FAQs

Is cruising affordable and a good vacation value?
How long are cruises?
Where can I go?
How do I book a cruise?
Are all ships fairly similar?
Are there different types of cruises?
Are there any special educational programs on-board?
What's an air/sea cruise?
Do I need a passport?
Are there different classes of service?
Will I get bored? Feel confined?
What can I do in port?
Do I have to participate in the activities?
Do cruise lines welcome families with kids?
What's there to do at night?
Is there a charge for entertainment?
Will there be people like me?
What should I pack?
Will I need a tuxedo?
Can singles have fun on a cruise?
Can I use my hair dryer or shaver?
What about meal times?
Is cruise ship dining as good as I've been told?
Can I get a special diet?
What about dining companions?
Are there non-smoking areas?
Can we celebrate a special occasion?
Is cruising right for honeymooners?
Can we stay in touch with the outside world?
What about tipping?
Are there medical services onboard?
Are there laundry services aboard ship?
Do cruise lines accept group bookings?
Are there meeting rooms onboard?
Can I extend my cruise vacation?
Will I get sea sick?
It sounds too good to be true! Is it?
What if I have to cancel my cruise, will I get a refund?
How do I pay for my cruise?
Age Requirements
Are there Babysitting services on the ship?

Is cruising affordable and a good vacation value?
Cruising is the best vacation value! There are cruise vacations to suit every budget. Your cruise fare includes meals, your stateroom, select on-board activities and entertainment, plus transportation from port to port. You'll know what your vacation will end up costing you before you go. (Typically, your only extra expenses will be drinks, specialty restaurants, optional shore excursions, and personal services such as massage or hairstyling.
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How long are cruises?
Anywhere from one night to three months, the choice is yours
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Where can I go?
Wherever you want! Cruises visit over 1,800 ports worldwide and practically every destination accessible by water. Just take a look at our destinations to see all the exciting choices available to you.
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How do I book a cruise?
Use our search engine to find the cruise that's right for you and follow the 6 easy steps to your cruise vacation. If you need help, call us!
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Are all ships fairly similar?
Far from it. Cruise ships range from intimate and yacht-like to vessels stretching longer than three football fields. You can sail with fewer than 100 fellow guests or with more than 3,600. Enjoy atmospheres ranging from casual to formal, contemporary to classic. You can even choose sail-assisted ships. Enjoy the endless activities offered on a contemporary resort-style cruise, or immerse yourself in the culture of a destination on a special interest cruise. You can view profiles of the world's finest cruise lines and over a hundred ships by browsing to our cruise line pages. Here you can view detailed information on every ship in their fleet.
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Are there different types of cruises?
There are cruises designed to suit virtually every interest and personal preference.
The choices include: boutique, luxury cruises with globetrotting itineraries; large, contemporary ships with a fantastic array of recreational facilities; classic vessels evoking the time-honored traditions of cruising; special-interest or exploration cruises specializing in unique destinations with an accent on cultural enrichment. There are cruise lines that feature soft adventure expeditions to such unusual and rustic frontiers as Antarctica, the Amazon rain forest or African Serengeti. Or discover historical legacies closer to home with enlightening itineraries to New England, French Canada and the Colonial America coast. For experienced travelers, destination-focused cruises specialize in premium, culturally-rich ports of call with itineraries dedicated to illuminating such historic, world-class treasures as the antiquities of classical Greece, the Polynesian paradise of Hawaii or the fabled splendor of Norwegian fjords. For many, the perfect vacation includes the non-stop fun and sun of a tropical resort-style cruise to the Caribbean, where you can sample a variety of island cultures and cuisines while working on a terrific suntan.
Plus, many cruise lines create special "themes" on-board, with entertainment ranging from jazz festivals and classical music concerts to golf clinics and murder mysteries at sea.
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Are there any special educational programs on-board?
To complement the spirit of discovery that travel evokes, many cruise lines feature an extensive program of on-board enrichment seminars hosted by distinguished guest experts. In addition to lectures highlighting the history and sights of ports you will be visiting, there may also be special in-depth presentations ranging from Renaissance works of art and strategic financial planning to epicurean secrets of classic French cuisine.
