General Asking Questions

I have never been on a cruise. Which is the best cruise line for me?

Choosing the right cruise for you and your traveling companions is the most important step in your cruise vacation. In fact, some people seem to enjoy researching all available information and opinions and doing the booking more than actually taking the cruise! Another large part of the population doesn’t have the time to invest in researching the hundreds of available cruises themselves so they choose to work with a travel agent or cruise specialist. Of course, everyone asks their friends and acquaintances about their personal cruise experiences or knowledge. But be careful, asking someone’s opinion about which is the best cruise line or which is the "best cruise" is a little like asking someone which is the best restaurant. They might love Italian food, but you might not. So, in doing your research, remember that any person’s particular cruise experience is measured against their particular values and ideals. By utilizing the services of Best Cruise Vacation.Com, our competent cruise specialists will only suggest a particular cruise to you only after obtaining important information about your desires and expectations. All of our Cruise Specialists have been on cruises, have sold many cruises, and are constantly obtaining additional education and training. We will use our knowledge and experience to help choose what is right for YOU! For assistance in choosing the right cruise for you, just call us at 347-350-6906 or complete our Free Discount Quote Form.

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When is the most affordable time to take a cruise?

When is Hurricane Season?

What's the best time to take a cruise?

Anytime is the best time to take a cruise, but it also depends on where you'd like to go. The Caribbean, and Hawaii is fantastic year round; however, some of the more exotic destination are seasonal. For example, you can only cruise to Alaska between May and September; to Europe between April and November; to Bermuda, between April and October; the Panama Canal, between September and April. So you see, no matter what time of year it is, it's a perfect time to cruise.

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Is cruising right for honeymooners?

Are there different classes of service?

Today's cruise ships are one-class. Everyone onboard can use all of the ship's facilities. The price of a stateroom 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 onboard.

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Does Spring Break impact cruises?

More and more cruise lines are tailoring cruises for the Spring Break crowd. For those travelers who would prefer not to be among the young revelers, but who do want to cruise during the Spring Break time period (usually late winter through mid-spring) we suggest discussing this at length with your Best Cruise Vacation Consultant or one of our Customer Service representatives.

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Are cruise itineraries subject to change?

Cruise lines attempt to follow published schedules as closely as possible, yet this is not always feasible. Regrettably, any cruise line reserves the right to change a scheduled itinerary without prior notice. Situations which may call for an itinerary change are strikes, lockouts, weather, riots, and mechanical difficulties, to name a few. Cruise lines are not held legally liable for any loss to guests by cancellation, advancement, deviation, substitution, or postponement. If an itinerary change is necessary, cruise lines may substitute another ship or port of call, and they will always attempt to keep passengers informed of changes.

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How much luggage can I bring?

The cruise line allows you to bring as much luggage as you like. However, the airlines have limitations on both checked and carry-on baggage. Your luggage will have to be stowed in your cabin during your cruise. Once you board the ship, your luggage will be brought to your cabin. This normally takes a few hours. Items such as jewelry, cameras, medication and documents should never be packed in your luggage. Please pack these items in your carry-on luggage.

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What clothes should I pack?

Will I need a tuxedo?

Most cruises still have dinners where more formal clothes are appropriate, but not required. Formal clothes are now optional but, if you have them bring them along. Many Cruise Lines will rent tuxedos, so you can check into this option before you go. Some cruise lines offer free style dining so you do not need formal dress. Read your cruise packet or check out the Cruise Line’s web page for your particular ship's recommendation.

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Are wheelchairs available or do I have to bring my own?

As a rule of thumb, wheel chairs are available for passengers who are injured after they get on board. Most suggest that you bring your own collapsible one if you will need it throughout the cruise. The newer, larger cruise ships have been built with the goal of full accessibility, including wider corridors, more spacious cabins, more (and larger) elevators and ramps where needed. In addition, the designated "wheelchair-accessible" cabins on newer ships are outfitted with many features that will make your cruise a more comfortable experience. Many older ships may be more challenging to the wheelchair-bound cruiser, as there are often raised sills several inches high in many doorways or steps in the entries to some public areas. Corridors may be narrower and elevators smaller, allowing less room for maneuverability. In fact, some areas of older ships may be completely inaccessible to the wheelchair-bound traveler. Additionally, you'll want to consider whether the ship is going to be able to dock directly at the port, or whether tenders (small boats) will be utilized to transport passengers to shore. Most cruise lines will require a release form and/or a statement from your physician stating that you are fit to travel. They may also request confirmation that you require a wheelchair-accessible cabin. Check with your agent when booking regarding your ship's policy on providing wheelchairs to passengers.

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Will I have cell phone service while at sea?

If you are sailing to or from a US port your cell phone should work while your ship is docked in port.  However, unless you have a special satellite phone, the typical cell phone will not work when you are at sea. There isn't the signal to support it. When in the Bahamas, Caribbean, and Bermuda, your ability to make and receive calls from your mobile phone depends on the cellular plan you have with your carrier. To ensure that your phone works in these areas, check with your carrier two weeks prior to your cruise to make sure you have access.  When making calls from foreign countries to the USA, you may need to use their long distance calling procedures to make an international call back to the states. Check with your cellular carrier about these codes and procedures. If you are traveling outside of North America to Europe or Asia, you may need a special telephone that can operate on a foreign signal. Again, please check with your cellular carrier.

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Can we stay in touch with the outside?

You may be contacted on-board the ship through the High Seas Operator on their toll free number, 1-800-732-2255. The caller must know the name and call letters of your ship and the approximate location of the ship. Please refer to your cruise brochure you receive with your documents for these call letters. The cost of this service can be from $9.50 to $15.00 per minute, so you will want to instruct your family to contact you accordingly. Additionally, most modern cruise ships Internet Cafes.  These services are much more affordable than using the High Seas Operator. And do not forget in each port of call you have public phones available.

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Can singles have fun on a cruise?

Cruising is ideal for people traveling alone, because it's so easy to meet other people. In fact, most ships have parties just for singles early on, so you can start to be involved right away. Most ships also have single cabins as well as single rates for double staterooms. In many cases, a cruise line will even find you a roommate to share a double if you ask them.

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Do cruise lines welcome families with kids?

32% of cruise vacations are booked by families with kids. Most cruise lines make a special point of providing supervised activities for youngsters, 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 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. Most of the "family-oriented" cruise lines offer children and teens. Programs. If available, babysitting services may be arranged on the ship at the Purser’s Office. The Purser will advise you of the charge for a private babysitter.

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Can I 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, canapés, wine or cheese. You can even arrange for a special private party. All you have to do is advise your agent in advance.

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Will I get bored? Feel confined?

Hardly. Being at sea gives you a feeling of freedom few places can offer. There's plenty of room. And it'll probably take you two or three 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. Or, you can join in exercise classes, dance classes, sports contests and other organized deck activities. Perhaps you can 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, and play backgammon or bridge. And that's just when you're onboard!

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