The cost of your cruise includes your lodging, meals, entertainment, port fees, and taxes. It may also include any optional classes, group fees, or program fees that are part of a group sailing. Please note, there are some optional amenities that will incur additional costs, including, but not limited to: soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, photo packages, spa treatments, onboard shopping, gambling, and anything you might do in port or off the ship. You will also be charged for gratuities ($14.50 - $17.50 per person per day) and optional travel insurance (information provided below). Some cruise lines may also elect to institute a $10 per person/per day fuel service charge.

Do I have to pay for food/beverages?

Your meals and beverages are provided on the cruise at no extra cost. This includes the main dining room, buffets, casual dining restaurants, and room service. Exceptions to this include any specialty restaurants, late-night room service (between midnight and 5:00 AM), the coffee shop, dessert bar, ice cream parlor, candy store, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages. Guests may purchase a soft drink or alcoholic beverage package for a modest fee plus gratuities. On some cruise lines, you may also bring a small quantity of soft drinks onboard for personal use in your stateroom (check with your cruise line for details). Guests (21 years of age and older) may bring onboard a maximum of two bottles (750ml) of wine or champagne, per stateroom (1 bottle per adult) at embarkation, only in their carry-on luggage. A corkage fee per bottle will be charged should you wish to consume this wine in public areas. Alcoholic beverages seized on embarkation day will not be returned. Unsealed containers with prohibited liquids will be discarded, as well as any unclaimed items left after the voyage, and no compensation will be given in either case. Alcoholic beverages of any kind purchased in any port-of-call will be retained at the gangway, stored onboard, and held by the cruise line until the end of the voyage. Alcoholic beverages of any kind purchased in the ship's gift shop will be stored onboard and retained by the cruise line until the end of the voyage.

What is a SeaPass or Sail & Sign card?

The SeaPass (Royal Caribbean) or Sail & Sign (Carnival) card is basically your onboard charge card. During check-in, you will either deposit cash into your onboard account or link it to a credit or debit card. Whenever you make purchases onboard, they will be charged to your onboard account and the total will be invoiced at the end of the cruise. This card will also serve as your stateroom key and boarding pass, and must be carried with you along with your photo ID whenever you go onshore.

Do I need a passport?

We strongly advise all cruise passengers to travel with a passport and some form of government-issued photo I. D., such as a driver’s license or state I. D. card. If you do not have a passport already, you should apply for one as soon as possible. Passports can take 8-12 weeks once you apply, and delays can occur; you may not be allowed to travel without it. You can apply for a passport at your local post office or county government office. You may be able to travel with a birth certificate on some cruises, but this is not advised.

What if I can't travel/Can I purchase travel insurance?

You can purchase optional insurance at an additional cost that will protect you in case you are unable to travel after you have paid for your cruise. Additionally, travel insurance will help recover the cost of lost luggage and/or medical expenses incurred if you are sick or injured during your trip (many domestic health insurance plans will not cover expenses incurred while on a cruise, check your provider for coverage). Please contact us to discuss the rates and limitations of coverage.

In most cases, a cruise is at least partially refundable until the final payment date. After the final payment deadline, penalties will be incurred up to 100% of the cost of your cruise.

What happens at embarkation?

See our Embarkation and Disembarkation page for detailed information.

What else is there to do on the ship?

A cruise ship is a lot like a city at sea. There are LOTS of things to do at all hours of the day and night. You might be interested in some of these other activities:

Fine dining
Mini golf
Youth programs (ages 2-17)*
Nightclubs
Casino
World-class shows
Soak up some sun
Spa
Fitness classes
Guest lectures
Bingo
Basketball
Ice kkating*
Duty-free shopping
Movies
Parades
Dance lessons
Rock climbing*

What kind of things can I do in port?

Each port offers a wide variety of planned off-ship excursions that can be booked through the cruise line or another vendor once you have received your confirmation number. Prices for excursions vary. You can book them online or you can wait and book excursions once you are on board, however, you should be aware that popular excursions fill up fast. If you know you want to participate in a specific excursion, you should book it in advance. You may also opt to venture out on your own, or simply stay aboard the ship and enjoy some of the amenities there. For a full list of available excursions, please visit the website for your cruise line.

