus a daily newsletter with headlines from home. There are usually phones in the rooms or you can have the ship's radio operator contact the mainland for you. Also, many ships have fax capabilities and internet lounges. Charges vary and will be confirmed onboard. Many cruise lines now have mobile phone coverage onboard.
Are the casinos and duty free shops open all day?
They are open while you are at sea in international waters; however, they will remain closed while the ship is in port.
How will I know what activities are happening on the ship?
Your cabin steward will leave a news update in your room every night, which will provide a schedule of events for the following day. This update will detail the events and their locations and times.
How do I pay for purchases in port?
Most shops accept major credit cards and traveller's checks. Some ships and ports of call have ATMs. Money can be changed at the Pursers desk into the local currency of each port you visit.
What is there to do in port?
There is something ashore for everyone. Each port offers a unique experience where you can explore on your own, book organized shore excursions from the cruise line, go shopping, relax on the beach or take in some historical sites.
Do I have to get off the ship at every port of call?
Not if you don't want to. You are more than welcome to stay on the ship and relax by the pool or participate in some of the organized activities. The Spa and pool areas are always more relaxing whilst in port so it is an ideal time to indulge in some pampering.
Cruise Terminology:
| Aft | Near, toward, or in the rear of a ship. |
| Boat | A Lifeboat attached to the side of the Ship ( Cruise Liners are all Ships – Not boats) |
| Bow | Front of the ship. |
| Bridge | Navigational, command, and control center of the ship, where the Captain works. |
| Cabin | Passenger room on a ship. |
| Captain | Master or commander of a ship. |
| Departure | The time at which your ship leaves a port. |
| Disembark | Exiting the ship, usually at the end of your cruise. |
| Deck | Floor of the ship, especially the open areas. |
| Embarkation | To board a ship, especially at the start of your cruise. |
| Excursion | A side-trip, on land or sea, at your ports of call |
| Forward | Toward the front of the ship. |
| Funnel | Ship's smokestack. |
| Galley | Kitchen. Palatable and unpalatable edibles are prepared in mass quantities here. |
| Gangway | Opening in the side of a ship through which it is boarded or provisioned. (Also, what you hear when the buffet first opens). |
| Guarantee Cabin | A reserved cabin, usually priced at a slight discount, guaranteed by the cruise ship to be at or better than the category you actually paid for. You do not get to choose your specific cabin or location. |
| Gross Tonnage | The total enclosed revenue-earning space of a ship. 100 cubic feet equals one gross ton. |
| Inside Cabin | A cabin inside the ship with no view of the water. |
| Knot | One nautical mile per hour. (One knot is about 15% faster than one mile per hour). |
| Maître d' | Person who shows diners to their tables and supervises the waiters in a dining room. |
| Midships | In or toward the middle of the ship. |
| Muster | Emergency drill – Muster Station is where you must go if directed. |
| Onboard account | The personal onboard credit account that you can charge all drinks and purchases to – Paying it off via your credit card at the end of the cruise. |
| Onboard Credit (OBC) | Monies credited to your onboard account, generally as a special offer for booking a cruise |
| Outside Cabin | A cabin with a porthole or a window |
| Pilot | Local from shore who is responsible for bringing the ship into and out of your Port of Call. |
| Pitch | The rise and fall of the front of the ship while at sea. (Also, what you get at Art Auctions and Port Shopping Talks). |
| Port | The left side the ship. |
| Porthole | A small ( usually round) window. |
| Promenade | A ship's "shopping mall". |
| Purser | Official on a ship responsible for papers and accounts and also for the welfare of passengers. |
| Registry | Country in which the ship is registered. |
| Seating | Which dinner service you have --- Early (which is the Main seating) or Late. |
| Ship | What you are cruising on or in. |
| Stabilizer | Hydraulic activated underwater fins to minimize ship's roll. |
| Starboard | The right-hand side of the ship. STARBOARD and RIGHT HAND have the nine letters. |
| Stateroom | Fancy name for a cabin. |
| Steerage | Cabins below the water line. |
| Stern | The absolute rear point of the ship. |
| Steward | Person who services a cabin. May have an assistant. Has a way of mysteriously keeping your room cleaned without ever being seen. |
| Tender | The smaller ship, boat, or lifeboat used to transfer passengers from the ship to the shore and back again when the ship is anchored offshore. |
| Upper Berth | A recessed bunk bed that fits into the wall and can be lowered for use. |
