Frequently-Asked Questions

How Much Do Your Services Cost?

In the majority of cases, our service doesn’t cost my clients a dime. We get paid a commission from hotels, resorts, cruise lines and rental cars for booking your travel.

But Doesn’t That Mean I’ll End Up Paying More to Use You?

Not at all! The prices we quote you will never be inflated because of our commission. In fact, you will often save money.

Do I Need To Pay for My Trip Up Front?

In most cases, no. You will often place a deposit on a trip using your credit card. Your card is processed through the hotel or resort directly. Airfare is often required to be paid in full at the time of booking.

Do I Have to be Worried About You Going Out of Business After you Booked my Vacation?

Because all payments are made directly to the suppliers, be it a hotel, resort, cruise line or airline, you never need to worry about losing your money should something unfortunate happen to us.

How Does Booking Through You Work?

Easy. The first step is to fill out a quote request. Once we receive your basic information, you will receive a confirmation email. We will then contact you to collect more information, if necessary, after which we will present you with several options based on your preferences. Once you’re ready to book your vacation, you’ll be sent several documents you’ll need to fill out and submit back. We’ll then collect any necessary credit card payments and process them through the supplier. Once your vacation has been paid, we’ll send you your travel documents.

Do I need a passport?

Yes, if you are leaving the country. Except for some "closed looped USA port cruises" all international travel requires a passport. Note: a passport is highly recommended for all travel. It is the best form of identification.  For more information go to: www.travel.state.gov

What name(s) are required on travel documents?

Effective November 1, 2010 all airline reservations must be made with the name(s) as they exactly appear on the legal government ID that the traveler will be using to verify proper identification.

Cruise F.A.Q.’s

Is cruising affordable and a good vacation value?

Cruising is the best vacation value! There are cruise vacations to suit every budget. Your cruise fare includes meals, your stateroom (accommodation), on-board activities and entertainment, plus transportation from port to port. You'll know what your vacation will end up costing you before you go. (Typically, your only extra expenses will be drinks, specialty restaurants, optional shore excursions, and personal services such as massage or hairstyling.) Many cruise lines now offer prepaid beverage packages to save you money.

How long are cruises?

As long or short as you want. Cruise lines offer 3 and 4 day cruises to cruise vacations of 100 days or more!

Where can I go on a cruise vacation?

Wherever you want! Cruises visit over 1,800 ports worldwide and practically every destination accessible by water.

Are all ships fairly similar?

Cruise ships range from intimate and yacht-like to vessels stretching longer than three football fields. You can sail with fewer than 100 fellow guests or with more than 5,000. Enjoy atmospheres ranging from casual to formal, contemporary to classic. You can even choose sail-assisted ships. Enjoy the endless activities offered on a contemporary resort-style cruise, or immerse yourself in the culture of a destination on a special interest cruise.

Are there different types of cruises?

There are cruises designed to suit virtually every interest and personal preference. The choices include:     * boutique     * luxury cruises with globetrotting itineraries     * large, contemporary ships with a fantastic array of recreational facilities     * classic vessels evoking the time-honored traditions of cruising     * special-interest or exploration cruises specializing in unique destinations with an accent on cultural enrichment There are cruise lines that feature soft adventure expeditions to such unusual and rustic frontiers as Antarctica, the Amazon rain forest or African Serengeti. Or discover historical legacies closer to home with enlightening itineraries to New England, French Canada and the Colonial America coast. For experienced travelers, destination-focused cruises specialize in premium, culturally-rich ports of call with itineraries dedicated to illuminating such historic, world-class treasures as the antiquities of classical Greece, the Polynesian paradise of Hawaii or the fabled splendor of Norwegian fjords. For many, the perfect vacation includes the non-stop fun and sun of a tropical resort-style cruise to the Caribbean, where you can sample a variety of island cultures and cuisines while working on a terrific sun tan. Plus, many cruise lines create special "themes" on-board, with entertainment ranging from jazz festivals and classical music concerts to golf clinics, scrap booking and murder mysteries at sea! Are there any special educational programs on-board? To complement the spirit of discovery that travel evokes, many cruise lines feature an extensive program of on-board enrichment seminars hosted by distinguished guest experts. In addition to lectures highlighting the history and sights of ports you will be visiting, there may also be special in-depth presentations ranging from Renaissance works of art and strategic financial planning to epicurean secrets of classic French cuisine.

Do I need a passport?

Please go to www.travel.state.gov see the latest passport requirements.

Are there different classes of service?

Today's cruise ships are "one-class." Everyone can use all of the ship's facilities. The price of a cabin is based primarily on its size and location. Regardless of the category you book, you'll enjoy the same courteous service, menus, activities, and entertainment as everyone else on board.

Will I get bored? Feel confined?

