First Time Cruisers

First Time Cruisers

Things to know before you go!

Most "first-timers" have a lot of questions - so here's a list of questions

most commonly asked to help you get ready and ensure "smooth

sailing" both before and during your cruise. If your question isn't here,

please do not hesitate to call me.

WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO TAKE?

For the most current government requirements, please go

to: http://travel.state.gov/

HOW DO I PAY FOR ITEMS ONBOARD AND IN PORT?

The Cruise Lines will open an onboard account for bar purchases, soft drinks,

souvenirs, to pay for shore excursions, etc, which you can settle by credit card,

travelers checks or cash at the end of the cruise. The purser's office will also

cash travelers checks for you. In addition, most of the duty-free shops onboard

and most shops in port will also cash travelers checks. Most shops in port will

accept major credit cards as well as American dollars or travelers checks. YOU

WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CASH PERSONAL CHECKS ONBOARD THE SHIP.

WHAT ABOUT TIPPING ONBOARD SHIP?

Tipping with most cruise lines is now included on your onboard account. While

this makes tipping the proper people more convenient, you may alter these

amounts according to your cruise experience in these areas. Your tips will affect

these services on your cruise ship: Your Cabin Steward, Waiter and Assistant

Waiter. These amount will range from $9.00 to $10.00 per person per day on

most cruise lines. On luxury cruise lines these amount may be higher. If you wish

to change the amounts either by reducing or adding to your account, you should

visit the purser onboard your cruise ship. Note: most cruise lines add gratuities to

bar tabs.

Always check your bills.

DO I NEED TO PACK A TUXEDO OR FORMAL DRESS?

Many cruise lines allow you to rent a Tuxedo onboard. This will reduce additional

packing and you will have a pressed Tuxedo on each formal night of your cruise.

Although prices may vary on different cruise lines, the average price is between

$75 & $85. This will cover all cruises of 11 days or less. Included on Standard

Tuxedo Rental Package are 1 Black Jacket, 1 Pair of Black Pants, 2 White

Formal Shirts, 1 Black Cummerbund and Tie Set and 1 Set of Cufflinks and

Studs. There is also a White Dinner Jacket Package, and a Package for both The

Standard Black and White Dinner Jacket Tuxedo's

Note: Shoes and Socks are additional.

Rentals are available for the Ladies as well on Celebrity, Holland, Princess and

Royal Caribbean. If you are sailing on "back-to-back" cruises (two consecutive

sailings of the same ship), then each voyage is considered a separate rental. If

you are not sure, please call our toll free number where a customer service

representative is ready to assist you.

Not all Cruise Lines have a "Formal Night".

WHAT ABOUT MOTION SICKNESS?

Ships today are so well stabilized that most of the time you won't notice you are

even moving! It's a good idea though to take along some Motion Sickness

precaution (follow the directions on the box) as well as aspirin and sunscreen. If

you do have a problem onboard, all ships have a doctor and a nurse aboard. And

be sure not to forget any prescription drugs you are taking. These should be put

in your carry-on-luggage. Consult your physician before taking any medication.

WHAT HAPPENS TO MY LUGGAGE AFTER I LEAVE

IT AT THE AIRPORT (OR PORT, IF YOU ARE DRIVING)?

If you are using the cruise line's airfare program, you will affix the luggage tags

sent with your cruise documents and check your luggage at the airport. The next

time you see it will be in your cabin! There are a few ports where you will need to

claim your luggage at the airport--this will be indicated in your cruise documents

and, again, call me if you have any questions. If you are flying but NOT using the

cruise line's airfare program you still need to affix your cruise line tag but you will

need to claim your own luggage at the airport baggage area when you arrive in

your port city and take it with you to the port. If you are driving to the port, you will

check your luggage when you arrive at the port, and they will take your bags to

your cabin. It's a good idea to check your cabin about 1/2 hour before sailing to

be sure your luggage has arrived and to check with your steward or the purser's

office if it is not there. They have thousands of bags to deliver to cabins and it

does take a while. The most important thing is your luggage tag -- without it, how

will they know where to find you?

On the last night of your cruise you will be asked to put your luggage (except

your carry-on bags) outside your cabin so that it can be taken to the holding area,

and off loaded early the next morning. You will claim your bags in the customs

area, don't worry all this will be explained on the ship. It would be a good idea to

pack an overnight bag on your cruise.

HOW CAN I BE REACHED ONBOARD THE SHIP IN AN

EMERGENCY?

RCI...888 724 7447

CEL...877 266 1020

PCL...900 225 5744

NCL...888 627 4477

CCL...877 225 7447

HAL...800 426 0327

DIS...888 322 8732

HOW WILL I KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON ONBOARD

THE SHIP, OR FIND OUT ABOUT SHORE EXCURSIONS?

There will be all kinds of "goodies" about this in your cabin when you arrive and

prior to sailing is a good time to explore and get your bearings as to where the

dining room, gym, lounges ect. are located. There will be a daily program of

activities put in your cabin each night for the next day. For first timers, it's best to

work with your Cruise Planners Travel Advisor to seek the best possible options.

Through their knowledge and contacts, your Advisor will recommend an

excursion perfect for you and your budget. It is recommended that shore

excursions be prebooked so once you board the ship, your days are already

planned and all you will need to do is relax.

IS IT BETTER TO TAKE A SHORE EXCURSION

OR EXPLORE PORTS OF CALL ON MY OWN?

A lot of that is really up to you! Most ships include a program of their shore

excursions with your cruise documents but if not, you will have one in your cabin

when you board the ship. We recommend that you plan and schedule your

excursions before you board so that your vacation is truly a vacation. We have

access to some of the best shore excursions in various ports and can help you

choose one that is right for you and your budget. We recommend considering at

least one shore excursion in order to really experience your port of call.

Some of the islands/ports that are easy to explore on your own (by cab, or even

on foot in some places) are: St. Thomas, Grand Cayman, Key West, Freeport,

Cozumel, San Juan, Bermuda, Canadian ports especially Quebec City, Greneda

and St. Barts.

Many cruise lines now offer e-docs and you can check-in at anytime using the

cruise line's website. If you are expecting cruise documents through the mail and

they have not arrived 2 weeks before your departure, contact your Cruise

Planners Travel Advisor. Always check your documents to ensure they show

your correct name, ship, sailing date and cabin number (if you have been

assigned a cabin at booking). Also be sure your airline tickets if applicable, are

accurate and reflect the correct name transport to the correct port. If you are

using the cruise line air program you should also have vouchers for

transportation from the airport to the port and back. All document packages

should contain luggage tags and many will also include form to fill out for

boarding passes, on board credit programs. All of these should be filled out

before you leave. If you think you are missing anything or would like me to go

over them with you, just let me know.

BON VOYAGE!! Please contact me when you return and let me know what a

great time you had. It's feedback from clients that helps me assist all of you in

making good choices for your cruise vacations!

MAY ALL YOUR SEAS BE SMOOTH. Happy Cruising!

P.S. If you are using the cruise line's transfer program, be sure to check your

cruise documents for voucher for transportation from the airport to the pier. When

you disembark the plane, look for the Cruise Line Representative in the baggage

claim area. They will direct you to the bus or van. If you don't happen to see them

right away(and this rarely occurs) just ask a rep from one of the other cruise lines

to "point the way"!! Sometimes one person has to meet two planes at once and

all the cruise people help each other out at the airport.

For other informations, pls visit www.focuscruises.com