If you think that cruising is strictly for those well off travellers looking to wear their best dinner jacket and cocktail dresses and have evening meals with the captain then you may be surprised to hear that this is no longer the case. Many cruise operators, ships and destinations now suit the needs and pockets of us mere mortals. The amount of cruise competition around these days means that cruise tour operators are bringing real value into the market and more of us can experience the luxury of life aboard a floating hotel.

Q. Why Cruise?
A. Cruising is an excellent vacation value because so much is included in the cruise price: your accommodations, excellent meals, pampering service, fun activities and lavish entertainment. In between visiting exciting ports of call and discovering new destinations, you can lounge by the pool, enjoy spa treatments, work out, leave your kids to play in the supervised kid’s center, take in a lecture or class, or a host of other activities. And perhaps best of all, you only have to unpack once! Cruising is an excellent vacation value, with choices that match most every pocketbook.

Q. What if I’m not sure if I’ll like cruising?
A. The best and only way to answer that question is to take a cruise and try it out. At CI Travel, we’re certain there’s a cruise line and ship that will more than satisfy you. We sell thousands of cruises each year, and rarely do we have customers that aren’t eager to cruise again. Our cruise specialists are full-time employees who will answer your questions and help ensure your cruise best meets your vacation needs. They are happy to assist you.

Q. Is motion discomfort a problem?
A. 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.

Q. Where can we go?
A. Where do you want to go? Cruises visit practically any destination accessible by water -- the Caribbean, Bahamas, Alaska, Bermuda, Europe, Hawaii, the Greek Isles, the Orient, Australia & New Zealand, Tahiti, the Galapagos Islands, the Amazon, Africa, around South America, India, the Panama Canal and even around the world. If you can name it, CI Travel can find a cruise for you.

Q. How long are cruises?
A. As long or short as you want. There are cruise lines that offer itineraries from two days to year-around. Whatever your schedule, we'll do our best to find the cruise that’s right for you.

Many first-time cruisers will start with a 3-night or 4-night cruise. The most typical cruise length is seven days, while experienced cruisers often prefer more exotic itineraries of 10- to 14-days or longer.

One rule of thumb: the longer the cruise itinerary you select, the less the cruise will cost on a per-day cost basis.

Q. Will there be people like me?
A. There's no such thing as a typical cruise passenger! All kinds of people take cruises now.Cruising has become so popular, and today’s cruise ships so advanced in what they offer and how they’re designed, that you’ll find all types of people aboard. Cruise ships don’t cater to certain types of people – no more than a popular hotel or resort does.

More importantly, the newest ships are so well designed you can find many intimate places to relax or socialize. As a result, you can be as private or as sociable as you’d like.

On an average cruise vacation, there might be senior citizens on anniversary cruises; first and second honeymooners; families with toddlers, tots and teens (who love the supervised kids activities); and single men and women who always seem to find each other. And, of course, lots of happy couples who are even happier on a cruise vacation. There is usually a good mix of first-time cruisers and returning guests, business and social groups and lots of family reunions. Cruises are for everyone.

Q. Do I need a passport?
A. Yes, starting January 23, 2007. The passport (U.S. or foreign) will be the document of choice for entering or re-entering the United States through airports and seaports

New Requirements for Travelers Between the United States and the Western Hemisphere
Under terms of proposed new regulations, as of January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable.

The proposed rules for the different phase-in dates will be finalized over the coming months, but regardless of the timeframe, by January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent legislative changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements as soon as possible. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to obtain passports or passport cards for land/sea entries. This will undoubtedly cause a backlog in getting passports as these rules take effect. For information on obtaining or renewing a passport, visit the State Department’s Web site at:
http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

Q. What's the best time to take a cruise?
A. The best time to book a cruise is as soon as you've decided to take one -- and not to wait. You want to secure a reservation at the best price as well as the best available stateroom in the category you select. The best staterooms always sell out first, and the most expensive and least expensive staterooms are the first to sell out. So if you're traveling on a budget and looking for the least expensive inside, or want all the amenities and luxuries of a suite, you need to book early! For these staterooms, a year out is not too early to be planning your cruise.