Hardly! Being at sea gives you a feeling of total freedom that no land-based resort can offer. There's plenty of room. And it will probably take you two or three days just to discover everything that's on board. Plus, you get the added adventure of exploring many exciting ports of call. Cruise ships are floating resorts with all the choices fine resorts have to offer. You can lie back in a lounge chair, breathe in the sea air, soak up the sun, read good books, or watch the ever-changing seascape. If you're more active, join in exercise or dance classes, and sports contests. Practice your tennis stroke or golf swing, or take some fresh air on the jogging deck. Or you can swim, stretch out in the sauna or work out in the gym. You can also see a feature film, attend an enrichment lecture by experts, play backgammon or bridge.

What can I do in port?

So much you'll have a hard time choosing! You can explore on your own or take a guided tour (referred to as shore excursions). Search ancient ruins or hunt for shopping bargains. Ride a raft over river rapids, or a horse across miles of hills and beaches. Climb a waterfall or pyramid. Follow the footsteps of history or the wake of a waterskiing boat. If there's still time, play golf or tennis. Learn how to windsurf. Sun and swim at some of the world's best beaches. Catch a record marlin. Sail, snorkel, or scuba dive. Take a cable car to the top of a mountain. Explore dark catacombs. In short, cruising is the perfect way to sample a number of new destinations and try all the things you've ever dreamed of doing, while never having to pack and unpack!

Do I have to participate in the activities?

On a cruise, you do what you want, when you want. You can do everything or do absolutely nothing. It's your vacation!

Do cruise lines welcome families with kids?

More and more cruise vacations are booked by families with children. Most cruise lines provide plenty of supervised activities for kids, especially during school holidays. If your children enjoy swimming, sports, games, movies, and the adventure of new places, they'll love a family cruise. You'll find that children adapt to shipboard life with ease, and you won't have to wonder what they're up to every minute. The youth counselors will help keep them busy and entertained. Ships even offer different types of age-appropriate activities, suitable for toddlers to teens. Best of all, children often travel at a reduced rate.

What's there to do at night?

When the stars come out, a cruise ship really turns on. There's dancing, live entertainment, nightclubs and lounges, feature films, and parties with all your new friends. Most cruises now have theaters and show movies, e.g. Imax on Carnival  or outdoors under the stars. Most ships also have casinos. What's more, there are many special events like the Captain's Cocktail Party, Passenger Talent Night, Broadway-style shops and Las Vegas-type revues. Also, revues/shows like Mama Mia, Grease and the original Jersey Boys.

Is there a charge for entertainment?

Never. On a cruise vacation, the entertainment is on the house. There's no cover, minimum, or charge for an admission ticket. The shows are live, films first-rate and all included in your cruise fare.

Will I need a formal wear?

Many cruise lines now feature a more relaxed and casual approach to dress throughout the cruise - while on others, formal dinners or parties are part of the fun. But don't buy a tuxedo just for the trip. Even on the most formal of ships, a dark suit and tie are fine for the dressiest occasions. Plus, many ships offer tuxedo rental services.

Can singles have fun on a cruise?

Cruising is ideal for people traveling alone, because it's so easy to meet other people. In fact, most ships have parties for singles - early on, so you can get to know people right away. Many ships even offer social hosts who can be dance partners, dinner companions or a fourth at cards. Most ships also have single cabins as well as single rates for double staterooms. If you ask them, many cruise lines will even find you a roommate to share a cabin so you can obtain the per person/double occupancy rate, saving you even more on a great vacation.

Can I use my hair dryer or shaver?

Most ships have 110-volt outlets in the staterooms. But do check with your agent or agency to be sure. Most ships even feature hair-dryers in your cabin.

What about meal times?

Again, there are choices and more choices. During the day, there are many different places to eat - in the formal dining room, on deck, in a pizzeria, at an espresso bar, to name a few. At night, most ships offer several venues. Some ships' dining rooms can accommodate all guests at one time, called a "seating." Many ships offer you a choice of several eating times, and others encourage you to come to dinner whenever you like. More traditional ships have two seatings in their formal dining rooms, which differ only by time: typically 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. To choose, just decide whether you prefer to dine early or late - then request your preference when you book your cruise. Frequently, you can choose to dine at night someplace other than the formal dining room, such as in an intimate restaurant that features, for example, Italian, Chinese, Japanese or Southwestern cuisine. More and more cruise lines are opening up their informal lido areas to evening dining, where the dress and dishes always are casual, and sometimes, you can even eat out under the stars. And a large number of ships offer romantic in-cabin dinners. The choice is yours!

What about the quality of cruise ship dining?

