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CRUISES NOTES:
There are advantages and disadvantages if I book my airfare through the cruise line or on my own, depending on your needs and requirements. The advantages of booking air through the cruise lines are that, 1. transfers are included, 2. cruise lines know your flight and take responsibility for late arrivals (even if the delay causes you to miss the ship), 3. baggage handling may be easier, and 4. it is easier to make reservations. The disadvantages are that 1. you cannot choose your flight schedule, 2. some flight schedules may not be convenient, 3. major carriers are used - however you can not choose the airline, 4. frequent flyer points cannot be used for upgrades, and 5. we will not know your flight schedule and cannot assign seats until 30 days prior to your departure date. Requests for changes to air schedules are possible, but will charge a non-refundable air deviation fee of $35 to $55 per person. In addition, the change of date or time may result in an increase in airfare.
All cruise lines have cancellation penalties which are dependent on when you cancel - the closer to departure date the higher the penalty. Cancellation penalties are the amount not refunded if you cancel the cruise. Each cruise line has these penalties listed on your cruise application. Please read these carefully.
We highly recommend the purchase of travel cancellation/medical insurance. With your booking statement, you will receive a specific quote to purchase this policy. Cancellation insurance protects you if you are forced to cancel your cruise for unexpected medical reasons for your self or an immediate family member.
The medical insurance covers you should an illness or accident occur during your cruise. Note that most individual's medical insurance will not cover you while outside of the United States.Your ship accepts credit cards, cash and travelers checks for payment of on-board extras such as alcohol, shore excursions, gift shop and boutique purchases. The ship is "cashless" aboard, where an imprint of your credit card or a cash deposit is taken at the beginning of your cruise. The last night you will receive a bill outlining your charges. If you are using a credit card your charges will be automatically billed to the card. If you are paying in cash, you must clear your account at the end of the cruise. This can be time consuming, so if possible, use a credit card as it is most convenient. In your ports-of-call, it is not necessary to exchange money as US currency is widely accepted.
With visions of seascapes, sunsets and days spent at the railing watching eagles soar and whales surfacing, not to mention dancing on a moonlit deck, you may wonder if you will need a new wardrobe for your cruise. Cruise clothes are simply resort clothes and you'll need the same basic outfits that you wear at home when casual by day and off to cocktails and dinner in the evening.
For this cruise, you will want very casual and comfortable wear during the day. This means slacks, shorts, t-shirts and sweatshirts as well as comfortable walking/hiking shoes. A few swimsuits and a cover-up along with a pair of slide-on shoes are fine for a week-long cruise. In general you should dress moderately on shore and save the dressy clothes for the ship. In addition, you should plan on bringing a water proof windbreaker, as weather can vary quickly. You may also wish to consider bringing along a small umbrella.
There are three types of attire required for evening functions aboard ship:
v Formal nights - there will be two, where a tux or dark suit for the gentlemen and a dressy gown/pantsuit or dress for the ladies is in order.
v Informal nights - there will be one, where a blazer, but not tie, is required for the gentlemen and cocktail dress for the ladies is appropriate.
v Casual nights - there will be four, where khakis and polo shirt or island/resort wear will be appropriate.
Your clothing should be of the type that requires little care. The ship offers dry cleaning service and laundry facilities, however these can be somewhat expensive. No matter what part of the world you are sailing to, always pack a light sweater or wrap for the air conditioning on board, breezy evenings on deck or early arrivals in port. Light rain gear is also a good idea. Please consult the cruise agenda for specific dates on evening atttire.
This has become less of a problem over the last several years as all cruise ships are now equipped with stabilizers to lessen the roll of the ship. Once the ship is underway, these "wings" swing out into place and allow the ship to move smoothly through the ocean. The waters of the Caribbean are comparatively shallow and generally do not get very rough. If you normally do not get motion sickness in a car or airplane, chances are you won't have problems on a cruise ship.
If you do have problems, try one of the following:
v Dramamine or Bonine - These medications tend to make you drowsy. It is not a good idea to combine them with alcohol. Consult a physician about these medications and about other potential side effects.
v Shots - Available from the ship doctor. These are for extreme cases of motion sickness and take effect very quickly. There is typically a $15 charge.
v TransDerm Scop Patches - See your doctor for a prescription for this product. Note that there are some side effects.
v SeaBands - A non-medicated method to alleviate motion sickness. The bands work under the principle of accupressure. Available on board the ship from The Cruise Authority @ $15pp.
v Relief Bands - Brand new technology, which relieves all forms of nausea. A unit which resembles a watch, sends a slight electrical charge through your system. Available on board ship from The Cruise Authority @ $70 for the 144-hour battery unit, or $130 for the reusable battery unit.
Best choices on cruise ships have truly become floating resorts, as more and more facilities are added to keep passengers healthy and happy. Cruises, today there are workout facilities with the latest exercise equipment, glamorous spas at sea, aerobics and other dance classes, whirlpools, saunas and massage therapy. In addition to the traditional shuffleboard and skeet shooting, many cruises offer a lot of entertainment.
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Enjoy the life, Best regards,
JEM Practical Solutions Team.