Listed are some answers to questions frequently asked by travelers. The answers are useful before booking with Brandon's Sunshine Travel.
How do I make my cruise reservation?
Is Cruising Expensive?
There are cruise vacations to suit every budget, from the cost-conscious to the most luxurious. Even more important, a cruise offers the best travel value for your money.
What is a "guarantee" stateroom?
Sometimes the cruise line may not have any specific staterooms to assign in the particular category you wish, but is still willing to take additional reservations in that category, In that case, you will be booked in a “guarantee” for that category. You will eventually receive a stateroom assignment in that category or a better category, but your price is guaranteed. You may receive an upgrade, but there is no assurance that this will happen.
How far in advance should I book my cruise? Will I get a better price at the last minute?
The further in advance that you book your cruise, the better the chance that you will find availability on your cruise in the stateroom category you want. Popular cruises do sell out early, and as they fill up, the prices increase.
What about fitness and healthy eating?
Just because your cruise ship offers plenty of delicious food doesn't mean you must return out of shape. You can choose "low cal" or "fitness" menu selections that are just as tempting as the regular menu. Special diet preferences must be request in advance. So be sure to advise Brandon's Sunshine Travel of your requirements when you book your cruise. You can also jog, do aerobics, work out in the gym, swim, golf, play tennis, and much more.
It all sounds too good to be true! Is it?
The major complaint is that cruises end far too soon! Beyond that, it is hard to find any negative issues. After all, you don't have 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 get unexpected, expensive surprises at restaurants or nightclubs. You do have a wealth of options for shopping, adventure, sightseeing, exploring, entertainment and sports activities. All you have to worry about is relaxing and enjoying your vacation. How can this be bad????
What about tipping?
Tipping is a matter of individual preference. A general rule of thumb is to plan for about $2.50 to $3.00 per person per day for your room steward and dining room waiter, and about half that amount for your busboy. (Some cruise lines include tipping in the price and will inform you.) Other shipboard personnel can be tipped for special services at your discretion. The last evening of the cruise place cash in a provided envelope and hand it to the appropriate personnel (waiter, busboy, room steward, etc.).
What is included in my cruise fare?
Your cruise fare includes stateroom accomodations, all meals, entertainment, use of shipboard facilities and more! For ships with alternate restaurants, there may be a charge for use of these restaurants. Other items not included in your cruise fare are port charges and government fees, airfare, gratuities, shore excursions, your bar bill, personal services (hairdresser, masseuse, etc.), purchases in the ship’s shops and casino gambling. Certain ultra-deluxe lines such as Seabourn and Silversea also include gratuities and your bar bill. A cruise is generally the most all-inclusive vacation you have ever taken.
What is the best way to arrange air transportation for my cruise?
The cruise line will generally offer an air/sea program in conjunction with your cruise that will include airfare and transfers between the airport and the ship. It is possible that you may be able to purchase your own air transportation direct from the airline at a lower price. However, this will not include airport-to-ship transfers, which can be quite expensive in places like Europe and Alaska. Furthermore, if your flight is delayed or canceled and you end up missing the ship, the cruise lines has no responsibility to you if you purchased air transportation directly from the airline. Please note that for air transportation purchased from the cruise line, the cruise line does not guarantee any specific flights, nor does the BST have any input into the choice of flights. If you wish a specific air schedule, ask your cruise counselor about an air deviation, which is available at an additional cost.
I am a past passenger of the cruise line. Do you need to know this? I am a senior citizen. Do you need to know this?
Yes, definitely. The more information we have about you, the better the price we may be able to get you. As a past passenger of many lines, you may receive certain amenities, so please be sure to give us this information, along with your membership number.
What is the difference between all the different stateroom categories?
Inside staterooms have no windows. Outside, or ocean-view staterooms, have portholes or windows. Balcony staterooms have verandahs. Suites are larger and may or may not include a balcony. Room size and location also affect the price of the stateroom. Top stateroom categories may also feature Concierge Service or Butler Service, depending on the ship. Your cruise counselor can provide further details.
Can I pre-purchase my shore excursions?
