FREQUENTLY
ASK QUESTIONS
- Do I need a passport
?
- Is Cruising
affordable ?
- How long are cruises
?
- Where can I go ?
- What happens if I
need to cancel my cruise?
- What is an Air/Sea
package?
- What airline will I
fly on ?
- Can I get frequent
flyer miles.. ?
- What about passengers
with special needs ?
- What will my cabin
be like ?
- What type of dining
experience can I expect?
- Can I get a special
diet?
- What about tipping?
- Can I book on
short notice ?
- Will I be
bored ?
- What's there to do
in port ?
- Do I have to
participate in the activities ?
- Do cruise lines
welcome families with kids ?
- What's there
to do at night ?
- Is there an
extra charge for entertainment?
- How much money
should I take with me ?
- Is it easy to meet
people ?
- Will there be people
like me ?
- Can singles have fun
on a cruise ?
- What should I pack ?
- Will I need a tuxedo
?
- Can I use my hair
dryer or shaver ?
- Are there
non-smoking areas ?
- Is cruising right
for honeymooners?
- Can we stay in touch
with the outside?
- Will I get seasick ?
- Is there a doctor on
board ?
- Are there laundry
services aboard ?
- Can I extend my
cruise vacation ?
- When will I receive
my tickets?
- How do I pay for my
cruise?
- It all sounds too
good to be true, Is it?
A]
Since most cruises visit the ports of many
different countries, proof of United States
citizenship is required not only to allow you to
visit these countries, but also to allow you to
re-enter the United States. On most cruises a
birth certificate with raised seal, or a valid
passport is required. If you will be traveling
to countries requiring visas, the cruise line
will send you the required forms. If you are not
a U.S. citizen, please be sure you are bringing
the correct documentation for all the countries
you will be visiting. Due to security at the
airport photo identification must be shown to
board the plane.
A] Yes!
There are cruise vacations to suit every budget,
from the cost-conscious to the most luxurious.
Even more important, a cruise offers the best
travel value for your money. Your fare includes:
your cabin, all meals, onboard activities,
parties and entertainment. So for once, you'll
know what your vacation will end up costing you
before you go. (Your only extra expenses will be
drinks, optional shore excursions, and personal
services such as massage or hairstyling.)
A]As
long or short as you want. Hooked On Cruising
offers itineraries from two days to over one
hundred days
A] Where do
you want to go? Cruises visit practically any
destination accessible by water.
A] We
strongly recommend trip
cancellation/interruption insurance to protect
your investment. The criteria and penalties for
cancellations are listed in the back of most
cruise brochures.
A]
An Air/Sea package includes your cruise
ticket, an airline ticket and ground
transportation needed to get you to the port.
When using this package, the cruise line will,
at their discretion, fly you on either a
scheduled airline or a charter flight, when you
land a representative of the cruise line will
then be at the airport to meet you and guide you
to the ground transportation provided to take
you to your ship.
A] :
Cruise lines block space with the major airlines
such as Delta, Continental, and, USAir depending
on where you are flying from. Your Hooked On
Cruising representative will advise you of your
airline and seat assignments when your tickets
arrive in our office
A] Frequent
flier members may inform the gate agent when
checking in for their flight of their frequent
flier number and you will be credited with the
mileage
A]
The cruise lines welcome passengers with special
needs and work hard to assist them throughout
their trip. It is essential that the cruise
lines know well in advance if you have any
special medical, physical or other requirements
that need to be addressed. Most modern cruise
ships have a number of cabins specially designed
to accommodate passengers in wheelchairs or in
need of TTY communications. Service animals
are permitted on board if prior arrangements
have been made. Your Hooked On Cruising
representative can help answer any specific
questions concerning your needs.
A] Cabins on
most cruise lines are smaller than they appear
on "The Love Boat". They are designed
for efficiency and to encourage you to use the
much larger public facilities on board the ship.
If you requested an "outside" or
"ocean view" cabin, you will have a
porthole or picture window, depending on your
ship design. Some outside cabins will also have
a small balcony. If you requested an
"inside" cabin you will not have a
porthole, window, or balcony. Most cabins have
twin beds, which can be converted to a queen
size. Your cabin steward is there to make your
stay comfortable; whether to change the bed
configuration to suit your desires, or to bring
you extra towels, pillows, or blankets if
needed. Many of the newer ships have safes in
the rooms, and TVs that show current movies,
give casino instructions, and general cruise
information.
