Frequently Asked Questions

Only a small percentage of the vacationing population has ever tried cruising. Those that do tend to repeat the experience.

The number one reason we hear from prospective clients as to why they have never cruised before is that they didn't know the answer to several questions about cruising. What we will try to do in this section is to answer the most frequently asked questions that travelers have.

If you have a question that is not answered here, please send us an e-mail and we will get the answer to you.

Is cruising really a better value than most land vacations?

Yes! When it comes to your hard earned vacation dollar, think in terms of value, not simply price. You can do land vacations that are cheaper than a cruise, but what are you getting for the money? With a cruise approximately 85% of your vacation is paid for prior to leaving, so there are few surprises. And unlike most land vacations that price includes your cruise, transportation (usually airfare), airport transfers, port charges and taxes, all meals while on board, entertainment and much more. The only additional expenses are those personal purchases you choose to make. With a cruise you also have variety, usually waking up in a new country each day, not the same place day after day---and the best part about that is you only pack once! When you look at vacationing in terms of dollars and cents only, remember that if the experience is not what you wanted no amount of savings will be worth the money spent. Think value, not just price.

Where do cruises go?

Just about anywhere there is a large body of water. The number one cruise destination is the Caribbean, however, depending on the time of year you choose to cruise there are more choices being made available every year. Some of the other popular destinations are--Bahamas, Alaska, New England, Bermuda, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Canada, Europe, Mediterranean, Hawaii, South America, Australia, Southeast Asia, and river cruises such as the Mississippi, Snake River, and rivers in Europe, just to name a few.

How long can I cruise for?

As long or short as you wish. Depending on the time of year and destination, cruises can be as short as three days or as long as several months. The most popular length are generally between 3 and 10 days (in the Caribbean, the most common is 7 days).

Aren't all cruises basically the same?

Not at all. Today there are more choices than ever. You can choose from small classic lines holding a couple of hundred passengers, to the new megaships that keep getting larger and larger. You can even pick a sailing vessel. There are theme cruises, special holiday, event cruises, cruises from the casual to the ultra fancy and everything in between. Your choices are only limited by your imagination. Call and tell us what you have in mind, and Cruises Come True can most likely find a cruise that fits your needs and desires.

What is an "air/sea package"?

One of two types of bookings offered by the cruise lines. An air/sea package makes your cruise one complete package. All of your transportation needs are handled by the cruise line and paid for at one time. By booking an air/sea package you take the worry out of transfers and finding flights that will get you to the ship on time. You can occasionally find a separate flight that will make your overall trip less expensive, but be aware that by booking air separately you are responsible for getting to the ship and back to the airport on time, not the cruise line. If you plan on being near a cruise port, or live near one, you can book all cruises as "Cruise Only" which will reduce your total cost. Again, you are then responsible for getting to the ship.

Do I need a passport to cruise?

• On January 8, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document.
• As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent legislative changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements as soon as possible. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to obtain passports or passport cards for land/sea entries.

You may also wish to visit the US Department of State website to familiarize yourself with the quickly changing requirements.  If you are, or plan to be, a frequent cruiser, obtaining a passport may be a good solution--they are relatively easy to obtain and are valid for 10 years for adults.

How far in advance do I have to book a cruise?

The sooner the better. It is true that you can sometimes book a cruise at the last minute and save some money. The problem here is that your choices then become extremely limited, and airfare from your city may no longer be available. Booking early affords you the opportunity to get the ship, category and sailing date that you want, not just settling for what is left (you have to ask yourself why didn't anyone else want that cabin?). The cruise lines offer discount incentives for early bookings, and what sets us apart from many agencies is that Cruises Come True continually monitors all bookings for price reductions and specials. If one is found we will re-negotiate your booking with the line and pass the savings on to you!

Is the booking process complicated?

In a word, "No!" It's as easy a filling in the request for information link at the top of this page, e-mailing, or calling us. Once we have worked with you to decide exactly what date, line, ship, itinerary and cabin you want, we do all the work. All it takes is a deposit to hold your reservation. Approximately 60 days prior to sailing your final payment will be due, and approximately 2-3 weeks prior to sailing you will receive all of your documents.

How can we pay for our cruise?

The best and safest means of payment for your cruise is by credit card.  If you do not have a credit card, please contact Cruises Come True for alternatives. 

Is cruising just for couples?

No. Cruising is for everyone; couples of any type, families, groups, companies, and even singles. Cabins are generally set up to accommodate two people, however most standard cabins can accommodate 3 or 4, and some of the newer ships have family suites on them that can accommodate 6-8 people. Singles are encouraged to find a traveling companion because the cruise lines will impose a supplement for one person in a cabin, usually anywhere from 150-200% of the per person fare. Some of the major lines have a guaranteed share program where they will match same sex singles up in a cabin. If you wish to cruise but don't have a traveling companion ask us about the share program for the line you had in mind. Cruising is a great vacation to take as a group. Contact Cruises Come True to learn about the additional savings available for group travel, and how group leaders can cruise for FREE! If you are putting together a seminar for your company, think cruise. The cruise lines can provide for all of the normal seminar needs, such as meeting space and props, and all of your meals and entertainment costs are already covered. Call for more details. Having said all of that, keep in mind that a cruise is a great idea for a honeymoon. You can be pampered and spoiled all week while you spend the time getting to know each other.

What is there for kids to do?

