Difference between revisions of "JoCo Cruise Crazy/Cruise Ship Basics"
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* Lifeboat drill | * Lifeboat drill | ||
do not skip this! | do not skip this! | ||
− | * Excursions | + | * Booking Extras: |
− | * Speciality dining reservations | + | ** 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...So everyone will have their HAL booking numbers in plenty of time to take care of those things. |
− | * Spa and salon reservations | + | ** Excursions |
− | * | + | ** Speciality dining reservations |
+ | ** Spa and salon reservations | ||
+ | ** Indulgence packages, beverage cards, etc. | ||
* Internet Access | * Internet Access | ||
* Smoking areas | * Smoking areas |
Revision as of 18:47, 8 March 2012
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!
- Booking Extras:
- 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...So everyone will have their HAL booking numbers in plenty of time to take care of those things.
- Excursions
- Speciality dining reservations
- Spa and salon reservations
- Indulgence packages, beverage cards, etc.
- 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
- Main JoCo Cruise Crazy page
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