Cruise Company

Do I need a passport ? 

All international cruises require valid passports. The recommended validity of the passport is 6 months from completion of travel.

What happens if I need to cancel my cruise ? 

We strongly recommend travel insurance to cover cancellation. There are cancellation fees imposed by the cruise lines and their suppliers.

What will my cabin be like? 

Cabins on most cruise lines are small. They are designed for efficiency and to encourage you to use the much larger public facilities on board the ship.

If you requested an “outside” or “ocean view” cabin, you will have a porthole or picture window, depending on your ship design. Some outside cabins will also have a small balcony.

If you requested an “inside” cabin you will not have a porthole, window, or balcony. Most cabins have twin beds which can be converted to a queen size.

Your cabin steward is there to make your stay comfortable; whether to change the bed configuration to suit your desires, or to bring you extra towels, pillows, or blankets if needed.

Most ships have safes in the rooms, and TVs that show current movies, news and general cruise information.

What type of dining experience can I expect? 

Your dining preference can be requested at time of deposit.

This request is not guaranteed; if you are unhappy with your seating assignment, you can see the Restaurant Manager and he/she will do his/her best to accommodate you. Meal times vary on different cruise lines.

Almost all meals, are included in the price of your cruise. With the exception of Specialty restaurants, which have a minimal charge and require a reservation.

Can I get a special diet? 

Most ships can accommodate special meal requests. However, this request must be made in advance so be sure to advise Cruise Company of your requirement when you book your cruise.

What about tipping? 

Some cruise lines have Gratuities which are automatically added to your account per day per person. Often when booking in New Zealand, gratuities can be pre paid.

This is option can be changed whilst on board, however, remember that most cruise staff rely on tipping to supplement their salaries.

Can I book on short notice? 

Even the most popular cruises sometimes have space available because of late cancellations. But, to get exactly the ship, cabin, and sailing date you want, you should plan and book early.

Most cruise lines also offer early booking discounts for customers who plan ahead.

Will I get bored? 

Hardly. Being at sea gives you a feeling of freedom few places can offer. There’s plenty of room. It will probably take you a few days just to discover what’s onboard.

Plus, you get the added adventure of exploring new and exciting ports of call. Cruise ships are like floating resorts with all the things fine resorts have to offer.

You can be by yourself and lie back in a lounge chair, breathe in the sea air, soak up the sun, read good books, or watch the ever-changing view, you can join in exercise classes, dance classes, sports contests and other organized deck activities. Perhaps you would like to practice your tennis stroke or golf swing, or shoot some baskets. You can go for a swim, stretch out in the sauna or work out in the gym.

You can see a feature movie, attend a lecture by renowned experts, play backgammon or bridge. It is amazing how much you can do on a cruise.

Do I have to participate in the activities? 

On a cruise, you do what you want to. You can do everything, or lie back and do absolutely nothing. It’s your holiday.

Do cruise lines welcome families with kids? 

Nearly one third of cruise holidays are booked by families with children. Most cruise lines make a special point of providing supervised activities for youngsters, especially during school holidays.

If your child enjoys swimming, sports, games, movies, and the adventure of new places, he/she will love a family cruise.

You’ll find the kids adapt to shipboard life with ease, and you won’t have to wonder what they’re up to every minute. The cruise staff will help keep them busy and entertained.

Best of all, children generally travel at a substantially reduced rate.

What is there to do at night? 

At night, a cruise ship really comes alive. There’s dancing; live entertainment in nightclubs, discos and lounges; feature films; and parties with all your new friends. Most ships even have casinos.

There are also many special events like the Captain’s cocktail party, passenger talent night, the Las Vegas style show, magic acts.

Is there a charge for entertainment? 

On a cruise, the entertainment is included . There’s no cover, no minimum, no charge for admission.

How much money should I take with me? 

That depends entirely on you, the cost of your cruise includes everything except: alcohol and sodas, shore excursions, tips and personal items such as souvenirs, massages, and hair styling.

When you board your ship you will be asked to activate your account, this is like running a tab during your cruise and all expenses will be charged to your room, at the end of the cruise the credit card you used to activate your account will be billed for the amount you charged while on the ship.

Cruise Company specialists can advise you on which cruise lines differ from this policy and answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding this type of payment arrangement.

Is it easy to meet people? 

A cruise ship is a great place to make new friends, because everyone’s so friendly. The atmosphere is cordial, relaxed and you’ll have all kinds of things in common to talk about.

Don’t be surprised if you find yourself making arrangements to meet them aboard another ship next year.

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, the dress code varies from a smart casual to formal also taking into account the themed nights like country and western. Your Cruise Company specialist can provide you with all your ship’s dress code.

Remember to pack for all climates as the weather may change.

Are there smoking areas? 

Each ship has their own smoking policy. There always will be designated smoking areas mainly on the decks.

Is cruising right 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 under the stars, and so much more to remember forever.

Can we stay in touch? 

Quite easily. Most ships have a daily newsletter with news, headlines, selected stock quotes and sports scores. Staterooms are mainly equipped with televisions so you can tune in.

Internet rooms have become increasingly popular with most fleets. Contact your Cruise Company Specialist to find out what will be available on your cruise.

Seasick? 

Sea sickness is not common on larger cruise ships. Larger ships are fully stabilized to minimize the feeling of movement. If you should feel queasy, medicine is available from your cabin steward or the ship’s doctor.

If you are prone to motion sickness, you may want to consider consulting your doctor prior to your cruise.

You may also decide to pick a mid ship cabin, so there is less movement, we can assist you with this at time of reservation.

Is there a doctor on board? 

Virtually every cruise ship has a fully-equipped medical facility and staff to handle almost any emergency.

Are there laundry services aboard? 

Yes. Almost all cruise ships have laundry facilities and a great many provide dry-cleaning services. There is, however, an additional charge for professional laundry and dry-cleaning services.

Some ships also have self-service launderettes.

How do I pay for my cruise? 

Your cruise will usually be broken down into two payments, a small deposit to confirm a booking. The cost will be dependent on the length of the cruise and the balance is due approximately 75 days before you sail.

Any bookings made within 60 days of sailing must be paid for in full at time of booking. Credit card fees may apply.

When will I receive my tickets? 

The cruise line will send your tickets to our office approximately three weeks before you sail, this gives us time to ensure your documents are accurate and complete.

The Cruise Company Specialist will contact you to arrange for delivery of your tickets.

Are the cruise itineraries subject to change? 

Yes, all cruise itineraries are subject to change.

With guest safety as the number one priority for the cruise lines, on the rare occasions that weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances may occur, it may cause a change in the original itinerary.

In these circumstances, the cruise line staff will do everything possible to visit an alternate port of call.

What about passengers with special needs? 

The cruise lines welcome passengers with special needs and work hard to assist them throughout their trip.

It is essential that the cruise lines know well in advance if you have any special medical, physical or other requirements that need to be addressed.

Most modern cruise ships have a number of cabins specially designed to accommodate passengers in wheelchairs.

What if I have medication? 

Please carry any medication in its original bottle. It is recommended that medications be carried in your pocket or purse so they will be available when needed because checked luggage may not be accessible at all times.

If you are using any prescription drugs, vitamins, or other medication on a regular basis, you should bring an adequate supply since they may not be available aboard the ship or in ports of call.

Commonly used medications may be purchased at the office of the ship’s doctor.

Travel Insurance 

Travel insurance for cruises is compulsory

Medical evacuations from sea can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Please email us for a quote info@cruisecompany.co.nz