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Ask the Captain (FAQs)

We have compiled a set of Frequently Asked Questions to help answer any queries you may have. Should you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to contact us.

• Can you tell me about Shore Excursions?
• Can you tell me all I need to know about tipping onboard a cruise ship?
  
• What clothes should I pack?
  
• What information is needed to make a booking?
  
• When will I receive my tickets?
  
• Why do most cruise ships have two dinner sittings and which one should I choose?

Can you tell me about Shore Excursions?

Shore excursions are optional, guided tours in a cruise ship's port of call. They are offered in almost all cruise ports and cities and are a great way to enhance your cruise experience by allowing you seeing more of the places you visit. Shore excursions highlight the best local attractions and sightseeing opportunities; the best places to shop; and, give the cruise

To get the most enjoyment out of your visit to a port of call, especially if you have not visited the region before, we recommend you book an organised shore excursion. Prices and duration vary for each excursion, and can be booked and paid for in advance via our website, the cruise lines website or by telephoning the cruise line directly. Usually, these must be booked at least 10 days prior to your sailing date. Shore excursions can also be booked on board, however choice and places are limited we therefore recommend you book before sailing to avoid disappointment.

Alternatively, you may wish to explore the particular port of call on your own, please be aware of the ships departure time before you leave the ship and allow sufficient time on your return. Unfortunately, the cruise lines will not accept any liability for passengers missing the departure time.

Click here for more information on shore excursions.

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Can you tell me all I need to know about tipping onboard a cruise ship?

You will not lack guidance on this subject - you will receive advice on the tipping procedure in the daily bulletin, in the disembarkation presentation and on the in-cabin TV.

On some cruise lines tipping is included in the cruise fare (usually the luxury cruise lines), or, can be automatically added at the time of booking, or automatically added to your Onboard Account. Some cruise lines still operate a cash placed in an envelope system at the end of the cruise and give recommendations on how much to give to staff members.

To help you budget for your cruise you should note the following:-

• Typical daily tipping rates per person recommended are £2 for your dining room waiter, £1 for his assistant, £2 for your cabin attendant and if you have a personal butler, about £2 per day. Some cruise lines suggest you also tip the headwaiter or restaurant manager 50p per day.
• If you have children sharing your cabin, it is acceptable to tip at half the adult rate.
• All drinks from the bar (including wine at dinner) have a service charge automatically added. Most American cruise lines add 15% and European cruise lines 10% to the bill.
• Spa or beauty treatments may have tips automatically added to your shipboard account but you may have to tip personally.
• Guides on shore excursions are usually tipped 5% of the excursion cost.
• The luggage porters at the cruise terminal usually expect a tip - a dollar or Euro per bag.

The amounts are guidelines only and of course, you may vary these rates depending on the quality of service you have personally received.

Click here for more information on service fees & tips.

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What clothes should I pack?

There are three styles of dress for your cruise:

• Casual (daytime): swimwear, sundresses, shorts, t-shirts.
• Smart Casual (evening): dresses or trouser suits for women: trousers & collar shirts for men.
• Formal (evening): cocktail dresses for women; suits and ties or diner jackets for men.

Daytime Onboard
The daytime dress code onboard is always casual. Footwear is required if you want to take lunch in any of the dining areas. Some countries have strict dress codes and you may need clothes that will cover both legs and shoulders.

Evening
There is now a trend towards more casual cruising and a choice of dining options with different dress options. Cruise ships assign daily dress codes - casual, smart casual and formal - that take effect in public rooms and restaurants from 6 pm onward, depending on the cruise duration.

• 3 to 4 night cruises include one formal night and two or three casual nights.
• 5 night cruises include one formal, one smart casual and three casual nights.
• 7 night cruises include two formal nights, one smart casual night and four casual nights.
• 10, 11, and 12 night cruises include three formal nights and three smart casual nights.
• 14 and 15 night cruises include three formal nights and four smart casual nights.

If you would rather not dress for dinner, you will be able to dine in one of the alternative dining spots where the formal onboard dress code does not apply.

Click here for more information on dress code.

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What information is needed to make a booking?

Once you have decided on your cruise and cabin type, you’ll need to provide full legal passenger names (as passport), date of birth, nationality, gender, age, UK address, email address.

We will also ask for your choice of dinner sitting (typically early 6:30pm or late 8:30pm), table size preference, smoking preference and if you would like a twin or queen bed configuration.

Finally, your credit or debit card details will be required for the deposit or full balance (if departure is within 12 weeks).

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When will I receive my tickets?

As a guide, all tickets are sent to you by first class post approximately 7 to 10 days prior to departure, or as soon as we receive them from the cruise line. Increasingly, cruise lines now issue e-documents as opposed to traditional tickets.

An e-document will often have a summary of the booking details and a reference number that will be recognised by the airline or cruise line.

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Why do most cruise ships have two dinner sittings and which one should I choose?

Some ships' dining rooms can accommodate all passengers in one seating. But most ships have two seatings that differ only by time. Typically, Early Seating begins between 6 pm and 6:30 and Late Seating begins around 8:15 pm (specific dining times will vary by cruise line and sometimes specific itineraries). To choose, just decide whether you prefer to dine early or late then request your preference when you book.

Your seating and table assignment will be confirmed at embarkation. Either seating will allow you to see all shows and experience all the entertainment the cruise has to offer.

Early Dining means you'll have dinner between 6 pm and 6:30 pm and Late Dining means you'll have dinner between 8:15 and 8:45 pm. There are many reasons why one dining may be better for you than the other.

Early Dining is great if you are travelling with small children who need to stick to a set meal and bedtime schedule; like to go to bed between 10 pm and Midnight; or you are an early riser.

You may want Late Dining if you don't want to feel rushed for dinner after a day in port; you love late-night social activities; and if you don't mind finishing your meal around 10:15 or 10:30 pm.

As an alternative to the more traditional dining experience, some cruise lines now offer freestyle and casual dining (most notably Norwegian Cruise Line and Ocean Village). This option provides guests with the flexibility to dine when and where they wish. You may also choose your dinner companions and request specific table sites rather than being assigned to a particular time and table for the duration of the cruise.

Whatever seating you choose, remember that one of the best ways to make new friends is to ask for a large table, (the maximum number of people will vary between 8 & 10 depending on your chosen cruise line).

Many ships are now offering both alternative dining and choice dining options. This gives you the opportunity to enjoy special theme restaurants such as Italian, Chinese, Japanese or American themed restaurants separate from the main dining room and give you a chance to choose when and with whom you would like to dine. This varies by cruise ship.

For your convenience, in addition to breakfast, lunch, dinner, and midnight buffets, many ships also offer complimentary room service.

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