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 Home Itinerary The Ship Pricing Terms & Conditions Registration Form Frequently Asked Questions A. Nash Travel, Inc. |
Isn't it expensive? - The upfront price may come as a shock, but remember your cruise fare includes your accommodations, food, activities (including children's programs) and nighttime entertainment. Add that to the option of reduced-rate airfare and transfers, and you can actually save bucks going on a cruise as opposed to a land-based vacation. What makes cruising so great? - Everything! The cruise experience is like sailing the seas on a floating deluxe resort with all the amenities and more! Once you have boarded, you settle in your cabin and unpack for the week only to begin to discover the "joy of cruising". The options for enjoyment are endless and yours to choose from. It is truly the vacation of a lifetime. Will I save money if I book at the last minute? - No. A. Nash Travel has purchased a block of rooms at a price that is less than half the brochure rate. Once these rooms are sold out, additional rooms will be available, still at attractive prices, but not as good as the pricing of our initial block of rooms. Will I get seasick? - Cruises today and seasickness do not really go together. Today most modern cruise ships have stabilizers for passenger comfort should the seas get a bit choppy. In today’s technologically savvy world, it is easy for the bridge to know well in advance of any serious storms. Therefore they are able to make the necessary routing changes to offer the passengers the most comfort. Any queasiness can usually be relieved by an over-the-counter medication like Dramamine or Bonine. If you are very prone to seasickness, ask your doctor before you leave home for the Transderm patch, available by prescription. Alternative remedies include ginger capsules and acupressure wristbands, available at most pharmacies Can I stay in touch? - On most ships you'll get CNN on your in-room TV. A daily newssheet may also be available that combines wire reports with stories from major newspapers. You can make phone calls and send e-mails from most ships, although it's usually cheaper to do both from the ports Is it easy to meet people? - A cruise ship is a great place to make new friends, because everyone's so friendly. The atmosphere is cordial and relaxed. You'll have all kinds of things in common to talk about at dinner, at cocktails, around the pool, or along the promenade rail. And don't be surprised if you find yourself making arrangements to meet them aboard ship again next year. Will there be people like me? - No matter what you've heard to the contrary, there's no such thing as a typical cruise passenger! All kinds of people take cruises...of all ages...from all walks of life...singles, couples and families. Passengers can vary from ship to ship and cruise to cruise Are there different classes of service? - Today's cruise ships are "one-class". Everyone onboard can use all of the ship's facilities. The price of a cabin is based primarily on its size and location on the ship. Regardless of the category you book, you'll enjoy the same courteous service, menus, activities, and entertainment as everyone else onboard. Are there medical services onboard? - Virtually every cruise ship (except for some smaller vessels operating in coastal waters) has a fully equipped medical facility and staff to handle almost any emergency. Is cruising safe? - Ships must follow an extraordinary number of rules and regulations that assure passengers' (and crew members') safety while on board. The Coast Guard conducts rigorous quarterly inspections of all ships operating from U.S. ports, looking to make sure they comply with its emergency-response requirements. Rather than sinking a la Titanic, fire is the biggest concern, and when it comes to fire safety, ships operate under international rules known as Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). The rules require most ships to have smoke detectors, sprinklers and low-level emergency lighting for escape routes. Within the first 24 hours of sailing, everyone on your ship is required to participate in a safety drill that includes trying on a nifty orange life jacket and locating your assigned lifeboat, on the odd (and rare) chance that you need to use it. Is there good security? - Given the current world environment, increased emphasis has been put on cruise ship security by the Coast Guard and others. New international rules have been established that among other things require all ships and ports to have both security officers and security plans. Cruise lines are now required to report names of passengers before each sailing, and the lines have tightened policies that require guests and crew to provide identification when boarding and re-boarding a vessel (passengers are issued special boarding cards, and in some cases ships even have a machine that takes and stores your photo for identification