Cruise Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
How do I know what cruise is right for me?
Asking yourself the following questions is a good
way to narrow down your search for cruises.
Who is going on the cruise?
The first thing to decide on a cruise vacation is
who will be traveling. If there are more than eight
cabins, you may be eligible for group rates. We have
a group department that handles this type of
reservation.
How much time do you have to spend on a cruise?
Depending on the number of days you can spare away
from home or the office often affects your cruise
destination choices. For example, if you have less
than a week off, you will most likely be limited to
the Bahamas and Mexico. If you have a longer amount
of time off, you have opportunities to sail to
farther destinations such as the Caribbean, Alaska,
and Europe.
When do you want to travel?
Peak sailing is generally in the summer months and
around holidays, when cruise fares are generally
higher. If you prefer to sail in the spring or fall,
you will most likely find better fares. If you are
planning to sail to Northern Europe or Alaska, you
are generally limited to May through September
sailings.
Where do you want to travel?
It is important to decide whether a particular
destination or a particular port for departing is
the most important. If you have flexibility for many
departure ports, your options are greater. If you
are just interested in the experience of a cruise
ship, there are cruises that sail to nowhere.
Cruises are virtually available in all areas of the
world.
How will you be arriving to the departure port?
Driving-If you chose to drive to the departure port;
there is a nominal parking fee each day, similar to
airport parking.
Flying-If flights are purchased directly through
this website, your transfers are generally included.
When your flight has landed, head to the baggage
claim area and look for a sign with your cruise
line's name on it. If transfers are not included, a
cruise specialist may be able to add them into your
booking. Prices vary based on cruise line and
arrival city. If air is purchased separately, please
check with a cruise specialist to check the last
available time to arrive.
What type of stateroom are you interested in?
There are generally four categories of staterooms
including interior, ocean view, balcony, and suite.
There are subcategories for each room that depend on
the exact size and location of the room.
Interior- An interior cabin is usually the least
expensive and smallest cabin available. Interior
staterooms have no window.
Ocean View/Outside Cabin- An ocean view cabin is
probably the most popular cabin. It feels like ocean
views are larger than interiors, even though they
may physically be the same size.
Balcony- Nothing is more relaxing than sipping your
morning cup of coffee in your pajamas while lounging
on your private balcony.
Suites- For the ultimate luxury, suites offer
multiple rooms and may include large balconies.
I am unfamiliar with this website. What are your
qualifications?
Cruise Network has been in business under the same
ownership since 1995. Cruise Network is accredited
by the Better Business Bureau and is also a member
of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).
Booking Online
How do you book a handicapped cabin?
Because handicapped cabins are not available online,
you must call in to book. We will be happy to honor
the special web discount rate for cruises that are
unable to be booked online due to special
circumstances. Please note that you must qualify for
a handicap cabin to receive one.
What if I have special requests?
Out agency is able to handle special requests. Let
us know if you are booking more than one cabin and
wish to coordinate the dining, or if you have
special requests for honeymoons, birthdays, or
anniversaries. After booking your cruise, simply
send us an email and shortly after, your request
will be added to your reservation.
What does GUAR mean on the cabin selection page?
GUAR stands for a guarantee stateroom, meaning your
stateroom number will not be assigned until
boarding. In some situations, the stateroom number
may be provided sooner than this. While, this option
will never leave you with a lower category than you
booked, it provides opportunity for upgrade.
Documentation and Other Necessary Information
What documentation do I need?
It is strongly recommended that all passengers
travel with a valid passport.
For Bahamas, Bermuda, Caribbean, Mexico, Canada, and
Domestic sailings:
For U.S. citizens , a passport (valid or expired) is
highly recommended as it will speed-up your check-in
formalities as well as your departure procedures
with government
officials. In the absence of a passport, a birth
certificate (original or a certified copy), plus a
picture ID card issued by a federal, state or local
government agency is required.
A voter registration card or Social Security Card is
not considered to be proof of citizenship. Children
under 16 years of age do not require a picture ID.
Non US citizens should visit the embassy to learn
about your specific case.