How much luggage can I bring?

Currently, there are no restrictions on the number of bags/suitcases you can bring for most cruise lines. However, keep in mind that most of your luggage will be “checked” and delivered to your stateroom after the cruise is underway. Some cruise lines do suggest limiting your baggage to two (2) checked bags, and MSC posts a strict limit of no more than two checked bags per passenger on their website. Check with your travel agent and/or cruise line for details. At the terminal, a porter will check your luggage for a modest tip at embarkation; $1-$2 per bag is customary. You may also bring one carry-on tote/bag with you at embarkation unless otherwise noted.

Where can I get luggage tags?

Cruise guests who have completed online check-in may download complimentary luggage tags by logging in to your online account and navigating to your eDocs/Boarding Documents/Luggage Tag page. For some cruise lines, the luggage tag is included in the boarding document. You will need to print that page as many times as you need to have one tag for each piece of luggage. Luggage tags will be available upon arrival at the pier for guests with a guarantee stateroom or for guests who do not complete check-in prior to sailing.

Should I lock my luggage?

For security reasons, all luggage is screened at embarkation. Therefore, it is advised that you do not lock your luggage. If you feel your luggage must be locked in some way, we advise that you purchase a number of inexpensive “zip ties” and use those in-place of locks whenever possible. This will ensure the cruise line access to your luggage if necessary, but will also prevent accidental opening during loading.

What kinds of clothing should I bring?

Casual and resort wear is appropriate for daytime both onboard and onshore. Comfortable clothing is suggested for your onshore excursions. Long pants may be required for some onboard activities and excursions. Don't forget your sunblock -- we will be closer to the sun!

Formal attire, cocktail dresses, and dark suits are suggested for formal dinners. Our groups usually have a great time dressing for this event since it is something we don't often do in our everyday lives.

For the other evenings, anything from casual resort wear to sports coats and ties is acceptable, but shorts, t-shirts, and flip-flops are NOT ALLOWED in the dining rooms.

How many formal nights will there be?

In general, on a 7-day cruise, there are usually two (2) formal nights and one (1) smart casual night. The remaining four (4) nights are casual. See the following list for some examples of each kind of attire.

- - - Casual: for men, sports shirt and slacks; for women, sundress or pants
    - Smart Casual: for men, jacket and tie; for women, dress or pantsuit
    - Formal: for men, suit and tie or tuxedo; for women, cocktail dress or evening gown

Guests who do not wish to dress up for dinner may choose from the many alternate dining options onboard, however, we have found that our groups usually enjoy dressing up for dinner since this is not something we normally do in our everyday lives.

Will there be electrical outlets?

The staterooms have 110v A/C outlets. You may bring blow dryers, shavers, curing irons, etc., but you may not use clothing irons or heating pads in the staterooms. You are welcome to bring a portable CD/MP3/iPod, etc. for personal use, however, you will have to use headphones in public areas. We often advise guests to bring a small extension cord and/or power strip, especially if you will be charging phones or laptops or if you will be using your electronics in the crop room (crafting groups). The electrical outlets are usually on the vanity, therefore guests who use a CPAP machine will need an extension cord in order to reach the bed. Some cruise lines are very particular about extension cords and power strips as they are a high risk for fire. If you bring these items, they may be confiscated at embarkation and returned at the end of the cruise (on request). Bring them at your own risk. Most cruise lines offer a blow-dryer in the room.

Are there any restrictions to what I can bring onboard?

In order to maintain a safe and secure environment, cruise lines prohibit guests from bringing certain items on board, i.e., weapons, candles, irons, alcohol, or other dangerous goods. According to policy, the cruise line will conduct security scanning of all baggage, and if prohibited items are found, they will be removed and stored on board for safekeeping until the end of the voyage. The retained item(s) will be available for collection in a designated location on the morning of debarkation. Unsealed liquids that are prohibited will be discarded, as well as any unclaimed items left after the voyage, and no compensation will be given in either case. Additionally, the cruise line reserves the right to confiscate (and destroy) any articles that in the cruise line's discretion are considered dangerous or pose a risk or inconvenience to the safety and security of the ship, or guests, and no compensation will be provided. For additional information, please refer to the terms and conditions of your cruise ticket contract.