A] Your
dining preference can be requested at time of
deposit. This request is not guaranteed; if you
are unh apply with your seating assignment, you
can see the Restaurant Manager and he/she will
do his/her best to accommodate you. Meal times
vary on different cruise lines, but on average
meal times are:
|
|
Main
Seating
|
Late
Seating
|
|
Breakfast
|
7:30
am
|
8:45
am
|
|
Lunch
|
12:00
noon
|
1:30
pm
|
|
Dinner
|
6:00
pm
|
8:30
pm
|
All
meals, including 24-hour room service are
included in the price of your cruise. Breakfast
is served in the main dining room, as well as a
buffet in the patio restaurant near the pool.
Lunch is also served as a buffet in the patio
restaurant or a full course selection in the
main dining room. Most ships serve an afternoon
snack of ice cream, tea, cookies, and cakes.
Dinner is served in the main dining room,
followed by the midnight buffet. Some ships also
offer 24-hour pizzerias. Depending on the ship
you can find up to 8 meals and snacks per day
plus room service so you (or your kids) will
never be hungry on a cruise ship.
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A]
Most ships can accommodate salt-free,
low-carbohydrate, Kosher, or other diet
preferences. However, this request must be made
in advance so be sure to advise your Hooked On
Cruising representative of this requirement when
you book your cruise.
What about tipping ?
A]
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 room steward and
dining room waiter, and about half that amount
for your busboy. Other shipboard personnel can
be tipped for special services at your
discretion. Some cruise lines do not require,
accept, or encourage tipping. Ask your Hooked On
Cruising representative about this matter when
you book your cruise.
A] Even
the most popular cruises sometimes have space
available because of late cancellations. But, to
get exactly the ship, cabin, and sailing date
you want, you should plan and book early. Most
cruise lines also offer early booking discounts
for customers who plan ahead.
A]
Hardly. Being at sea gives you a feeling of
freedom few places can offer. There's plenty of
room. It will probably take you a few days just
to discover what's onboard. Plus, you get the
added adventure of exploring new and exciting
ports of call. 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; you can join in exercise
classes, dance classes, sports contests and
other organized deck activities. Perhaps you
would like to 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, play backgammon
or bridge. It is amazing how much you can do on
a cruise.
A] So much
you'll have a hard time choosing! You can go off
on your own, take a guided tour, search ancient
ruins, hunt for shopping bargains, ride a raft
over river rapids, a bicycle down the side of a
volcano, or ride a horse across miles of hills
and beaches, climb a waterfall or pyramid, see
the birthplace of civilization or listen to
steel drum bands, follow the footsteps of
history or the wake of a water-skiing boat, if
there's still time, enjoy a show, play golf or
tennis, eat native foods, learn how to windsurf,
swim at some of the world's best beaches, catch
a record marlin, sail, snorkel, or go scuba
diving, go to a nightclub or casino, take a
cable car to the top of a mountain, or explore
dark catacombs. In short, a cruise is the
easiest way to see new places and do all the
things you ever dreamed of. Cruising is the
perfect way to sample a number of destinations
and you never have to pack and unpack.
A] On
a cruise, you do what you want to. You can do
everything, or lie back and do absolutely
nothing. It's your vacation.
A]
Nearly one third of cruise vacations are
booked by families with children. Most cruise
lines make a special point of providing
supervised activities for youngsters, especially
during school holidays. If your child enjoys
swimming, sports, games, movies, and the
adventure of new places, he/she will love a
family cruise. You'll find the kids adapt to
shipboard life with ease, and you won't have to
wonder what they're up to every minute. The
cruise staff will help keep them busy and
entertained. Best of all, children generally
travel at a substantially reduced rate.
A] At
night, a cruise ship really comes alive. There's
dancing; live entertainment in nightclubs,
discos and lounges; feature films; and parties
with all your new friends. Most ships even have
casinos. There are also many special events like
the Captain's cocktail party, passenger talent
night, the Las Vegas style show, magic acts, and
the late night buffet.
A] On
a cruise, the entertainment is included. There's
no cover, no minimum, no charge for admission.
A]
That depends entirely on you, the cost of
your cruise includes everything except: alcohol
and sodas, shore excursions, tips and personal
items such as souvenirs, massages, and hair
styling. When you board your ship you will be
asked to activate your account, this is like
running a tab during your cruise and all
expenses will be charged to your room, at the
end of the cruise the credit card you used to
activate your account will be billed for the
amount you charged while on the ship. Your
Hooked On Cruising representative can advise you
on which cruise lines differ from this policy
and answer any questions or concerns you may
have regarding this type of payment arrangement.
