Gratuities

Gratuities are often the source of confusion, with many people unaware of when service apply and how much to leave.

Onboard a ship, There are three main systems, depending on the cruise line:

1. Your chosen cruise operator automatically applies charges to your room bill, on a per person per day basis. These charges are then equally distributed to all staff. In addition, passengers may add gratuities when signing for services charged to their room.
2. ‘Pay as you go’ method, whereby guests are expected to leave tips throughout their cruise.
3. Some cruise lines allow guess to pay gratuities when booking their cruise. At the final disembarkation they are given vouchers to leave for cabin stewards and other staff they may want to thank for their hospitality during the cruise.

Passengers who feel they have received particularly good service from a member of staff during their cruise usually leave a cash tip before disembarkation, in addition to applied charges and other gratuities they may have paid.

There are a few lines whose staff are instructed to refuse all gratuities, no matter how insistent they may be.

All guests should check the onboard system before embarkation.

Can you cruise if you are pregnant?

Yes - you can cruise up to your 28th week (on the day you return). You may also require a doctor’s certificate to say you are fit to travel and let the cruise line know at time of booking.

Are there any Adult-Only Cruises?

Several cruise lines have adult-only ships while some of the smaller luxury lines do not have facilities specifically for children so you could look at these as an alternative.

Do cruises cater for disabled people?

Yes - cruising can offer an ideal holiday for people with most types of disabilities. A number of ships have listening device kits, some can cater for dialysis patients, most are able to accommodate special dietary requirements and the larger, newer vessels offer the space required for wheelchair users. Some cruise lines have special lifts designed to assist passengers in and out of the pool.

When booking a cruise discuss your requirements in detail with your travel agent and don’t be afraid of contacting the cruise line directly to talk about your needs.

How do I go about getting cash whilst onboard?

Some larger ships have ATM cash machines onboard while other cruise lines are able to provide transactions at the Purser’s Office/Guest Relations Desk.

What is cashless cruising?

This is now the norm and it means that passengers settle their bill in one payment before disembarkation on the last day.

What is generally not included in the price of a cruise?

Individual lines may vary so please check at time of booking. Generally speaking extras include drinks treatments in the beauty salon and spa, shore excursions, onboard purchases gratuities (please see individual cruise lines policies) and dry-cleaning services.

Should I Book Early?

The earlier you book the greater the choice of cruise and more often than not you will benefit from an early booking discount. You will also have a choice of cabin and its location on the ship.

What if I have a special occasion?

If i a passenger has a birthday or is celebrating an anniversary, the ship can arrange a cake, flowers or a bottle of champagne for an extra charge. Many cruise lines now offer Anniversary Packages, which include a cake, portrait photo and breakfast served in your cabin.

What is category guarantee?

This means that you will be guaranteed an accommodation level but the cabin number may not be allocated at the time of booking.

Do cruise companies charge single supplements?

Some cruise lines have dedicated cabins for single occupancy with no additional charge while others you will be required to pay a single person supplement. Check with your travel agent or cruise line when enquiring about your cruise.

Can you smoke onboard?

Smoking policies vary between cruise line so it’s best to check at the time of booking. Some ships allow smoking in designated areas such as a bar, on the outer deck, in your cabin or on your private balcony . Some ships also have cigar lounges, Restaurants on almost all ships are totally non-smoking and there are a couple of cruise ships afloat that are non-smoking throughout.

Can I get married onboard?

Yes – and what can be more romantic than getting married at sea! A number of cruise lines offer wedding packages with a dedicated wedding planner to take care of everything from the ceremony to the cake and flowers. , Some cruise lines arrange for the ceremony to take place onboard with the Captai while others organise for the marriage to take place ashore. You can also renew vows onboard and of course, cruising is an ideal romantic experience for honeymooners.

What is the legal drinking age onboard ships?

This can vary depending on the cruise line and where the ship is sailing. but as a general rule on British ships the age is r 18 and over and on American ships the age is over 21 (although on some lines 18-21 year olds can buy certain alcohol with parental consent).

Do cabins come with TVs and other modern comforts?

Most ships provide televisions and DVDs and many also have mini-bars and a safe. Ships within the ultra luxury collection may also offer a Jacuzzi within a suite along with full entertainment centres and laptop computers.

What is early or late sitting?

Generally cruise lines offer two sittings for dinner. Early dining takes place around 6.15/6.30pm while late dining is normally around- 8.15/8.30pm and you usually select your dining time when booking.

What is open seating?

This simply means that the passengers can dine with whom they like, when they like (within the dining hours).

What is single seating?

This means that you can choose when you want to eat (within the dining hours) and will have a designated table.

What is flexible dining?

Some major cruise lines offer flexible dining, which allows you to choose when, where and with whom you wish to dine, however reservations may be required.

What is alternative dining?

Alternative dining gives passengers the option to dine in a separate restaurant to the main dining room - often smaller speciality restaurants. These can often be á la carte and may attract a supplement.

Can I access the internet when onboard?

Most ships now have internet facilities with many offering internet cafés. Almost all of the larger ships now come equipped with Wi-Fi hotspots so you can take your lap-top and keep in touch with the office or home.

Do mobile phones work on a ship?

Yes - some cruise companies have contracts with land-based phone companies while others have connect services in place and as a result rates vary. The connect services are switched off when the ship is in port so you will pay the local rate.

Are there laundry and dry cleaning services onboard?

Most ships offer a laundry service for which there will normally be a charge.