Q. Is there a benefit in purchasing trip insurance?
A. Absolutely. We strongly recommend the purchase of trip insurance. Trip insurance offers protection if you cancel due to injury, sickness, or death (to you, a traveling companion, or immediate family member), and in many cases, should an act of terrorism occur. If purchased when making your cruise reservation, it may also cover pre-existing health conditions.

Additionally, trip insurance provides emergency assistance while you are on vacation, and a 24/7 support line. In such a case, you would need to pay at the time of treatment and then file for reimbursement. If you have specific questions about trip insurance and coverage, please ask one of our cruise specialists.

Q. Can I get a special diet?
A. Most ships can accommodate salt-free, low-carbohydrate, low cholesterol, Kosher, or other diet preferences. However, this request must be made in advance, so be sure to advise your CI Travel Consultant when you book your cruise.

Q. How do I choose the cruise line and ship that best meets my needs?
A. The number of cruise ships increases each year, so finding the right cruise line and ship is more complicated than ever. With all the discounts and offers and all the changes in the cruise industry, it’s more valuable than ever to find a cruise expert who can guide you. You don’t just want the best priced cruise vacation, you want the one that offers you the most satisfying experience.

We classify cruises in the general categories of Luxury, Premium and Contemporary. There also are niche categories like River Cruising and barges, expedition cruising, and private yachts.

• Contemporary cruises are often larger, more casual ships, and often less costly vacations that offer good overall value.



• Premium cruises cater to a slightly more discerning traveler, often featuring more sophisticated dining experiences.



• Luxury cruises offer far more upscale staterooms and top service, with superior dining.

You might compare a Contemporary cruise with a Sheraton or Hilton resort; a Premium cruise with a Hyatt or Westin resort; and a Luxury cruise with a Ritz Carlton or Four Seasons resort. Another manner of evaluating level of luxury is by crew to passenger ratio. Contemporary lines generally have one crew member for every 2.5 passengers or more. Luxury lines generally have one crew passenger for fewer than every 2 passengers. The lower the ratio of crew to passengers onboard, the more attentive and personal the service should be. Finally, luxury might also be defined by space ratio -- how much elbow room each passenger has on a ship. While some feel a small ship with fewer people is more intimate,the size of the ship isn't relevant. What is relevant is how many passengers can be accommodated on a ship relative to its size. For example, while Crystal is a large ship luxury cruise line, they accommodate about 1,000 guests on a ship that contemporary lines will generally accommodate twice as many passengers on.

Q. What size of ships are there to choose from?
A. Within each of the major categories: Contemporary, Premium and Luxury, you can find larger ships and mid-size or smaller vessels. Vessels range from huge “cities at sea” (over 2,500 passengers), to small river barges (carrying as few as six passengers). Generally, the larger the vessel, the more amenities: spas, casinos, restaurants, bars, and more entertainment options¯ even ice skating rinks, rock-climbing walls and golf simulators! On smaller ships the experience is far more intimate.

One measure of size isn’t the overall size of the ship, but the space ratio: how many passengers there are relative to the size of the ship. Some travelers assume that smaller cruise ships may offer more intimate cruise vacations. While this can be true, there are some larger ships that are designed for fewer passengers, thereby providing each passenger on board much more space. Generally, Contemporary ships have a lower space ratio per passenger than Premium or Luxury ships.

Some niche cruise products include eco-oriented cruises with naturalists to guide the way (e.g., Galapagos Islands). Explorer-class vessels ply the Antarctic and other remote regions of the planet. Some are designed specifically for scuba enthusiasts. There are even smaller boats you can self-drive thru the canals and waterways of Europe.

Consulting a qualified cruise expert is one of the best ways to gather the information you need to choose the right cruise.

