Frequently Asked Questions

Cruise only refers to the price of a cruise holiday with no airfare included in the booking. For example, when booking a cruise that departs from the UK and there are no flights included in the holiday, this is referred to as cruise only.
It is also possible for passengers to book a cruise departing from a foreign destination at a cruise only fare if they would like to arrange their own flights.
A cruise only fare does not mean that on board facilities are not included in the price. Most cruises include breakfast, lunch and dinner in the price of the cruise as well as access to the 24 hour buffet. Plus on board entertainment is included in the cruise only fare.

Fly-Cruise simply means that you will fly out to meet the ship in a foreign destination. A fly cruise enables passengers to cruise around different parts of the world and allows you to start your cruise from an alternative country to the UK.
It is usually possible to choose from a range of regional airports, so be sure to ask one of our cruise experts for a price from your choice of airport.

Included in the price of a cruise holiday is
• Accommodation on board
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner in the assigned complimentary restaurants
• Entertainment on board
• Use of facilities on board eg. the pools

Details of when your balance is due will be provided to you at the time of booking and in writing once the booking is confirmed. Balance payments vary depending on the cruise operator involved but one of our cruise experts will provide you with any further details you may need and should you have any further questions our cruise experts are more than happy to help. Tel: 0800 810 8481
If you have a particular cruise in mind it is also possible for you to ask about payment and balance due dates over the phone. Tel: 0800 810 8481

Balance can be paid over the telephone or in our office (The Cruise Village, 298 Highfield Road, Blackpool, FY4 3JU). The Cruise Village accepts all major credit and debit cards, and American Express.

The facilities provided vary depending on the cruise line and ship.
Most staterooms are equipped with a television, telephone, private safe and hair-dryer.
Our cruise specialists will be more than happy to answer any questions relating to specific cabin facilities.

The facilities provided vary depending on the cruise line and ship.
Various cruise lines will provide tea and coffee making facilities on board those ships departing from the UK – however this is not guaranteed.
On most cruise ships you are able to help yourself to complimentary tea and coffee in the buffet restaurant throughout the day.
P&O Cruises provide tea and coffee making facilities in the staterooms on board all of their ships. Provided in their staterooms is a kettle, cups, teaspoons, tea bags, coffee sachets, sugar and milk.
Fred Olsen provide tea and coffee making facilities in all of their staterooms on board all of their ships.

Most cruise lines provide a private safe in each stateroom including, Cunard, P&O Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Costa Cruises, MSC, Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess Cruises. Fred Olsen provide a private safe on board some of their ships, but not all!
Our cruise specialists will be more than happy to answer any questions relating to specific cabin facilities.

Cabin grades are there to differentiate cabin types from each other.
The grade of cabin signifies whether it is an inside, outside, balcony or suite; and also determines the location of the cabin on the ship. Cabins can be mid-ship or situated towards the aft (back of the ship) or forward (front of the ship). The grade also determines which deck your cabin will be situated on.
If you are looking at a particular cruise and would like further advice please do not hesitate to call our cruise experts on 0800 810 8481 – we are more than happy to explain the difference between cabins and help you to choose the cabin that’s right for you.

A sheltered balcony, most commonly found on a Cunard ship, will usually have an opaque front, rather than a glass front, and, as the name suggests, will be very sheltered. A sheltered balcony is much more enclosed than a regular open air balcony.

As the name suggests, a stateroom with an obstructed view will have something blocking the view out of the window or from the balcony. Some cabins are listed as fully obstructed and some as partially obstructed – the object blocking your view could be anything from a lifeboat to part of the ships structure.

The age requirement to buy alcohol on board varies depending on the cruise line. Most American cruise lines will not allow guests under the age of 21 to consume alcohol, British cruise lines commonly allow guests over the age of 18 to buy and consume alcohol, while some cruise lines are slightly more relaxed and allow guests aged 16 or over to consume alcohol with their meal in the main restaurant (when accompanied by an adult). Please check with one of our cruise specialists regarding specific cruise lines and the legal age requirement.

The minimum age requirement for an infant to travel is dependent on the cruise line. The age can vary from 12 weeks old up to 12 months.
Please ask one of our cruise specialists to be more specific regarding individual cruise lines.

If you are having issues completing your online check-in please contact one of our Cruise Village cruise specialists on 0800 810 8481, and we will be more than happy to help.

Many cruise ships now offer a choice between traditional dining and anytime/freedom dining. As opposed to traditional dining whereby you are given a time to dine at, when you choose ‘anytime or freedom dining’ you are given the flexibility to dine with whom you choose and at a time that suits you (given you arrive within the restaurants opening times). The tables are provided on a first come, first serve basis. Very often, if a table is not available, you will be given a pager that will notify you when your table is ready.