Confiscated Items

• Alcohol (hard liquor)/sealed, unopened bottles

• Beer/sealed, unopened bottles/cans

• Wine or champagne/sealed, unopened bottles - beyond the allowable limit of one bottle (750 ml. size) per adult 21 years of age (brought on at embarkation time only) (two bottles per stateroom)

• Clothing irons and steamers (laundry facilities with irons and ironing boards are available)

• Electrical and household appliances (i.e. coffee makers, hot plates, toasters, etc.)

• Candles

• Heating Pads

• Incense

• Hookah

Prohibited Items – will be disposed of prior to boarding

• Large coolers

• Illegal drugs or substances

• Alcohol in unsealed containers

• Firearms (Including, non-firing weapons and starter pistols)

• Ammunition (i.e., bullets, shot, or missiles that can be fired using a propellant)

• Imitation or replica weapons (Including., de-commissioned weapons or those not capable of being fired, toy weapons, or any other item made, intended, or adapted to be used as a weapon)

• Explosives or explosive component parts, (Including detonators)

• Fireworks or pyrotechnics (except those previously approved in connection with a company stage production, which have been properly manifested)

• Taser or electronic stun guns

• Pepper or mace sprays

• Telescopic or regular batons

• Martial arts equipment (Including., flails, throwing stars, belt buckle knives, etc.)

• Handcuffs, brass knuckles

• Compressed gas bottles/cylinders

• Knives with blades longer than four (4) inches ( Recreational dive knives are allowed but must be held in the custody of the Guest Services Manager or Chief Security Officer and must be checked out/in by the owner for dive excursions during the cruise.)

• Dive tanks (empty or full), diver spears/slings

• Household goods or tools of trade

• Volatile and highly flammable liquids such as cigarette lighter fluid

• Other dangerous chemicals such as bleach or paint

• Scissors with blades longer than four (4) inches (Large scissors of the type used by scrapbook and quilting enthusiasts are at times permitted with prior notification from the Security Services Department, but are held onboard in the same manner as dive knives.)

• Medical marijuana

• Bicycles

• Baseball bats, hockey sticks, cricket bats, or bow and arrow

• Surfboards or skateboards

• Scooters (only permitted if used for mobility; must be stored in guest's stateroom)

• Boats/canoes

• Segways

• Any footwear with wheels, (i.e. Heely's type shoes)

• HAM radios

What can I bring with me at embarkation and what do I have to check?

Checked luggage will be delivered to your stateroom as it is processed onboard. This process can take several hours, and your luggage may not be delivered until late in the evening. It is advised that you pack your carry-on bag to include any necessities you might need for the day as well as any valuables. Passengers may bring one carry-on bag/suitcase/tote with them at embarkation, however, for security reasons, certain items must be checked. We suggest you carry on a change of clothes, your swimsuit, and any prescription medications you might need for the rest of the day. We also suggest that scrapbookers put their photographs in their carry-on bag rather than their checked luggage. We will advise you of any other special items that need to be carried on or checked as soon as the list becomes available. For more information, check the Royal Caribbean or Carnival website.

How do I cruise with diabetes, a CPAP, a special diet, or a wheelchair?

Traveling with medical conditions should not be difficult if you know what to expect and are prepared. The most important thing you can do is alert your travel agent (that's us!) that you have special medical needs, that you will be bringing medical equipment with you, or that you need medical equipment while onboard. We can make arrangements with the cruise line to make sure you have access to your equipment and have a safe, healthy, and fun cruise. Here are a few tips for some common medical conditions, supplies, and equipment:

