frequently asked cruise questions

Is cruising affordable and a good vacation value?
Cruising is the BEST vacation value! There are cruise vacations to suit every budget. Your cruise fare includes meals, your stateroom, on-board activities and entertainment, plus transportation from ort to port. You'll know what your vacation will end up costing you before you go. (Typically, your only extra expenses will be drinks, specialty restaurants, optional shore excursions, and personal services, such as massages or hairstyling.)

How long are cruises?
As long or short as you want. All cruise lines offer itineraries from three (3)days to three(3) months.

Where can I go?
Wherever you want! Cruises visit over 1,800 ports worldwide and practically every destination accessible by water. And you can embark on your cruise vacation from a wide variety of North American ports or exciting and exotic locations around the globe.

How do I book a cruise?
Visit or call Easy Travel Agency. These professionals will help you pick he cruise that fits your vacation schedule, tastes and budget. We can make all the arrangements to get you from your doorstep to your ship and back. Easy Travel agents are cruise specialist, we have completed extensive program of training, including sailing on and inspecting a vast number of cruise ships. You can feel confident that our recommendations are based on personal knowledge and experience.

Are all ships fairly similar?
Far from it! Cruise lines range from intimate and yacht-like, to vessels stretching loner than three football fields. You can sail with fewer than 100 fellow guests or with more than 3,000. Enjoy atmospheres ranging from casual to formal, contemporary to classic. You can even choose sail-assisted ships. Enjoy the endless activities offered on a contemporary resort-style cruise , or immerse yourself in the culture of a destination on a special interest cruise.

Are there different types of cruises?
There are cruises designed to suit virtually every interest and personal preference. The choices include: boutique, luxury cruises with globetrotting itineraries; large, contemporary ships with a fantastic array of recreational facilities; classic vessels evoking the time-honored traditions of cruising; special-interest or exploration cruises specializing in unique destinations with an accent on cultural enrichment.
There are cruise lines that feature soft adventure expeditions to such unusual and rustic frontiers as Antarctica, the Amazon Rain Forest or African Serengeti. Or discover historical legacies closer to home with enlightening itineraries to New England, French Canada and the Colonial America Coast.
For experienced travelers, destination-focused cruises specialize in culturally-rich ports of call with itineraries dedicated to illuminating such historic, world-class treasures as the antiquities of classical Greece, the Polynesian paradise of Hawaii or the fabled splendor of Norwegian fjords.
For many, the perfect vacation includes the non-stop fun and sun of a tropical resort-style cruise to the Caribbean, where you can sample a variety of island cultures and cuisines while working on a terrific sun tan. Many cruise lines create special "themes" on-board , with entertainment ranging from jazz festivals ad classical music concerts to golf clinics and murder mysteries at sea!

Are there any special educational programs on-board?
To complement the spirit of discovery that travel evokes, many cruise lines feature an extensive program of on-board enrichment seminars hosted by distinguished guest experts. In addition to lectures highlighting the history and sights of ports you will be visiting, there may also be special in-depth presentations ranging from Renaissance works of art and strategic financial planning to epicurean secrets of classic French cuisine.

What's an air/sea cruise?
A fly/cruise or an air/sea vacation package includes, along with your cruise ticket, either free or reduced-cost airfare to and from the ship's port of embarkation. These convenient money-saving options are available from most major North American cities and include ground transfers between the airport and ship as well as baggage handling.

Do I need a passport?
Photo identification is required for all guests, crew-members and visitors boarding a cruise ship. U.S. citizens require a passport or a birth certificate (original or certified copy) plus a picture ID card issued by a federal, state, or local government agency. Children under 16 do not require a picture ID card. Non-US. citizens require a valid passport and visa (when necessary) in addition to an Alien Registration Card (ARC or "Green" Card) if an individual is a Resident Alien living in the U.S.

Are there different classes of service?
Today's cruise ships are "one-class." Everyone can use all of the ship's facilities. The price of a cabin is based primarily on its size and location. regardless of the category you book, you'll enjoy the same courteous service. menus, activities, and entertainment as everyone else on board.

Will I get bored? Feel confined?
Hardly! Being at sea gives you a feeling of total freedom that no land-based resort can offer. There's plenty of room. And it will probably take you two or three days just to discover everything that's on board. Plus you get the added adventure of exploring many exciting ports of call.
Cruise ships are floating resorts with all the choices fine resorts have to offer. You can lie back in a lounge chair, breathe in the sea air, soak up the sun, read god books, or watch the ever-changing seascape. if you're more active, join in exercise or dance classes, and sports contests. Practice your tennis stroke or golf swing, or take in some fresh air on the jogging deck. Or you can swim, stretch out in the sauna or work out in the gym. You can also see a feature film, attend an enrichment lecture by experts, play backgammon or bridge. And that's just when you're on board!