purposes). Will I get bored? - Getting bored would be a difficult task on a cruise. The multitude of activities on board ships the exotic ports of call, the exciting nightlife along with all the other fine service and amenities would make it almost impossible to get bored. Perhaps you want to just lie on a lounge chair on deck, relax, eat fine food and throw and occasional coin into a slot machine. Or perhaps you want to take as many shore excursions as you possibly can fit in, attend every party, buffet, and dance the night away. The options are endless and yours to choose from. However, if you choose the wrong ship you might end up mismatched with the other passengers. You need the advice of a cruise professional on this one. What is an air/sea cruise? - This term applies to a cruise and airfare package price. Often the airfare may be at a reduced rate when included with the cruise. In addition, when you purchase an air/sea package the transfers to and from the airport to the cruise ship terminal are usually included in the air/sea price. What is included in the cruise price? - Included in your cruise price would be your accommodations, all of your meals for the length of your cruise, endless entertainment and activities, and all of the amenities of a floating resort and more! Some cruise lines have introduced alternative dining venues that do charge a nominal cover charge but they are well worth it and only an additional option. All cruise lines still offer traditional dining restaurants with no cover charges. How much can I expect to pay for drinks on board? - Tea, coffee, iced tea, juices and milk are complimentary. Pop is $1.50 a can. A Fountain Fun Drink Card can be purchased which allows unlimited pop with gratuities included. The cost of the card is $28.00 USD for passengers under 18 and $38.50 for passengers 18 and over. Beer, depending on the brand, will be $3.25 - $3.75 USD per bottle. Wine will be $4.50 per glass. Cocktails will average $3.95 - $4.95 Will I need a passport? - You will need a passport and/or proof of citizenship depending on your cruise destination and ports of call. Your professional travel agent can assist you with determining the documentation you will need. Be sure to check on this well in advance of your vacation so you can prepare accordingly. Do you have facilities for disabled passengers? - Yes, but the facilities vary from ship to ship. We request that you disclose any disability at the time of booking. Those passengers confined to a wheelchair must have their own standard-sized, collapsible wheelchair and be accompanied by a traveling companion. It may be necessary to remain on board at ports where tenders or launches are used. Please consult the Organizer for further details. Can I use my hair dryer or shaver? - All modern ships have 110 volt outlets in the staterooms. Some staterooms even come with hairdryers. What is excluded from your prices? - Fares do not include port taxes, as shown in the fare charts; customs and immigration fees, as applicable; connecting airfaires, gratuities for staff or fees for porters; your purchases of drinks (beer, wine, and soda); items of a personal nature (e.g. laundry, dry cleaning); shore excursions; land programs (either before or after a cruise); spa and salon treatments; and additional travel protection insurance program. WHAT SHOULD I PACK? What kind of clothes should I pack? - While each cruise experience may vary in what would seem to be appropriate attire, generally speaking a seven-day cruise will have at least two formal evenings. One of these is formal and the other semi-formal. The remaining evenings would likely be casual in nature. Often the cruise will feature one or two theme nights on these casual evenings, such as 60’s rock-and-roll and or country western. It is suggested that one check with their professional travel counselor, who is the best source of information as to what to pack for a specific cruise experience. Do I need an evening gown?- If you enjoy the chance to dress up, this is your opportunity. If not, you will feel totally at ease in a dressy cocktail dress. The description of an evening gown has become rather wide in range. On a formal night on a cruise, ladies will be wearing anything from full-length evening gowns to short cocktail dresses. A dressy business dress or suit would also be appropriate. Do I need a tuxedo? - Some gentlemen enjoy wearing their tuxedo and others - well ... If you have a tuxedo, by all means bring it along. If you would like to rent one on board ship this can also be arranged. Ask your travel counselor for assistance with this. On the other hand, it is perfectly acceptable for a gentleman to wear a dark suit or dark sport coat with slacks on formal night. How much luggage can I bring on the cruise? - If you are flying from your home city to your cruise departure point, you will only be able to bring as much luggage as is allowable for that airline carrier. They have recently tightened up the