Can airfare be included in the package?
Yes, the cruise lines do offer airfare from most major air cities within the U.S. and Canada for most cruises. When purchasing airfare as part of the cruise package, this confirms your transportation from your air city to the ship and return after the cruise. Transfers are automatically provided with this package, which means that the cruise line representatives will be at the airport to meet you and take you to the ship. They will also return you to the airport after the cruise. Air schedules are at the sole discretion of the cruise line; the cruise lines have contracted with various airlines for a certain number of seats from each air city. We will know your air schedule about 30 days prior to your cruise. The cruise line will let you customize your air schedule for certain airlines, flight times, etc. for a customization fee of $35 to $50 per person
Will I need an electrical converter?
Most ships have 110 volt outlets in the staterooms. If you are cruising to European destinations and will be combining your cruise with a land package, check with your Cruise Holidays consultant as to whether a converter will be necessary while on land.
How are payments handled for my cruise?
Payments may be made by cash, check, credit card, money order or cashiers check. Most major credit cards are accepted. When paying by check, please make checks payable to Cruise Holidays and mail to us at the following address:
Cruise Holidays
1885 W. 120th Ave., #700
Westminster, CO 80234
How do I pay for onboard expenses?
For your convenience, an onboard account will be set up for you at the time you check in for any purchases you make on the ship; for example, spa treatments, bar drinks, shore excursions, souvenirs. Everything you buy onboard will be charged to your stateroom account, so you do not need to carry cash. On the last night of the cruise, you will pay your onboard account by credit card, cash or travelers check.
What if I have to cancel my cruise?
If you should need to cancel your cruise, your deposit is refundable only up until the final payment date. If your final payment date has passed, the cruise lines will definitely have a penalty for cancellation. The amount varies based on cruise line, destination, length of cruise, and how many days prior to the cruise date you are canceling. Please verify with your Cruise Holidays specialist the exact penalties for the cruise that you are purchasing. We strongly recommend that you purchase trip insurance, which is optional but may prove to be extremely valuable in the case of an emergency which forces you to cancel your cruise. Ask us for details!
What should I pack?
Pack like you would for any resort. Cruise vacations are casual by day, whether you're on the ship or ahore. In the evening, ships vary as to dress, based on the occasion. For example, for the Captain's Dinner and Cocktail Party, you'll probably want to wear something more formal, such as a dark suit, or a cocktail dress or pantsuit, perhaps even a tuxedo, dinner jacket or gown. (Keep in mind that there are casual cruises where formal dress is NEVER expected!) Of course, your destination will dictate whether you bring warm-weather clothes or cold-weather clothes, but no matter what destination you choose, bring something to layer on like a sweater or lightweight jacket, as the outside deck can get chilly during those romantic evening walks!
Do I need a passport?
Passports are required any time you fly out of or into the USA. For a cruise departing from the USA and returning to the exact same port in the USA, you may be able to board the ship with a certified birth certificate and drivers license in lieu of a passport. Be sure to check with your Cruise Holidays travel planner for advice on your paticular circumstances. Passports are highly recommended for all cruise travelers. If an emergency happened and you had to fly from a foreign cruise port home, you would have difficulty flying back to the USA without a passport.
What about tipping?
Tipping is a matter of individual preference, based on your perception of the service received. A general rule of thumb is to plan for about $3.50 per person per day for your stateroom steward, the same for the dining room waiter, and about $2.00 per person per day for the assistant waiter. Other shipboard personnel can be tipped for special services at your discretion.
Do I need travel insurance?
Nobody ever plans on accidents happening, illnesses, emergencies, losing their baggage or travel documents, or needing to cancel their trip. These are just a few of the things covered by the excellent travel insurance we offer at a low price. We require our agents to offer optional travel insurance to EVERY passenger, as we highly recommend it. The way we see it, you've planned and worked for this trip! The least we can do is offer you an easy way to protect your investment! Click on the TravelGuard link for more information, and be sure to ask your Cruise Holidays consultant for insurance prices for your cruise.
What is there to do onboard?
Cruise ships are like floating resorts with all the things fine resorts have to offer. You can be by yourself and lie back in a lounge chair, breathe in the sea air, soak up the sun, read good books, or watch the ever-changing view. Or, you can join in exercise classes, dance classes, sports contests, practice your tennis stroke or golf swing, or shoot some baskets! You can go for a swim, stretch out in the sauna, or work out in the gym. You can see a feature movie, attend a lecture by renowned experts, try your luck in the casino, or shop for bargains in the onboard boutiques! On some ships, you can even ice skate and do some rock climbing! Every day a program of scheduled events onboard the ship will be placed in your stateroom. Be sure to read the program before you start your day, so you won't miss any activities that you want to participate in! The program will also inform you of the type of dress for the evening.
Is there a Doctor onboard?
Yes, there is a physician and nurse onboard each ship. Customary charges will be made for medical care and services.
What are the staterooms like?
There are many choices of stateroom accommodations. There are interior staterooms with no window, ocean-view staterooms with picture window, or even a stateroom or suite with your own private balcony! All staterooms have the same basic amenities, such as comfortable bedding, a private bath with shower, TV, telephone, and ample closet space. Larger staterooms may also include a refrigerator, sitting area, and larger bath with tub and shower. Suites may have living room, dining area, walk-in closets, whirlpool bath, wet bar, and butler service! The choice is yours!
How do I book a cruise or find out more information?
It couldn't be easier! Click above to fill out the form so we have an idea of what you're looking for, and we'll contact you and handle all the rest! We take care of EVERY detail, so you can focus on YOUR VACATION!