Frequently asked cruise questions:

What does my cruise price include?
Your cruise includes shipboard accommodations, meals, and most entertainment aboard the vessel. 

What does my cruise price not include?
Your cruise price does not include organised shore excursions, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, gratuities, spa and beauty treatments, medical services, or other miscellaneous items you may purchase on board. 

What is the difference between an outside and an inside cabin?
An outside cabin will have a window or porthole. An inside or cabin will have artwork, mirrors or curtains on the walls. 

Are cruise itineraries subject to change?
Yes, all cruise itineraries are subject to change. Guest safety is the number one priority for the cruise lines. On rare occasions, weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances require a change in itinerary. In these situations, the cruise line staff will do everything in their power to visit an alternate port of call. 

When can I board the ship?
Embarkation normally begins approximately 4 hours prior to departure. Passengers must be aboard no later than 30 minutes prior to sailing. 

What about my medication?
Please carry any medication in its original bottle. It is recommended that medication be carried in your pocket or hand bag so that it will be available when needed. Checked luggage may not be accessible at all times. If you're using any prescription drugs, vitamins or other medication on a regular basis, you should bring an adequate supply with you. Many types of medication may not be readily available either aboard ship or in ports of call. Commonly used medication may be purchased at the office of the ship's doctor. 

What about electrical appliances?
Electric razors and hair dryers can be brought with you. Staterooms for most U.S. cruise lines are equipped with 110 volts AC and are capable of handling all normal appliances. Some appliances may require the use of an adapter.

Can I bring visitors on the ship?
For safety and security reasons, no visitors are allowed on board. 

Will I get seasick?
Seasickness is rare on larger cruise ships because they are equipped with stabilizers which are designed to minimize the feeling of movement. If you should feel queasy, medicine is available from your cabin steward or the ship's doctor.  If you are prone to motion sickness, you may want to consult your Doctor prior to travel. 

What should I pack?
Pack like you would for any resort. Cruises are casual by day, and in the evening, dress code varies and is dictated by occasion. For the Captain's Gala, you'll probably want to wear something more formal, such as a dark suit, or cocktail dress; perhaps even a dinner jacket or gown.
 
How do I pay for onboard purchases?
For your convenience, you may charge most of your purchases on board. A personal account will be set up when you board and purchases will be billed automatically to your major credit card. If you do not have a credit card, you may use a cash deposit. The amount of this deposit varies from cruise line to cruise line. Travellers cheques may be cashed at the purser's desk to cover gratuities and to pay off your onboard account if you don't want the charges to be applied to your credit card. 
 
What are the tipping guidelines?
Tipping policies vary between the Cruise Lines. Its worth checking this information prior to confirming your booking. Some cruise lines have simplified this by automatically adding gratuities to your onboard account. 15% gratuity can often be added to all bar bills on some cruise lines. 

What are my dining options?
Most cruise lines offer two seatings for the main dining room: Main Seating and Late Seating. Dining preferences may be requested at the time of the booking. No requests are guaranteed. Your seating and table assignment will be confirmed at embarkation.
 Either seating will allow you to see all the shows and experience everything your cruise has to offer. For your convenience, in addition to breakfast, lunch, dinner, and midnight buffets, many ships also offer complimentary room service. In addition to the traditional seatings, some cruise lines now offer "freestyle" dining. This provides guests with the flexibility to dine when they wish. You may also choose your dinner companions and request specific table sites rather than being assigned to a particular time and table for the duration of the cruise. 

What is a lifeboat drill, and do I have to go?
These are commonly referred to as lifeboat drills. Everyone on board the ship is required to be in attendance for a compulsory safety drill before departure to comply with Coast Guard and international safety regulations. 

Do I have to participate in the cruise line's organised activities?
On a cruise, the choice is yours. You may do what you want. You can do it all or just relax by the pool. 

Do cruise lines have activities for kids?
More and more cruises are booked now by families. Most cruise lines have supervised activities for the kids. Choose from swimming, sports, movies, and games. The cruise staff will keep them busy so you don't have to worry.  

What cruise lines currently visit the Port of Dover? 
Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruise Lines, Crystal Cruises, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Oceania Cruises, Orient Lines, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises.  

What about the evenings?
The evenings are just as exciting as the days. From the casinos, to the nightclub, to the entertainment, there is always something going on. If you are a real night owl, you may even have a chance to see a sunrise at sea. 

Do you have to pay for entertainment?
On a cruise, the entertainment is included.

Can we stay in touch with the outside?
Quite easily. Most ships have televisions in the rooms plus a daily newsletter with headlines. There are either phones in the rooms or you can have the ship's radio operator contact the mainland for you. Also many ships offer fax capabilities or internet lounges. There are charges to contact the mainland in any form. Please check with the purser's desk to find out exact amounts. 

Are the casinos and shops open all day?
Shops and the casino are open while you are at sea; however, they will be closed while the ship is in port to comply with Customs.

How will I know what activities are happening aboard the ship?
Your stateroom steward will leave a news update in your stateroom which will provide a schedule of events for the following day. This update will tell you where and when everything is happening. 

How do I pay for purchases in port?
Most shops accept major credit cards and travellers checks. Some ships and ports of call have ATMs; however, they may not always be in service and fees are involved. It is not necessary to convert your money in advance. 

What can I do in port?
There's lots to do depending on your preference. Each port of call offers a unique experience. You can explore on your own, take the cruise line's organized shore excursions, browse the many shops, relax at the beach, or take in some historical sites. 

Do I have to get off of the ship at each port of call?
Absolutely not! You can relax at the pool or participate in one of the cruise line's organised activities. You can do anything you wish!

Will I need a tuxedo? 
On some cruises, formal dinners or parties are part of the fun. However, don't buy a tuxedo just for the trip. If you do want to dress to the nines, many ships offer tuxedo rental services. Even on the most formal of ships, a dark suit and tie are fine for even the dressiest occasions. 

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. 

Do they have babysitting on board?
Most contemporary cruise lines cater to families with children and almost always offer babysitting services; however, availability can depend on the destination and time of year. Cruise lines with limited facilities for children may not provide a children's program or babysitting services unless a certain number of children are onboard. 
Its always best to check what arrangements there are when selecting your cruise if this is an important to you.