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! Highly recommended reading:

Review 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. This document may include (but not limited to) information regarding:

  • Identification Requirements
  • Emergency Phone Numbers
  • Guests Under 21
  • Immunization
  • Customs Information
  • Alcoholic Beverages Brought Onboard
  • Baggage Policies & Packing Advice
  • Clothing (with evening dress and electrical appliance guidelines)
  • Gift Packages
  • Dining
  • Boarding Procedures
  • Activities Onboard
  • Excursions
  • Services Onboard (includes laundry information, prohibition of irons in cabins)
  • Shipboard Meals
  • Medical Facilities
  • Passenger Safety Briefing
  • Smoking Policy
  • Communications at Sea
  • Shipboard Account
  • Currency Exchange
  • Hotel Service Charge
  • Disembarkation Procedures

The Official JoCo Cruise Crazy website also features a detailed FAQ.

What to expect before the cruise

  • [From The Home Office] Pre-cruise, we encourage you to visit the JCCC Discussion Forums, where people may already self-organizing various activities and events, including dance lessons, an a cappella group, coordinating shore excursions, Rock Band sessions in individual cabins, and much, much more. So if you’re interested in joining in, or starting an unofficial group/event of your own, dive on in and join the discussions. BONUS: everyone there is super-friendly!
  • Consider Travel / Trip Insurance - 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.
  • Arrive to the Port city one day early. (Get there the day before)
  • Embarkation procedure (See RTFunM above)
  • 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 (See RTFunM above)
    • Formal nights vs normal nights, formal is defined by cruise line, not JCCC staff.
    • 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):
    • Room key: With your room key, you will be able to use your onboard account for all shipboard purchases, including beverages. All charges will be listed on your onboard statement.
    • Value (aka drink or beverage) cards: There are also "value" cards available for purchasing only beverages. For example, a "soda card" may cost $25, but the card is worth $50 value. "Beverage cards" (for non- and alcoholic drinks) may cost $45, and worth $50 ($90 for $100, etc). Any unused portion will be credited back to your account, minus the original discount. If these cards are purchased before boarding, they are often pre-printed with your name, and will be delivered to you on embarkation day. Cards may be purchased onboard, but may not have your name printed on them. One advantage in using these cards is that they only appear on your onboard statement once, as opposed to multiple entries for various transactions. This may make it easier to track your purchases.
  • Will I get sea sick
    • Motion sickness and/or nausea remedies: over-the-counter medications, prescription medication patches, candied gingerroot, ginger pills, ginger gum, acupressure wrist bands. YMMV.
    • Personal hygiene recommendations
  • Mandatory Muster/Lifeboat drill - do not skip this! (See RTFunM above)
  • Booking Extras: (See RTFunM above)
    • [According to The Home Office and HAL]: In general, all passengers may use their HAL booking numbers begin booking shore excursions, spa appointments, and so forth starting 6 months prior to sailing.
    • Excursions
    • Speciality dining reservations
    • Spa and salon reservations
    • Indulgence packages, beverage cards, etc.
  • Internet Access (See RTFunM above)- On HAL, pricey Internet Packages are available for purchase. It is reported that access is painfully slow.
  • Smoking Policies (See RTFunM above)
  • Shipboard Account: It is recommended that passengers review their shipboard account towards the end of the cruise. Documents can be obtained by request at the Front Office.

What to expect after the cruise

  • putting out luggage night before
  • give some wiggle room between cruise arrival and departing flight
  • Disembarkation typically takes place between 7:00 am and 10:00 am.
  • Allow time to gather luggage and go through US Customs.
  • 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

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