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What's an air/sea cruise?
A fly/cruise or an air/sea vacation package includes airfare along with your cruise ticket
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Do I need a passport?
This depends on the type of cruise and your destination. If you are leaving the United States, you will need a valid Passport. Often, you will need some proof of citizenship and identification. For the most up-to-date requirements please visit HYPERLINK "http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1229.html"travel.state.gov
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Are there different classes of service?
Most of today's cruise ships are "one-class." Everyone can use all of the ship's facilities. The price of a cabin is based primarily on its size and location. Regardless of the category you book, you'll enjoy the same courteous service, menus, activities, and entertainment as everyone else on board.
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Will I get bored? Feel confined?
Hardly! Being at sea gives you a feeling of total freedom that no land-based resort can offer. There's plenty of room. And it will probably take you two or three days just to discover everything that's on board. Plus, you get the added adventure of exploring many exciting ports of call. Cruise ships are floating resorts with all the choices fine resorts have to offer. You can lie back in a lounge chair, breathe in the sea air, soak up the sun, read good books, or watch the ever-changing seascape. If you're more active, join in exercise or dance classes, and sports contests. Practice your tennis stroke or golf swing, or take some fresh air on the jogging deck. Or you can swim, stretch out in the sauna or work out in the gym. You can also see a feature film, attend an enrichment lecture by experts, play backgammon or bridge. And that's just when you're on board.
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What can I do in port?
So much you'll have a hard time choosing! You can explore on your own or take a guided tour (referred to as shore excursions). Search ancient ruins or hunt for shopping bargains. Ride a raft over river rapids, or a horse across miles of hills and beaches. Climb a waterfall or pyramid. Follow the footsteps of history or the wake of a waterskiing boat. If there's still time, play golf or tennis. Learn how to windsurf. Sun and swim at some of the world's best beaches. Catch a record marlin. Sail, snorkel, or scuba dive. Take a cable car to the top of a mountain. Explore dark catacombs. In short, cruising is the perfect way to sample a number of new destinations and try all the things you've ever dreamed of doing, while never having to pack and unpack!
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Do I have to participate in the activities?
On a cruise, you do what you want, when you want. You can do everything or do absolutely nothing. It's your vacation!
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Do cruise lines welcome families with kids?
More and more cruise vacations are booked by families with children. Most cruise lines provide plenty of supervised activities for kids, especially during school holidays. If your children enjoy swimming, sports, games, movies, and the adventure of new places, they'll love a family cruise. You'll find that children adapt to shipboard life with ease, and you won't have to wonder what they're up to every minute. The youth counselors will help keep them busy and entertained. Ships even offer different types of age-appropriate activities, suitable for toddlers to teens. Best of all, children often travel at a reduced rate.
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What's there to do at night?
When the stars come out, a cruise ship really turns on. There's dancing, live entertainment, nightclubs and lounges, feature films, and parties with all your new friends. Most ships also have casinos. What's more, there are many special events like the Captain's Cocktail Party, Passenger Talent Night, Broadway-style shows and Las Vegas-type revues.
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Is there a charge for entertainment?
On a cruise vacation, the entertainment is on the house. There's rarely a cover, minimum, or charge for an admission ticket. The shows are live, films first-rate and all included in your cruise fare.
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Will there be people like me?
There's no such thing as a typical cruise passenger! All kinds of people take cruises now... all ages... from all walks of life... singles, couples and families.
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What should I pack?
Pack like you would for any resort. Cruise vacations are casual by day, whether you're on the ship or ashore. In the evening, ships vary as do dress. As on shore, attire is dictated by occasion. At the Captain's Gala, for example, you'll probably want to wear something more formal, such as a dark suit, or cocktail dress; perhaps even a dinner jacket or gown.
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Will I need a tuxedo?
Many cruise lines now feature a more relaxed and casual approach to dress throughout the cruise -- while on others, formal dinners or parties are part of the fun. But don't buy a tuxedo just for the trip. Even on the most formal of ships, a dark suit and tie are fine for the dressiest occasions. Plus, many ships offer tuxedo rental services.
