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Overseas
Entry Documents Check out this
site before you go anywhere. Each destinations may require
something different. If you don't have the correct documents
you can expect to stay home.
Currency
Converter This currency converter will help
you in different parts of the world. You can look up the exchange
rates for countries you are going to visit
Passport
Services . Bring your birth certificate, a
photo identification and two recent identical "head shot"
photos, 2" x 2" and apply for your passport a couple
of months before you plan to travel. The fee for first-time
applicants is $65 for adults; $40 for children under 18.
National Passport Center (202) 647-0518.
Passports are good for 10 years and can be renewed by mail
for up to 12 years from issue date (adults only). Renewal
fees are $55.00 for adults. For more information.
How do I book with an on-line agency?
Booking a cruise with an on-line agency is just like booking
with any local agent. DestiNations….. Travel By Design recommends
that you always use a credit card when booking a cruise for
your protection no matter who you book through. We will send
you a written confirmation as soon as the cruise is booked with
the cruise line along with ship and cruise information if desired.
We will also contact you when your final payment is due. All
cruise tickets will be delivered to you via two or three day
priority mail, Airborne, or Federal Express, and DestiNations…..
Travel By Design will notify you prior to the delivery.
How can I pay for my vacation?
Your package will usually be broken down into two payments,
a small deposit of between $100.00 and $300.00 per person is
due to confirm a booking, the balance is due approximately 45-75
days before you go. DestiNations….. Travel By Design accepts
major credit cards, money orders or certified checks, but we
still recommend credit cards for the most protection for our
clients.. Any bookings made within 60 days of sailing must be
paid for in full at time of booking.
Is Cruising Expensive?
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 all
meals, your stateroom, onboard daytime activities, nighttime
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.)
Can I book a cruise on short notice?
Even the most popular cruises may have space available
because of late cancellations, but, to cruise on the ship, cabin
and sailing date you want you should plan and book early. (DestiNations…..
Travel By Design recommends booking 6-12 months in advance)
What is an Air/Sea package?
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. Ground
transportation is then provided to take you to your ship.
Can I get frequent flier miles when using an Air/Sea package?
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.
Will I fly on direct flights?
When you book your airfare through the cruise line, you will
normally receive your flight schedule 29 days prior to travel,
and the cruise line always does their best to provide the most
direct and convenient flights from your closest airport. You
can be booked on any airline on any flight schedule that will
affordably get you to your port of embarkation before the ship
sails. This means that if you live near Washington, DC, and
the main carrier, US-Airways, has a direct flight from Washington
to Miami, most likely you would be booked the direct flight.
If the cruise line does not have reserved space on that flight
they could fly you through Atlanta first on Delta.
Do I have to buy air travel through the cruise line?
If you can find better airfare rates on your own or have frequent
flyer points then you can certainly purchase your airfare separately.
However, understand that if you have any flight delays on flights
arranged apart from the cruise line, then you're on your own
to catch the ship in the next port of call if necessary. Note,
some insurance plans may protect you from a missed connection
or travel delay claim. You are also responsible for your transportation
from the airport to the ship and back, but some cruise lines
are now offering airport transfers at an small additional cost
for those passengers who elect to provide their own air. When
we book our own air, we always travel a day early, just to be
sure and also we just enjoy waking up close to the ship on the
day of our cruise.
Are all ships and cruises fairly similar?
Far from it! Ships range from under 200 feet to over 1,000.
You can sail with anywhere from fewer than 100 fellow passengers
to nearly 3,500. Experience atmospheres ranging from casual
to formal; classically simple to ultra-deluxe.
Do I need a Passport?
This depends on the type of cruise and your destination. You'll
probably need, at least, some proof of citizenship, and a passport
will always be accepted.
Are there different classes of service?
Today's cruise ships are "one-class." Everyone on board can
use all of the ship's facilities. The prices of staterooms are
based on size and deck location. Regardless of the category
booked, you will enjoy the same courteous service, menus, activities
and entertainment as everyone else on board.
What's there to do in port?
Too much to describe here!! You will have a hard time choosing
if you should take off on your own, or join a guided tour. There
could be ancient ruins or other great sights to see. Of course
shopping bargains are found everywhere. You can climb a waterfall
or pyramid, play golf or tennis, try the native food or drinks,
learn how to wind-surf, or just sun and swim at some of the
world's finest beaches.
Do I have to participate in the activities?
On a cruise you do what you want to do. You can do everything.
Or lie back and do absolutely nothing. It's your vacation.
Do cruise lines welcome families with kids?
Most cruise lines make a special point of providing supervised
activities for youngsters, especially during school holidays.
If your children enjoy swimming, sports, games, movies, and
the adventure of new places, they will love a family cruise.
You will find that kids adapt to shipboard life with ease, and
you won't have to wonder what they are up to every minute. The
cruise staff will help keep them busy and entertained.
What is there to do at night?
At night, life aboard a cruise ship really turns on. There is
dancing, live entertainment in the nightclubs, discos and lounges,
feature films, and parties with all your new friends. Most ships
have casinos. There are also many special events, like the Captain's
Cocktail Party, Passenger's Talent Night and the Midnight buffet,
and the night can go on as long as you want even until the spectacular
sunrise at sea.
Is there a charge for the entertainment?
On a cruise vacation, the entertainment is provided as a part
of your cruise.
Can singles have fun on a cruise?
Cruising is perfect for people traveling alone, because it is
so easy to meet other people. In fact, most ships have parties
just for singles early in the cruise, so you can start to interface
early. Most ships also have single cabins as well as single
rates for double staterooms. In many cases, the cruise line
may even find you a roommate to share a double if you want to
save some money. DestiNations….. Travel By Design will assist
you with your requests.
