We've talked to our guests and they've helped us
compile an invaluable list of helpful tips for first-time cruisers. Who
knows? After your cruise you may have something to add.
1. Guest Information Forms - Speed up the boarding process by filling
out these forms online after
you book your cruise, instead of at the
port prior to departure.
2. Our
shore excursions are fun, full of adventure and very popular, so
they book up fast. You
have 3 options: book them online (up to 10 days
before departure), book them onboard the first
day at the Explorations
Desk or on your TV in your stateroom using your remote control. Book
early so you won't miss out on any of the fun.
3. For the first day of your cruise, pack a small carry-on bag with your
travel documents, a
change of clothes, bathing suit, maybe workout
clothes, and any medications you may need.
This will allow you to begin
enjoying your vacation immediately, because you won't have to
wait for
your bags to arrive at your stateroom.
4. If the spa is your thing, try to make your appointments on the first
day, as the most popular
treatments and times fill up fast.
5. If you want to grab a bite to eat when you first get onboard, head up
to the Windjammer Café;
they'll be serving.
6. Every ship has two seatings for dinner in the main dining room - 6:15
p.m. and 8:30 p.m. When you book your cruise you can select what time
works best for you and we'll assign you a table.
Also, some of our ships
have specialty restaurants (i.e., Italian, steak, etc.) we highly
recommend you try. (A nominal fee applies.) For more info check out
Dining.
7. To make your cruise even more enjoyable, we offer drink packages that
entitle you to unlimited
beverages at our bars and lounges. It's a great
idea for families!
8. What's the SeaPassSM? For your convenience,
our ships use the SeaPass signing system.
This system allows you to
charge all onboard purchases by presenting the Cruise Card that is
issued to you upon boarding. On the last morning of your cruise
vacation, an itemized
statement will be delivered to your stateroom for
verification. Your SeaPass charges will be
billed automatically to the
credit card you selected upon check-in.
9. Getting on and off the ship - Depending on the port, there are two
ways to get on and off the
ship. In some ports, we dock right in the
port so you can get on and off whenever you want via
the gangplank. And
in other ports, we use tenders (small ferry-like boats) that will take
you to
the port; tenders run frequently between the ship and the port.
But remember to ALWAYS
bring
your SeaPass with you, as you will
need it to get off and get back on the ship.
10.Tipping - So that you can thank those who have made your cruise
vacation better than you
could have imagined, we've developed these
gratuity guidelines:
| Stateroom attendant: |
$3.50 USD |
a day per guest |
| Dining Room Waiter: |
$3.50 USD |
a day per guest |
| Assistant Waiter: |
$2.00 USD |
a day per guest |
| Headwaiter: |
$.75 USD |
a day per guest |
| Gratuities for other service personnel are at your
discretion. A 15% gratuity will automatically be added to your bar
bill or wine check when you are served. |
Envelopes for gratuities will be provided in your stateroom on the last
night of the cruise. Gratuities may be paid in the following ways:
 |
Pre paid by having them added to your reservation by your
booking agent. |
 |
Added to your onboard SeaPass account. |
 |
Paid in cash at the end of the cruise |
|