Cruising FAQs Answered by the Experts
Uniglobe Travel Designers’ owners Elizabeth and Jacqueline have taken a combined 60 plus cruises. From 3 night cruises to the Bahamas to two week adventures in Europe, they’ve seen the world one cruise at a time. In this article, they give insider answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about cruising.
What is included in the price of a cruise? (Elizabeth)
Cruising provides a great value for your vacation dollar because the price includes almost everything you’ll need for a fantastic vacation – accommodations, transportation between destinations, dining, entertainment, activities and more. The average cruise (on a mainstream cruise line) is about $100 per person per day – which is an amazing value when you add up the costs of a traditional non-inclusive vacation.
There are items that are not included in the price of the cruise like: alcohol and soft drinks, gratuities, air fare, excursions, specialty and spa services. Make sure you budget for these items so that you do not receive a shocking bill at the end of the cruise. When you first arrive, you will be required to give either a credit card or cash when you check in. This money will be attached to your key card and will be used like a debit card throughout your journey. It’s best to give a specified amount so that you don’t go crazy on spa services, excursions and gambling.
What are the accommodations like on a cruise ship? (Jacqueline)
Staterooms on cruises are typically very small. Unless you are in a suite, cruise accommodations are generally built for two people and range from 120 to 200 square feet. Staterooms can accommodate up to 4 people, but the rooms are still tiny and the extra beds are ‘bunk bed’ style and are pulled out of the wall. Typically the price savings in booking a triple or quad verse a double are very minimal and it’s definitely worth the extra couple bucks per person for the comfort of a double. For families, they do offer adjoining cabins.
Staterooms Decoded:
Interior or Inside: No window or view of the outside world. Inside cabins can sometimes feel like you’re in a closet (although I have gotten some of my best sleep ever in an inside cabin because you have no idea if it’s day time or night).
(Pictured left: a typical oceanview cabin on RCCL)
Outside or Oceanview: Small window or porthole. These staterooms are usually on the lower decks of the ship and give you a little bit of natural light.
Balcony: Private verandah with sliding doors. Balcony cabins give you the opportunity to step outside and get fresh air from the privacy of your room.
Suite: Suites on cruise ships come in all shapes and sizes – from junior suites with a balcony and sitting area to owner’s suites with multiple rooms, wrapping balconies, dining areas, whirlpools and much more.
Is it worth it to book a balcony cabin? (Elizabeth)
Absolutely! I have cruised in everything from Inside cabins to suites and I must say that having a balcony really enhances the whole experience. Balcony cabins give you a unique cruising experience and are worth it for the ever changing view – whether you’re sailing along the Inside Passage of Alaska or docked among the pink pastels of Bermuda – having a private balcony gives you privacy and you also avoid the crowds on deck. You can sip coffee in your robe and enjoy the beautiful view. Also, some cruise lines offer private balcony dinners which are great for couples celebrating an anniversary or on a honeymoon.
What are the benefits of Group Cruising? (Jacqueline)
Cruising is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways for groups to travel together. I have had some of my best vacations cruising with friends. Here are a few of the benefits:
Value: cruise lines offer group rates and discounts. Also, most cruise lines offer group amenities like complimentary wine, shipboard credits, private gatherings and more to help enhance your group’s experience.
(Pictured left: UTD Owners with a group on an
RCCL Mediterranean Cruise)
Companionship: group cruising offers you the chance to travel with friends/family and people that share common interests. Here’s a sample of some of the group cruises we have planned: family reunions; milestone birthday celebrations; Alumni groups; incentive groups; clubs/organizations; church groups; special interest groups; destination weddings and much more!
Variety: there’s something for everyone on a cruise – whether it’s relaxing at the spa, winning money at the casino or swimming in the pool – everyone in your group will be able to find something to do.
Incentive/Meeting Planning: whether it’s an award trip or an annual meeting cruising is a great way for companies to boost morale among employees and help to accomplish team goals.