What should I pack?
Pack like you would for any resort. Cruise vacations are casual
by day whether you are on ship or ashore. In the evening, the
attire varies from nice casual to dressy to formal, and is posted
daily on board. For the Captain's Gala, for example, you will
probably want to wear something more formal, such as a dark
suit, or cocktail dress or perhaps even a dinner jacket or gown.
Will I need a tuxedo/Formal?
On most cruises, formal dinners or parties are part of the fun.
but don't buy a tux for the trip. Even on the most formal of
ships, a dark suit and tie are fine for the dressiest occasions.
The ship normally has formal ware for rent.
Can I use my hair dryer or shaver?
Yes, most ships have 110 volt outlets in the staterooms.
What are "different meal seatings"?
Some ships' dining rooms can accommodate all passengers in one
"seating." But, most ships have two seatings which differ only
by time. To choose, just decide whether you prefer to dine early
or later and request your preference when you book.
What about fitness and healthy eating?
Just because your cruise ship offers plenty of delicious food
doesn't mean you must return out of shape. You can choose "low
cal" or "fitness" menu selections that are just as tempting
as the regular menu. You can also jog, do aerobics, work out
in the gym, swim, golf, play tennis, and much more.
Can I get a special diet?
Most ships provide salt-free, low-carbohydrate, Kosher, or other
diet preferences, however, this request must be made in advance.
So be sure to advise DestiNations….. Travel By Design of your
requirements when you book your cruise.
Are there "Non-Smoking" Areas?
Today, virtually all ships have smoking and non-smoking tables
and/or sections in the dining rooms and lounges. In fact several
cruise lines do not allow smoking in any dining area. If you
want your dining table in a non-smoking area, just tell DestiNations…..
Travel By Design when you book.
Can we celebrate a "special" day?
Absolutely! Most cruise Lines will even treat you to a complimentary
cake and a chorus (with many accents) of "Happy Whatever" to
honor the occasion. Your birthday or anniversary can be more
festive with champagne, flowers, canapés, wine or cheese. You
can even arrange for a special private party. All you have to
do is advise DestiNations….. Travel By Design when you book.
Is cruising right for honeymooners?
Cruising creates an atmosphere that is perfect for romance;
cozy dinners for two, strolling on deck at sunset, dancing the
night away (even under the stars) and so much more to remember
forever.
What about tipping?
Tipping is a matter of individual preference. A general
rule of thumb is to plan for about $2.50 to $3.00 per person
per day for your room steward and dining room waiter, and about
half that amount for your busboy. (Some cruise lines include
tipping in the price and will so inform you.) Other shipboard
personnel can be tipped for special services at your discretion.
Is motion-discomfort a problem?
The most popular cruise areas boast some of the calmest waters
in the world. In addition, stabilizers on modern ships, advance
availability of accurate weather information, and development
of effective preventative medications have, for the most part,
eliminated the incidence of motion discomfort. You should talk
to your doctor if you think you might have a motion discomfort
problem.
Are there medical services on board?
Virtually every cruise ship (except for some smaller vessels
operating in coastal waters) has a fully-equipped medical facility
and staff to handle almost any emergency.
Are there laundry services aboard? 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.
It all sounds too good to be true! Is it?
The major complaint is that cruises end far too soon! Beyond
that, it is hard to find any negative issues. 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 do have a wealth of options for shopping, adventure, sightseeing,
exploring, entertainment and sports activities. All you have
to worry about is relaxing and enjoying your vacation. How can
this be bad????
When is Hurricane Season?
Officially, the National Hurricane Service states that hurricane
season starts on June 1 and ends November 31st. That's 6 months
of the year. The greatest concentration of hurricane and tropical
storm activity tends to be between late August and mid-October,
but that should not be a major concern. The Captain would never
jeopardize the ship, or your safety, and the cruise ships are
certainly safer than the Islands during a hurricane. These ships
have cruising speeds of 20 - 22 knots, and can outrun a 14 knot
hurricane. The ships cruising today are also equipped with the
latest communication, weather, and navigation equipment to keep
the Captain and his crew fully aware of a storm's position and
if he feels that there is any danger to his passengers, crew,
or his vessel he will simply sail to safer waters.
What about passengers with special needs?
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 DestiNations….. Travel By Design Representative
can help answer any specific questions concerning your needs.
What will my cabin be like?
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.
What if I don't like my table-mates?
Rarely is this a problem, but if you wish to move to another
table, speak with the Restaurant Manager. He will make every
effort to seat you with more compatible dining companions. Also
if you wish to be seated at a different size of table, the Restaurant
Manager will do his best to accommodate you.
How much money should I take with me?
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, and at the end of the
cruise the credit card you used to activate your account will
be billed for the amount that you charged while on the ship.
If you chose to pay cash or travelers checks, you will be required
to settle up the night before the ship returns to home port.
Can we stay in touch with the outside?
Quite easily. Most ships have a daily newsletter with news,
headlines, selected stock quotes and sports scores, 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.
When will I receive my tickets?
The cruise line will send your tickets to our office approximately
15 days before you sail to give us time to ensure your documents
are accurate and complete. Your DestiNations….. Travel By Design
Representative will then notify you and will arrange for delivery
of your tickets. We will normally send your tickets via two
or three day priority mail, or other express delivery service.
We then recommend you contact DestiNations….. Travel By Design
upon receipt so that we may review them with you over the phone.
If you have booked your cruise on short notice you can pick
up your airline tickets at the airport and can pick up your
cruise tickets at the pier prior to boarding the ship.
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