If you have food allergies or require a specific diet, please let us know. Cruise lines are often able to accommodate special diets for diabetes, gluten intolerance, vegetarian, and food allergies such as nuts. By letting us know in advance, we can alert the ship, and avoid potential complications.
If you are diabetic and take insulin, the cruise line may be able to provide a refrigerator in your cabin for storage of your insulin or may provide access to refrigeration nearby. You should also request a sharps container for disposal of needles, pens, lancets, and other bio-hazardous materials. DO NOT dispose of your bio-hazardous material in the trashcan, as this may endanger the health of your traveling companions, stewards, and other staff onboard.
If you use a CPAP machine, you will need to take a few extra measures to make sure you can use your CPAP onboard. Since a CPAP machine is considered medical equipment, you will want to carry it with you along with your carry-on luggage for both the cruise and any airline flights. You will not be able to bring distilled water with you, so be sure to let your travel agent know that you are bringing a CPAP onboard so that arrangements can be made to bring you distilled water once you are on the cruise. You should also remind your cabin steward once you are onboard. Most cruise ships have a limited number of electrical outlets, and they are usually located near the desk/dressing table. For this reason, you may need an extension cord. Some cruise lines allow you to bring them onboard and some do not. If we know about your CPAP, we can advise you whether you can bring one or need to ask for one once you get onboard. A quick Google search brings up great list of tips for "traveling with a CPAP machine." For more information and helpful tips about traveling with your CPAP, speak to your doctor.
Persons requiring the use of a wheelchair or scooter can request a handicap-accessible cabin, however, you should note that there are a limited number of these, and they may not be available in our group allotment, therefore the pricing will vary. Please let us know about your interest in an accessible cabin when you book your cruise. Wheelchairs and scooters must be stored in your cabin when not in use. You may also request the temporary use of a wheelchair for embarkation and debarkation -- please let us know in advance.

How much/what can I buy duty-free?

Please check the customs requirements to make sure you have the latest information. The following information was accurate at the time it was posted. All Heads of Households are required to complete one U.S. Customs Declaration Form, to include those family members traveling with them who reside at the same address. The Head of Household must declare the total value of all articles acquired abroad that they are bringing into the United States, including those items purchased on the ship, in foreign ports, and in any duty-free stores. All purchases, including tax-free items (ex: artwork, unset precious gemstones, perfume, cosmetics, antiques and U.S. made products), must be listed on the back of the U.S. Customs declaration form. Undeclared merchandise is subject to seizure and/or penalty. If the family has exceeded the U.S. Customs exemptions, the Head of Household must present him or herself with receipts to the Customs Agents on the last morning of the cruise before the debarkation process begins.

Duty-Free Allowance:

· $800 (retail) of duty-free purchases per person may be spent

· 1 liter of alcohol per person (21 years or older)

· 1 carton of cigarettes containing 200 cigarettes (18 years or older)

· 100 non-Cuban cigars (18 years or older)

Note that state regulations on imports may also apply. For instance, the state of Texas will impose a tax on all liquor and cigarettes brought through Texas ports.

When is the craft room or group meeting room open?

For our scrapbooking and craft groups, all group crafting activities will take place in a designated area as set by the cruise line. We will make every effort to ensure as much quality crafting time as possible, and in most cases, the cruise line has promised us 24/7 access to suitable meeting space. However, please understand that all meeting places and times are at the discretion of the cruise line and may change without notice. Craft room schedules will be posted along with class schedules on the activities page for your cruise as they become available.

Similarly, meeting space for our other group cruises is at the discretion of the cruise line. Every effort will be make to ensure that suitable meeting space is available and accessible throughout the cruise or at dates and times scheduled for your group. Meeting space and workshop schedules will be posted along with other important information on the activities page for your cruise.

Can I leave my tools and supplies in the craft room or meeting room?

In the past, the room that was provided to us did not lock; therefore, it is advised that you take your scrapbooking materials, tools, and supplies with you whenever you leave our cropping area or meeting room. However, depending on the ship and cruise line, we may have the ability to lock the room when we leave. We suggest bringing your supplies in a rolling cart or tote just in case. You may, however, leave your supplies in the craft room at your own risk when permitted to do so by the cruise line.

Are there any classes?

The availability of classes and workshops will vary for different groups. Check the activity page for your cruise for information on each particular sailing. Please note: Some groups include optional program fees for organized activities. While the program fees are optional for each guest, they are required for anyone who wishes to participate in the organized activities offered by the group.

