FREQUENTLY ASKED "CRUISE" QUESTIONS
(No, you're not the only one who doesn't know this stuff)
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Fiesta Travel Designs
Q) Do I need a passport?
A) United States citizens taking a 'closed loop' cruise (sailings that both originate and terminate in the
same U.S. port) are not required to have a passport, but will need to show proof of citizenship such as
an original or certified copy of a birth certificate, a certificate of naturalization, a passport card, an
enhanced drivers license (EDL), as well as a government issued photo I.D. Children are also required
to bring proof of citizenship, and if 16 and over, a photo I.D. is also required. If a cruise begins and
ends in different U.S. ports or begins and ends in a foreign port (such as some Alaskan and Hawaiian
cruises), a valid passport or other WHTI-compliant document is required. A valid passport is required
on all European cruises. Non-U.S. citizens must have a passport for all air, land, and sea travel. NOTE:
It is still the BEST IDEA to have a passport for all travel, as U.S. citizens cannot board an airplane in a
foreign country without one. For example: if you were in Mexico and needed to come home due to an
emergency situation, you could NOT do so by air travel without a valid passport.
Q) Why would I need Vacation Insurance?
A) Insurance is great for the following reasons - First, if you, or your cabinmate, should have to cancel
for medical reasons, you get a full refund of amount paid, minus the cost of the insurance policy. This
insurance, however, does not cover pre-existing conditions. The medical cause must manifest itself
within 60 days of departure. This will be verified thru communication with your doctor. Secondly, the
insurance also covers 'lost' or 'delayed' baggage. And, third, possibly the most important, is the
'medical' coverage. Medicare does not pay outside the United States. Some other insurance policies
may not be valid in other countries either, so check with your insurance agent or company. To see
complete details of a 'Vacation Insurance' policy, go directly to the site of your cruise line or ask us for
a copy.
Q) Are all meals and drinks covered in the price of the cruise?
A) Yes, all meals are provided as part of your cruise fare. NOT covered are sodas, drinks containing
alcohol (or specialty drinks without alcohol added), and bottled water. On some ships there is a
supper club which offers "extra special" service for a small fee per person. Of course, while in port, if
you stay off the ship for an extended period, you may want to dine at one of the local restaurants or
eateries. Note: Shore excursions are also NOT part of your cruise fare, but may be purchased on ship
or from Fiesta Travel Designs.
Q) What do I wear on Formal Night in the dining room?
A) Depending on the length of the cruise, either formal dress or casual resort wear is required for the
dining room. The dress requirement for children is the same. For those not wanting to dress up, other
dining options are available with casual dress code.
Cruise casual dining dress code: Gentlemen - Sport slacks, Khakis, jeans (no cut-offs), dress shorts
(long), collared sports shirts. Ladies - Casual dresses, casual skirts or pants and blouses, summer
dresses, capri pants, dress shorts, jeans (no cut-offs). Not permitted in dining room during the Cruise
Casual dinner for ladies and gentlemen - gym shorts, basketball shorts, beach flip-flops, bathing suit
attire, cut-off jeans, and sleeveless shirts for men.
Cruise elegant dining dress code: Gentlemen - Dress slacks, dress shirts. Also recommended a sport
coat. If you wish to wear suits and ties or tuxedos, by all means you are invited to do so. Ladies -
Cocktail dresses, pantsuits, elegant skirts and blouses. If you'd like to show off your evening gowns,
that's great too! Not permitted in the dining room during the Cruise Elegant Dinner for ladies and
gentlemen - T-shirts, beach flip-flops, bathing suit attire, jeans, cut-off jeans, sleeveless shirts for men,
sportswear, and baseball hats.
Q) What about Hurricanes?
A) Hurricane season encompasses the months of June thru November. Due to the unpredictable
nature of hurricanes, it may not be possible to give information about itinerary changes in advance of
the sailing. The safety of the crew and guests is always the cruise line's priority. It is rare for a
cancellation to occur due to an impending hurricane. In some instances, an itinerary deviation is
implemented to avoid a storm. Hurricanes have been known to change their course drastically at the
last minute. Guests that have any questions should contact the cruise line's reservations department
the day prior to sailing, as that is when definitive information will be available.
Q) Will my cell phone work while onboard?
A) Yes, your cell phone will work, but check with your carrier as to the rates. You may also dial direct
from your stateroom via satellite. This service is available 24 hours a day regardless of the ship's
location. This service closes at 4 a.m. the final day of the cruise. The rate is $6.99 per minute to the
U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, and $9.99 per minute for all International calls. all charges are billed to
your 'sign and sail' account. No calling cards, credit cards, 800 numbers, or collect calls.
Q) Do you have luggage restrictions?
A) Guests are asked to limit their checked luggage to two suitcases per person, with each suitcase not
to weigh more than 50 pounds and not to exceed 16"h x 24"w x 30" length. Your luggage tags should
be attached prior to leaving home and make sure they are still on your bags when checking in at the
terminal.
Large cooler restrictions: No large coolers allowed. Small, personal-sized coolers no larger than
12" x 12" x 12" for the purpose of housing small quantities of non-alcoholic beverages and/or
medications are permitted as carry-on luggage.
Q) What is the tipping policy onboard?
A) For your convenience, gratuities for stateroom and dining room staff are automatically charged to
your Sign and Sail account. The total amount is $10.00 per day per guest. (Recommended guidelines
are as follows: $3.50 per day for Stateroom Services, $5.50 per day for Dining Room Servcies, and
$1.00 per day Alternative Services, which is distributed to other kitchen and hotel service staff.) These
gratuities may be "pre-paid" when you sign up for the cruise, or paid at the end, via your 'sign and sail'
card. Gratuities may also be adjusted at the end of the cruise, depending on your satisfaction with
service. For beverage service, fifteen percent of the bill is automatically added to the Sign and Sail
charge.
Q) Can I bring Liquor onboard?
A) Gusts are prohibited from bringing alcoholic beverages onboard. However, guests 21 years of age
and older may bring one bottle (750ml) of wine or champagne, per person, onboard only during
embarkation at the beginning of the cruise. Alcoholic beverages of any kind in any port-of
-call will be confiscated at the gangway, stored onboard, and retained by the cruise ship until the end
of the voyage.
Q) Can I wash my clothes while onboard? What about ironing?
A) Two self-service Launderettes are located on all stateroom decks. They have washing machines
and dryers, as well as iron and ironing board available. Minimum fees are charged for usage. Vending
machines dispense detergent and water softener.