© - ChristianCruises.net, All Rights Reserved
Is cruising affordable and a good vacation value?
Cruising is the best vacation value! Your cruise fare includes all meals, your stateroom, onboard activities and entertainment, plus transportation from port to port. You’ll know what your vacation will end up costing you before you go. (optional shore excursions and personal services such as hairstyling or massage are extra) Compare the value of a cruise to the total cost of other vacations and you will be amazed.
Why must I book through ChristianCruises.Net?
The artists and speakers are paid for by ChristianCruises.Net rather than the cruise line. Therefore, the concerts are not open to all individuals on board. All ChristianCruises.Net group members will be given an ID card in which they will bring to all of the CCN meetings.
Will I get bored? Feel confined?
Hardly! Being at sea gives you a feeling of total freedom that no land-based resort can offer. There’s plenty of room. And it will probably take two to three days just to discover everything that is on board. Plus you get the added adventure of exploring many exciting ports of call. Cruise ships are like floating resorts with all the choices fine resorts have to offer. You can lie back in a lounge chair, breathe in the sea air, soak up the sun, read good books or watch the ever changing seascape. If you are more active, join in an exercise class and sport contests. Practice your tennis stroke or golf swing, or take some fresh air on the jogging deck. Swim, stretch out in the sauna or work out in the gym. You can also see a feature film, attend an enrichment lecture, or play backgammon.
Is motion discomfort a problem?
Rarely, popular cruise itineraries boast some of the calmest waters in the world. In addition, stabilizers on modern ships, advanced availability on accurate weather information, and development of effective preventative medications have, for the most part, eliminated the incidence of motion discomfort.
What can I do in port?
So much you’ll have a hard time choosing! You can explore on your own or take a guided tour (often referred to as shore excursion). Cruising is the perfect way to sample a number of new destinations while never having to pack and unpack.
Do I have to participate in the activities?
On a cruise, you do what you want, when you want. You can do everything or do absolutely nothing. It’s your vacation!
Do cruise lines welcome families with children?
Most cruise lines provide plenty of supervised activities for youngsters. You will find that children adapt to shipboard life with ease, and you won’t have to wonder what they’re up to every minute. The youth counselors will help keep them busy and entertained. Best of all, children generally travel at a substantially reduced rate.
What’s there to do at night?
With ChristianCruises.Net, you do not have to worry about the traditional night life offered on cruises. We have scheduled speakers or musicians most evenings.
What should I pack?
We want your cruise experience with us to be totally comfortable, so your clothes should be as well. Pack lightweight items such as cotton shorts, loose fitting shirts, sandals and a swimsuit. Don’t forget a cover-up for visiting other areas of the ship while in your swimsuits. You might also want to bring a pair of athletic shoes for an aerobics class or and invigorating jog around the deck. Of course, you’ll also want to bring suntan lotion or sun block, sunglasses and perhaps a hat for lounging around the pool area.
For those rare occasions when we experience a few raindrops, it is also a good idea to bring a light raincoat. And, a light sweater or jacket may also come in handy on cool evenings. And by all means, please bring your camera! We recommend you carry it on rather than pack it in your luggage. Photo opportunities begin the moment you step on board. You’ll also get the chance to dress up for dinner, there is one formal night on a 3 day cruise and 2 two formal nights on a 7 day cruise.
If you wear contact lenses, it may be wise to take an extra pair. And, if you use any prescription medicine, leave medicines in original container with enough to last your entire trip. These items should be in your carry-on.
Why are there early and late dining times?
Most ships cannot accommodate all passengers in one “seating”. Typically, the times for dinner are at 6:00 PM and 8:30 PM. The group has assigned tables in the dining room.
Is cruise ship dining as good as I’ve been told?
You’ll find a varied selection of entree’s (appetizers, salads, soups, vegetables, and desserts too) every time you sit down to eat. And there’s virtually no limit on what how much you can order. But, just because your cruise ship offers plenty of delicious food, doesn’t mean you’ll come home out of shape. You can choose low-cal, spa, or vegetarian selections that are just as tempting as the regular menu. Best of all, the one thing you’ll never see on a cruise ship is a price. Because all your meals are included!
Are there non-smoking areas?
Today, most ships have a non-smoking policy throughout the ship.
What travel documentation will I need?
As of June 1, 2009, all U.S. citizens are required to carry a passport for travel to the Caribbean and Bahamas.
All others must show valid passports and any other required visas prior to boarding the ship.
What about ground transportation?
With the purchase of pier transfers, your Cruise Line representative will greet you at the baggage claim area and guide you to the ground transportation that will take you to the port. At the pier, porters will take your luggage from the curbside and it will be delivered to your cabin. Be sure each piece of luggage is locked, remember to ID your luggage with the enclosed tags. Tipping is at our discretion, however, as a guideline $1 per bag is customary.
What about money matters?
Most Cruise Lines use a convenient cashless system to take care of all your purchases throughout the ship. Cash is necessary for stateroom and dining room staff gratuities. At port, you can use Traveler’s checks, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and U.S. Currency for souvenirs.
What do I need to know about embarkation?
Boarding the ship begins 4 to 5 hours prior to the sailing time indicated on your cruise ticket. You are going on a cruise to unwind, so the last thing you want is to be rushed. That’s why we suggest arriving at least 3 hours prior to sailing. Reservations will be held at least 60 minutes prior to departure without risk of automatic cancellation.
What about the ship’s electricity?
Your ship is equipped with 110/220 AC and all staterooms can accommodate hair dryers and electric razors.
Will we perform lifeboat drills?
Emergency procedure information and life jackets are located in your stateroom. Shortly after the ship sets sail, you will hear the signal for the compulsory lifeboat drill. Put on your life jacket and proceed to areas as instructed. The ship’s crew will assist you. Rest assured that there is lifesaving equipment on board to more than adequately accommodate everyone.
Can I obtain a safe deposit box for my valuables?
For those times when you don’t feel comfortable carrying valuables around, the ship offers safe deposit boxes free of charge at the Purser’s office.
Is there a doctor on the ship?
A qualified physician and registered nurse are on board throughout your cruise. Consultation hours and fees are posted at the infirmary. Emergency medical service is available 24 hours a day. And please don’t worry about getting seasick. The ship is equipped with stabilizers, so seasickness is very rare – especially with all the preventatives on the market today. If you have had any problems with seasickness before, or if you begin to feel queasy, medicine is available from your cabin steward, the Purser’s Office or the doctor.
What about telephone calls and internet access?
It’s so easy for you to call home right from the telephone in your stateroom. Your ship is equipped with satellite ship to shore telephone, fax, telex and Internet communications systems. Fun – check your e-mail “via satellite”. Relatives and business associates can also contact you on board ship.
What about tipping?
Shipboard gratuities, though they are a long-standing tradition, are very much a personal matter and naturally should reflect the quality of services rendered. Most passengers tip at the end of the cruise. However, for your convenience, you can pre pay your gratuities at embarkation. As a guideline, we suggest the following gratuities:
Room Steward: $3.50 per person per day
Waiter: $3.50 per person per day
Busboy: $1.75 per person per day
Head Waiter: $2.00 per person per day