At first, picking a cruise might seem a bit intimidating. There are so many choices and why choose a cruise instead of a land holiday? If you have more questions than answers, than this section is for you. If you still have any questions after reading the following frequently asked questions, please call The Cruise Specialists  on 1300 MY CRUISE (1300 692 7684). Our highly qualified and experienced cruise consultants are the experts and there's virtually no question they haven't heard before. We are your resource and we invite you to use us.

Can I afford a cruise?

The real question is whether you can afford not to cruise.  Cruising offers outstanding holiday value and there are cruises to suit every budget. Your cruise fare typically includes all meals, your cabin, on-board activities and entertainment, plus the voyage from port to port. A huge advantage is you will know what your holiday will end up costing you before you go. (In most cases, your only extra expenses will be drinks, optional shore excursions, and personal services such as massage or hairstyling.)  When you consider all the extras that a land holiday package can cost, there's no better value than cruising.  The best part is that the prices have stayed largely the same for more than 20 years because as the industry has grown.  As the small cruise companies became larger with more and more ships they've passed the savings generated through their buying power on to you.  Factoring in inflation, cruises actually cost less than they did in 1980!

How long do cruises last?

As long or short as you want. Cruise lines offer itineraries from three days to three months.  Most cruises are seven or 10 nights in length and those are often the most popular because they fit easily into most people's holiday schedules. Longer fly/cruise journeys to Canada & Alaska, Mexico, Asia and the Mediterranean are becoming very popular as are Round Australia and World Cruises.

Where can I go?

Wherever you want! Cruises visit nearly 2,000 ports worldwide and practically every destination accessible by water.  Although most people think first of the South Pacific (and there are dozens of cruises to choose from in this area alone), cruises are the best way to visit places like Alaska or Hawaii and are a hassle-free way of seeing many countries in an entire region like Europe, Asia, South America or Africa - all without packing and unpacking each night.

How do I book a cruise?

Call The Cruise Specialists on 1300 MY CRUISE (1300 692 784). Our highly qualified and experienced cruise consultants  will help you pick the cruise that fits your holiday schedule, tastes and budget. They can make all the arrangements to get you from your doorstep to your ship and back.  The Cruise Specialists consultants know all the latest deals and can point you in the right direction.

Are all ships the same?

Far from it. Cruise lines' ships range from intimate and yacht-like to vessels that could fill the MCG. You can sail with fewer than 100 fellow travellers  or with more than 2,600. Enjoy atmospheres ranging from casual to formal, contemporary to classic. You can even choose sail-assisted ships. Enjoy the endless activities offered on a contemporary resort-style cruise, or immerse yourself in the culture of a destination on a special interest cruise.  If you like an intimate bed and breakfast, you might want to choose a smaller ship.  If you enjoy vacationing at a luxury spa or vineyard, then an intimate yacht-like boutique ship may be for you.  If you love large resorts and theme parks, then a large ship with many activities may be your best bet.

Are there different types of cruises?

There are cruises designed to suit virtually every interest and personal preference.

The choices include: luxury cruises with globetrotting itineraries; large, contemporary ships with a fantastic array of recreational facilities; classic vessels evoking the time-honoured traditions of cruising; special-interest or exploration cruises specialising in unique destinations with an accent on cultural enrichment.

There are cruise lines that feature soft adventure expeditions to such unusual and rustic frontiers as Antarctica, the Amazon rain forest or African Serengeti. Or discover historical legacies closer to home with enlightening itineraries to New England, French Canada and the Colonial America coast.

For experienced travelers, destination-focused cruises specialize in premium, culturally-rich ports of call with itineraries dedicated to illuminating such historic, world-class treasures as the antiquities of classical Greece, the sun-kissed paradise of Hawaii or the fabled splendour of Norwegian fjords.

For many, the perfect vacation includes the non-stop fun and sun of a tropical resort-style cruise to the Caribbean, where you can sample a variety of island cultures and cuisines while working on a terrific sun tan.

Plus, many cruise lines create special "themes" on-board, with entertainment ranging from jazz festivals and classical music concerts to golf clinics and murder mysteries at sea!

Are there special education programs aboard?

To complement the spirit of discovery that travel evokes, many cruise lines feature an extensive program of on-board enrichment seminars hosted by distinguished guest experts. In addition to lectures highlighting the history and sights of ports you will be visiting, there may also be special in-depth presentations ranging from Renaissance works of art and strategic financial planning to epicurean secrets of classic French cuisine.  Some ships have tours of the bridge and engine rooms, stargazing classes and some even have oceanographic labs.

