| Q. |
Can I alter my flight dates so I can spend time in a city before or after my cruise?
|
| A. |
YES. Our fly/cruise packages are generally very flexible and you can change flight dates and times where seats are available.
*Certain airfares do have restrictions such as a maximum time you can be away, or fees for changing dates after you have received your tickets. For specific information relating to flights ask your consultant at time of booking.
|
| Q. |
How long are cruise holidays?
|
| A. |
There are cruises available from as short as two days, or as long as three months. As a general rule the shorter the cruise the more 'lively' the crowd will be. Whatever your schedule and preferences, we'll do our best to find the cruise to suit your time and budget.
|
| Q. |
Are all ships and cruises similar?
|
| A. |
No. Ships range in size from under 100m long to over 300m. Some weigh less than 5000 tons, and others more than 150 000. This difference in size creates a hugely contrasting cruise experience, as you may be cruising with anywhere from less than 100 fellow passengers to over 2,600. The atmosphere on board can also range from casual to formal, classically simple to ultra-deluxe. You can even choose between traditional cruise ships, sail-assisted cruise ships, or river boats. For help in deciding the best cruise option for you contact one of our cruise consultants. click here to email or ph 1300 305 920
|
| Q. |
When is the best time to take a cruise?
|
| A. |
Cruises are available year round, and in most areas throughout the world. The best time for you will depend on where you want to go. The Caribbean or Australia is fantastic year round, however, some of the more exotic destinations are seasonal. For example, you can only cruise to Alaska between May and September, or to Europe between April and November. A Cruisemart consultant can help you decide when and where you want to cruise.
|
| Q. |
When is the most affordable time to take a cruise?
|
| A. |
If you can avoid the peak summer & school holidays (at your destination) you will find there are plenty of cruise bargains available. Check our ‘Cruise Savers’ page or with one of our consultants for the latest great deals.
|
| Q. |
Will I get seasick?
|
| A. |
Chances are you won't! And here's why.
Modern ships are built with very effective stabilizers to minimise the rocking movement of the sea.
If your on a large ship they can be up to 15 stories high - it takes a big wave to move a ship of that size.
Cruise ships can outrun bad weather.
Some of the more popular cruise areas have the calmest waters - the Caribbean for example.
If all else fails - preventative medication is cheap, and it works.
|
| Q. |
Where can I go on a cruise holiday?
|
| A. |
Cruises visit practically any destination accessible by water - Antarctica, Alaska, North America, Bahamas, Bermuda, the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, the Greek Isles, Mediterannean, the Orient, Australia, Tahiti, the Galapagos Islands, South America, India, the Panama Canal and more.
|
| Q. |
What are the cancellation fees applicable to my cruise?
|
| A. |
At the time of making your booking you will need to pay a deposit to secure a cabin and other arrangements. From this point on cancellation fees apply to your booking.
Cancellation policies vary between cruise lines and other suppliers, such as airlines. Please check on the exact policy relating to your holiday at the time of booking. We are always available to answer any questions regarding these policies. It is the sole responsibility of the passenger to be familiar with the penalties assessed for cancellation.
In addition to any fees assessed by the cruise line and other suppliers, CruiseMart will apply a $100.00pp administrative fee for all cancellations. To protect yourself from cancellation fees due to unforeseen circumstances we highly recommend you purchase Travel Insurance.
|
| Q. |
What are Port taxes?
|
| A. |
Port taxes vary according to each cruise and are associated with incidental costs such as pilotage entering and leaving ports, costs incurred while in port such as stevedoring, waste removal, and payroll for port-related functions. These costs are typically passed on to passengers and included in the final cruise price.
|
| Q. |
Do cruise lines offer childcare/babysitting services?
|
| A. |
Most cruise lines cater to families with children and almost always offer babysitting services; however, availability can depend on the destination and time of year.
Child care programs are generally excellent, with superb facilities and dedicated, highly trained staff. Cruise lines with limited facilities for children may not provide a children's program or babysitting services unless a certain number of children are onboard. Cruise lines that do not cater to children may not offer any babysitting services.
Ask your consultant to check with the cruise line about the policy in place for the specific cruise you are considering.
|
| Q. |
If I'm on the bottom deck, am I below the water?
|
| A. |
All passenger staterooms are located above sea level.
|
| Q. |
Is there a benefit in purchasing travel insurance?
|
| A. |
We have seen many cases of people having to cancel a substantial holiday at the last moment, and losing almost the entire value of their fare. Travel insurance offers you protection if you have to cancel due to injury, sickness, or death of you, a travelling companion, or immediate family member. It does not cover unstable, pre-existing conditions. Additionally, it provides emergency assistance while you are on your holiday. If you have specific questions regarding policies issued by our preferred partner, Cover-More Insurance, you may contact them directly on 13 23 03.
|
| Q. |
What does run of ship mean?
|
| A. |
Run of ship means that your stateroom could be literally anywhere on the ship. This could be from the lowest deck to the highest, inside or outside staterooms, front, back, or mid-ship. You will not receive your stateroom number until you arrive at the pier.
|
| Q. |
Why should I book with your company?
|
| A. |
Have you asked yourself any of the following questions?
Which cruise line is best for me?
What are some of the differences between the ships?
What is included in the cost? What are the hidden costs if any?
Is a cabin on a lower deck any different to one which is higher?
If so, you need good experienced advice. We offer it.
And because we are a specialist cruise travel agency we can focus on getting the best deals, as well as giving the best advice.
As the cruise industry grows so does the choice of itineraries, cruise lines, ships, costs and cabins; just to name a few of the options you should consider.
|
| Q. |
Why shouldn’t I just go to the company where I can get the cheapest price?
|
| A. |
You are probably considering spending a quite substantial amount of money on your upcoming holiday. You should use a licensed, experienced agent offering quality advice.
Your holiday requires substantial resources to organise, and we may need to be in contact with you on a regular basis. We care about your needs, and make sure your holiday is organised as efficiently as possible, with courtesy and kindness.
Sometimes not everything runs as smoothly as you would like. Cruise lines can change their itinerary; requiring a reorganising of flights and accommodation. We are there to help, without question, with a minimum of fuss.
Because we know the cruise lines, and have a strong relationship with them, we can make sure our clients are looked after as best as possible.
|
| Q. |
What is a cabin category guarantee?
|
| A. |
This guarantees you to have at least the category that you have purchased, with the possibility of an upgrade. If you have chosen this option, you will not receive an exact stateroom number at the time of booking. Typically, the stateroom assignment is made at the time your receive your cruise documents, or at check-in.
|
| Q. |
How much are gratuities (tips) and when are they paid?
|
| A. |
Tipping, or gratuities, is a matter of some contention for many Australian cruise passengers.
Most cruise lines add a gratuity to your onboard account at the end of your cruise. However this is not uniform throughout the industry. Some lines include it in the fare before you leave, others do not charge at all.
The typical amount you pay, or are expected to pay, is approximately USD$10.00 per day per passenger. Those companies that add the cost to your account allow you to change the final amount by visiting the pursers desk .
A 15% gratuity is automatically included on all beverage tabs.
For specific policies relating to gratuities on your cruise please ask your cruise consultant.
|
| Q. |
What are the dress requirements onboard?
|
| A. |
Most contemporary cruise lines have relaxed dress standards aboard ships. The norm is now smart casual for restaurants and evening wear, and resort wear during the day.
Formal nights are often still encouraged, but even then, a sports jacket and tie for men is sufficient. The black tie dinner is still available if you choose.
Some of the luxury lines such as Seabourn expect a more formal style for dinner.
|
.jpg)
.jpg)
