Tips for Cruisers

Are you new to cruising?  Or are you an experienced cruiser?

1. Online Check-In: Speed up the boarding process by completing the Online Check-In process online after reserving your cruise, instead of at the port prior to departure.

2. Shore and Land Excursions are fun, full of adventure and very popular, so they book up fast. You have 3 options: reserve them online (up to 10 days before departure), reserve them onboard the first day at the Explorations Desk or on your TV in your stateroom using your remote control. Reserve early so you won't miss out on any of the fun.

3. For the first day of your cruise, pack a small carry-on bag with your travel documents, a change of clothes, bathing suit, maybe workout clothes, and any medications you may need. This will allow you to begin enjoying your vacation immediately, because you won't have to wait for your bags to arrive at your stateroom.

4. If the spa is your thing, try to make your appointments on the first day, as the most popular treatments and times fill up fast.

5. If you want to grab a bite to eat when you first get onboard, usually a smaller café will be open and serving.

6. Most ships have two seatings for dinner in the main dining room - 6:15 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. When you book your cruise you can select what time works best for you and we'll assign you a table. Also, some ships have specialty restaurants (i.e., Italian, steak, etc.) we highly recommend you try. (A nominal fee usually applies.)

7. Snacks: To make your cruise even more enjoyable, some ships offer fountain soda or snack packages that entitle you to unlimited provisions at bars and lounges. It's a great idea for families!

8. Cruise Card: Some ships use a system to allow you to charge all onboard purchases by presenting the Cruise Card that is issued to you upon boarding. On the last morning of your cruise vacation, an itemized statement will be delivered to your stateroom for verification. Those charges are usually billed automatically to the credit card you selected upon check-in.

9. Getting on and off the ship: Depending on the port, there are two ways to get on and off the ship. In some ports, ships dock right in the port so you can get on and off whenever you want via the gangplank. And in other ports, tenders (small ferry-like boats) will take you to the port; tenders run frequently between the ship and the port. But remember to ALWAYS bring any passes as well as ID with you, as you will need it to get off and get back on the ship.

10. Tipping: So that you can thank those who have made your cruise vacation better than you could have imagined, we've here are some gratuity guidelines:

Envelopes for gratuities are usually provided in your stateroom on the last night of the cruise. Gratuities may be paid in the following ways:

• Pre paid by having them added to your reservation by your reservation agent.
• Added to your onboard Pass account.
• Paid in cash at the end of the cruise