US citizens require a passport for all other
sailings.
Are guest documentation forms mandatory?
Yes, guest documentation is mandatory for security
purposes. Information about this can be accessed
from your cruise confirmation that is sent after
booking.
When should I expect my cruise documents?
How and when you receive your cruise documents will
depend on how far in advance your cruise is booked.
If done far in advance, you documents will arrive
around two to three weeks prior to departure. If
your cruise is booked less than three weeks in
advance, your cruise documents are likely to be
issued as pier pick-up.
Cruise Cost/Cancellations/Insurance
What does my cruise cost cover?
Generally the price of your cruise vacation includes
ship accommodations, taxes and fees, ocean
transportation, most meals, some beverages, and most
entertainment.
Where can I find the total cost of my cruise and
what is included in that price?
The total price for your cruise is displayed only
after you have completed your selection. Your
selection includes the ship, itinerary, sailing
date, air if purchased, number of passengers, and
cabin (assignment or guarantee) and filling in
passenger's names and information. This price
includes cruise fare, taxes, and insurance if the
box is selected.
When is my cruise confirmed?
Instantly after entering your credit card number and
clicking on Purchase, the cruise line receives your
information and your booking confirmation will be
displayed on the screen. In addition, an email is
sent confirming your cruise booking.
How is payment for my cruise handled?
Depending on when your cruise is booked, you will be
billed either a deposit or a full payment by the
cruise line directly. A booking made with a sail
date less than 70 days away will transmit the full
payment. If your cruise is booked more than 70 days
in advance (90 days for certain holidays and special
sailings) you will be billed a per person deposit.
The rate will vary because each cruise line has its
own deposit requirements. We will only transmit what
is required by the cruise line booked. The final
payment will automatically be transmitted on the
date required by the cruise line.
What if I need to cancel my cruise? Do you recommend
insurance?
Canceling your cruise after the final payment
deadline will result in cancellation penalties that
can vary from loss of deposit to the entire cost of
your cruise. See Terms and Conditions for more
information. Our agency and the cruise lines
strongly recommend trip insurance to protect your
vacation investment. The cost of trip insurance can
vary, but typically runs 10% of the cost of your
cruise.
General Questions
What should you pack for your cruise?
Most cruise lines have the following amount of
formal nights for dinner in the main dining rooms.
If you chose not to participate with formal dining,
there are casual dining options available.
Cruise Length
Formal Night(s)
3 -5 Nights
1
7-11 Nights
2
13 + Nights
3
Are there luggage restrictions?
As a general rule of thumb the cruise lines have
similar luggage requirement to that of the airlines.
Are pets allowed onboard?
No, pets are generally not allowed to travel on
cruise ships, with the exception of seeing-eye dogs.
Are laundry services available?
Almost all cruise ships provide laundry facilities
and dry-cleaning services for a charge.
Is motion discomfort a problem?
Rarely do passengers experience motion discomfort.
There are preventative measures available if you
feel this might become a problem. Please speak with
your doctor or pharmacist.
How do I make onboard purchases?
Most cruise lines require all onboard purchases to
be made on a card issued to each guest when
boarding. The card is paid off with most forms of
payment such as credit cards, cash, and traveler's
checks.
Are there internet/phone services onboard?
Phone service and internet access is available on
most cruise ships at an additional charge.
What is the minimum age for children to sail?
The minimum age for children to sail varies
depending on the cruise line. Check with the
individual cruise line for their infant policy.
Is there a doctor onboard?
Yes, there is a doctor onboard every ship.
Are babysitting and childcare services provided?
Most ships have a complimentary children's program.
Additional babysitting is available with
reservations at an additional charge.
Are gratuities included?
No, gratuities are not generally included in the
price of your cruise, but this varies from cruise
line to cruise line.
When can I make reservations for the spa or
specialty restaurants?
Once you board the ship you should make any onboard
reservations. Reservations are made on a first come
first serve basis.
When can I book shore excursions?
Most cruise lines allow shore excursions to be
booked 60 days in advance or once you board the
ship. You book shore excursions online or directly
with the cruise line. |