restrictions on checked and carry-on luggage at most airlines. Therefore, be sure to ask your cruise professional for this information so you may pack accordingly. The cruise line is not concerned about how much luggage you bring. Closet and drawer space in some staterooms may be a bit limited so be cautious about over packing. Do I have to carry my own luggage aboard the ship? - No, there are porters available curbside at the cruise ship terminal to tag and see that your luggage is delivered to your appropriate stateroom. Be sure to have your luggage tagged with your stateroom number, name and address. If you are picking up your cruise documents at the pier, you can simply ask the porters to check the manifest for your cabin number. They will be happy to tag your luggage for you. A gratuity is expected. Should I pack snacks and alcohol to eat and drink? - Finding something to eat just about any time of day on a ship is not a hard task to accomplish. Therefore, packing snacks is not necessary. Bringing alcohol on board ship is generally not allowed (with the exception of wine). There are bars and lounges open till the wee hours. Again, your cruise professional can get you the details on whether or not you can bring alcohol on your cruise. What if I need to wash some of my clothes on the cruise? - Laundry, cleaning and pressing services are always available. Each stateroom will be have a laundry list and bag to use if you should need this taken care of. Additionally, some ships have self-service laundry facilities for passenger use. They are equipped with washers, dryers, ironing boards, irons and detergent for purchase. The washers and dryers are generally coin operated. I tend to take my dry cleaning items onto the ship and have them laundered rather than doing it a home and then packing them where they will be substantially wrinkled by the time they get hung in the closet on the ship. The rates are comparable to those dry clearners at home and the clothes are always fresh with no wrinkles. DINING AND ENTERTAINMENT How will I know what to wear for dinner? - Each evening while you are enjoying dinner, your cabin steward magically appears to clean and refresh your stateroom. They will usually leave a daily activities program in your cabin featuring the following day's events as well as other information. The dress for the following day is always noted on this activity sheet. You can usually pick up this program at the purser’s desk as well. If you should have questions about the appropriate attire while on the ship, simply ask the purser’s desk for their assistance. How do I pay for my meals? - All meals you enjoy while on board ship on your cruise vacation are included in the cruise fare. There is no additional cost for meals on a ship unless your ship offers alternative restaurants for dining. In this instance there is usually a nominal cover charge to dine in the restaurant. How much can I expect to pay for drinks on board? - Tea, coffee, iced tea, juices and milk are complimentary. Pop is $1.50 a can. A Fountain Fun Drink Card can be purchased which allows unlimited pop with gratuities included. The cost of the card is $28.00 USD for passengers under 18 and $38.50 for passengers 18 and over. Beer, depending on the brand, will be $3.25 - $3.75 USD per bottle. Wine will be $4.50 per glass. Cocktails will average $3.95 - $4.95 Do I tip the waiter? - It is not customary to tip the waiter or other servers during your cruise. Instead, you will find envelopes placed in your stateroom on the last day of your cruise vacation. You can also pick up these envelopes and instructions on the appropriate tipping allowances at the purser’s desk. Your travel agent can also assist you with the guidelines. Some cruise lines have a no-tipping policy. This means that the servers are being compensated in their pay for service and you are not expected to tip. However, if you have received exemplary service from a server, you might wish to offer them a token of your appreciation at the end of the cruise. If you are using the ship's room service or require services from staff other than your room steward you should tip the person providing the service. What if I want more food? - Just ask! Most ships feature 24-hour room service should you get hungry and not feel like leaving your cabin. Somewhere on the ship food is likely being served just about anytime of the day or even during the night. What if I require a special diet? - Be sure to let your travel agent know if you have special dietary needs so they can make arrangements for you in advance. Even if the cruise line was not notified, they will prepare meals around whatever special dietary needs you have. How will I know where to sit? - When you board the ship your meal time and table assignment will already be made for you. There are usually two seatings for dinner; the main seating and the late seating. Usually the main seating starts around 6:00 to 6:30 PM and the late seating around 8:00 to 