| Why do I have to choose a dinner sitting and which one should I choose |
| Due to the size of modern cruise ships the majority of todays ships have two dinner sittings that differ only by time. This is to ensure that cruise lines are able to continue delivering their high level of cuisine and service. Typically, Early Seating begins between 18:00 pm and 18:30 and Late Seating begins around 20:00 and 20:30 pm (specific dining times will vary by cruise line and sometimes specific itineraries).
Our advice is to base your decision on whether you like to dine earlier or later then state your request at time of booking.
Your seating and table assignment will be confirmed at embarkation. Either seating will allow you to see all shows and experience all the entertainment the cruise has to offer. |
| Can cruise ships cater for special dietary requirements |
| Dining rooms on many ships now have meals geared to specific dietary requirements - low sodium, low fat, low sugar, etc. - on every menu and will accommodate passengers on even more restricted diets provided they get advance notice before you sail.
All the cruise lines featured on our website will accommodate your special dietary requirements such as vegetarian, Kosher, Halal, diabetic, low fat, low-sodium, low-cholesterol, gluten-free and lactose-free diets.
At the time of booking, please inform a member of staff about your dietary requirements. Once your booking is confirmed we will contact the cruise line on your behalf, with your special dietary requirements. |
| Do I have to pay for my meals |
| All your meals are included within the cost of your cruise,
However, many cruise lines today now offer alternative dining options and specialty restaurants that may require a small cover charge. The quality of these restaurants is second to none to the finest restaurants on land and available at a greatly reduced cost.
The applicable fees range from £10 - £30 per guest depending upon the cruise ship and the restaurant. |
| How do I pay for items onboard |
| All items onboard a ship will generally be priced in Pounds Sterling, U.S Dollars or Euros depending on the chosen cruise line. Onboard a cashless system is operated. Once you check in and register you credit card an onboard account is immediately set up.
To purchase any items your room key is swiped and your items are automatically billed to your account. On the final night before disembarkation you will receive a fully itemised statement of your onboard account. |
| Can you advise on tipping whilst onboard a cruise ship |
| Your personal onboard staff all work extremely hard for you whilst you're enjoying your cruise.
Usually at your discretion, the cruise lines will provide a recommended daily amount to allow for tips and, with your permission, may often automatically add the gratuities to your shipboard account. This amount covers your cabin steward and the waiters and assistants who have served you in the main dining room.
Just because you're being automatically billed doesn't mean you don't have control as you can adjust the amount up or down by paying a visit to the Purser's Desk. You may also have the choice of pre-paying your gratuities, along with your final payment, at the time of booking.
The recommended amount varies by cruise line. For further information specific to your cruise line please contact us. |
| Can I smoke onboard |
| All cruise ships have designated areas for smoking onboard. However please note all theatres and dining rooms are non-smoking. |
| I want to take my own hairdryer/straighteners/shaver. What plug adapter do I need |
| The majority of cruise ships operate on 110 and/or 220 volt AC with a European twin pin plug. Please note most cabins are already equipped with a basic hairdryer. If you forget your adapter, don’t worry, as most duty free shops onboard will be able to sell you a replacement. Please check with your individual cruise line in relation to items having a heating element enclosed. Some cruise lines will not allow these items to be embarked due to safety reasons. |
| Can I do laundry onboard |
| The vast majority of cruise ships today have laundries on-board, so you can submit your clothes to be washed and pressed as you go through room service. There are a small number of ships, which also have self-service laundry facilities. |
| What happens if I become ill onboard |
| Every cruise ship provides professional medical staff and facilities on board to assist including a licensed doctor in the event of an emergency or routine medical condition.
The size of ship may determine the extent of the facilities although some smaller luxury ships are very well equipped. Consultations with the doctor and use of the medical facilities will be charged on your Onboard Account.
Guests are responsible for providing all medications, equipment and supplies necessary for their care, and must have the appropriate levels of travel insurance cover in place before travelling. |
| What are the normal tipping practices on cruise ships?
|
| This largely depends on the cruise line. Some companies include tips in the price, some will let you give the money directly to the staff, some will do an automatic charge, and in some cases, you pay at the end.
This is something you can typically find at the cruise line websites. |
| Do you have to dress up for a dinner on a cruise ship?
|
| This depends on the cruise ships. In some, you do need to dress up because they are more formal than others.
It also depends on where you are having dinner.
You can consult this on the cruise line websites. |