Some cruise lines let you pre-purchase your shore excursions, either by mail or on-line. Others take advance requests, but do not confirm your shore excursions until you board the ship. Some ships let you purchase your shore excursions via inter-active television aboard ship. Other ships offer a shore excursion office aboard the ship for your convenience. The staff of the shore excursion office is your best source of information regarding tours.
How do I pay for purchases on board?
Most ships enjoy a cashless society. Simply sign for most purchases and they will automatically be added to your shipboard account. During the cruise, let the Front Office take an imprint of your credit card, and on the last morning of the cruise, you will receive a detailed statement.
Can I bring my own wine into the dining room?
No. Most ships will not permit you to bring your own wine into the dining room. If they do permit this, they will generally charge a corkage fee per bottle. Similarly, you cannot bring your own alcoholic beverages into any public lounges.
What are the seating arrangements for meals on the ship table assignment?
For most ships, you can choose early or late dining, primarily for dinner. Also, you can request a particular table size (2, 4, 6 or 8), and you may request to be seated with specific other people who are traveling with you. Otherwise, you will probably be assigned to a table with other guests. For lunch and breakfast, most ships offer open seating, meaning that there is no assigned table. Most ultra-deluxe ships (Seabourn, Silversea, Radisson Seven Seas, etc.) offer open seating at all meals, meaning that you may dine any time during the meal hours and sit with whom you want for each meal. Several ships now offer FreeStyle dining, meaning that you cannot only choose between restaurants for each meal, but also with whom you wish to dine and at what time.
• Carnival Cruise Line offers seating assignments for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Testing open seating on the Legend.
• Celebrity Cruise Line offers seating assignments for main and late seating dining.
• Norwegian Cruise Line offers free style dining.
• Princess Cruise Line offers seating assignments and open seating dining.
• Royal Caribbean Cruise Line offers seating assignments and open seating dining.
What is there to do at night?
At night, life aboard a cruise ship turns on. There is dancing, live entertainment in the nightclubs, discos and lounges, feature films, and parties with all your new friends. Most ships have casinos. There are also many special events, like the Captain's Cocktail Party, Passenger's Talent Night and the Midnight buffet, and the night can go on as long as you want even until the spectacular sunrise at sea.
What if I have to cancel my cruise?
Cancellation penalties apply to all cruises once they are under deposit or fully paid. Be sure to take Trip Cancellation Insurance to protect fully against many possible reasons for cancellation.
Can I purchase a cruise gift certificate for someone else?
A cruise is the best present you can give to anyone! You can choose the cruise and pay the entire amount, or you may purchase a cruise credit in any amount over one hundred dollars. We will be pleased to provide you with a certificate to give to the lucky recipient.
I am traveling alone. What do I need to know?
A cruise is the best vacation for the single traveler. You will pay a single supplement, as with most travel. But you’re much more likely to socialize and meet other passengers on a cruise than on any other vacation. The Maitre D’ will take care of seating you with other passengers in the dining room (no eating alone), and by joining the ship’s activitiies, you’ll have a chance to meet other passengers. Be sure to attend the “singles” get-together, held at the beginning of the cruise. And you won’t have to sightsee alone -- simply join the shore excursions offered by the cruise ship.
We want to travel with our children. What programs are available for children?
Once you take your children aboard their first cruise, they’ll never want any other kind of vacation! Almost every ship now offers great kids’ programs, some with large dedicated sections of the ship just for young cruisers! Professional children’s counselors are aboard many sailings and the programs offered are almost without limit. Programs are divided between younger children, medium-age children and teenagers, dedicated to the age group’s specific needs. Some cruise lines even offer a specialized group of shore excursions just for kids! Most ships offer group or individual baby-sitting in the evening, at an additional cost.
What is the “dress code” aboard the ship?
Daytime is usually casual, although swimsuits are not permitted in the restaurants. In the evening, most nights are casual. Feel free to “dress up” as much as you like. On formal nights, gentlemen usually wear tuxedos or dark suits. Women can dress as fancy as they like, from a simple cocktail dress to the fanciest ball gown. You do not feel like dressing up, no problem. More details are available from your cruise counselors.