What can I do in port?
So much you'll have a hard time choosing! You can explore on your own or take a guided tour (referred to as shore excursions). Search ancient ruins or hunt for shopping bargains. Ride a raft over river rapids, or a horse across miles of hills and beaches. Climb a waterfall or pyramid. Follow the footsteps of history or the wake of a water-skiing boat. If there's still time, play golf or tennis. learn how to windsurfing. Sun and swim at some of the world's best beaches. Catch a record marlin. Sail, snorkel or scuba dive. Take a cable car to the top of a mountain. Explore dark catacombs.
In short, cruising is the perfect way to sample a number of new destinations and try all the things you've ever dreamed of doing, while never having to pack ad unpack!

Do I have to participate in the activities?
On a cruise, you do what you want, when you want. You can do everything or do absolutely nothing, it's up to you!

Do cruise lines welcome families with kids?
More and more cruise vacations are booked by families with children. As evidenced by the over 700,000 youngsters who cruised last year, most cruise lines provide plenty of supervised activities for kids, especially during school holidays. If your children enjoy swimming, sports, games, movies, and the adventure of new places, they'll love a family cruise.
You'll find that children adapt to shipboard life with ease, and you won't have to wonder what they're up to every minute. The trained youth counselors will help keep them safe, busy and entertained. Ships even offer different types of age appropriate activities, suitable for toddlers to teens.

What's there to do at night?
When the stars come out, a cruise ship really turns on. There's dancing, live entertainment, nightclubs and lounges, feature films, and parties with all your new friends. Most ships also have casinos. What's more, there are many special events like the Captain's Cocktail Party, Passenger Talent Night, Broadway-style shows and Las Vegas-type revues.

Is there a charge for entertainment?
Never. On a cruise vacation, the entertainment is on the house. There's no cover, minimum or charge for an admission ticket. The shows are live, films first-rate and all included in your cruise fare.

Will there be people like me?
There's no such thing as a typical cruise passenger! All kinds of people take cruises now. all ages. from all walks of life..singles, couples a families.

What should I pack?
Pack like you would for any resort. Cruise vacations are casual by day, whether you're on the ship or ashore. In the evening, ships vary as to dress. As on shore, attire is dictated by occasion. At the Captain's Gala, for example, you'll probably want to wear something more formal, such as a dark suit, or cocktail dress; perhaps even a dinner jacket or gown.

Will I need a tuxedo?
Reflecting today's lifestyle trends, many cruise lines now feature a more relaxed and casual approach to dress throughout the cruise-while on others, formal diners or parties are part of the fun. But don't buy a tuxedo just for the trip. Even on the most formal of ships, a dark suit and tie are fine for the dressiest occasions, plus many ships offer tuxedo rental services.

Can singles have fun on a cruise?
Cruising is ideal for people traveling alone, because it's so easy to meet other people. In fact, most ships have parties for singles-early on, so you can get to know other guests right away. Many ships even offer gentlemen hosts who can be dance partners, dinner companions or a forth at cards.
Most ships also have single cabins as well as single rates for double staterooms. If you ask them, many cruise lines will even find you a roommate to share a cabin so you can obtain the per person/double occupancy rate, saving you even more n a great vacation.

Can I use my hair dryer or shaver?
Most hips have 110-volt outlets in the staterooms. But do check with us to be sure. Most ships even feature hair-dryers in your cabin.

What about meal times?
Again, there are several choices. During the day, there are many different dining options-in the formal dining room, on deck, in a pizzeria and at an espresso bar, to name just a few. At night, most ships offer several venues. Some dining rooms can accommodate all guests at one time, called a "seating."
Many ships offer you a choice of several seating times, and others encourage you to come to dinner whenever you like. More traditional ships have two seating in their formal dining rooms, will differ only by time: typically 6:- pm and 8:30 pm
to choose, just decide whether you prefer to dine early or late-then have us request your preference when you book your cruise. Frequently, you can choose to enjoy dinner someplace other than the formal dining room, such as in an intimate restaurant that features, Italian, Chinese, Japanese or Southwestern cuisine. More and more cruise lines are a opening up their informal lido areas to evening dining, were the dress and dishes always are casual, and sometimes, you can even eat out under the stars. And a large number of ships offer romantic in-cabin dinners. The choice is yours!