Crafty Neighbor:

Unless otherwise noted, all Crafty Neighbor-sponsored classes are included in the program fee for your cruise. Class schedules and descriptions will be announced prior to sailing for each cruise, along with any associated program fees. At the beginning of the cruise, you will receive a packet containing the supplies and instructions for all classes.

Classes will be presented according to the following schedule guidelines.

All "Self-Paced" classes will be taught concurrently in a group setting beginning at 10:00 AM each class day. At check-in, you will receive a packet containing the instructions and supplies for your class. The instructors will be there to help get you started and will demonstrate any techniques involved in your class. You will then be left to work at your own pace. The instructors will be nearby to answer any questions you might have.
Our "Basics" series of classes (Photography, Scrapbooking, Silhouette, and Cricut) will be presented in a lecture and/or hands-on format and will be held at set times as scheduled by the instructor. You will receive an email with the exact time, but in general, Basics classes will be held at such times that they do not complete or interfere with any "Self-Paced" classes. Basics series classes are not available on all cruises.
"Workshop" style classes will follow a more traditional schedule, with classes beginning at either 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM on sea days. Classes are generally 1-, 2-, or 4-hours long with hands-on, step-by step instruction. The number of classes will depend on the complexity of the projects and the length of the cruise. We try to offer a "catch-up" class on the last day at sea for anyone who needs extra assistance.

Are there make-n-takes?

We generally offer several make-n-take opportunities free of charge on each crafting cruise. Information about the availability and schedules of specific make-n-takes will be provided in either your goodie bags and/or informational packets.

Will there be goodie bags?

Every participant in our crafting/scrapbooking cruises will receive a goodie bag from Crafty Neighbor. The bags will be handed out during the Meet & Greet on the first night of the cruise. Please check your bag for any contest instructions and last minute information. Additionally, all group members will receive a commemorative t-shirt.

Other groups often provide goodie bags and incentives. Check the activities page for your cruise.

What if I don't want to scrapbook or participate in group activities?

That's okay! We welcome non-participants to join our groups! And even if you are a paid participant, if you get onboard and decide you want to do something else, then that's okay, too! There are still plenty of things to do onboard, and you don't have to scrapbook ore engate with the group for even one minute if you don't want to! Many of our crafting participants never scrapbook at all! Most of our crafting group class kits contain instructions for you to complete your projects on your own, but please keep in mind that some workshops presented by other groups may have attendance requirements or may not be presented in a format that allows for independent study outside of the classroom. Be sure to check with your group leader in advance, and keep in mind that you must pay the program fee before sailing in order to participate in the organized activities.

What kinds of tools and scrapbooking supplies can/should I bring?

This will vary for each sailing. We are working on a list of approved scrapbooking/craft tools that the cruise line will allow you to bring. All tools must meet the approved guidelines for the specific ship and cruise line. See your activities page for details. When packing tools, it is advised that you partner with your friends to bring only what is necessary, and avoid duplicating larger and seldom-used tools if possible.

Crafters, don't forget to bring lots of adhesive, and we suggest you plan your pages and projects in advance so you can make a list of supplies you will need to work on them. Kits are a great option! When we have the complete list of approved items, we will post it on this website.

Tools and supplies required for other classes and workshops will be listed on the activities page for your cruise.

Will there be a group photo?

We will try to schedule a time for group photos. Check the activities page for your cruise for more information.

What if I need to cancel my cruise?

It is unfortunate when a guest needs to cancel their cruise, but it does sometimes happen. This is one reason why we highly suggest passengers purchase a travel protection plan. Travel insurance will cover your non-refundable fees if you are unable to travel, and will also help with some other expenses that you might incur while on your cruise. Ask your travel agent for more information.

What if I get seasick?

Seasickness is rare on large ships. If you should feel queasy, medicine is available from your stateroom steward, the information desk, the gift shop, or the ship infirmary.

What happens at disembarkation?

Please see our Embarkation and Disembarkation page for details.

*Availability varies by cruise line and ship. Additional charges may apply.

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