1. Is cruising affordable and a good vacation value?
2. How long are cruises?
3. Where can I go?
4. Are all ships fairly similar?
5. Are there different types of cruises?
   Are there any special educational programs on-board?
6. Do I need a passport?
7. Are there different classes of service?
8. Will I get bored? Feel confined?
9. What can I do in port?
10. Do I have to participate in the activities?
11. Do cruise lines welcome families with kids?
12. Is there a charge for entertainment?
13. Will there be people like me?
14. What should I pack?
15. What about meal times?
16. Is cruise ship dining as good as I've been told?
17. What about dining companions - can I sit with my spouse and friends only,
    or will I have tablemates?
18. Are there non-smoking areas?
19. Can we celebrate a special occasion?
20. Can we stay in touch with the outside world?
21. What about tipping?
22. Are there medical services onboard?
23. Is motion discomfort a problem?
    

1. Is cruising affordable and a good vacation value?
   Cruising is the best vacation value! There are cruise vacations to suit every budget. Your cruise fare includes meals, your stateroom, on-board activities and entertainment, plus transportation from port to port. You'll know what your vacation will end up costing you before you go. (Typically, your only extra expenses will be drinks, specialty restaurants, optional shore excursions, and personal services such as massage or hairstyling.) [top]
   
   
2. How long are cruises?
   As long as you want. Cruises last from 3 days to months. [top]
   
   
3. Where can I go?
   Wherever you want! Cruises visit over 1,800 ports worldwide and practically every destination accessible by water. [top]
   
   
4. Are all ships fairly similar?
   Far from it. Ships range from intimate and yacht-like to vessels stretching longer than three football fields. You can sail with fewer than 100 fellow guests or with more than 2,600. Enjoy atmospheres ranging from casual to formal, contemporary to classic. You can even choose sail-assisted ships. Enjoy the endless activities offered on a contemporary resort-style cruise, or immerse yourself in the culture of a destination on a special interest cruise. [top]
   
   
5. Are there different types of cruises?
   Are there any special educational programs on-board?
   Many cruise lines feature an extensive program of on-board enrichment seminars hosted by distinguished guest experts. In addition to lectures highlighting the history and sights of ports you will be visiting, there may also be special in-depth presentations ranging from Renaissance works of art and strategic financial planning to epicurean secrets of classic French cuisine. If you are an experienced traveler, or have a special interest please consult Cruises By Kate for information on Culturally Focused/Niche Cruises. [top]
   
   
6. Do I need a passport?
   This depends on the type of cruise and your destination. You will need some proof of citizenship and identification. You'll receive complete information on required documents well in advance of your departure. [top]
   
   
7. Are there different classes of service?
   Everyone can use all of the ship's facilities. The price of a cabin is based primarily on its size and location. Regardless of the category you book, you'll enjoy the same courteous service, menus, activities, and entertainment as everyone else on board.
   
   Cabin category examples:
   
   Inside- usually reserved for the least expensive and smallest cabins on a ship. They do not have windows, but are ideal if you are the type of traveler who does not spend a lot of time in your room.
   
   Outside- These refer to cabins with either a porthole or window. It is important to check the location of the cabin, as the view may be obstructed by a lifeboat or other edifice.
   
   Balcony-A higher category of cabin with a balcony. This can be an excellent value, especially if you are on an itinerary such as Alaska or the Panama Canal where the views are paramount. Or, you just need a more intimate place to relax. Try breakfast on your balcony... room service is included in the price of a cruise!
   
   Suite-The highest cateogory of cabin. These usually include a balcony and butler service.
   
   Within all these categories are sub-categories where prices are also determined by a cabin's location on the ship. [top]
   
   
8. 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 you two or three days just to discover everything that's on board. Plus, you get the added adventure of exploring many exciting ports of call.
   
   Cruise ships are 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're more active, join in exercise or dance classes, and sports contests. Practice your tennis stroke or golf swing, or take some fresh air on the jogging deck. Or you can swim, stretch out in the sauna or work out in the gym. Some ships even have climbing walls and ice-skating rinks.
   
   You can also see a feature film, attend an enrichment lecture by experts, play backgammon or bridge. And that's just when you're on board! [top]
   
   
9. 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 (referred to as shore excursions). Search ancient ruins or hunt for shopping bargains. Ride a raft over river rapids, or a horse across miles of hills and beaches. Climb a waterfall or pyramid. Follow the footsteps of history or the wake of a waterskiing boat. If there's still time, play golf or tennis. Learn how to windsurf. Sun and swim at some of the world's best beaches. Catch a record marlin. Sail, snorkel, or scuba dive. Take a cable car to the top of a mountain. Explore dark catacombs.
   