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Can singles have fun on a cruise?
Cruising is ideal for people traveling alone, because it's so easy to meet other people. In fact, most ships have parties for singles -- early on, so you can get to know people right away. Many ships even offer social hosts who can be dance partners, dinner companions or a fourth at cards.
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Can I use my hair dryer or shaver?
Most ships have 110-volt outlets in the staterooms. Most ships even feature hair-dryers in your cabin.
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What about meal times?
Again, there are choices and more choices. During the day, there are many different places to eat - in the formal dining room, on deck, in a pizzeria, at an espresso bar, to name a few. At night, most ships offer several venues. Some ships' dining rooms can accommodate all guests at one time, called a "seating." Many ships offer you a choice of several eating times, and others encourage you to come to dinner whenever you like. More traditional ships have two seatings in their formal dining rooms, which differ only by time: typically 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. To choose, just decide whether you prefer to dine early or late. Frequently, you can choose to dine at night someplace other than the formal dining room, such as in an intimate restaurant that features, for example, Italian, Chinese, Japanese or Southwestern cuisine. More and more cruise lines are opening up their informal lido areas to evening dining, where the dress and dishes are always casual, and sometimes, you can even eat out under the stars. And a large number of ships offer romantic in-cabin dinners. The choice is yours!
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Is cruise ship dining as good as I've been told?
Everything you've heard about cruise ship dining is true. At each meal, you'll find a varied selection of entrees (appetizers, salads, soups, vegetables, and desserts, too), and each day the selection will be different. If you've ever wanted to experiment with a cuisine or try a dish, you can feel free to order more than one entrée or appetizer (or dessert!). But, just because your cruise ship offers plenty of delicious food, doesn't mean you'll come home out of shape. You can choose low-cal, spa, vegetarian or fitness menu selections that are just as tempting as the regular menu. Best of all, the one thing you'll never see on a cruise ship menu is a price. Because your meals are included!
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Can I get a special diet?
Most ships can accommodate salt-free, low-carbohydrate, low cholesterol, Kosher, or other diet preferences. However, this request must be made in advance. Call us!
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What about dining companions?
Experienced cruisers say they prefer sitting at a table with several other diners; some lifelong friendships have been made this way. But the cruise lines are geared to accommodate each guest's wishes, and it is possible to request a table for two or four. In the unlikely event that you do wish to change tablemates, speak with the maitre d', who will make every effort to seat you with more compatible dining companions... discretely and politely.
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Are there non-smoking areas?
Virtually all ships have smoking and non-smoking sections in the public rooms and on deck. Most dining rooms are non-smoking.
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Can we celebrate a special occasion?
Absolutely! Most cruise lines will even treat you to a complimentary cake and a chorus of "Happy Whatever" to honor the occasion. Your birthday or anniversary can be more festive with champagne, flowers, or canapés. You can even arrange for a special private party. Special requests should be made in advance.
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Is cruising right for honeymooners?
Without a doubt. Cruising offers an atmosphere that's just right for romance... cozy dinners for two, strolling on deck at sunset, dancing the night away (even under the stars). Most lines provide special services and special programs for performing a marriage ceremony or renewing your marriage vows.
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Can we stay in touch with the outside world?
Quite easily. Most ships have a daily newsletter with news headlines, selected stock quotes and sports scores. Many staterooms are equipped with televisions and have satellite or cellular telephones. You can also call someone on shore through the ship's radio officer while at sea. In addition, most ships have fax capabilities and a growing number have computer cafes with Internet access for e-mail communication.
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What about tipping?
Tipping is a matter of individual preference. A general rule of thumb is to plan for about $3.00 per person per day for your cabin steward and dining room waiter, and about half that amount for your busboy. (A few cruise lines include tipping in the price and will so inform you.) Other shipboard personnel can be tipped for special services at your discretion.
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Are there medical services onboard?
Virtually every cruise ship (except for some smaller vessels operating in coastal waters) has a medical facility and health care professionals on staff to handle almost any emergency. If you have a medical condition that might put you at risk, discuss it with your doctor and inform the cruise lines at the time of booking. And, whenever you travel, check to see what your health insurance covers.