More than enough to keep them busy. Cruises are becoming more and more family oriented. The lines now provide special kids and teens areas with supervised activities by specially trained staff members. If you take advantage of these services it offers you a chance to have some quiet time while not having to worry about where the kids are and what they are doing.

What is "trip cancellation/interruption insurance" and do I need to purchase it?

This is your option. Trip cancellation/interruption insurance is a way to protect the investment you have made. The cancellation portion of it ensures that you will be reimbursed should you have to cancel your cruise for covered reasons, such as illness or death in the family, having your house rendered uninhabitable, or being called to jury duty, as examples. The interruption portion covers having to cut your cruise short for similar reasons, as well as medical evacuation. Certain types of insurance will also cover you should the cruise line or air carrier you are using go out of business. Like most other types of insurance, it is strictly your option whether or not to purchase it. Costs are nominal compared to your investment in your cruise. Cruises Come True highly recommends you give this matter serious consideration.

Will I get bored or be forced to participate in activities?

You choose. One of the greatest things about a cruise vacation is that it is whatever you want it to be. You can find something to do all day and half the night, do nothing at all, or find a happy medium in between. The object of the crew is to make your cruise a memorable experience, and the only way to do that for sure is for you to dictate what you will do. After the mandatory muster station drill during or before departure (which familiarizes you with the ships safety features), the only thing you will be required to do is have a great time. If that means you find a comfortable deck chair and get waited on all day, or if it means you take part in every activity you can, the choice is strictly up to you.

Do we have to pack a tuxedo and evening gowns?

Not unless you want to. Like any other vacation you should pack for the climate you are going to for daytime wear. Each evening on board there will be a recommended form of dress. This is strictly a recommendation to help heighten your cruise experience. If you like to dress up, go for it! If you don't, that's okay too. There are very few rules on board, however, dress in the dining room is one area that you should be aware of. While you are not required to dress up, you should go to dinner in appropriate attire--in other words shorts and a tank top would be frowned upon during the Captain's Gala Dinner. Even if you do wish to dress up, formal wear is not required. A dark suit will do fine for the men and a cocktail dress for the ladies would be in order. Many lines are now offering an alternative dining room that eliminates the need to dress up.

Speaking of dinner, should we take early or late seating?

There are advantages to both. You will be assigned a specific time for formal, sit down breakfast, lunch and dinner--either early or late. Eating is one of the areas on a cruise vacation where you almost have too many choices. You can eat breakfast in your cabin, go to a buffet on deck, or have a sit down breakfast, or do them all if you wish! The same is true about lunch. The dinners on board are usually more like events than meals. As to early or late dinner consider the following ideas--Families with children would want early dinner because in most cases late dinner will not even begin until about 8:00 PM. If you wish to spend as much time as possible on shore at each port of call you should consider late dining. This will give you a chance to get back to the ship and have plenty of time to relax and dress for dinner. Early dinner gives you a chance to digest before tackling the infamous midnight buffet. Late dinner may save you from it. No matter which sitting you choose there will still be plenty of entertainment in the evenings for you to take advantage of. You won't miss anything you don't want to. One of the latest innovations is alternative dining. More line are starting to offer a special dining room that you can eat in on a fist come basis, between specific times, and forego your assigned seating, but still partake of the same great food.

What if I require a special diet?

Not a problem. Most lines are prepared to accommodate special requests, provided they know about it in advance. Call and tell us about your needs and we can verify that the line can accommodate you.

What if we don't like our table mates?

What are the smoking regulations on board?

These vary.  Almost all dining rooms are non-smoking.  Many public rooms on board are considered non-smoking.  For specific information on a particular ship please contact Cruises Come True.

Can we be contacted while on the ship?

Yes. All ships are equipped with radio and satellite telephone hookups that allow you to be contacted if an emergency at home should arise. Also through the use of TV and printed materials, you will be kept up on what is going on in the world, even on the days that you are at sea (all of this is providing you want to be found!!!)

Won't I experience motion sickness?

You shouldn't. There is no way to guarantee that motion sickness will not be a problem. Keep in mind that the most popular areas for cruising are in some of the calmest waters in the world. Additionally all of the newer ships have stabilizer systems to help smooth your ride, as well as access to state of the art weather forecasting equipment to help steer clear of any trouble ahead. If you are prone to motion sickness, check with your doctor about the many different preventative medications and devices on the market to see if any of them would be right for you.

Are there medical services available on board?

While cruise ships are not comprehensive medical facilities, cruise lines understand that some people may have health needs during a cruise.  Thus, they are committed to providing first response and emergency care to guests until they can be transferred to a shoreside medical facility.  Most cruise lines have 24-hour medical services and staff operating under guidelines developed in conjunction with the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP).  Cruise lines and travel agents encourage vacationers to obtain medical insurance, travel with adequate supplies of medical prescriptions and devices.  They also suggest passengers disclose pre-existing medical conditions before sailing.   

Do we have to tip? If so, how much?

Tipping is a personal matter.  Cruiselines offer guidelines for recommended tipping.  Some cruise lines still permit tipping in cash but many cruise lines are now charging the recommended tips directly to your on-board account.  If you are exceptionally pleased with service then you are encouraged to give a little extra tip.  On the flip side if you feel the service was less than satisfactory you can go to the Reception Desk or Purser and ask that a portion of the tip be refunded.  Some of the ultra luxury lines have a "no tipping" policy.

Hopefully this section has answered your questions about cruising. If not, please give us a call or send us an e-mail.

Portions of this page was adopted from CLIA's brochure titled "Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Cruising" and the US Department of State and we thank them for their invaluable input.