Everything you've heard about cruise ship dining is true. At each meal, you'll find a varied selection of entrees (appetizers, salads, soups, vegetables, and desserts, too), and each day the selection will be different. If you've ever wanted to experiment with a cuisine or try a dish, you can feel free to order more than one entrée or appetizer (or dessert!). But, just because your cruise ship offers plenty of delicious food, doesn't mean you'll come home out of shape. You can choose low-cal, spa, vegetarian or fitness menu selections that are just as tempting as the regular menu. Best of all, the one thing you'll never see on a cruise ship menu is a price. Because your meals are included!

Can I get a special diet?

Most ships can accommodate salt-free, low-carbohydrate, low cholesterol, Kosher, or other diet preferences. However, this request must be made in advance, so be sure to advise your advisor when you book your cruise.

Who do I eat or sit with?

Can I sit with my spouse and friends only, or will I have tablemates? Experienced cruisers say they prefer sitting at a table with several other diners; some lifelong friendships have been made this way. But the cruise lines are geared to accommodate each guest's wishes, and it is possible to request a table for two or four. In the unlikely event that you do wish to change tablemates, speak with the maitre d', who will make every effort to seat you with more compatible dining companions...discretely and politely.

Are there non-smoking areas?

Virtually all ships have smoking and non-smoking sections in the public rooms and on deck. In fact, many dining rooms, and even some entire ships, are now totally smoke-free, reflecting passenger requests.

Can we celebrate a special occasion?

Absolutely! Most cruise lines will even treat you to a complimentary cake and a chorus of "Happy Whatever" to honor the occasion. Your birthday or anniversary can be more festive with champagne, flowers, or canapes. You can even arrange for a special private party. All you have to do is advise your advisor in advance.

Is cruising right for honeymooners?

A cruise vacation is one of the most romantic vacations possible. Cruising offers an atmosphere that's just right for romance... cozy dinners for two, strolling on deck at sunset, dancing the night away (even under the stars). Most lines provide special services - from Sunday or Monday departures to champagne and breakfast in bed. Also, some ships offer special programs for performing a marriage ceremony or renewing your marriage vows. Consider a Group Cruise and have your Wedding on Board.

Can we stay in touch with the outside world?

Quite easily. Most ships have a daily newsletter with news, headlines, selected stock quotes and sports scores. Many staterooms are equipped with televisions and have satellite or cellular telephones. You can also call someone on shore through the ship's radio officer while at sea. In addition, most ships have fax capabilities and a growing number have computer cafes with Internet access for e-mail communication.

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 cabin steward and dining room waiter, and about half that amount for your busboy. (A few cruise lines include tipping in the price and will so inform you.) Other shipboard personnel can be tipped for special services at your discretion.

Are there medical services onboard?

Virtually every cruise ship (except for some smaller vessels operating in coastal waters) has a medical facility and health care professionals on staff to handle almost any emergency. If you have a medical condition that might put you at risk, discuss it with your doctor and inform the cruise lines at the time of booking. And, whenever you travel, check to see what your health insurance covers.

Are there laundry services aboard ship?

Almost all cruise ships have laundry facilities and 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.

Do cruise lines accept group bookings?

Most lines welcome groups - often at special rates, depending on how many people are involved. Policies vary from company to company and sometimes during certain times of the year.

Are there meeting rooms onboard?

Just about every full-size ship has public rooms or a conference center to offer as meeting space for private or corporate groups. If you'd like to make meeting or incentive travel arrangements, ask your advisor to contact the cruise line's group sales department to coordinate schedules and arrange for any special needs. Your ship may also be able to offer audio-visual equipment, communications, meeting coordinators, secretarial and printing services and more.

Is motion discomfort a problem?

Rarely. Popular cruise itineraries ply some of the calmest waters in the world. In addition, stabilizers on modern ships, availability of advance weather information, and development of effective preventative medications have, for the most part, eliminated the incidence of motion discomfort.

What's Included in my cruise?

When you dream about the perfect vacation, what comes to mind? Breathtaking scenery? Exotic, far-away lands? Maybe a little rest and relaxation with a day at a therapeutic spa, or a cocktail on a balcony as you bask in the romantic glow of the setting sun. Whatever your idea is, cruise lines take care of everything to make your dream vacation a reality. No need to worry about making hotel reservations or searching for the right restaurant - our state-of-the-art cruise ships are filled with everything you need for an all-inclusive vacation. Your cruise fare includes:     * Stateroom accommodations including bed, bathroom, shower and TV     * Personalized service of one staff member for every three passengers     * Gourmet dining     * Las Vegas-style Casinos and Broadway-style shows     * Onboard activities (fresh water pools, deck parties)     * Edutainment / Kids programs     * Gym with exercise classes     * Library and card room     * Nightclub     * Unpack once, visit many destinations Also available on the ship: (additional charges apply with some exceptions)     * Full service spa & massage therapy     * Beauty salon     * Boutiques & shopping     * Art auctions/galleries     * Shore excursions     * Fitness trainers     * Full Day babysitting service     * Bar drinks