Thank you for choosing Cruises For Less to assist you with your cruise vacation! This information is to walk you through the embarkation, cruise and debarkation process.

In advance of your cruise you are required by The Border Security Act to provide the cruise line with some general information. You are able to do this at the cruises' website. We will supply you with that address. Please refer to the individual booking number on your statement or on the letter accompanying your statement. There will be one individual booking number per cabin. If you are asked to print your immigration information, do so and take with you to the ship.

Driving/Parking

For guests who are driving to the pier, parking is available for a fee - approximately $15.00 - $20.00 per night. Most parking lots are fenced and are close to the ship. Whether you park or are dropped off - your luggage will be taken from you and delivered to your stateroom. Luggage tags are available at the pier if you don't want to use printed paper copies. Please be sure to put your cabin number (if you have a cabin assignment, otherwise, you will be given a cabin number at the luggage check - in desk), last name and phone number on them. The environment will be a little chaotic, but be patient and all will be fine. Be sure not to pack your documents in your luggage, as you will need to present them at check in.

Documents

At the terminal you will go through security and the check-in process. Please be patient - the line moves quickly. Have your proof of citizenship ready which is either a passport or a birth certificate (original or certified copy only) with a picture ID (drivers license) before you leave home. If you will be paying your on board charges by cash, tell the cruise representative upon check in. If paying by credit card - they may ask to see it. There may be an immigration form to fill out for certain countries.

Familiarization

Once you've checked in you will be provided with a charge card and cabin key. On some ships the key and charge card are all in one. The charge card is for all of your onboard purchases including payment for shore excursions. Don't forget to sign the back of this card. Children and adults can purchase an unlimited soda card once on the ship. This card is available at one low price enabling the cardholder to get unlimited fountain sodas instead of paying $2.00 per can of Coke. The cost of the card varies upon the length of the cruise. Ask any bartender or go to the information desk. On the front of the room key/charge card is some very important information. It has your name, assigned dining room name, your table number and your folio number. This table is the one that you will eat at for all meals in the main dining room. The main dining room is for sit down and order from menu meals. There will be one formal night in the main dining room on 3, 4, and 5 night cruises and two formal nights for 7 - 10 night cruises. Gentlemen are asked to wear a coat and tie for formal night (whether a suit, tux or jacket and tie). Ladies are asked to wear a church dress, cocktail dress or a gown for the formal night. Otherwise, men can wear a collared shirt with long pants (never shorts at night in the main dining room) and ladies can wear pantsuits or dresses in the evening. Your hair dryer, curlers and shavers are compatible with most ship's electrical current. There is no need to pack towels. The ship provides both bath and beach towels for use on and off the ship. Please be sure to return towels to your cabin or you will be charged for them. There is casual dining at most any time of the day or evening. There's also midnight buffets, ice cream around the clock and room service (free), as well. All of the food with juices, teas and coffee are included in the price of your cruise!! The other bit of information on the front of your card is the dining time. We have requested the seating of your choice. This designates the time for all meals (whether early, late or anytime dining) in the main dining rooms only. If you have been assigned a dining time other than what you wanted - please proceed immediately to the Maitre d' and see if he can accommodate your request.

Your Cabin

Once you are on the ship you will be directed to the deck which your cabin is on. It may be a while before your luggage arrives. It is suggested that each guest have a carry on with anything you may need for the first couple of hours - prescriptions, books, change of clothing, children's games, etc. This carry on will come in handy the last night of your cruise, in that you will be asked to put your luggage outside your door on the last night. In your cabin upon arrival and every night of your cruise will be the ship's newsletter. The room steward will put it in your stateroom when he/she does the nightly turndown service. This newsletter will provide you with the daily activities and port information. Please be sure to refer to this newsletter for dining times while at port and at sea as they can change!!

Alcohol

If you purchase alcohol beverages, you will use your sign and sail card. A 15% gratuity is automatically charged to your card. Do not tip any bartender, bar waiter or waitress. A drink steward and a wine steward will serve you at meals (their gratuity is included as well).

Lifeboat Drill

There will be a mandatory lifeboat drill. All guests should go to their cabin and retrieve their life jackets. The number on front of the jackets is the lifeboat station that you will report to. The cruise lines' employees will direct you to the correct station. Please note that they are very serious about this and do check your rooms for attendance. It will last approximately 10 minutes and then you can return to your day. Please note*****the elevators are shut down during this drill - please get to your lifeboat station ahead of time to avoid using the stairs!!!!

Spa Treatments

If you are interested in any spa treatments go to the spa as soon as the spa opens or as soon as you go aboard (some cruise lines allow you to pre-book spa appointments prior to sailing day on their websites!). Appointments tend to fill up very quickly. Otherwise, some cruise lines have complimentary steam and sauna rooms and whirlpool tubs located inside the spa area. Most ships have a gymnasium and jogging track, as well. If your ship has a "reservation only" dining room, make these reservations as soon as you can as they fill up fast, as well. There is an extra charge for these venues - but well, well worth it!

Shore Excursions

Shore excursions may be booked prior to your cruise on the cruise lines' website. This website will provide information regarding the individual shore excursions, length of time required, and general pricing. To book your shore excursions on-line you will need your individual booking number. You may also sign up for excursions at the Shore Excursions desk on the ship or by following the instructions on your television in your cabin.

Settling Up

The last night of the cruise, an itemized list of your purchases will be put in your cabin. You are given a receipt every time you charge something. Compare what you have purchased against this list for accuracy. Also, all gratuities are added to this charge. The total cost per guest is averages $10.00 per day per guest. This covers the room steward, the dining room waiter, bus person and the rest is divided between the Maitre d' and Head Waiter. If you feel as though you did not receive the expected service, please go to the information desk to have these amounts adjusted. You can tip more if you want! By all means if at any point during your cruise you feel as though you are not receiving a high level of good service - go tell someone at the information desk. Also, the last night of the cruise they will ask you to put your luggage outside your cabin so that they can take it ashore for you. This is where your carry on comes into play again. I pack a duffel bag that folds up well and use it for dirty laundry or for purchases that I have made! A main dining room and the casual dining venues are open the last morning for breakfast. Guests will not be able to get off the ship until U.S. Customs clears the ship. So, take your time and when they call the deck that your cabin is on, you can disembark. In the terminal, the luggage is lined up by the color of your luggage tag. Hanging bags are in a separate area, be sure to look for them. If you do not want to wait until your color is called, you can be the first off the ship if you carry off all of your luggage yourself.

Communication

You may be reached aboard ship by cruise line numbers or your cell phone. Numbers are provided by us or the cruise line website. Please note that calls to and from, as well as, your cell phone can be very expensive!

Seasickness

If you are worried about seasickness, consult your doctor before taking anything. Bonine and non-drowsy Dramamine are over-the-counter products that may help you. Take one the day before the cruise and every day of the cruise - especially the last day for protection. If you are on any medication, please consult your physician first! There is a doctor on the ship if needed (at a cost).

We hope that your cruise vacation is better than you expected. May the fun times and good memories be with you forever. We wish you smooth sailing and Bon Voyage!!

Sincerely,
The Crew at Cruises For Less