1. What do I wear?
This is the question you will hear the most. First, check your itinerary to see how many formal nights you’ll have. Men can wear a suit or tuxedo, but they can also get away with slacks and a button down shirt and tie. Women can always wear a nice dress but think (“Sunday Best”) or go ALL OUT in a gown fit for prom, it's all up to you! Dinner in the formal dining room is business casual with the exception of formal night. Anything goes except for shorts, sandals and tank tops.
2. How can I get the best deals on a cruise?
Getting a vacation planner makes it more easy to just pack your bags. More so a vacation planner will find the best deals for you. Most cruise lines have special sales, as well as offer discounts for previous guests, state residents, military personnel and special affiliations. Your planner will keep you updated on any special sale happening and you’ll never miss the opportunity to save on that cruise you’ve been day dreaming about!
3. What steps do you take if there is an emergency (medical, family accident, etc?)
Most cruise lines will allow you to get off the ship at a port of call to catch a flight in case of emergency but you MUST have your passport and photo ID. You can’t do this if you only have a birth certificate. Harmony of the Seas offers a Great Vacation Guarantee.
If you decide you want to leave the cruise, you can receive a full refund plus 10 percent and all travel expenses.Please keep in mind that you must notify Guest Services within the first 24 hours of the cruise and you can only get off the ship at a port of call, never at sea.
4. What cruises are better with kids?
When searching for a cruise with children, check to make sure they have children’s programs that your children will enjoy.
5. Can you prevent getting motion sickness?
I recommend buying Sea Bands, the little elastics that you wear on your wrists. They press against your pressure points and help keep sea sickness at bay. You can also bring along Bonine or Dramamine, or you may talk with your doctor to see what best works for you. Whatever you decide make sure to buy the non-drowsy formula, or you’ll wind up sleeping through your vacation!
6. How do I book/pick a room for the person who easily gets motion sickness?
If you are prone to motion sickness, choose a cabin in a higher deck midship. These rooms may also have the best views on top of offering smooth sailing!
7. How does cruising with toddlers work best?
Some cruise lines offers free camp and babysitting services for children 2 and up, including for kids who aren’t potty trained. Their staff are fully trained and license to take care of your babies with supplies needed.
8. How much can I take part in WITH my toddlers?
There are activities for you to participate in with your toddler if your toddler is enrolled in camp during a cruise.
9. When is the best time to sign up for your shore excursion, before the cruise or once you get on the ship?
I recommend that you book your shore excursion
BEFORE you set sail. Popular excursions sell out quickly!
10. How do I find out what’s included in the price and what’s extra?
Many cruise lines offer upgraded dining options in specialty restaurants, spa services and some fun extras like martini classes or dance lessons.
Getting off the ship at port of call is always free of course, but if you’d like to take an organized shore excursion, there is always an additional fee.
It varies depending on the cruise line.
Most cruise lines offer your stateroom, all meals in the casual dining spaces and dining rooms, musical shows, club entrances, karaoke and pool area for the price of your cruise.
11. How do cruises handle food allergies?
I highly recommend that you speak with your vacation planner about the cruise line of your choice about this topic. Each cruise line handles food allergies differently. Most cruise lines can work with a range of food allergies, but only in the formal dining rooms.
12. Can I bring food or beverages on board?
Please check with your cruise line or travel agent before packing! All cruise ship are different with respect to what you can and can not bring on board. Some cruise line will allow you to bring certain things like a case of water, a 6 pack of soda, 2 bottles of wine. Some don't allow you to bring ANY sodas.
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