Most of the time you hardly even know the ship is moving. These are huge vessels with stabilizers, so if you were on a small boat and felt ill, this is totally different. However, some people may need some time to get their “sea legs” if the waters are a little rough. If you do feel queasy, try to get outside in the fresh air and look at the horizon. You can always take precautions with over-the-counter medications like Dramamine or Bonine, or for a non-medicinal alternative, “Sea Bands” are usually available at your local drugstore. They are terry cloth bands that you wear on each wrist and an acupressure point to help prevent nausea.

Beach towels will be provided by the cruise line, so there is no need to pack your own. Many new ships have hair dryers in the cabin. Although all ships have the correct current for blow dryers/curling irons, you may want to bring an extension cord or “multiple outlet plug” for convenient accessibility. Some ships only have one outlet in the room and some appliances have extra large plugs that may not fit if the outlet is too low or close to the vanity. Bathrobes are only available on a limited number of cruise lines or in suites.

Ship-to-shore communications have gotten so sophisticated that you can receive or make phone calls in your cabin, however, it is expensive. The charges range from $5.00 to $15.00 per minute. Calling cards, no answers, and wrong numbers are still charged. If you need to check in back home, it is best to call from a port, just check your calling card before you leave home for international instructions. Your Cruisin’ agent can also give you a phone number where you can be reached at while on the ship

Most new ships do have private safes in the cabin and we recommend that you use it for your proof of citizenship, airline tickets, and other valuables. If your cabin does not have a safe, you can get a safety deposit box at the Purser’s office.

Although most flights arrive in plenty of time for the ship’s departure, there is always a chance of delays. It is helpful if you made your flight reservations with the cruise line because most of the lines track the flights that they have passengers arriving on, so they will know if you are delayed. However, they do not promise to hold the ship and ultimately, it is your responsibility to work with the airlines to get to the ship. You may keep trying to get to the ship, even if it means staying overnight somewhere and catching up to the ship at the first port of call. If you give up and go home, you will forfeit your cruise fare. Travel insurance can help reimburse you if these unexpected delays occur. Also be sure to ask your Cruisin’ agent for an emergency number for your specific ship so you could notify the cruise line if you are delayed.

Be sure to notify your Cruisin’ agent of any special needs when you first make your reservation. We can then notify the cruise line and make sure they are prepared. Most cruise lines allow us to request special meals; however, several of the shops have now added vegetarian meals and spa cuisines which are low in calories, fat, and sodium to their regular menus.

While we are always happy to take any requests you may have, some things are not under our control. Airline seats are usually already assigned by the cruise line or airline by the time we receive your flight schedule (approximately 30 days prior to sailing). We can try to change the seats to your specifications, but occasionally the seating cannot be changed or the airlines have closed advance seating therefore seats are assigned upon checking in at the airport. The airlines can also change the seats we have pre-assigned at any time. Table assignments in the dining room are more easily requested on some cruise lines than others, but always let us know your request and we will communicate it to the ship’s dining coordinator.

The cruise lines and merchants in the ports of call will be happy to accept most major credit cards for all purchases and your shipboard account; however, some credit cards may have restrictions. For example, most debit cards have a limit of how much you can charge per day, so your total shipboard account at the end of the week could very well exceed the limit. We have had passengers report that their credit cards were declined because of a limit on international purchases. Please call your credit card/debit card company before you depart to make sure you can use your charge card without any problems.

These are just a few of the most common questions, but if you have any other questions before you depart, feel free to ask us. Once on board the ship, the ship’s staff should be happy to answer your questions, or you can go to the Purser’s office. If you do encounter any problems on the ship, please bring it to the attention of the appropriate person on board so they can address it immediately. We are always willing to help you once you return, but it is better if the problem can be taken care of at the time it occurs.