8:30 PM. Your table assignment is made for the entire cruise and you can choose the number of passengers you dine with. They cruise lines usually offer tables for 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12 guests. Which is the best seating for dinner? - It all depends on your personal preference. By all means, if you are traveling with children select the early seating. Much can be said for both seatings and each can make their own decision when booking the cruise. What if I don't like my tablemates? - While changing tables mid-cruise is considered inappropriate, if you simply cannot get along with your table mates you can request a change from the Maitre d'. If you want intimate dining be sure to let your travel agent know that you want a table for two. Also, many ships offer "alternate dining" restaurants for a change of pace. What if my table mates smoke and I don't? - If your tablemates smoke and it is upsetting to you immediately inform the Maitre d' and request a change to a non-smoking table. The ships usually limit smoking to a certain area of the ship for the comfort of everyone. Can I celebrate my anniversary on the cruise? - Absolutely! If fact there is no better way to celebrate s special event. Simply let the Maitre d' know a day in advance of any special occasion (birthdays, anniversaries, honeymoons, engagements, just about any occasion) and he will arrange for a special cake or dessert and get the waiters to acknowledge your event. How much do the shows cost? - There seems to be no end to the entertainment on a cruise. Every evening there is a major show to attend. They run the range from comedians, magicians, and juggling acts to Las Vegas style reviews, musical productions and name entertainers. The shows are an excellent way to spend an evening after an excellent meal and never cost a thing. Since the shows are always open seating it is advised that you get there early to get good seats for shows you are particularly interested in. All of the entertainment on board the ship is included in the cruise fare. What if I don't want to attend the shows? - In addition to the main show in the showroom there are usually many other events taking place to enjoy. There are always several lounges that offer music, karaoke, entertainment and dancing to choose from. Many ships offer full feature movies to enjoy and other activities as well. What time is breakfast and lunch? - If you want to eat in the main dining room for breakfast and lunch the dining times will be posted in the daily newsletter you receive the evening before. The ship will usually present two seatings unless they are in port (in which case they will offer the entire ship open seating) There are always alternate dining options should you be a late riser and miss your breakfast seating. Usually a breakfast and lunch buffet will be offered in one of the cafes on the ship. What if I want to just hang out by the pool for lunch? - Virtually all ships make food available for those that want to enjoy lunch poolside. Usually hot dogs and hamburgers, fruit and such is accessible to the pool so you do not have to dress to eat. OK, What is the midnight buffet? - As if eating all day wasn't enough, most cruise ships put on a lavish midnight feast for their passengers at least once during a cruise. Many cruise lines have gone to serving snacks in certain areas between 11 pm and midnight and this seems to be a little more realitic rather than eating a full meal. If you enjoy food, many folks have chosen the early (or main) seating for dinner so that they can be ready to eat again when the midnight buffet rolls around. Won't I get fat? - Okay, we know the rumor that the average person gains about five pounds on a one-week cruise. But for those watching calories, be assured there will be low-fat options on the menus and boast at least some healthy choices at the buffets. Meantime, you can burn calories by working out in the ship's gym, walking fast or jogging around the various decks (we like walking the stairs) It sounds too good to be true, is it? - The one major complaint we hear over and over again is that cruises end far too soon! Beyond that, it's hard to find any negatives. After all, you don't have to run to make plane connections to get from one port to the next. You don't have the hassles of making dinner or nightclub reservations. You don't have the bother of packing and unpacking as you move from place to place. You don't get unexpected, expensive surprises at restaurants or nightclubs. You have a wealth of options for shopping, adventure, sightseeing, exploring, entertaining and sports activities. All you have to worry about is relaxing and enjoying your vacation. Most importantly, every crew and staff member onboard is dedicated to making your cruise vacation the best vacation of your life (until you top it next year with your next cruise!) TWELVE DUMBEST QUESTIONS ASKED BY CRUISE PASSENGERS
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