JoCo Cruise Crazy/Cruise Ship Basics

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Cruise Ship Basics

Being on a cruise ship is often a new experience for first time Sea Monkeys. This section will address questions like "will I get seasick", "how much will it *really* cost", and "what the heck is a towel monkey and should I be scared of them?"

  • RTFM, where the F stands for FUN! It is highly recommended that passengers read the instructional information provided by the cruise line. These materials will answer most of the basic cruise-related inquiries. For example, Holland America Line (HAL) offers a "Know Before You Go" PDF, and also a "Cruise FAQ" section on their website.


What to expect before the cruise

  • Consider Travel / Trip Insurance
    • Some tools that are handy - Price it out on sites that represent several insurance companies. These include InsureMyTrip, SquareMouth, and QuoteWright. Some of the bigger companies include TravelGuard and CSA.
  • Get there the day before
  • Embarkation procedure
  • Call your credit card companies and inform them of your itinerary

What to expect on the ship

  • Food - where to find it, what is free, what costs extra
  • Main Dining Room Dress Code

Formal nights vs normal nights, formal is defined by cruise line, not JCCC staff.

From HAL: "Evening dress falls into two distinct categories: Formal or Smart Casual. Smart Casual can be defined as slacks and collared shirts for men and casual dresses, slacks and informal evening wear for women. T-shirts, swimsuits, tank tops and shorts are not allowed in the restaurants or public areas during the evening hours. On festive Formal evenings, ladies usually wear a suit, cocktail dress or gown and gentlemen wear a jacket and tie, dark suit or tuxedo. There are approximately two formal nights per week. . . In order to complement your fellow guests, Holland America Line asks that you observe the suggested dress code throughout the entire evening."

General experience: Shorts and printed t-shirts are generally not permitted. Please note that the dress code only applies when dining in the Main Dining Room or specialty restaurants. Evening meals are available in additional locations.

  • How to pay for stuff (drink cards vs room key)
  • Will I get sea sick
  • Lifeboat drill

do not skip this!

  • Excursions
  • Speciality dining reservations
  • Spa and salon reservations
  • Purchasing packages
  • Internet Access
  • Smoking areas

What to expect after the cruise

  • putting out luggage night before
  • give some wiggle room between cruise arrival and departing flight
  • hanging out with other sea monkeys in airport
  • land legs / dock rock / swaying is normal, do not be alarmed.
  • Check your credit card statements. If you have unexpected charges, email onboardaccounts (AT) hollandamerica (DOT) com with the following information:
    • HAL booking number
    • Ship name
    • Sail date
    • Room number
    • Your name

Links

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