What do I do about paying for things on my trip?

How much should I tip to crew and staff?

How much are unlimited-soda card?

Can a pregnant woman cruise?

Is motion sickness a problem?

Is cruising affordable and a good vacation value?

How long are cruises?

Where can I go?

Are all ships and cruises fairly similar?

Can I book on short notice?

Can I extend my cruise vacation?

Do cruise lines accept group bookings?

Can we celebrate a "special" day?

Do cruise lines welcome families with kids?

Can singles have fun on a cruise?

Is cruising right for honeymooners?

Mostly all cruise lines will allow you to establish an onboard credit account which permits you to charge onboard purchases to your stateroom, a credit card is required. In most destinations located in Caribbean, Bahamas and Central America, American currency may be accepted or easily exchanged. All other countries will require you to exchange to their currency. It is best to bring cash in small denominations since it is easier to get change for these bills. It is also advisable to carry a limited amount of cash since it is irreplaceable if lost. Traveler's checks are recommended and you may also want to carry a credit card., America Express, Visa and MasterCard are the top three to travel with. Conversion rates fluctuate on a daily basis.

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Most cruise lines suggest $9-$10 per day, per guest. This amount covers tips for your cabin steward, waiter, and busboy. A 15% gratuity is usually added to all bar tabs. Other shipboard personnel can be tipped for special services at your discretion. In general, you pay tips in cash at the end of the cruise. Norwegian and Princess automatically add tips to your onboard account, but the amount can be adjusted upon request.

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Most cruise lines are now offering this but not all at this time. The cost of an unlimited-soda card depends on the age of the cardholder and the length of the cruise. For example, on a 7-day cruise, a card for a child under 18 would be approximately $20, while passengers over 18 would be charged around $35. Cards apply exclusively to fountain soda (no cans) and may only be purchased onboard.

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Pregnancy is regarded as a medical condition. The cruise line may require a medical certificate establishing the passenger's due date and fitness to travel. In no case will the cruise line permit passengers who are 24 weeks or more into pregnancy to travel.

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Not really. 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.

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Yes! We have 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 cabin, 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.) You'll be amazed at the value.

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As long or as short as you want. Itineraries can range from as little as three days to as long as three months! Most cruises are 7 days in total.

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Where do you want to go? Cruises visit practically any destination accessible by water. Caribbean is the most well know of destinations as well Alaska and Europe to, but with the new super lines, cruises are now in all seven seas of the world.

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Oh no! Cruise ships can range from under 200 feet to over 1,150 feet and from 25ft to 200 ft high. You can sail with anywhere from fewer than 50 fellow passengers to over 3,200. Experience atmospheres ranging from casual to formal, classically simple to ultra-deluxe. You can even choose between traditional propeller-driven craft, sail-assisted cruise ships, or even a paddle-wheel riverboat. There’s a ship for everyone.

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To get exactly the ship, cabin and sailing date you want, you should plan and book early! But even the most popular cruises sometimes have space available because of late cancellations. Most cruise lines also offer early booking discounts for customers who plan ahead. And most cruise line now do not let passengers book last minute, they now close the sailing down 14 days prior to sailing.

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Absolutely! Cruisesdirect.com can arrange pre- or post-cruise land packages at the same time you book your cruise. All cruises lines offer 1 to 3 night pre- or post hotel packages. Check you option when booking your cruise though us. We can also make your own special arrangements by call customer service after you have make your reservation.

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Yes most cruise lines will work with groups, depending on how many people are involved. Policies vary, for more details, please see our group page.

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Why yes! Most cruise lines will even treat you to a complimentary cake Your birthday or anniversary can be more festive with champagne, flowers, canapés, wine and cheese. Just let us know in advance, and one of our customer service members will take care of you.

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Over 50% of vacations are booked by families with children. Most cruise lines make a special point of providing supervised activities for all children, especially during school holidays. If your children enjoy swimming, sports, games, movies and the adventure of new places, they'll love a family cruise. You'll find the kids adapt to shipboard life with ease, and you won't have to wonder what they're up to every minute. The cruise staff will help keep them busy and entertained. Best of all, children generally travel at a substantially reduced rate. For more information, please see our Family Cruises.

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Cruising is ideal for both male and female traveling alone, because it's so easy to meet other people. In fact, most ships have parties just for singles early on, so you can start to be involved right away. Most ships also have single cabins as well as single rates for double staterooms. In many cases, a cruise line will even find you a roommate to share a double if you ask them.

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Without a doubt. Cruising offers an atmosphere that's just right 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. Most lines provide special services from Sunday or Monday departures to welcome champagne and breakfast in bed. (And, speaking of beds, most ships have them in double, queen, or king sizes!) Also, some ships offer special programs for performing a marriage ceremony or renewing your marriage vows in port. For more information, please see our Honeymoon Cruises.

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