Cruising

Are you new to cruising? That's okay, we've got you covered. It can seem rather overwhelming at first, but sit back and enjoy the planning process and getting to know cruise ship life.

Where can I leave from?

There are so many cruise ports around the world. It is dependent on what cruise line you choose and which country/city you are leaving from. Jump on over to our ports page for info on the most popular US ports and feel free to reach out for information on any not listed. 

Maritime lingo? Some things are helpful to know while on-board.  Forward-front of the ship, Aft-back of the ship, Starboard-right side of the ship, Port-left side of the ship (faces the port unless the ship backs in). For more Maritime Terminology than you'll ever need 🙂

What's the Muster Drill?

All passengers are required to attend the Muster Drill before the ship leaves port. Make sure you attend and participate. It's for your own safety! Don't try to avoid the drill by thinking you can hide until it's all over. Most cruise lines take some sort of census at the drill and will know if you don't attend.

What's a Tender?

A tender is a small watercraft that carries passengers to shore; acting as either life boats in cases of emergencies, or used to transfer passengers back and forth to the pier when the ship is anchored and unable to dock. 

Will I get seasick?

Every individual is different of course, but if your prone to any type of motion sickness, you'll want to ask your doctor about certain remedies (the patch behind the ear seems to be the most common with passengers.) 

Tipping/Gratuities Guide Lines:

Most cruise lines use the automatic gratuity system and charge a per day/per person gratuity that can be pre-paid with your cruise fare, or added to your shipboard charge account. This gratuity is pooled and then shared among a good portion of the crew like housekeeping, dining services, kids crew, etc.. Rates vary.  Also, a gratuity (15%-18% depending on cruise line) is included on all  drink and food items purchased on-board.  Many passengers bring along cash for extra tips given to bartenders and wait staff. Extra tipping is your choice and never required. You will also want to consider tips for excursion staff if you plan any trips in port.  Suggested tip for excursion staff is $5-$20 or more, depending on the number in your group and the way you normally tip.

What does Duty Free mean?

Duty Free means that the item is free from any kind of sales tax. Many items considered "luxury" like jewelry, perfumes, etc., or "sinful" like cigarettes and liquor are sold tax free. Of course there is a limit as to how much you can buy duty free.

Will I get left in port if I'm late getting back to the ship?

You might! Getting left at the port is more common than you think. Quite the bummer since you are responsible for your own transportation to the next port. How many times we've stood on our balcony and seen at least one person sprinting to the pier gate security, trying to wave down the ship like a bus and realizing the ship has already pulled away. The Purser's staff takes a head count, each and every time you leave the ship and slide your card at the gangway. If the computer doesn't have you checked in, they will make announcements on the PA system asking you to check-in. They run the announcement, and contact any cabin mates in hopes of finding you. After some attempts to help you, they pull the gangway.  If you're unsure about your cruise line policy, call them up and ask them what it is. Suggestion is getting back to the ship an hour before the time they tell you to.