Q. What’s included in the cost of a cruise?
A. Your fare includes accommodations, all meals onboard ship (including 24-hour room service), onboard daytime activities, and on most ships, night-time entertainment including live stage shows. One reason cruising is a good value is because you'll know what most of your vacation will cost before you go. Generally your only extra expenses will be airfare, drinks (though these are sometimes included on luxury ships), optional shore excursions, and personal services such as spa treatments or hairstyling.

Q. What are the taxes, port charges and handling fees?
A. The port charges include taxes & fees assessed by government and other agencies, security fees, costs incidental to entering or leaving ports, costs incurred while in port, waste removal, and other port-related functions. Taxes associated with any flights would also be part of this category.

Q. How do I pay for onboard purchases?
A. For your convenience, you may charge most of your purchases on board. An account will be set up for you when you board the ship and purchases will be billed automatically to your major credit card. If you do not have a credit card you may use a cash deposit ranging from $100 for the week to $100 per day depending on the cruise line you are sailing on. Traveler's checks may be cashed at the Purser's Desk to cover gratuities and can be used to pay off your onboard account if you do not wish to have the charges applied to your credit card.

Q. Should I book directly with the cruise line?
A. Only a small percentage of bookings are made directly with cruise line, and for good reasons. Cruise lines are not properly staffed to provide the level of service a qualified cruise expert can provide. The level of experience and training of their reservationists is quite limited.

High-producing agencies such as ours that specialize in cruise vacations will always be a better bet than booking with the cruise line directly. We can offer you the best rates, in some cases rates lower than the cruise line will charge you, as well as exclusive amenities on a variety of cruises that can include prepaid gratuities, shipboard credits and complimentary shoreside excursions.

CI Travel can connect to the cruise line's inventory directly, and secure the best available staterooms at the best rates available.

Our cruise experts provide you a level of personal attention and service that a cruise line's telemarketing reservationists will not. More imporantly, our cruise experts go beyond just booking your cruise, to ensuring that important details are attended to, including when things don't go as they should, as occasionally happens.

CI Travel's cruise experts can also look after things that cruise line's reservationists won't. If less expensive airfare is available or desired, we can arrange it. If you'd like a pre- or post-cruise hotel stay at altenative hotels from those offered by the cruise lines, we can assist. We can recommend 3rd-party travel insurance coverage so you are not limited to the cruise line's coverage. And we can arrange personalized shore excursions in ports of call.

Q. Why should I book my cruise with CI Travel?
A. We've provided some reasons above.

• We sell all major cruise lines but we’re not incentivized to sell you one cruise over another (as some retailers).



• Our goal is to provide the cruise that’s the best fit for you.



• We offer all the discounts available and we negotiate exclusive offers for our customers on a number of select voyages, many as part of our affiliation with American Express Vacations.



• Most of our cruise specialists are certified by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) as Accredited Cruise Counselors (ACC’s), Master Cruise Counselors (MCC’s), or Elite Cruise Counselor Scholar (ECC’s).



• We inspect cruise ships on a frequent basis: There’s hardly a ship that at least one of our cruise specialists hasn’t been on (and often more than once)!



• Our recommendations aren’t based solely on our own specialists’ points of view, but on feedback from the thousands of travelers we’ve booked on cruises. This further underscores the value of booking your cruise with a CI Travel cruise expert.



• We offer powerful relationships with the major cruise lines.



• Our cruise experts are eager to arrange a terrific cruise vacation for you, at the best value.

Q. What types of accommodations are found on a cruise ship?
A. There are 3 major types of accommodations on a ship—suites, ocean-view staterooms and inside staterooms. Within these are some options—mini-suites, family suites and outside cabins with private balconies. Not all types are available on all ships.

• Suites: The most spacious accommodations, suites range from less than 300 square feet to the size of a large townhouse on two floors. They usually include a separate living area, large private balcony, mini-bar, refrigerator, oversized whirlpool bath, and in-room stereo and DVD. Some suites feature a dining area, a baby grand piano and the services of a private butler or concierge. The most expensive accommodations, they’re also the first to sell out, so it’s important to reserve well in advance.



