Cruise Planning Overview - Great To Know Information

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Gratuities

Cruise line gratuities are basically the tips that you'll pay to crew members for services during your cruise. It is customary to give gratuities in recognition of exceptional service, which you’ll receive in abundance aboard your ship during your upcoming cruise vacation. Gratuities are paid to crew such as the dining staff and your cabin steward.

The amount you'll pay will vary based on the cruise line and will be paid per person per day/night. You can prepay the gratuities prior to the cruise. If you don't prepay, the cruise line set amount will automatically be charged to your stateroom onboard account for payment at the end of your sailing.

If you'd like to pay an individual more than the set amount, You can still hand out cash to individual members of the staff that you appreciate, although it’s not required.

A good tip for the porters helping with your bags is $2 per bag both at arrival and upon disembarkation.

Internet Packages

Nowadays all of the major cruise lines have internet access at sea although connectivity can be slow and spotty. Cruise lines are working to change that though.

The larger cruise lines tend to have several plans available for purchase. The cheaper plans only support email and texting (no streaming). The more expensive plans allow streaming and WiFi calling.

NOTE: There are a few cruise lines that offer complimentary basic WiFi that you can upgrade if you need a faster connection, such as Virgin Voyages.

Regardless of if you purchase an internet package for your cruise, you will be able to connect to the ship's WiFi for use of their cruise line's app, which will give you access to cruise activities, the daily schedule, port-of-call information, and much more.

Pro Tip: Make sure any photos you take on your cell phone will only sync to your cloud storage while on WiFi. If you let them sync while on mobile data, you're bound to end up with a large cell phone bill the following month!

Mobile App

All of the major cruise lines now have a mobile app that can be used while onboard during your cruise vacation. While each cruise line's app features will vary by line, most cruise line apps will allow guests to:

View their cruise details, such as the sailing information, itinerary, and possibly even the onboard spending account
View the daily schedule of onboard activities
View and possibly purchase port excursions
Make reservations for restaurants, shows, spa treatments, etc. (if applicable)
Communicate with other onboard guests through app-to-app messaging
And more!

Cruise lines with mobile apps:

Azamara
Carnival
Celebrity
Disney
Holland America
MSC
Norwegian
Princess
Royal Caribbean
Viking Voyages
Virgin Voyages

Photo Packages

When you arrive at port, one of the first things you'll do is take a picture before you board the ship. During your cruise, photographers will greet you at a dinner or two to take a few pictures. You'll have several opportunities for pictures to be taken onboard at other times, especially on any theme nights during your cruise. Most of the cruise lines also have onboard photography studios that you can schedule a session in while you sail.

All of these photos will be available for purchase before the end of your cruise. Most cruise lines will let you purchase pictures individually as well as offer photo packages. Be sure to check out the pre-cruise photo deals - they're almost always cheaper if you purchase prior to the cruise rather than while onboard.

You'll be able to view the photos taken of your party at the photo studio onboard and/or the onboard kiosks available on some cruise lines.

Beverage Packages

Most cruise lines charge an additional fee for beverages while onboard with some exceptions. Disney and Virgin Voyages both offer complimentary non-alcoholic beverages as they are included in your cruise fare. Other cruise lines will offer a non-alcoholic beverage package and at least one beverage package that includes both non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks. Packages are a flat fee for unlimited drinks within the category of the package. Some cruise lines also offer coffee or wine specific packages.

NOTE: you can also purchase soda, beer, wine, and cocktails by the glass while onboard.

Beverage package costs will varying greatly by cruise line.

Purchasing beverage packages prior to your cruise tends to be less expensive compared to purchasing it once onboard. Watch for pre-cruise beverage package discount deals too!

Be aware: many cruise lines will require all adults in a stateroom cabin to purchase the same beverage package. This is to prevent two or more people in a cabin from sharing a single beverage package.

Laundry Services

Many cruise line ships offer laundry services onboard that range from express dry cleaning to self-service launderettes complete with token or change washers.

If you'd like to pack less and get the wash done mid-trip, you'd like to have your laundry done prior to disembarkation, or you're worried about needing emergency laundry services while onboard, be sure to ask your Travel Planner for laundry services details of the cruise line you'll be sailing on.

Onboard Medical Care

All cruise ships have a medical center available onboard. They are usually located on a lower deck away from the main guest areas. When you enter the medical center, you'll come into a waiting room just like you would at any doctor's office. You'll be asked to complete typical medical forms with your medical history and insurance information. There will also be exam rooms as well as larger medical facilities for minor suturing, longer stays, and even an ICU for those types of medical emergencies.

Pro Tip: If you're suffering from sea sickness, see guest services for assistance. Often times, they can help!

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