If you are interested in planning a group cruise, contact Jacqueline: jacquelineb@gouniglobe.com
How much are you expected to tip for services? (Elizabeth)
It is customary to tip cabin stewards and butlers, dining room waiters, assistant waiters and head waiters on the last night of the cruise. These individuals work tirelessly to ensure you have a wonderful cruise vacation. Typically adds up to around $12 per person per day.
- Waiter: $3.75 per person per day
- Assistant Waiter: $2.15 per person per day
- Head Waiter: $.75 per person per day
- Cabin Steward: $5 per person per day (more for suites)
Keep in mind that these are just guidelines – if you receive exceptional service feel free to tip more.
What is there to do onboard? (Jacqueline)
There is so much to do on a cruise ship, that oftentimes you will not have time to experience everything:
- Pamper yourself at the spa
- Hit the casino
- Lounge in the sun
- Play basketball
- Dance the night away in the disco
- Dine at a casual buffet or fancy sit down restaurant
- Enjoy live music or a show
- Meet new friends
- Take fitness classes
- Attend enrichment lectures
- Sing Karaoke
How can I figure out what to do in port? Should I purchase shore excursions through the cruise line? (Elizabeth)
Cruise lines offer a mind boggling array of tours – Here’s how to navigate them to figure out what’s right for you:
- Read descriptions very carefully: Determine exactly how your day will be spent – how much time is spent on the bus, how much time you will have on your own, etc. If unsure, talk to the shore excursion manager
- Pick tours that you can handle physically: Some are very strenuous with a lot of walking, others are more laid back
- Participating in cruise line excursions is recommended in Alaska, Europe and exotic destinations: It’s important to budget accordingly, as these expenses can add up.
- Hiring a private taxi: In some destinations, hiring a private taxi can be less expensive than the shore excursions – be sure to negotiate a flat rate before you depart.
- Active vs. Sightseeing Tours: Active tours can include anything from water sports to zip-lining, hiking, biking and dog sledding. Sightseeing excursions are typically bus tours that take passengers to the highlights and shopping areas of the port city.
- Guided vs. Free Time: Some tours bring you to an area and allow you to explore on your own while others have guided tours – some are a combination of both
- Highlights vs. In-Depth: Some excursions focus on one destination or activity while others pack a number of things into one tour
Do I need a passport? (Jacqueline)
We highly recommend that you have a passport for cruising. The U.S. Government does not require a passport for sea travel on certain ‘closed loop cruises’ (originating in the U.S. and for travel only within the Western Hemisphere) – you will however need to show proof of citizenship (original or certified copy of birth certificate) and government-issued photo ID (Driver's license). If you have had a name change, you must bring proper documentation (i.e. Marriage license). Government regulations are continually modified, so it’s best to be prepared. We suggest that all travelers either renew or apply for a passport as soon as possible. This way you won’t have to worry and you are free to cruise the world!
Visit http://travel.state.gov/passport for more information.
What are my dining options? Do I have to eat with people I don’t know? (Jacqueline)
During the day there are many dining options –formal sit down meals in the dining room, buffet, room service, casual dining (pizza and burgers) on deck – there are options to meet everyone’s needs. At night, there are usually two traditional dinner times: main seating (around 6pm) and late seating (around 830pm). Many of the cruise lines also offer specialty restaurants for a small service fee. I’ve had some of my favorite meals at the specialty restaurants. You receive white glove service and exceptional food – it’s completely worth the $15 to $25 per person charge. There are also more casual dining options at night if you prefer.
(Pictured left: UTD Owners enjoying a meal on a
cruise with their new friends)
When eating in the dining rooms, you will most likely end up eating with people you do not know. I must say that we have met some really interesting people during these meals. You will find that there are people from all over the world on your cruise – it’s a lot of fun to meet new people with different perspectives. But if you aren’t looking to make new friends, don’t worry. You can always request a table with only your friends and family.
Still have more questions? Feel free to contact Elizabeth or Jacqueline: elizabethb@gouniglobe.com; jacquelineb@gouniglobe.com