What is a fly/cruise combo package?

A fly/cruise holiday combines with your cruise ticket with competitive airfares to and from the ship's port of embarkation. Money-saving combo packages are available from major Australian and New Zealand airports and include ground transfers between the airport and ship as well as baggage handling and taxes.

What documentation do I need?

In recent years, security has been tightened considerably. For most cruises you will need a passport and depending on the itinerary visas may also be required to visit some countries. The Cruise Specialists highly qualified and experienced consultants will let you know exactly what is required. 

Are there different classes of service?

Today's cruise ships are "one-class." With very few exceptions, everyone can use all of the ship's facilities. The price of a cabin is based primarily on its size and location. Regardless of the category you book, you'll enjoy the same courteous service, menus, activities, and entertainment as everyone else on board.

But some of the nicest staterooms do offer additional amenities.  Some ships provide a concierge deck with a special courtesy lounge for those in the finest suites while others might offer butler service or white-gloved in-room dining.  But once you've left your stateroom and entered the public areas, you'll find an array of choices and activities open to everyone.

Won't I get bored?

Hardly! Being at sea gives you a feeling of total freedom that no land-based resort can offer. There's plenty of room. And it will probably take you two or three days just to discover everything that's on board. Plus, you get the added adventure of exploring many exciting ports of call.

Cruise ships are floating resorts with all the choices fine resorts have to offer. You can lie back in a lounge chair, breathe in the sea air, soak up the sun, read good books, or watch the ever-changing seascape.

If you're more active, join in exercise or dance classes, and sports contests. Practice your tennis stroke or golf swing, or take some fresh air on the jogging deck. Or you can swim, stretch out in the sauna or work out in the gym.

You can also see a feature film, attend an enrichment lecture by experts, play backgammon or bridge. Some of today's ships have huge video game rooms,  rock-climbing walls, rollerblade tracks, basketball and tennis courts, golf simulators and even ice-skating rinks!

What do I do when we're in port?

So much you'll have a hard time choosing! You can explore on your own or take a guided tour (shore excursion). Search ancient ruins or hunt for shopping bargains. Ride a raft over river rapids, or a horse across miles of hills and beaches. Climb a waterfall or pyramid. Follow the footsteps of history or the wake of a waterskiing boat. If there's still time, play golf or tennis. Learn how to windsurf. Sun and swim at some of the world's best beaches. Catch a record marlin. Sail, snorkel, or scuba dive. Take a cable car to the top of a mountain. Explore dark catacombs. In short, cruising is the perfect way to sample a number of new destinations and try all the things you've ever dreamed of doing, while never having to pack and unpack.

Do I have to participate in activities?

On a cruise, you do what you want, when you want. You can do everything or do absolutely nothing. It's your holiday!

What's included in the price of my cruise?

The Cruise Specialists will package your cruise with air travel, transfers and pre & post cruise accommodation and tours to provide you the best possible price. On most cruises all your meals (including room service), your accommodations and all the amazing entertainment is part of the price - not to mention the stylish transportation a cruise ship provides in getting you from port to port.

What isn't included?

Generally, any items of a personal nature won't be included.  Items in the gift shop and money to gamble in the casino are clearly your choice.  Some ships have optional specialty restaurants that might have a modest surcharge to cover the cost of gratuities for the service staff.  There's a charge for things like bingo games, onboard lotteries, alcoholic drinks and organized shore excursions (but you're free to walk off the ship in port and explore on your own).  There's no charge for the use of the gym (unlike most hotels), but some ships might charge to use the spa.  Massages and other spa treatments are extra.

Do cruise lines welcome children?

More and more cruise holidays are booked by families with children. Most cruise lines provide plenty of supervised activities, 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 that children adapt to shipboard life with ease, and you won't have to wonder what they're up to every minute. The youth counsellors will help keep them busy and entertained. Ships even offer different types of age-appropriate activities, suitable for toddlers to teens. Best of all, children often travel at a reduced rate. Do pay attention to the type of cruise you choose, however.  If you book a small boutique style ship specialising in lectures and out-of-the-way ports, your children might not have as much fun as would on a large resort-style ship with a full children's program, ice cream parties, pizza parties, a waterslide and videogames. What is there to do in the evening?

