FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why are prices different when I shop around?
Remember, the cheapest price isn’t necessarily the best deal if you end up with a cabin you’re not happy with, after you book you’re told about all the “hidden” costs added in, your special requests aren’t taken care of, etc. These are details the Cruise Princess will give you up front and take care of for you. A cruise specialist like the Cruise Princess is a cruise only counselor and specialist and an advocate working on your behalf… you won’t get that kind of service from the “mega sale” online companies, they sell you a cabin and go on to the next customer.
When do I get the tickets?
Your tickets, or commonly called documents, will be available about four to six weeks before your sail date and you’ll be able to view and print them off yourself.
What happens if a hurricane is brewing?
The cruise lines are used to this type of situation and will assess the dangers and most likely will sail. However, for the passengers comfort and safety, they reserve the right to change the itinerary or route and may sail to a different port of call. In the slim chance that the cruise must be cancelled, the cruise line will work with you to find a solution. In the past, guests have been offered other cruises, given refunds, and/or discounts for future sailings. The policy is up to the cruise line.
Will I get sea sick?
Many people consider this by wondering if the motion may affect them. However, the ships sailing these days are considered relatively new by cruise line standards and they all have sophisticated stabilization controls to reduce motion. These ships are big, really big, not like the small craft you may have had a bad experience in the past. But, if you are concerned, consult your pharmacist or physician before the cruise, many options for treatment are available. Some cruisers purchase “Bonine” at their drugstore and have it available, a personal favorite of ours is” MotionEaze” available on line and is safe for anyone and consists of natural herbs – works really well.
Another good remedy which is very simple and very effective is using a “sea band”. This is a small little wrist bracelet that places pressure on the underside of the wrist, pose no side effects, are drug free and inexpensive, about $7.00/pair. The wrist bands may be found in most pharmacies and most onboard giftshops. These bands work for some people but not everyone. Medical care is also available onboard.
Most cruisers admit the best night’s sleep they have ever experienced are the ones onboard a sailing cruise ship.
Just imagine falling asleep in one port and wake up in another!
Am I able to cruise if pregnant?
Please be advised that guests who are 24 weeks or more into their pregnancy at the time of the voyage will not be permitted to sail because of the risk of premature labor.
How large/small are the cabins?
Some categories of staterooms are larger than others, price has some to do with it. But generally speaking, the average stateroom size is 185 to 195 square feet. Suites are even larger and many have a private balcony. Some say they don’t stay in the cabin during the day as there is so much to do that they don’t want to miss. If you plan on spending allot of time in your stateroom, consider upgrading to a larger cabin and/or a balcony cabin, mini-suite, verandah or go for a full suite!
Is there a dress code for the dining rooms?
Depending on the length of the cruise, either elegant or casual resort wear is required in the Dining Room. The dress requirement for children is the same. For those not wanting to dress up, alternative dining is always an option as well as room service. What could be more exciting than dinner on your own private verandah! On elegant nights you may see guests wearing a suit and tie; sport coat, tie and slacks; evening gown; cocktail dress or pantsuits. Casual Resort Wear consists of collared sport shirts and slacks; dresses; skirts, capri’s and pantsuits. NOTE: Shorts, t-shirts and bathing attire are not permitted in the Dining Room during dinner.
Why are there so many pieces of silverware anyway?
And why bother to learn when to use what? The answer to both is “for your dining pleasure.” The combination of the correct utensil used with the appropriate food both teases and satisfies the palate with the taste of outstanding cuisine. Knowing when to use the proper utensils makes you less self-conscious and more relaxed, enabling you to enjoy yourself, your meal, and your company and isn’t that part of what a cruise is all about? It’s your waiter’s job to assist you and make sure you have the correct pieces. Read article by Tonia M. Matthews and adapted from Cruise Travel Magazine. Read More…
What Should I Plan On Packing?
The first thing to remember is that you’re on vacation and you are there to have a good time. The second thing to remember is to travel light. If you keep those two things in mind, you should do just fine.
Casual attire and resort wear is the order of the day both on board and in port. Shorts, slacks, sun dresses, blouses, etc., are in line for women. Clothing for men is just as casual. You should bring a pair of rubber-soled sandals or sneakers to wear on deck and a pair of good walking shoes. You might also want to consider bringing along a sweater or jacket for cool evenings and inexpensive rain gear in case of a sudden shower. Women may want to bring along a hat or scarf. You’ll have a chance to dress up on two nights during 7 day or longer cruises (one night on shorter cruises) for the Captain’s Cocktail Party and the Gala Farewell Dinner. On the other evenings you can dress casually for dinner (no shorts or tank tops).
For those not wanting to dress up, there are several alternate dining options, including lido deck buffets, pizza bars, and room service.
The Cruise Princess will make sure you have a packing list.
Can I wash My clothes while on board?
Most ships have self-service laundy facilities located on the stateroom decks.
There may be two or three washers and dryers, and one iron and ironing board in each launderette. The cost is usually $2.00 per washer load and $2.00 per dryer load. Vending machines dispense small boxes of detergent and water softener at $1.00 per box.
Due to environmental requirements, the washing machines in the guest laundy will be closed in port, per each ports specific requirements;however, the dryers and irons will be available for guest use.
Do I need to pack a hair dryer?
All ships do not provide hair dryers in each stateroom, but may be requested via your personal cabin steward. Ask The Cruise Princess when you book or check on the individual cruise line page for more specific information.
How old do I need to be before I can travel alone?
Guests are required to be 21 years old (on embarkation day) to travel. Guests under the age of 21 must be accompanied in the same stateroom by a parent or guardian 25 or older.
Married minor couples – The booking must be documented that the couple is married. The couple must have proof of marriage at embarkation or they will be denied boarding without the benefit of a refund.
Domestic Partners/Same-Sex Union minor couple - The booking must be documented that the couple are legal Domestic Partners/Same-Sex Union. The couple must have legal proof of partnership/union at embarkation or they will be denied boarding without the benefit of a refund.
Guest ages will be verified at embarkation. Guests not conforming to this policy will be denied boarding and assessed a 100% cancellation penalty. NO exceptions will be made at embarkation.
The Group policy is slightly different because of stricter group terms and conditions including mandatory chaperones, damage deposits and other considerations.
What is the tipping policy on board?
Guests can pay their shipboard gratuities up front at booking (recommended) or at the end of your cruise $10 per person/per day will be added to your bill. The dollar amount of the gratuities will appear in the Miscellaneous Charge field on the booking. The guest copy on the cruise ticket will indicate if gratuities have been paid.
The total amount will be $10 per guest, per day, which breaks down as follows:
$5.50 pp/pd for Dining Team Service (Headwaiter and Waiter)
$1 pp/pd for Bistro Service (Waiter/Cooks)
$3.50 pp/pd for Cabin Services (Cabin Steward)
Tipping the Maitre D’ is strictly at guest’s discretion, based upon services rendered. For guests who wish to extend this gratuity in cash, an envelope will be available on the last evening of the cruise.
Tipping still applies regardless of the dining options selected, such as eating at the casual dining restaurant or utilizing room service.
Bar Waiters, Deck Stewards and Bell Boys – Certain personnel, as noted above, may be tipped as service is rendered. A 15% gratuity is automatically added to beverage purchases which the guest may adjust appropriate to the service received.
Note: Guests under two years of age are not required to extend gratuities.
