Why Cruise?
Cruising offers you the pleasure of combining all of your vacationing needs into one, making it great value for money. Enjoy the benefits of unpacking once as you float across the open waters from destination to destination. The extensive range of cruise vacations offered makes it ideal, not only for the more mature traveler but also for the family, romantic couple and even the solo traveller. In addition your cruise vacation combines your accommodation, food and entertainment into a one-time payment. Worry no more about stretching your budget to last your vacation.
With a variety of ships available ranging from 200 to 5,400 passengers, each offers its own unique onboard experience. Smaller ships afford a more intimate, relaxed environment with personalized service. These ships will also take you to new sights as they can stop in ports the larger ships cannot access. The larger cruise ships will amaze you offering both relaxation and activity with numerous onboard attractions and world class entertainment. The newer mega-ships even offer things like zip lining, surfing and skydiving simulators, rock climbing walls and skating rinks!
Many cruise lines offer an array of themed cruises designed to cater to your specific interest. Enjoy fine dining? Experience a food and wine cruise featuring world renowned chefs onboard serving mouthwatering dishes. Interested in teeing off? A golf cruise affords you the onboard golf experience as well as stops at revered golf courses around the world.
Unsure of what cruise suits your needs? Allow our team of knowledgeable, efficient Travel Advisors to assist you. We will take the time to ensure you select the cruise best suited to you. Our agents are also on hand to assist with any other queries you might have, to ensure your satisfaction is guaranteed.
What does a cruise include?
What is included varies by cruise line. The larger ships usually include your accommodation, meals, entertainment and most activities whereas the smaller, more luxurious ships will include your beverages and gratuities. Regent Seven Seas Cruises even includes shore excursions! River cruising generally includes shore excursions as well. Ask your travel advisor about the cruise line you are interested in to get specific details.
Are the ships very similar?
There are so many ships to choose from, ranging from mega ships to the smaller, more intimate ships. Each cruise line has its own ambience and unique range of activities. Ask your travel advisor for help choosing the right one based on the kind of holiday you are looking for.
How long are the cruises?
Cruises can be as short as two days and as long as three months, depending on the cruise line and itinerary you choose.
Will I get bored?
Cruise lines have a wide range of onboard activities and typically offer something for everyone. For relaxation, sit by the pool, read a book in the library or have an exotic treatment in the spa. For adventure seekers, there are features like zip lines, sky diving and surfing simulators on the newest ships at sea. Other ships have rock climbing walls, skating rinks and basketball courts. Most ships are fitted with a gym with all the cardio and weight training your body could need. To exercise the mind, visit one of the enrichment programmes onboard where you can try the latest in culinary techniques or listen to a speaker talk about the history of your next port of call. The activities are endless!
Will I get seasick?
The larger ships have built-in stabilizers to significantly reduce the rolling motion. If you think you will be seasick, ask your health care professional about medications you can take. Also ask your travel advisor which cabin to choose so that you feel the movement the least.
Can I carry alcohol onboard?
Most cruise lines do not allow you to bring alcohol onboard. If you purchase duty free alcohol in one of the ports, the ship will hold on to it for you until the end of your cruise. Ask your travel advisor about details pertaining to the cruise line you are choosing.
Is there a special time for dining?
Some cruise lines have special times allocated for dinner called ‘Early Seating’ and ‘Late Seating’ which can be around 6:00pm and 8:30pm respectively. It is your choice once they are both available at the time of booking. Other cruise lines allow you to dine whenever you choose. There are also many dining venues to choose from including formal and casual depending on your preference. Ask your travel advisor for more details.
What if I have special dietary requirements?
Most ships can accommodate special dietary requirements like diabetic, low salt or low cholesterol and can be arranged at time of booking. Ask your travel advisor for details.
What should I pack?
You pack for a cruise the same as you would for a resort vacation. During the day will be quite casual as you explore the ports of call or sit by the pool onboard the ship. Many cruise lines will also indicate how many formal nights your itinerary has so that you have an idea of the clothes that you will need. Clothing also depends on the part of the world you are visiting and the time of year. Some ships can be quite cool indoors so make sure you include something to cover up in case you need it.
What are shore excursions
Shore excursions are the sightseeing tours you can do in each port of call. You have a choice of booking a ship-sponsored tour or you can book one independently. If you would like to get away from the crowds, book a private shore excursion with your Going Places Travel advisor and they will tailor it to exactly what you are looking for.
Do I need a visa?
You will need a visa depending on the passport you hold and the countries that you are visiting. Even if you are not disembarking in a particular port and they require a visa, you will still need to get one. Ask your travel advisor for details relating to the itinerary you are choosing.
Do I need travel insurance?
We definitely recommend travel insurance as you never know what the future holds and it is good to protect your travel investment. Ask your travel advisor for a quote.
What about hurricane season?
Ships do cruise during hurricane season, however they receive advance warnings of any weather disturbances that might be a problem and they change their itinerary to avoid it. Hurricane season is actually one of the most affordable times to cruise, especially in the Caribbean.