• Ocean-View/Balcony: Standard “outside” staterooms with balconies are becoming increasingly available on new ships. Not as spacious (and not as expensive) as a suite, these are the most popular.



• Ocean-View/Window: These staterooms offer a view of the outside world, and most newer ships have picture windows. There may be portholes on older vessels. Some cabins may have obstructed views (such as a lifeboat or steel girder outside the window). These categories are available at less cost than an unobstructed view.



• Inside/No-View: The most economical accommodations, these are usually located on an interior hallway. Providing the same space & amenities as standard ocean-view cabins, these are a frequent choice of cruisers on a limited budget.

A. Also worth mentioning are triple and quad accommodations. Most staterooms are designed for two people, (cruise pricing is based on double occupancy), but there are some staterooms with additional beds for a third and/or fourth passenger. These are either "upper berths" which either fold down from the wall or drop from the ceiling above the other beds, while some ships offer a sofa bed for the third and/or fourth passengers. These can be economical for families or persons traveling together on a budget.

Q. What is the best stateroom location?
A. To some degree this depends on your personal preference and from a practical standpoint, on availability. Generally, there is less motion the closer your are to the water line and the more mid-ship you are. Some people like to be higher up and nearer to the public areas of the ship, (not unlike those desiring higher floors in a hotel). It used to be that mid-ship staterooms were the most desirable because older ships didn’t have the sophisticated stabilization systems of today’s cruise liners. Today’s technology has advanced enormously, and location on most ships is much less of an issue.

We also suggest you study the deck plan for the ship you plan to book your cruise on. While soundproofing on different ships varies somewhat, if your stateroom is located just above or below a disco, theatre or a restaurant, and you are a light sleeper, you may not find that location ideal. Some passengers, particularly those with some walking difficulties, may prefer staterooms nearby an elevator. On the other hand, on some ships staterooms closest to elevators may cause light sleepers some disturbance from possible elevator noise. While mid-ship staterooms are often desirable, it pays to look into cabins facing the aft (rear), which may be larger, have balconies overlooking the aft of the vessel.

Speaking of balconies, the size of balconies varies on ships -- with some sporting balconies just large enough to be cramped while sitting, while others are spacious enough to accommodate a lounge chair. And finally, some new ships feature balconies that are recessed on higher decks which means persons above you can see your balcony. While this design may increase the sunlight on your balcony, it also compromises one's privacy.

Q. What's an air/sea cruise?
A. A fly/cruise or an air/sea vacation package includes, along with your cruise ticket, either free or reduced-cost airfare to and from the ship's port of embarkation. These convenient money-saving options are available from most major North American cities and include ground transfers between the airport and ship as well as baggage handling.

Q. Do cruise lines welcome families with kids?
A. 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.

• Disney: Almost an entire DECK of activities — activities room, theater, science lab — plus a pool just for kids and one for families, too.



• Norwegian Cruise Lines: “Circus at Sea” where kids learn and perform circus acts.



• Royal Caribbean: Explore marine life with real scientists in an atmospheric and oceanographic lab.



• Princess: The line offers special “behind the scenes” ship tours, slumber and deck parties, and stateroom TVs featuring Nickelodeon programs.



• Celebrity: A youth program focusing on theater where kids learn the ins and outs of acting, directing, and staging a real play.



• Carnival: Camp Carnival divides kids into several groups by age and their newest ships even feature high-tech video game centers.



• Holland America: On selected sailings the line offers special shore excursions designed for the interests and abilities of children.



• Crystal Cruises: In addition to select programs for children, Crystal also offers children’s classes in social graces.

Q. What about tipping onboard?
A. As in any spa, restaurant or bar, tipping is appreciated, expected and deserved. Some deluxe cruise lines have a "no tipping" policy, though even there a tip for exquisite service may or may not be accepted. But on most cruise lines, tipping is standard for your stateroom steward (who cleans your room every day), and your dining room waiter and busboy. Tipping ranges from cruise line to cruise line, but on average is about $10 or more, per person, per day.

