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.

Norm:

Can you tell us something about new developments and trends in spa industry, particularly as it affects those couples seeking romantic getaways together with spa treatments?

Susie:

We are seeing a variety of trends in spa industry. I will share with you 10 trends that we predicted in January of this year:

Medical spas (medicine and spas coming together)

People mixing business and spas

The arrival of "destination day spa"

More affordable spas and more inclusive

International treatments and unique and inviting spas internationally

Spa cuisine going mainstream

Travelers deciding on where to go and stay depending on spa

Pets are welcomed at some spa

More men are going

More families, including teens and preteens

Of these I think one of interesting trends for couples is that more men are going to spas. This means that it is becoming easier and easier for a woman to get her guy to go with her to a romantic spa get away. Increasingly, they already want to go!

Norm:

I have come across term "quality assured" spa, what does this imply, and why should we believe spa when it has this designation?

Susie:

To be honest, I am not aware of any such designation on a large scale. There are over 10,000 spas in U.S. and no one has been to all of them or able to rate them in terms of quality. There is no easy way to conclude level of a spa's service. In fact, sometimes quality comes down more to an individual therapist than it does a facility.

That being said, there are some ways for consumer to have more information that could help them make an informed decision. There is an association called International Spa Association (ISPA) that has a "voluntary standards and practices designation" that spas may choose to apply for if they wish. This could be of some help. But even here, many spas don't know about this so I wouldn't necessarily rule out selecting a spa if they don't have this designation.

It is also helpful to look at what awards a spa has won. For example Spa Finder Readers' Choice Awards lists top 10 spas in almost 20 categories. Since this award is voted on by readers, it is a good indication of quality.

Of course, word-of-mouth is always a good way to learn about a spa.

Norm:

Could you give our readers some suggestions as to tipping?

Susie:

Tipping policies differ among spas but in general it is customary to leave a gratuity of between 15% and 20% for therapist or technician providing your service. In some cases, gratuity is already added on to final bill and in some very rare cases, tipping is discouraged. Most spas have their tipping policy printed on their brochure I often ask, "What is your tipping policy?" when I arrive at spa and check in. That usually clears things up right away!

Norm:

I have read that destination spa concept is evolving as some brands expand their product through other outlets. Could you give us some examples and explain why this is taking place?

Susie: we are seeing brand extension from destination spas such as Canyon Ranch and The Golden Door. Canyon Ranch Health Resort began as a destination spa in Tucson, Arizona in late 70's. They then opened in Lenox, MA and then opened their first Spa Club in Las Vegas. They are now spa on QM2 and are part of a retirement condominium spa facility being built in Miami. They have also added a Canyon Ranch product line and I hear there are more things in pipeline.

The Golden Door branched out from its origins as U.S.'s top destination spa...there are now Golden Door spas at resorts in Arizona, Colorado and Puerto Rico. There is a Golden Door product line.

But I am also seeing another type of brand expansion; that is product companies opening "retail spas". Jurlique comes to mind, Givenchy, and to a certain extent Elizabeth Arden's Red Door could be considered a spa extending from a product. And there are day spas which have become as well known for their products as their spas, such as Bliss and Nichel.

Norm:

What should we expect in future from spas?

Susie:

I think that medicine and spas coming together is a very exciting happening. We are seeing prevention/wellness as well as aesthetic/cosmetic medical spas now. Doctors and spa therapists working together is resulting in some very nurturing, comfortable medical settings with best results possible. In addition entire arena of complementary and alternative (CAM) medicine is finding a home in medical spa environment. Consumers are increasingly interested in being proactive when it comes to their health and well being. (They increasingly need to take responsibility for their own health.)

I think that spas will eventually become a very important part of solution to health problems in world.

Thanks Susie for replying to my questions.

Norm Goldman is the editor of the travel site, sketchandtravel.com and bookpleasures.com.

In addition, Norm and his artist wife Lily are a unique husband and wife team. They meld words with art focusing on romantic destinations and hospitality properties.