When the stars come out, a cruise ship really turns on. There's dancing, live entertainment, nightclubs and lounges, feature films, and parties with all your new friends. Most ships also have casinos. What's more, there are many special events like the Captain's Cocktail Party, Passenger Talent Night, Broadway-style shows and Las Vegas-type revues.

Is there a charge for entertainment?

Never. On a cruise vacation, the entertainment is on the house. There's no cover, minimum, or charge for an admission ticket. The shows are live, films first-rate and all included in your cruise fare.  Some ships feature celebrity entertainers.

Will there people like me?

There's no such thing as a typical cruise passenger. All kinds of people take cruises now... all ages... from all walks of life... singles, couples and families. Just ask The Cruise Specialists for advice on the best ship for you, based on your tastes and lifestyle.  Also ask about theme cruises as well.  There are cruises for jazz lovers, explorer cruises, gourmet cruises, gay cruises, and even cruises for bird watchers or history buffs.  On a theme cruise, everyone brings a common interest on board.

What should I pack?

Pack like you would for any resort. Cruise holidays are casual by day, whether you're on the ship or ashore. In the evening, dress varies dictated by occasion. At the Captain's Gala, for example, you'll probably want to wear something more formal, such as a lounge suit, or cocktail dress; perhaps even a dinner jacket or gown. Some ships have requested dress codes each evening but more and more are letting passengers choose to be casually-dressed the entire cruise.  Some ships have specialty restaurants that might be a bit dressier than the main dining rooms so it's best to ask The Cruise Specialists to find the ship that's right for you. 

Do I need a black tie?

Probably not, but it will depend on the cruise you choose.  Many ships now feature a more relaxed and casual approach to dress throughout the cruise -- while on others, formal dinners or parties are part of the fun. But don't buy a dinner suit just for the trip. Even on the most formal of ships, a dark suit and tie are fine for the dressiest occasions. Plus, many ships offer formal rental services.

Is a cruise holiday fun for singles?

Cruising is ideal for people travelling alone, because it's so easy to meet other people. In fact, most ships have parties for singles -- early on, so you can get to know people right away. Many ships even offer social hosts who can be dance partners, dinner companions or a fourth at cards. Most ships also have single cabins as well as single rates for double staterooms. If you ask them, many cruise lines will even find you a roommate to share a cabin so you can obtain the per person/double occupancy rate, saving you even more on a great vacation.

Security is important to cruise lines so you can be confident that they will closely monitor activities on board and ensure your safety at all times.

Can I use my hairdryer or shaver?

Most ships have European style 220-240 volt outlets so you will need an adapter. US style 110-volt outlets are also common. Also, to make it easier for you many ships include hair-dryers in your cabinWhen do I eat? Is the food good?

There are choices and more choices. During the day, there are many different places to eat - in the formal dining room, on deck in a casual setting, in a pizzeria, at an espresso bar, to name a few. At night, most ships offer several venues. Some ships' dining rooms can accommodate all guests at one time, called a "seating." Many ships offer you a choice of several eating times, and others encourage you to come to dinner whenever you like. More traditional ships have two seatings in their formal dining rooms, which differ only by time: typically 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. To choose, just decide whether you prefer to dine early or late--then ask The Cruise Specialists to request your preference when you book your cruise. Frequently, you can chose to dine at night someplace other than the formal dining room, such as in an intimate restaurant that features, for example, Italian, Chinese, Japanese or Mexican cuisine. More and more cruise lines are opening their informal lido areas to evening dining, where the dress and dishes always are casual, and sometimes, you can even eat out under the stars. And a large number of ships also offer romantic in-cabin dinners. The choice is yours!

Is cruise on-board dining as good as I'm told?

Everything you've heard about cruise ship dining is true. At each meal, you'll find a varied selection of entrees (appetizers, salads, soups, vegetables, and desserts, too), and each day the selection will be different. If you've ever wanted to experiment with a cuisine or try a dish, you can feel free to order more than one entrée or appetizer (or dessert!). But, just because your cruise ship offers plenty of delicious food, doesn't mean you'll come home out of shape. You can choose low-cal, spa, vegetarian or fitness menu selections that are just as tempting as the regular menu. Best of all, the one thing you'll rarely see on a cruise ship menu is a price. Because on most ships all your meals are included!

I'm on a special diet. Where do I eat?

