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Norm:
What type of clothing should I bring aboard?
Douglas:
Take clothing suited to area you will be cruising in. Remember that ships are air-conditioned, so clothing that is layered works well. If you choose to cruise in cold weather regions, take suitable outer clothing, particularly for excursions ashore (Alaska is an example). If you take a Caribbean cruise, you really could pack light (cottons and natural fibers being best, as many Caribbean islands have a high humidity factor for much of year). Most of (large) resort ships have a very casual dress code, while others (particularly ships that offer cruises longer than seven days industry standard) feature more formal dress codes. Tuxes are only really needed aboard Queen Mary 2 when doing a transatlantic crossing; otherwise, you can dress down and comfortable.
Norm:
Is there always a doctor and clinic aboard cruise ships?
Douglas:
Almost all cruise ships carrying more than 50 passengers have a fully qualified medical doctor and nursing assistants, which also take care of crew. Some of larger ships have several doctors, surgical specialists, small operating rooms, full x-ray facilities, as well as extensive pharmacies. In other words, today's cruise ships would be able to cope with most medical emergencies. However, if you take medication, remember to take an adequate supply (and if you have to fly to get to/from your cruise ship, take medication in your carry-on luggage just in case your checked-in luggage doesn't quite make it on same day, or to same port you're flying to).
Norm:
Can I make telephone calls from cruise ship?
Douglas:
Almost all cruise ships are equipped with direct-dial satellite-linked telephone systems (and Internet connectivity). A few ships even have special aerials that let you use your mobile phone, although most ships lose mobile connectivity when more than a mile offshore. The cost of a direct-dial satellite call varies between about $4 and $10 per minute, so don't use telephone unless you have to-the charges can add up quickly.
Norm:
What is usual check-in schedule before cruise takes off?
Douglas:
Most cruise ships start embarkation about four hours prior to sailing. You would normally complete all paperwork and go through passport and security checks in a passenger terminal before being allowed to board your cruise ship. Today's check-in procedure is relatively painless, although it can take some time if you are cruising aboard one of larger ships, when there will be 3000 other passengers to check in (in other words, there will be lines just like at post office).
Norm:
What happens if someone has special dietary requests?
Douglas:
Most cruise ships can handle special dietary requests, but do give advanced notice so that chefs can order and prepare any food items not normally carried. Its too late once ship has sailed, so make your needs and requirements known at time you book (this is when it's better to book through an accredited cruise travel specialist rather than picking something off Internet which doesn't answer questions well).
Norm:
How do you make payments on board?
Douglas:
An onboard credit account will typically be established when you check in prior to embarkation. When you purchase things aboard ship (drinks or wine, for example), these items are added to your account, and charged to your credit card at end of cruise.
Norm:
Should you tip while on aboard ship?
Douglas:
Some ships include tips, while others automatically add a tip to your daily onboard account (particularly major cruise lines such as Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International). However, on average you should plan on about $10 per day per person. Aboard ships of some of more upscale cruise lines, such as Radisson Seven Seas Cruises, SeaDream Yacht Club, Seabourn Cruise Lines, and Silversea Cruises, tips are included in fare.
Norm:
How safe are cruise ships and how can I find out more about a particular company's record pertaining to its safety and cleanliness?
Douglas:
Today's cruise ships are extremely safe (nobody wants to work aboard an unsafe ship), and most are clean. However, of late, I have noticed that standards of cleanliness in cabins and public areas aboard some of very large ships leave much to be desired (this is effect of discounting, when lines cut personnel to keep prices artificially low). In general, if same standards of food storage, handling, and hygiene that are practiced aboard today's ships were to be applied to hotels and restaurants in United States, most would fail consistently! In other words, ships are clean very clean.
Norm:
If you had any important advice to offer our readers that has not been covered, what would it be?
Douglas:
Do read book Berlitz Publishing's Ocean Cruising & Cruise Ships 2005, and you'll be more educated than most travel agents. Bon Voyage, I wish you all a wonderful cruise vacation.
Thanks Douglas for your time.
Norm Goldman is editor of the travel site, sketchandtravel.com and the book reviewing site,bookpleasures.com.
Norm and his artist wife, Lily, are a unique husband and wife team, as they meld words with art focusing on romantic articles.
To find out more about them you can refer to www.sketchandtravel.com. They are also open for invitations to romantic destinations and hospitality properties in the USA.