Royal Caribbean have created an entirely new dining experience – Dynamic Dining. The new system simply gives guests the flexibility and control over their dining experience. Now there isn’t just one or two main dining rooms – there are 18 tantalizing possibilities, 11 of which are complimentary, including 4 complimentary full-service restaurants. There are no set dining times and no strict dress codes, you can simply eat where you like, when you like!
If you choose the Dynamic Dining experience on your next cruise, we strongly advice that you use the online reservation tool to pre-book restaurants before your departure – this includes both complimentary and select dining restaurants.
When you book your Royal Caribbean cruise you will most likely be offered a choice of 3 dining experiences; Dynamic Dining, Classic 1 or Classic 2. The ‘Classic’ options are there for guests who prefer a more traditional dining experience. For guests who select a Classic dining experience, they will be allocated a pre-set order of complimentary restaurant. Classic 1 is an earlier dining time and Classic 2 is a later dining time. Guests will simply rotate around four main complimentary restaurants, Silk, Grande, American Icon Grill and Chic, with the same waiting staff and dinner companions throughout the cruise. Guests who select a Classic dining experience are still able to log in to the online reservation tool and pre-book select restaurants.

Yes, cruise lines will cater to dietary requirements. You must inform your cruise specialist of any dietary requirements at the time of booking.

Many cruise lines now offer a choice of drinks packages which you can pre-book or purchase once on board. Below is a list of which cruise lines offer a drinks package.
Please note that terms and conditions apply to all drinks packages purchased – ask one of our cruise specialists for further details and prices.
Carnival Cruise Line offer a ‘Bottomless Bubbles’ package which entitles guests to unlimited soft drinks and also a ‘Cheers’ drinks package which offers guests unlimited spirits, cocktails, beer, wine and soft drinks.
Celebrity Cruises offer various drinks packages from a basic soda package to a premium drinks package, with many options in between, all of which vary in price.
Cunard offer a Soft Drinks Package, a Coffee Card and a Wine Package.
Fred Olsen offer an All Inclusive drinks package for unlimited soft drinks, beer, wine and spirits.
MSC Cruises offer an ‘Allegrissimo Classic’ drinks package for unlimited soft drinks, wine, beer and selection of cocktails and also an ‘Allegrissimo Premium’ which has few limits.
Norwegian Cruise Line offer a soda package, beer and wine package or an ‘Ultimate Beverage Package’ which entitles guests to unlimited soda, wine, beer, spirits and a selection of cocktails.
P&O Cruises do not offer an unlimited drinks package, they do however have a Soft Drinks Package, a Costa Coffee Card and Wine Packages available.
Royal Caribbean offer a Soda Package, a Select Drinks Package (beer, wine and soda included), a Premium Drinks Package (beer, wine, house spirits, cocktails and soda) and an Unlimited Drinks Package (with very few limits).

Unfortunately not all cruise lines will allow food and drink to be brought on board the ship. P&O Cruises do allow you to carry food and soft drinks on board in Southampton – if you are on a fly-cruise or would like to carry alcohol on board at a port-of-call it is usually at the port authorities’ discretion.
Some, but not all, cruise lines will allow you to carry a reasonable amount of alcohol on board to consume within your stateroom. Many will charge a corkage fee if you would like to take this into a restaurant or lounge/bar area.
Please ask one of our Cruise Village cruise specialists to confirm the regulations of each cruise line.

Some, but not all, cruise lines will allow you to carry a reasonable amount of alcohol onboard to consume within your stateroom. Many will charge a corkage fee if you would like to take this into a restaurant or lounge area. If you would like to carry alcohol onboard at a port-of-call it is usually at the port authorities’ discretion.
Please ask one of our Cruise Village cruise specialists to confirm the regulations of each cruise line.

All ships have at least one main dining room which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner – most will provide waiter service, however this can vary depending on the cruise line. A lot of cruise ships offer a selection of dining areas, from a self-service/buffet style venue to A la Carte restaurants (please note there may be an extra cost to eat in alternative dining venues).
You are usually given a choice of dining times for the main restaurant, traditionally guests can choose from 1st seating or 2nd seating but more cruise lines are now also offering a flexible dining choice, whereby you can eat at a time that suits yourself (given you arrive within the restaurants opening times). Most cruise ships also offer room service throughout the day (depending on the cruise line, room service may incur an extra charge).

Evening casual is a more relaxed dress code. Ladies may wear casual separates or dresses while men may wear an open-neck polo shirt and casual trousers (shorts are usually not allowed but gentleman may wear smart jeans). Of course a jacket and smart trousers can be worn, but they are not compulsory on these nights. Trainers, tracksuits and football shirts are not permitted.