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Are there laundry services aboard ship?
Almost all cruise ships have laundry facilities and many provide dry-cleaning services. There is, however, an additional charge for professional laundry and dry-cleaning services. Many ships also have self-service launderettes.
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Do cruise lines accept group bookings?
Most lines welcome groups -- often at special rates, depending on how many people are involved. Policies vary from company to company and sometimes during certain times of the year.
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Are there meeting rooms onboard?
Just about every full-size ship has public rooms or a conference center to offer as meeting space for private or corporate groups. If you'd like to make meeting or incentive travel arrangements, please call us so we can attend to all of the details.
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Can I extend my cruise vacation?
Cruise lines feature special pre-or post-hotel packages that allow you to extend your vacation in either your port of embarkation or debarkation.
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Will I get sea sick?
Rarely. Popular cruise itineraries ply some of the calmest waters in the world. In addition, stabilizers on modern ships, availability of advance weather information, and development of effective preventative medications have, for the most part, eliminated the incidence of motion discomfort.
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It sounds too good to be true! Is it?
The one complaint we hear time and again is that cruises end far too soon! Beyond that, it's hard to find any negatives. All you have to do is relax and enjoy your vacation. Most importantly, every crew and staff member on board is dedicated to making your cruise the best vacation of your life (until you top it with your next cruise!)
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What if I have to cancel my cruise, will I get a refund?
Travel Dynamics Group does not charge a cancellation fee if your plans change. The cancellation penalty timelines vary by cruise line and sailing date, and will depend on whether you purchased travel insurance or not. To best protect yourself, we highly suggest that you purchase travel insurance.
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How do I pay for my cruise?
Acceptable forms of payment are Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.
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Age Requirements
Age requirements are subject to change at any time and serve as a general guideline only. Guests under the age of 21 years must be accompanied by a parent, relative or guardian 25 years of age or older in the same stateroom. The only exception to this policy is when parents are traveling with their children in different cabins.
Carnival shall refuse boarding to any Guest under the age of twenty-one unless: (1) the Guest is traveling in the same stateroom with an individual twenty-five years or older; (2) traveling in the same stateroom with their spouse; or (3) traveling with a parent or guardian in an accompanying stateroom. Proof of age and/or proof of marriage are required. Carnival shall not be liable to make any refunds or for any damages with respect to any Guest's failure to provide proper proof of age or marriage or otherwise comply with this provision.
Infants are REQUIRED to be at least 4 months at the time sailing.
Carnival Cruise Lines Minimum Age for Passengers: 21
Celebrity Cruises Minimum Age for Passengers: There must be someone 25 years or older in cabin
Crystal Cruises Minimum Age for Passengers: 6 months
Cunard Line Minimum Age for Passengers: 21
Disney Cruise Line Minimum Age for Passengers: 12 weeks and above
Holland America Line Minimum Age for Passengers: 21
Norwegian Cruise Line Minimum Age for Passengers: Minor must be accompanied by a passenger 21 yrs or older
Oceania Cruises Minimum Age for Passengers: 18
Orient Lines Minimum Age for Passengers: 21
Princess Cruises Minimum Age for Passengers: 18
Regent Seven Seas Cruises Minimum Age for Passengers: 18
Royal Caribbean International Minimum Age for Passengers: 21
Seabourn Cruise Line Minimum Age for Passengers: 21
Silverseas Cruises Minimum Age for Passengers: 18
Windstar Cruises Minimum Age for Passengers: 21 (without guardian)
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Are there Babysitting services on the ship?
Almost all cruise lines offer group babysitting in designated children’s areas. The program counselors are certified and supervise all the children’s activities. Babysitting services are usually included in the price of your cruise, but each cruise line varies in price and program.

Please consult your cruise line for exact details and policies regarding babysitting policies and pricing. You can arrange evening babysitting services as well, for a fee of approximately $5-8 an hour. Evening babysitting can be arranged at the Purser’s desk on the ship.
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