FAQ

We are frequently asked questions relating to our clients’ holidays so we have detailed some answers below that we hope you will find helpful. If you cannot find the answer to a question you have then please contact us by telephone on Sales Number: 01737 646412, Customer Service Number: 01737 646413 or by email at admin@thecruisetraveller.com.

Before your Cruise

Is my holiday secure with The Cruise Traveller?

The Cruise Traveller is part of the P&P Associates Ltd and a member of ABTA (No:G3655) We are also fully ATOL bonded (No:5360), so you can book with confidence knowing all payments are fully protected.

 

Do I need insurance?

We recommend you buy your travel insurance as soon as you make your cruise holiday booking. Many cruise lines now require this as a condition of travel - please refer to your cruise line terms and conditions for full details of the requirements.

 

Do I need a passport?

All guests - including children will require their own valid passport to travel, with at least 6 months validity past your expected return date to the UK. This should be in good condition, ideally with spare pages in case of any visa requirements.

 

Do I need a visa?

It is your responsibility ahead of travel to ensure you have obtained all relevant visas required. Many destinations require visas ahead of travel - full information on specific requirements for the destinations you visit can be found on the FCDO website. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice If you are travelling to, or transiting through the USA as part of your holiday and are a British Passport Holder, you will require an ESTA. More information can be found here https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/

 

Do I need vaccinations?

In light of the Covid-19 pandemic - many new UK coastal and British Isles cruises have been released into the market, which require guests to have had both of their covid-19 vaccinations at least 7 days prior to departure. For international cruises you can find full information on vaccination requirements, per destination here https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/travel-vaccinations/jabs/

 

What is a ‘guaranteed’ cabin/stateroom?

From time to time, cruise lines offer cabins/staterooms on what they call ‘guaranteed basis’. This means you will not know your cabin/stateroom number at the time of booking, but you are ‘guaranteed’ the same cabin/stateroom grade or higher, and your cabin/stateroom number will be allocated to you on arrival. When choosing whether to opt for this type of cabin/stateroom, consider whether you have a clear preference on the position of your cabin/stateroom as this cannot be offered. If you are travelling as a group with multiple cabins/staterooms, and wish to be close together, we would advise you to book with specific cabin/stateroom numbers to ensure your request can be met.

 

What are gratuities and am I expected to pay them?

Gratuities are the onboard tips or service charge, much like you can pay at your discretion in a restaurant. Many cruise lines have opted to remove these or already include them in the price of your holiday such as: P&O Cruises Marella Azamara MSC Cruises Celebrity Cruises Virgin Voyages The following cruise lines offer customers the option to pay their gratuities on a voluntary and discretionary basis: Cunard Royal Caribbean - Can be prepaid at the time of booking. Holland America Line Fred. Olsen Princess Cruises Tradewind Voyages The only cruise lines to make them mandatory, as an additional fee are as follows: Costa Cruises

 

Your Cruise Booking

When do I need to pay the balance for my cruise?

Your final balance due date will be shown on your The Cruise Traveller booking confirmation. We will need to collect your balance earlier than the cruise line requires this to allow for time to process and pass on in accordance with our cruise line business terms and conditions.

 

How can I pay for my cruise?

The Cruise Traveller accepts deposit and balance payments via all major credit card and debit cards including AMEX, VISA, Mastercard and Maestro.

 

When do I receive my booking confirmation?

Once you have completed your booking and paid your deposit or balance (whichever is applicable) you will receive an email to the address you have provided. This will include The Cruise Traveller booking confirmation and your ATOL certificate (if your holiday includes flights) There will also be a link to the cruise line terms and conditions and dependent upon your booking type a link to The Cruise Traveller agency booking terms or The Cruise Traveller package holiday terms. Please familiarise yourselves with these. Please ensure you check the details fully on the confirmation, and contact us as soon as possible if there are any errors or omissions.

 

I have dietary and/or medical requirements, how do I let the cruise line know?

Should you have any dietary and/or medical requirements, please be sure to advise your cruise expert at the time of booking. They will ensure all requests are passed onto your cruise line. You may be required by the cruise line to complete a special advisory form with the full details, if required your cruise expert will send this to the email address provided.

 

When do I receive my cruise tickets?

Your travel documentation will usually be emailed to you no later than 10 - 14 days prior to travel. If you have not received your tickets 7 days prior to departure - please contact our customer service team on 01737 646413. For last minute bookings, you may be required to pick your tickets up at the port. Many cruise lines now use E-Tickets - which will require you to print at home. Don’t worry if you cannot do this, simply give us a call on 01737 646413 and we’ll take care of this for you.