If your itinerary includes a formal or black tie evening, gentleman – pack your dinner jacket and ladies – pack your cocktail dress! On a formal evening guests are required to dress accordingly. Ladies may wear glamorous evening wear, perhaps a cocktail dress or even a smart tailored suit. Gentleman are required to wear a jacket – most will wear a dinner jacket or tuxedo but a dark lounge or business suit is suitable as an alternative.
Do not worry – if you do not wish to take part in formal evenings, on board most ships there is an alternative dining venue where you may eat on this evening. Plus, not all ships have black tie evenings, be sure to ask one of our cruise experts their advice if you prefer a more relaxed environment.

Many cruise lines offer facilities for children, depending on the cruise line it can range from nursery right up to teen clubs – however some cruise lines are more family oriented than others. For family friendly cruises we highly recommend you take a look at P&O Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and of course Disney Cruise Line. For further assistance and honest advice, contact one of our Cruise Village cruise specialists on 0800 810 8481.
There is usually no extra cost incurred for use of the children’s clubs and most cruise lines will provide separate clubs and activities for different age groups.

Children are welcome in every dining venue on board most cruise ships, including speciality restaurants. In the main dining room there is usually a child’s menu available, however this is rare in speciality restaurants. Some cruise lines offer an organised ‘children’s tea’ which takes place in a designated area and at a given time.

The currency onboard varies depending on the cruise line. See below for a list of currencies.
Azamara Club Cruises – U.S Dollar
Carnival Cruise Line – U.S Dollar
Celebrity Cruises – U.S Dollar
Cunard – U.S Dollar
Disney Cruise Line – U.S Dollar
Fred Olsen – British Pound
Holland America Line – U.S Dollar
MSC – Euro or U.S Dollar for Caribbean, North America, South America, South Africa & Eastbound Transatlantic itineraries.
Norwegian Cruise Line – U.S Dollar
Oceania Cruises – U.S Dollar
P&O Cruises – British Pound
Princess Cruises – U.S Dollar unless stated otherwise
Regent Seven Seas – U.S Dollar
Royal Caribbean – U.S Dollar
Seabourn – U.S Dollar
Silversea – U.S Dollar

Cruise ships operate a cashless system and each passenger has an on board account. Every purchase made on board (i.e. at the bar, in the spa and in the shops) will be added to your on board account which is settled by the credit/debit card you registered at check-in, or you may pay off your account in cash at reception on board.

On board credit is money pre-paid into your on board account. It essentially puts credit into your on board account. You can usually spend on board credit in the bars as well as the shops and spa on board!

The amount you pay for gratuities varies per cruise line, and in some cases by the type of cabin. The most up to date details we have (as of 30th July 2015) are:
Azamara Club Cruises – Gratuities are already included in the fare of the cruise and so you needn’t worry about paying gratuities.

Carnival Cruise Line – “For your convenience, we automatically charge the gratuities for dining and stateroom staff to your on board Sail & Sign account (for ‘Cruises-To-Nowhere, gratuities must be prepaid). The total amount is $12.00 per guest, per day. Once gratuities have been posted, you may adjust them at your discretion at any time while on board. Gratuities will be deemed undisputed unless a request to modify is received prior to disembarking the ship.”

Celebrity Cruises – “For your convenience, we automatically add gratuities for your restaurant and stateroom services to your onboard SeaPass account on a daily basis in the following amounts, which may be adjusted at your discretion.”
• $12.95 per person, per day in standard staterooms
• $13.45 per person, per day in Concierge Class and AquaClass® staterooms
• $16.45 per person, per day in Suite Class

Costa Cruises – “As a convenience, Costa will add a modest service charge per person, per day to the onboard account as a gratuity for cabin and dining services.” The cost of gratuities varies depending on the itinerary, it may be anything from 8 Euros per guest per day, up to 12 Euros per guest per day. Please ask one of our cruise experts for the exact amount for specific cruises.