A] A
cruise ship is a great place to make new
friends, because everyone's so friendly. The
atmosphere is cordial, relaxed and you'll have
all kinds of things in common to talk about.
Don't be surprised if you find yourself making
arrangements to meet them aboard another ship
next year.
A] All
kinds of people take cruises. Passengers can
vary from ship to ship and cruise to cruise.
Just ask your Hooked On Cruising representative
for advice on the best ship for you, based on
your tastes and lifestyle. There are over 30
cruise lines and over 130 ships for us to choose
from, we are sure we can find the right one for
you.
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A]
Cruising is ideal for people traveling
alone, because it's so easy to meet other
people. In fact, most ships have singles parties
early on to give you the opportunity to meet
your shipmates. Most ships also have single
cabins as well as single rates for double
staterooms. In many cases, the cruise line will
even find you a roommate to share a double if
you ask them.
A]
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. Attire is dictated by occasion, the
Captain's Cocktail Party 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. Some ships have
theme nights such as Country and Western night,
or a Roman Toga party, so you could dress
accordingly if you desire. Shorts are not
allowed in most main dining rooms during the
dinner meal. Your Hooked On Cruising
representative can provide you with information
about your ship's dress code.
A] On
some cruises, formal dinners or parties are part
of the fun. If you do want to dress up, many
ships offer tuxedo rental services. Even on the
most formal of ships, a dark suit and tie are
fine.
A]
Most ships have 110-volt outlets
in the staterooms, but do check with your Hooked
On Cruising representative to be sure.
A]
Virtually all ships have smoking and non-smoking
tables and/or sections in the lounges and dining
rooms. In fact, many dining rooms are now
smoke-free, reflecting passenger requests. If
you wish to be seated in a non-smoking area,
just tell your Cruises Inc. representative. In
open seating situations, you can advise your
waiter or the Restaurant Manager.
A]
Without a doubt, cruising offers an
atmosphere that's just right for romance. Cozy
dinners for two, strolling on deck at sunset,
dancing the night away under the stars, and so
much more to remember forever. Most cruise lines
provide special services such as: Sunday or
Monday departures, congratulatory champagne,
cabin decorations or breakfast in bed. Some
ships perform a marriage ceremony or will renew
your marriage vows in port.
A]
Quite easily. Most ships have a daily
newsletter with news, headlines, selected stock
quotes and sports scores, and some even deliver
the Wall Street Journal to your room. Staterooms
on many ships are even equipped with televisions
so you can tune in to CNN or ESPN. While
many ships now have telephones in passenger
cabins, you can also call someone through the
ship's radio operator while at sea, and you can
phone home from most ports. In addition, many
ships are equipped with fax capabilities.
Internet cafes are now being installed on most
ships.
A]
Not really. The most popular cruise areas boast
some of the calmest waters in the world. In
addition to the large size of today's passenger
liners, stabilizers, advance availability of
accurate weather information, and development of
effective preventative medications have
eliminated most cases of motion sickness.
A] Virtually
every cruise ship has a fully equipped medical
facility and staff to handle almost any
emergency.
A]
Yes. Almost all cruise ships have laundry
facilities and a great many provide dry-cleaning
services. There is, however, an additional
charge for professional laundry and dry-cleaning
services. Most ships also have self-service
launderettes
A] Your
Hooked On Cruising representative can arrange
pre-or post-cruise land packages at the same
time you book you cruise.
A] The
cruise line will send your tickets to our office
approximately 15 days before you sail, this
gives us time to ensure your documents are
accurate and complete. We will ship your tickets
to you to ensure prompt delivery.
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A]
Your cruise will usually be broken down into
two payments, a small deposit of between $100.00
and $200.00 per person is due to confirm a
booking, the balance is due approximately 75
days before you sail. Hooked On Cruising accepts
major credit cards, money orders or certified
checks. Any bookings made within 60 days of
sailing must be paid for in full at time of
booking. Contact us because on some
packages we offer monthly payment plans.
A] The
one major complaint we hear over and over again
is that cruises end too soon! Beyond that, it's
hard to find any negatives. After all, you don't
have to run to make plane connections to get
from one port to the next, you don't have the
hassles of making dinner or nightclub
reservations, you don't have the bother of
packing and unpacking as you move from place to
place, you don't get unexpected, expensive
surprises at restaurants or nightclubs, you have
a wealth of options for shopping, adventure,
sightseeing, exploring, entertaining and sports
activities, all you have to worry about is
relaxing and enjoying your vacation. Most
importantly, every crew and staff member onboard
is dedicated to making your cruise the best trip
of your life (until you top it with your next
cruise!)
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