Q.  Are there any cancellation penalties?

Yes.  The cruise line implements cancellation penalties at the time final payment is due (August 15, 2010), and the amount of penalty is based on how far before the cruise that you cancel.

We also have a separate cancellation penalty of $100 per person effective at booking  in addition to any cruise line penalties assessed.

We strongly urge everyone to have travel insurance coverage that will cover these penalties in the event that you cancel due to a covered reason.

Q.  Are there additional fees?

Yes.  There is a mandatory group activity fee of $75 per person that is in addition to the cruise fare.   This is a non-refundable fee.

Q.  Do I need a passport or visa in order to cruise?

Before traveling consult with the U.S. State Department website for current pasport and visa requirements.  As of August 2009, this particular cruise itinerary (round-trip out of New York City, NY) does not require a passport, although passports are strongly encouraged.  If you travel without a passport you will need to have a certified copy of your birth certificate and/or U.S. naturalization papers, plus a state issued photo ID (like a driver’s license). 

An important reason to consider getting your passport now — even if passports are not required for this cruise, they are required for all non-domestic air travel.  If you have to fly home from Bermuda due to an emergency, a passport would be required for the flight although not required for the cruise.

Q.  When are payments due?

Payment in full is due within 24 hours of booking.

The travel insurance payment should be purchased at the time of booking to maximize benefits.  However, you can purchase travel insurance at a later date, although some coverage (such as pre-existing condition waivers) may not be available.

Q.  What forms of payment are accepted?

For cruise payments: Royal Caribbean will accept MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover cards.

For insurance payments: Travel Guard will also accept all major credit cards.

For the mandatory group activity fee:  Ships ‘N’ Trips Travel can accept MasterCard, Visa, and American Express credit cards.

Q.  What should I pack?

 Click here for our packing tips check-list.  Or check here for a longer list of tips we’ve gathered over the years.

TAKE NOTE:  regarding ANY medications or equipment that you need to bring with you (oral medications, insulin, over-the-counter medications, C-PAP machines, etc.) plan on bringing them in your CARRY-ON luggage and do NOT pack them in any checked luggage.  If you do have a C-PAP machine, we highly recommend bringing your own extension cord as well.

This is a 7 night, 8 day cruise.  Plan on packing extra medical supplies (it’s recommended to bring twice as much as you would normally need for the length of the trip).  Keep all prescription medications in their original containers with the prescription label still attached.

Q.  What other expenses should I budget for, and how much should I budget?

How much to budget varies from one person to the next.  Other expenses to anticipate and budget may include:

• Airfare (and any fees the airlines may charge for checked baggage, etc.)
• Airport transfers
• Shore excursions
• Onboard purchases (souvenirs, alcohol, sodas, photographs, etc.)
• The casino and Bingo
• Internet Cafe usage
• Gratuities
• Ship to Shore calls
• Specialty restaurant
• Spa treatments

Q.  What is the tipping policy on cruises?

Gemerally speaking, tipping is expected and typically ranges from $9 to $11 per passenger per day of the cruise, and this is split between your server, assistant server, head server, and stateroom attendant.  Most cruise lines allow you to put your tips on  your onboard stateroom account, but you also have the option of presenting cash tips at the end of your cruise.  Bar tabs typically include an automatic 15% gratuity.  And other shipboard personnel (i.e. spa employees) can be tipped at your discretion.

Note that Royal Caribbean’s “My Time” dining requires pre-paid gratuities paid at the time of booking.

Q.  Do we have to stay with the group for all activities?

Definitely not.  Although some activities are included in your price of the cruise (group costume party, group cocktail party) you are not rquired to attend if you choose not to do so (there are no monetary refunds for any events that you do not attend however).  Also, private shore excursions will be available (at an additional cost) and are purely optional as well.

Q.  Can we call home from the ship?

Ship to shore calls can be made, and charges for such calls can range from $5 to $10 per minute.

Q.  Will I get seasick?

Seasickness has become rare on newer, larger cruise ships that are equipped with stablizers that are designed specifically to minimize the feeling of movement.  If seas do get rough, medicine may be available from the ship’s medical center.  If you are prone to motion sickness (i.e. on airplanes or in cars), you should consult with your personal physician ahead of time  to determine the best course of action for you (be it a prescription, over-the-counter medication, or accupressure wrist bands).

Q.  Can we itemize the charitable donation on our tax returns?

The per stateroom donation is being made by Royal Caribbean Cruise Line.