Cunard – “For your convenience, a Hotel and Dining charge will be automatically added to your shipboard account on a daily basis. This will be shared amongst those staff that helped provide and support your cruise experience, including the restaurant staff, stateroom stewards and accommodation staff, buffet stewards and others. Casino personnel do not share in the Hotel and Dining charge as not all passengers utilise this service. This charge is automatically charged to your on board account (including children of all ages). If you wish to amend the charge in any way you can do so by contacting the Purser’s Desk once on board.” Amounts vary by stateroom category as follows:
Queens and Princess Grill Suites $13.50 per person per day
Britannia Staterooms $11.50 per person per day

Disney Cruise Line – “You can choose to pre-pay gratuities for your party up to three days before your vacation begins by contacting Disney Cruise Line; or, for the convenience of our Guests who have not pre-paid, the suggested gratuity amounts will be added to your onboard account, based on the length of your voyage as shown in the table above. If you wish to modify or make changes to the gratuity amounts or would like to pay in cash, please stop by our Guest Services desk.” Cost of gratuities will vary depending on the length of your cruise. Please ask one of our cruise experts for the exact amount you will be charged for gratuities.

Fred Olsen – “Gratuities are not included in the cost of your cruise holiday. However, Fred Olsen pride themselves on the service offered to their guests, and are confident that you’ll wish to reward staff on board for this service, although tipping is entirely at your discretion. As a general rule £2.00 per adult guest per day, for your cabin stewardess and the same amount for your restaurant waiter is always very much appreciated. For our guests convenience this is automatically added to your cruise end account.”

Holland America Line – “To ensure that the efforts of all of our crew members are recognized and rewarded, a daily Hotel Service Charge is automatically added to each guest’s shipboard account.
The daily Hotel Service Charge for suites is US$12.00 per guest per day, and US$11.50 per guest per day for other staterooms. If our service exceeds or fails to meet your expectations, you are free to adjust this amount at the end of each segment and/or voyage.”

MSC – Included!!

Norwegian Cruise Line – “A service charge (currently US $ 12,95 p.p./day in the following categories: Studio, Inside, Oceanview, Balcony & Mini Suite; US $ 14,95 p.p./day in Suites & The Haven Suites) will be payable, at your discretion (for guests 3 years and older). The service charge will be added to your holiday price and shown separately on your confirmation invoice. If you do not want to pay this up front with the balance of your holiday cost, but would rather decide whether or not to pay the charge on board, please ensure you tell us at the time of and we will arrange for the charge to be added to your stateroom account.”

Oceania Cruises – How much you choose to tip is a personal matter and completely at your discretion. For your convenience the following gratuities are automatically added to your shipboard account.
• For guests occupying staterooms, gratuities of $16.00 per guest, per day will be added.
• For guests occupying Penthouse, Oceania, Vista or Owner’s Suites where Butler Service is provided, gratuities of $23.00 per guest, per day will be added.

P&O Cruises – Included!

Princess Cruises – “To simplify the tipping process for guests, a discretionary gratuity of $12 per person for mini-suites and suites, and $11.50 per guest in all other staterooms per day (including children) will be automatically added to your shipboard account on a daily basis. This gratuity will be shared amongst those staff who help provide and support your cruise experience, including all waitstaff, stateroom stewards, buffet stewards, and housekeeping staff across the fleet. For your convenience, this gratuity can be pre-paid online via Cruise Personaliser.”

Regent Seven Seas – Gratuities are already included in the fare of the cruise and so you needn’t worry about paying gratuities.

Royal Caribbean – “To simplify the service recognition process, Royal Caribbean automatically adds a USD 12.00 gratuity (USD 14.25 for Suite Guests) to each guest’s SeaPass® account on a daily basis, unless you have otherwise pre-paid the gratuities. This gratuity is shared by Dining Services Staff, Stateroom Attendants other Housekeeping Services Personnel that work to enhance your cruise. The daily automatic gratuity amounts are recommended and are based on customary industry standards. In the unlikely event that a guest onboard being charged the daily automatic gratuity does not receive satisfactory service, the guest may request to modify the daily amount at their discretion by visiting Guest Services during their cruise.”

Seabourn – “Tipping is neither required nor expected on a Seabourn cruise.”

Silversea – “Gratuities are always already included in the fare of your Silversea cruise.”

You will need your cruise tickets, passports and any visas that may be required. On your cruise ticket you will be provided with an individual check-in time. We advise you arrive at the cruise terminal as close to this given time as possible to avoid the terminal becoming extremely busy.

You may disembark the ship as many times as you wish during your time in port. We advise that you double check the disembarkation and embarkation times for each port of call and be sure to leave plenty of time to get back on the ship for sail away (unfortunately the ship will leave without you if you are not back on board in time).

Yes, lunch is served on day of embarkation. The buffet restaurant will definitely be open, other restaurants may also be open to serve lunch.

Yes, breakfast is served on day of disembarkation. You will be given service times whilst on board.

As you arrive at the cruise terminal in Southampton, porters will assist you with your luggage and load it onto a conveyor belt. Your luggage is taken through the terminal, loaded onto the ship and taken to your stateroom for you. This process ensures less hassle for yourself throughout the check-in process as you will only need to carry hand luggage on board.