On many ships today, a basic gratuity is included in bar orders, or if not, you can add one when you sign the receipt. (All onboard purchases are charged to your shipboard account to be paid at the end of your cruise.) Generally if you take a spa treatment, it's up to you to add a gratuity when you sign your receipt. Finallly, if the headwaiiter or maitre d' has been exemplary or provided you personal attention and service, a small gratuity ($1 - $2 per day per person) is the norm.

Tipping guidelines are often printed in the cruise documentation you'll receive, and you can check with your CI Travel Consultant who has booked your cruise to update you on your cruise's tipping guidelines.

Q. What can I do in port?
A. 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!

Q. What kind of entertainment & activities are there?
A. Entertainment onboard ranges from Broadway-style musicals to Vegas-style nightclub revues. There are theme cruises featuring Big Bands, jazz, sports and other celebrities, and guest chefs. Most [larger] ships have lavish facilities for passengers to enjoy a variety of pursuits. For fitness buffs, glass-walled health centers and spas overlook the sea and offer the latest exercise equipment and treatments. Aerobics, Pilates, step, spinning and yoga classes are usually offered (sometimes for a slight fee). Some cruises offer outstanding guest lecturers and onboard learning experiences.

Q. What about meal times?
A. 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--then have your CI Travel Consultant request your preference when you book your cruise. 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 always are 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!

Q. Is cruise ship dining as good as I've been told?
A. 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!

Q. Will I need any formal clothes?
Yes, cruises still have dinners where more formal clothes are appropriate. The last night of a cruise is usually a formal night, and a seven-day cruise will usually have two formal nights. These are the meals that used to require tuxedos or cocktail dresses. They are now optional but, if you have them, dust them off and bring them along. Many cruise ines will rent tuxedos, so you can check into this option before you go. Fewer passengers are taking this option and a dark suit and dresses are perfectly appropriate and will probably be the most common passenger attire for the formal nights. On the other nights a sport coat and tie or pants suit are appropriate. Some Cruise Lines are recommending even more casual attire such as sport shirt and pants on all but the formal night. Read your cruise packet or contact your CI Travel Consultant about a particular ship's recommendation.

Q. Can we stay in touch with the outside world?
A. 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.

Q. What about passengers with special needs?
A. Cruise lines welcome passengers with special needs and will work hard to assist them throughout their cruise. Most modern cruise ships have a number of cabins that are specially designed to accommodate passengers in need of wheelchairs or TTY communications. Service animals are permitted onboard if prior arrangements have been made. Professional medical services are also available on all cruise ships. At least one qualified physician and two registered nurses are normally in attendance on every cruise.

Although the cruise line will do all it can to accommodate passengers with special needs, there are some limitations. Passengers requiring oxygen must meet certain requirements before boarding the ship. Passengers who are entering their third trimester of pregnancy by the beginning of their cruise will not be accepted. In ports-of-call that require tenders to go ashore, wheelchair access may be limited, or may be unavailable if sea conditions are unfavorable. Furthermore, it is highly recommended that passengers with special needs travel with a companion who can provide required assistance.

What do I need to know regarding the embarkation and disembarkation processes?
Embarkation normally begins approximately 4 hours prior to departure. Passengers must be aboard no later than 30 minutes prior to sailing.

On the final night of the cruise, you should be packed and have your luggage in the hallway by 2 AM. Make sure to leave out your clothes for the next day, as well as your sleepwear. In the morning, breakfast is served early; then guests go to public rooms to begin the disembarkation process. This allows the stateroom stewards to clean the stateroom for the next guest. Please note that you may disembark in groups. Wait in the public room until your group is called. Be sure to bring a carry-on for your sleepwear and toiletries. Once off the ship, you may pick up your luggage.

If you still have questions, please feel free to contact your CI Travel cruise expert.