   In short, cruising is the perfect way to sample a number of new destinations and try all the things you've ever dreamed of doing, while never having to pack and unpack! [top]
   
   
10. 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! [top]
    
    
11. Do cruise lines welcome families with kids?
    More and more cruise vacations are booked by families with children. Most cruise lines provide plenty of supervised activities for kids, especially during school holidays. If your children enjoy swimming, sports, games, movies, and the adventure of new places, they'll love a family cruise. You'll 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. Ships even offer different types of age-appropriate activities, suitable for toddlers to teens. Best of all, children often travel at a reduced rate. [top]
    
    
12. Is there a charge for entertainment?
    Never. On a cruise vacation, the entertainment is on the house. There's no cover, minimum, or charge for an admission ticket.The shows are live, films first-rate and all included in your cruise fare. [top]
    
    
13. Will there be people like me?
    There's no such thing as a typical cruise passenger! All kinds of people take cruises now... all ages... from all walks of life... singles, couples and families. Just ask Kate at "Cruises By Kate" for advice on the best ship for you, based on your tastes and lifestyle. [top]
    
    
14. What should I pack?
    Many cruise lines now feature a more relaxed and casual approach to dress throughout the cruise -- while on others, formal dinners or parties are part of the fun. Pack like you would for any resort. Cruise vacations are casual by day, whether you're on the ship or ashore. In the evening, ships vary as to dress. As in land based vacations, attire is dictated by occasion and type of ship you are sailing. At the Captain's Gala, for example, you'll probably want to wear something more formal, such as a dark suit, or cocktail dress; perhaps even a dinner jacket or gown. However, there are always alternatives to formal dining on most ships. [top]
    
    
15. What about meal times?
    Again, there are choices and more choices. During the day, there are many different places to eat - in the formal dining room, on deck, in a pizzeria, at an espresso bar, to name a few. At night, most ships offer several venues. Some ships' dining rooms can accommodate all guests at one time, called a "seating." Many ships offer you a choice of several eating times, and others encourage you to come to dinner whenever you like. More traditional ships have two seatings in their formal dining rooms, which differ only by time: typically 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. To choose, just decide whether you prefer to dine early or late--then have Kate request your preference when you book your cruise. Frequently, you can choose to dine at night someplace other than the formal dining room, such as in an intimate restaurant that features, for example, Italian, Chinese, Japanese or Southwestern cuisine. More and more cruise lines are opening up their informal lido areas to evening dining, where the dress and dishes always are casual, and sometimes, you can even eat out under the stars. And almost all ships include room service in the price. The choice is yours! [top]
    
    
16. Is cruise ship dining as good as I've been told?
    Everything you've heard about cruise ship dining is true. At each meal, you'll find a varied selection of entrees (appetizers, salads, soups, vegetables, and desserts, too), and each day the selection will be different. If you've ever wanted to experiment with a cuisine or try a dish, you can feel free to order more than one entrÈe or appetizer (or dessert!). 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, vegetarian or fitness menu selections that are just as tempting as the regular menu. Best of all, the one thing you'll never see on a cruise ship menu is a price. Because your meals are included! [top]
    
    
17. What about dining companions - can I sit with my spouse and friends only,
    or will I have tablemates?
    Experienced cruisers say they prefer sitting at a table with several other diners; some lifelong friendships have been made this way. But the cruise lines are geared to accommodate each guest's wishes, and it is possible to request a table for two or four. In the unlikely event that you do wish to change tablemates, speak with the maitre d', who will make every effort to seat you with more compatible dining companions... discretely and politely. [top]
    
    
18. Are there non-smoking areas?
    Virtually all ships have smoking and non-smoking sections in the public rooms and on deck. In fact, many dining rooms, and even some entire ships, are now totally smoke-free, reflecting passenger requests. If you want your dining table in a non-smoking area, just tell your CLIA-affiliated travel agent. On board, you can advise the maitre d'. [top]
    
    
19. Can we celebrate a special occasion?
    Absolutely! Most cruise lines will even treat you to a complimentary cake and a chorus of "Happy Whatever" to honor the occasion. Your birthday or anniversary can be more festive with champagne, flowers, or canapes. You can even arrange for a special private party. All you have to do is advise Kate from Cruises By Kate in advance. [top]
    
    
20. Can we stay in touch with the outside world?
    Quite easily. Most ships have fax capabilities and computer cafes with Internet access for e-mail communication. Staterooms are equipped with televisions and many have satellite or cellular telephones. You can also call someone on shore through the ship's radio officer while at sea. [top]
    
    
21. What about tipping?
    Tipping is a matter of individual preference. A general rule of thumb is to plan for about $3.00 per person per day for your cabin steward and dining room waiter, and about half that amount for your busboy. (A few cruise lines include tipping in the price and will so inform you.) Other shipboard personnel can be tipped for special services at your discretion. [top]
    
    
22. Are there medical services onboard?
    Virtually every cruise ship (except for some smaller vessels operating in coastal waters) has a medical facility and health care professionals on staff to handle almost any emergency. If you have a medical condition that might put you at risk, discuss it with your doctor and inform the cruise lines at the time of booking. And, whenever you travel, check to see what your health insurance covers. It is always adviseable to purchase inexpensive Travel Insurance within days of booking your cruise. This will cover unforseen medical expenses such as hospital stays and airlifts off the cruise ship. [top]