 

Can I make amendments to my booking?

If you need to make amendments to your cruise booking, please contact our customer service team on 01737 646413 to discuss options.

 

Can I cancel my booking?

If you need to cancel your booking, we will require this in writing from the lead passenger on the booking. This needs to be emailed to admin@thecruisetraveller.com. Please bear in mind that there will be cancellation charges applicable if you cancel your booking. There may be alternative options for you, please call our customer service team on 01737 646413 who will be happy to discuss these with you.

 

Life Onboard

What are the dining times?

You’ll be spoilt for choice onboard your cruise ship, with many dining venues, and wide choice of cuisine. More often than not, there will be the option to choose between ‘early’ or ‘first’ sitting, ‘late’ or ‘second’ sitting or ‘freedom dining’ Times will vary - but early/1st sitting usually takes place between 5.30pm and 7.00pm and late/2nd sitting usually takes place between 8.00pm and 9.30pm Once you have chosen your specific time, this will be allocated throughout the cruise, and you will be seated on the same table, with the same wait staff throughout. ‘Freedom dining’ means that you may dine at any time you wish each night (based on the dining room opening hours). You will be seated on an available table when you arrive at the dining room. You should discuss your dining time with your cruise expert at time of booking. If you wish to discuss this in more detail, give our team a call on 01737 646413.

 

Is there a dress code?

Some cruise lines have no dress code at all throughout the voyage, and others have a mix, with designated formal evenings. Please check with your specific cruise line for full details.

 

How do I pay for purchases onboard?

All cruise lines operate a cashless system onboard - this can also apply to cruise lines private destinations such as Perfect Day at Coco Cay with Royal Caribbean. You’ll often need to register a payment card (either credit or debit) prior to your cruise as part of your online check in process. You will often need to present this payment card at the cruise terminal when you arrive. You will be issued with a keycard - which not only acts as the key to your room, but also your payment card for any onboard purchases. Princess Cruises have introduced a different device ‘Ocean Medallion’ which acts in the same way. You will be able to keep track of your spending onboard via the in room TV system, or by contacting the guest service team onboard.

 

What is the onboard currency?

Each cruise line operates a different currency onboard their ships. A breakdown of these is as follows: US Dollar: Cunard Princess Cruises Royal Caribbean Celebrity Cruises Azamara Cruises Disney Cruise Line Holland America Line MSC Cruises - Caribbean, South America & South Africa Cruises. Pound Sterling: Fred. Olsen Cruises P&O Cruises Marella Cruises Tradewind Voyages Euro: MSC Cruises - Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Dubai & Emirates Cruises

 

Can I change up money onboard?

The cruise lines do provide a currency exchange onboard their ships. The rates of exchange & any fees will be provided by the guest service team onboard at the time.

 

What plug type do I need to take with me?

The voltage and therefore required plug types vary by cruise line, a summary is provided below for you: Standard UK Plug Cunard P&O Cruises European 2 Pin Plug (round) - 220v Azamara Cruises Cunard Celebrity Cruises Fred. Olsen Cruises MSC Cruises P&O Cruises Royal Caribbean Carnival Cruise Line Holland America Line Marella Cruises US 2 Pin Plug (flat) - 110v Azamara Cruises Cunard Disney Cruise Line Celebrity Cruises MSC Cruises Norwegian Cruise Line Princess Cruises Royal Caribbean Carnival Cruise Line Holland America Line Many of the newer cruise ships also have USB charging ports.

 

Is there a Laundry service onboard?

Most cruise ships have a payable laundry service onboard, please check your specific cruise line for details.

 

What is the smoking policy onboard?

There are designated smoking area’s onboard the ship. For further details please check your specific cruise line.

 

What does ‘tender’ mean?

In some ports of call, the cruise ship may not be able to dock alongside the land, this could be due to the water being too shallow. In these instances, the cruise ship will drop their anchor a little way out in the harbour area, and ‘tender boats’ will be used to take passengers to and from the ship to the pier. Any guests who are full-time wheelchair users, or with any serious mobility limitations, are advised to carefully check the cruise itinerary before booking to see if any ports of call included are shown as a Tender Port. Tender usage may be restricted due to cruise line health and safety regulations in place.

 

Booking onboard

Each cruise line offers guests the opportunity to book another cruise holiday whilst onboard, with many offering guests additional benefits such as low deposits and/or onboard spending money. Your booking will automatically be booked under our ABTA number, and we will be in touch once you arrive home to discuss your new booking.