Yes, many cruise lines are licensed to arrange a wedding ceremony on board their ships. Please contact one of our Cruise Village cruise specialists on 0800 810 8481 for advice and to arrange your wedding at sea.

Yes, most cruise lines offer celebration packages which can be purchased before travelling or whilst on board. It is possible for friends and family to purchase celebration packages for guests due to travel. The packages vary by cruise line but most offer champagne, flowers, chocolates, birthday cakes, spa packages, photographs and more. Please purchase celebration packages as soon as possible as most cruise lines will require notice before date of travel. If the cruise has been booked through The Cruise Village, please call us on 0800 810 8481 to arrange a celebration package.

Your luggage allowance will vary depending on the cruise. If you are sailing from the UK and will not be flying to meet the ship, you may take as much luggage as you like on your cruise holiday – however, please note that each individual item of luggage must not weigh more than 23kg. This restriction is for the health and safety of the porters who handle the luggage.
If you are travelling on a fly-cruise you will have to follow the luggage restrictions of the airline. Luggage allowances will vary by airline.

Each cruise line offers their own range of shore excursions. Most cruise lines will send details of each shore excursion applicable for your cruise to you approximately 7-10 weeks before departure. We recommend that you do pre-book your excursions to avoid disappointment. You can pre-book your chosen excursions directly with the cruise line over the phone or online by visiting their website. However if you are struggling to book your excursions and would like some help, please do not hesitate to contact The Cruise Village on 0800 810 8481.

A tender is a small vessel used to carry passengers to shore. In some ports it is not possible for large cruise ships to dock and so must anchor offshore. At these ports passengers will be taken ashore on a tender, usually manned by the cruise ship staff, but occasionally cruise lines will charter small vessels from trusted providers.

In some ports it is not possible for large cruise ships to dock and so must anchor offshore. At these ports passengers will be taken ashore on a tender, usually manned by the cruise ship staff, but occasionally cruise lines will charter small vessels from trusted providers.

Internet access will depend on the ship you are travelling on board, however most cruise lines do operate a successful internet service for passengers to access. Some cruise ships will have an internet café and most now have WiFi. Passengers are usually required to purchase internet usage – there will most likely be a choice of packages, depending on how many ‘internet minutes’ you require.

No, you will not have access to an iron in your stateroom. There will however be laundry services on board – ask your cabin steward.

Some cruise lines offer self-service launderettes on several decks – these are often free of charge but some are coin operated. To use the self-service launderettes you will need to provide your own detergent and fabric softener.
On those ships which do not offer self-service launderettes there will be a full dry cleaning and laundry service – you will find a list of services and prices in your stateroom. If not just ask your cabin steward.

Yes, most cruise lines offer a full dry cleaning and laundry service – Prices will vary depending on the cruise line but you will find a list of services and prices in your stateroom.

Room service is available on most cruise ships. You will find a room service menu within your stateroom. Room service is often available 24 hours a day but some cruise ships will have time restrictions. Prices will vary depending on the cruise line – many items may be free of charge, whilst others will carry a surcharge.

Prices of room service will vary depending on the cruise line – many items may be free of charge, whilst others will carry a surcharge. You will find a room service menu along with prices within your stateroom.

Yes, it is possible to book a single stateroom with many cruise lines. Your Cruise Village Cruise Specialist will advise you of availability across each cruise line. It is also possible for a solo traveller to book a double occupancy cabin at an additional supplement.

Guests with mobility difficulties are more than welcome on board cruise ships, usually providing that you are travelling with an able-bodied companion. There are adapted cabins available across the majority of Ocean cruise ships, but these do sell out fairly quickly so book early.

If you are planning to use a scooter on board you will need to book an adapted cabin and be aware that cruise lines will restrict the amount of scooters/wheelchairs on board for health and safety reasons. Please ask your cruise specialist for details

Cruise operators have many technological advancements to assist guests who are visually or auditory impaired.

For visually impaired guests Braille facilities are fitted as standard across cruise ships, including in lifts and on cabin numbers. There are also audio announcements which can be heard throughout the ship, in public areas and in staterooms. Some cruise ships will also offer orientation tours, please be sure to check this before booking – our Cruise Village Cruise Specialists will be happy to assist.

For guests who are auditory impaired closed-captioned televisions are available in staterooms and all safety videos will be captioned. Most cruise ships have staterooms to facilitate auditory impaired guests – some cruise lines have staterooms fitted with a visual-tactile alert system, other cruise lines provide a portable kit. Sign language interpretation services are often available upon request – please ask one of our Cruise Village Cruise Specialists to check this for you.