Onboard, of course!  Most ships can accommodate salt-free, low-carbohydrate, Kosher, or other diet preferences. However, this request must be made in advance, so be sure to advise The Cruise Specialists when you book your cruise.

Can I sit with my friends or will I have tablemates?

If you're dining in the main dining room, you may have tablemates.  Experienced cruisers say they prefer sitting at a table with several other diners; some lifelong friendships have been made this way. But the cruise lines are geared to accommodate each guest's wishes, and it is possible to request a table for two or four. In the unlikely event that you do wish to change tablemates, speak with the maitre d', who will make every effort to seat you with more compatible dining companions... discretely and politely.

Ships that have one open seating let you come and go as you please and you can select your table companions at, say, the cocktail hour, before heading to the dining room.

Most ships have a casual dining alternative where no tablemates will be assigned and if you're dining in one of the ship's specialty restaurants, you won't be asked to share your table with others.

Are there non-smoking areas?

Virtually all ships have smoking and non-smoking sections in the public rooms. In fact, many dining rooms, and even some entire ships, are now totally smoke-free, reflecting passenger requests. If you want your dining table in a non-smoking area, just tell The Cruise Specialists. On board, you can advise the maitre d'.

Can we celebrate special occasions?

Absolutely! Most cruise lines will even treat you to a complimentary cake and a chorus of "Happy Whatever" to honour the occasion. Your birthday or anniversary can be more festive with champagne, flowers, or canapés. You can even arrange for a special private party. All you have to do is advise The Cruise Specialists in advance.

Is cruising for honeymooners?

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). Most lines provide special services -- from Sunday or Monday departures to champagne and breakfast in bed. Also, some ships offer special programs for performing a marriage ceremony or renewing your marriage vows.  The best part of choosing a cruise for you honeymoon is that you don't have to make a lot of decisions - an entire floating resort is right there in front of you.  That means you can spend more time enjoying your time together.

Are there phones and internet connections onboard?

Absolutely. Most ships have a daily newsletter with news, headlines, stock quotes and sports scores. Many ships have staterooms that are equipped with televisions and have satellite or cellular telephones. You can also call someone on shore through the ship's radio officer while at sea. In addition, most ships have fax capabilities and a growing number are adding internet cafes with access to e-mail.  Some even offer Internet connections in your cabin.

What about tipping?

Tipping is a matter of individual preference. A general rule of thumb is to plan for about $3.00 per person per day for your cabin steward and dining room waiter, and about half that amount for your busboy. (some cruise lines include tipping in the price and will so inform you.) Other shipboard personnel can be tipped for special services at your discretion.  But don't worry, you'll never find a line of unformed crew with open palms following you around.  Tipping is discretely handled and most service staff are tipped at the end of the cruise.  On purchases from the bar, a gratuity is often added automatically to your bill.

Are there laundry services onboard?

Almost all cruise ships have laundry facilities and many provide dry-cleaning services. Usually there is, however, an additional charge for professional laundry and dry-cleaning services. Many ships also have self-service launderettes.

Do cruise lines take group bookings?

Most lines welcome groups -- often at special rates, depending on how many people are involved. Policies vary from company to company and sometimes during certain times of the year. Just consult The Cruise Specialists for details. 

Are there meeting rooms onboard?

Just about every full-size ship has public rooms or a conference centre to offer as meeting space for private or corporate groups. If you'd like to make meeting or incentive travel arrangements, ask your travel agent to contact the cruise line's group sales department to coordinate schedules and arrange for any special needs. Your ship may also be able to offer audio-visual equipment, communications, meeting coordinators, secretarial and printing services and more.

Can I extend my cruise?

The Cruise Specialists offers special pre-or post cruise hotel accommodation and tours that allow you to extend your holiday in either your port of embarkation or debarkation. 

Will I get seasick?

Rarely. Popular cruise itineraries sail some of the calmest waters in the world. In addition, stabilizers on modern ships, availability of advance weather information, and development of effective preventative medications have, for the most part, eliminated the incidence of motion discomfort.  Smaller ships generally sail in protected seas to isolated and unique destinations.  Larger ships stay in calm waters as well, but are so large that motion sickness is rarely a problem.  The average cruise ship today is larger than a 1,000-room hotel.

Call The Cruise Specialists on 1300 MY CRUISE (1300 692 784) for more information.

We look forward to sharing the exciting world of cruising with you!