Is cruise ship dining as good as I've been told?
Everything you've heard about cruise ship dining is true. At each meal, you'll find a varied selection of entrees ( appetizers, salads, soups, vegetables, and desserts too), and each day the selection will be different. If you've ever wanted to experiment with a cuisine or try a dish, you can feel free to order more than one entree or appetizer (or dessert!).
But, just because your cruise sip offers plenty of delicious food, doesn't mean you'll come home out of shape. you can choose low-cal, spa, vegetarian or fitness menu selections that are just as tempting as the regular menu. Best of all, the one thing you'll never see on a cruise ship menu is a price, because your meals are included!

Can I get a special diet?
Most ships can accommodate salt-free, low-carb, low cholesterol, Kosher, or other diet preferences. However, this request must be made in advance, so be sure to let us know at the time of your booking.

What about dining companions, who do I sit with?
Experienced cruisers say they prefer sitting at a table with several other diners; some lifelong friendships have been made this way. But the cruise lines are geared to accommodate each guest's wishes, and it is possible to request a table for two or four. In the unlikely event that you do wish to change tablemates, speak with the maitre d', who will make every effort to seat you with more compatible dining companions. discreetly and politely.

Are there non-smoking areas?
Virtually all ships have smoking and non-smoking sections in the public rooms and on deck. In fact, many dining rooms, and even some entire ships, are now totally smoke-free, reflecting passenger requests. If you want your dining table in a non-smoking area, just let us know, you can also advise your maitre d'.

Can we celebrate special occasions?
Absolutely! Most cruise lines will even treat you to a complimentary cake and a chorus of 'happy whatever' to honor the occasion. Your birthday or anniversary can be more festive with champagne, flowers or canapés. You can even arrange for a special private party. All you have to do is let us know at the time of your booking, we will take care of everything for you!

Is cruising right for honeymooners?
Without a doubt! Cruising offers an atmosphere that's just right for romance..cozy dinners for two, strolling on deck at sunset, dancing the nit away (even under the stars). Most lines provide special services-from Sunday or Monday departures to champagne and breakfast in bed. Some ships offer special programs for performing a marriage ceremony or renewing marriage vows.

Can we stay in touch with the outside world?
Quite easily. Most ships have a daily newsletter with news, headlines, selected stock quotes and sports scores. Most staterooms are equipped with televisions and have satellite or cellular telephones. you can also call someone on shore through the ship's radio officer while at sea. In addition, most ships have fax capabilities and a growing number have computer cafes with Internet access for e-mail communication.

What about tipping?
Tipping is a matter of individual preference. A general rule of thumb is to plan for about $3.00 per person ,per day for your cabin steward, and dining room waiter, and about half the amount for our busboy. Other shipboard personnel can be tipped for special services at your discretion. (A few cruise lines include tipping in the price and will so inform you, while others maintain a no tipping policy.)

Are there medical services 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 car to guests until they can be transferred to a shore side 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 (AECP).
Cruise lines and travel agents encourage vacationers to obtain medical insurance, travel with adequate supplies of medical prescriptions and devices and to disclose pre-existing medical conditions before sailing.

Are there any laundry services aboard ship?
Almost all cruise sips have laundry facilities and many provide dry-cleaning services. There is, however, an additional charge for professional laundry and dry-cleaning services. many ships also have self-service launderettes.

Do cruise lines accept group bookings?
Most lies welcome groups-often at special rates, depending on how many people are involved. Policies vary from company to company and sometimes during certain times of the year. Just contact us, we SPECIALIZE in groups!

Are there meeting rooms on-board?
just about every full-size ship has public rooms or a conference center to offer as meeting space for private or corporate groups. Many feature dedicated meeting facilities.
The ship may also be able to offer audiovisual equipment, communications, meeting coordinators, secretarial and printing services and more. If you'd like to make meeting or incentive travel arrangements, contact us.

Can I extend my cruise vacation?
Cruise lines feature special pre- or post-hotel packages that allow you to extend you vacation in either your port of embarkation or debarkation, just contact us.

Is motion sickness a problem?
Rarely. Popular cruise itineraries ply some of the calmest waters in the world. In addition, stabilizers on modern ships, availability of advance weather information, and development of effective preventative medications have, for the most part, reduced or eliminated the incidence of motion discomfort.

This sounds too good to be true! Is it?
The one complaint we hear time and again is that cruises ed far too soon! Beyond that, it's hard to find any negatives. All you have to do is relax and enjoy your vacation. Most importantly, every crew and staff member on board is dedicated to making your cruise the best vacation of your life (until you top it with your next cruise!)

Who should I see if I have more questions?
Your Easy Travel Agents. You can Email us, Call Toll-Free 1 866 419-9424, or Fax us: 1 770 419-4657. Our professional, staff is waiting for your call.