Cruise Q and A

What is included in the cruise price?


Generally, the cruise price includes drinks like coffee, tea, and water; standard meals; room service; the use of gymnasium equipment; and most shipboard entertainment.



What is not included in the cruise price?

Generally, the cruise price does not include specialty drinks like sodas, specialty coffees, and alcoholic beverages; meals in alternative restaurants; spa and salon services; exercise classes like yoga and Pilates; casino gaming; organized shore excursions; photographs; medical services; gratuities; and gift shop purchases.



What are port charges?

Port charges are small fees a cruise ship must pay to use a port of call. Port charges are also known as NCF or non-commissionable fares to the trade. They include the following:

Taxes and fees assessed by the government and other agencies

Costs of entering or leaving ports

Costs incurred while in port, including waste removal



What's the general age range for cruisers?

Different cruise lines appeal to different age groups. Average passenger age ranges are as follows:

Carnival: 30 percent under age 35; 40 percent ages 35–55; and 30 percent over age 55

Celebrity: Ages 30–55

Crystal: Age 60+

Disney Cruise Line: 20s and up

Holland America: 40s to 60s

Norwegian: 50s

Princess: Age 50+

Windstar: Ages 35–55

Royal Caribbean: 30s to 50s



Can unaccompanied minors cruise?

Unaccompanied minors cannot cruise. In fact, on Carnival, Celebrity, Crystal, Holland America, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, and Windstar cruises, each stateroom must have at least one adult age 25 or older as a guest. On Disney Cruise Line and Princess cruises, each stateroom must have at least one adult age 21 or older. Exceptions are generally made for married couples under age 25 (or 21).



What's the minimum cruising age?

Most cruise lines ask that children be at least six months old to sail. Check with your cruise line before you book if you have very young children.



What's the onboard drinking age?

Most cruise ships maintain a minimum drinking age of 21 while in international waters or at foreign ports. However, some ships have a minimum drinking age of 18.



Which cruise line is right for me?

Different cruise lines and ships appeal to different people. Those wanting an upscale, casual environment with few passengers often turn to Windstar, whereas those looking for a “traditional” cruise experience often enjoy Holland America sailings. We suggest you visit the Cruise Reviews Online to research the different cruise lines and decide which is right for you.



Why does it cost so much to book a single-passenger stateroom?

Each cruise line bases its stateroom rates on double occupancy. When you travel alone, you will pay an extra “single supplement” fee to make up for lost revenue.




Ron Trimper
Travel Agent
Vacations and Cruises
The Way to Go Travel in Kansas City
http://www.thewaytogotravel.com/