Question 1

Should we book our airfare through the cruise line or on our own?

Accepted Answer

Booking your airfare through the cruise line has its perks! The cruise line knows your flight details and takes responsibility for any late arrivals, even if it means you miss the ship, or if there's a delay in the ship returning to port. The downside is that fares can sometimes be a bit higher, and sale fares aren't always available through the cruise line. So, weigh the convenience against the cost and decide what works best for you!

Question 2

What happens if I cancel my cruise?

Accepted Answer

All cruise lines have cancellation penalties that are dependent on when you cancel - the closer to departure date the higher the penalty. Cancellation penalties are the amount not refunded if you cancel the cruise. Each cruise line has these penalties listed on your cruise application. Please read these carefully. You will receive a quote for cancellation/medical insurance with your cruise statement upon booking.

Question 3

Do we need cancellation and medical insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we highly recommend getting travel insurance to protect you from unforeseen situations that might prevent you from traveling or occur during your trip. Our policy includes Cancellation and Medical coverage. The Cancellation feature protects your travel investment if you need to cancel before departure due to an emergency illness or injury. It covers you, your travel companion, and even your immediate family members, whether they're traveling or not. It also covers events like job layoff, natural disasters, jury duty, medical quarantine, or terrorist incidents. You'll also get benefits for travel delays, lost baggage, and baggage delays. The Emergency Medical benefit covers accidents or illnesses that happen while traveling, including emergency air ambulance services. Many health insurance policies don't cover you outside the U.S., so this is crucial. Some guests think they don't need insurance, but we strongly advise reconsidering. It's tough to lose all the money paid for a trip due to an unexpected incident. Cruise lines won't offer financial consideration or date changes for emergencies and won't refund beyond the penalty schedule. We've partnered with iTravelInsured for six years and found them to be fair, honest, and quick to pay claims. For more details, check the Custom Travel Protection terms under the Booking Information tab in the Travel Protection section. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our group department.

Question 4

Onboard Payments / Money

Accepted Answer

Your ship accepts credit cards, cash, and travelers checks for payment of on-board extras such as alcohol, shore excursions, gift shop and boutique purchases. The ship is "cashless" aboard, where an imprint of your credit card or a cash deposit is taken at the beginning of your cruise. The last night you will receive a bill outlining your charges. If you are using a credit card your charges will be automatically billed to the card. If you are paying in cash, you must clear your account at the end of the cruise. This can be time consuming, so if possible, use a credit card as it is most convenient.

Question 5

What should we wear on the cruise?

Accepted Answer

When packing for the cruise, think resort wear! You'll need the same basic outfits you wear at home: casual by day and a bit dressier for cocktails and dinner in the evening. During the day, go for very casual and comfortable wear like slacks, shorts, T-shirts, and sweatshirts, along with comfortable walking or hiking shoes. Dress moderately on shore and save the dressy clothes for the ship. Choose clothing that requires little care. While the ship offers dry-cleaning and laundry services, they can be pricey. Always pack a light sweater or wrap for the air conditioning on board, breezy evenings on deck, or early arrivals in port. Light rain gear is also a good idea. For evening functions, there are two types of attire: 
- **Dressy nights**: Slacks, skirts, dresses, blouses, collared shirts, and jackets. 
- **Casual nights**: Smart casual attire is appropriate. Shorts, pool and beachwear, distressed jeans, and tank tops are not permitted in table service restaurants. Jeans, shorts, and T-shirts are only allowed in the casual dining restaurants. 
Check the cruise agenda you'll receive about three months before sailing for specific dates and guidelines on evening attire.

Question 6

Corresponence

Accepted Answer

All future correspondence will go to the address on your confirmation. Address changes must be received in writing. There is a booking number (99-xx) on your confirmation. Please write this number on all checks. It is helpful to include your ship and sail date on any correspondence. A good daytime phone number and email address is important if we need to reach you about your booking. Any changes in your reservation including category, number of people in cabin, names in cabin, additions & deletions to cabin, etc, MUST be received in WRITING.

Question 7

Triple and Quad Cabins

Accepted Answer

Cabins that can accommodate third and fourth guests are subject to availability, and require a deposit for each person in the cabin. Triple and quad rates are for third and fourth passengers in the cabin traveling with two full-fare paying passengers.

Question 8

Handicap Cabins

Accepted Answer

Handicapped cabins are subject to availability, and are very limited in number. These cabins should only be utilized by those individuals who are confined to a wheelchair.

Question 9

Cruise Documents

Accepted Answer

You will receive your Customized Itinerary and Know Before You Go booklet approximately 30 days prior to sailing. Packets will be sent to the address indicated on your cruise application. If you prefer to have your packet delivered elsewhere please contact The Cruise & Vacation Authority, no less than 45 days prior to departure.

** Important Note - Holland America no longer issues cruise documents, instead guests will need to complete online registration in order to print the Signature Preferred Boarding Pass. Detailed instructions will be provided with your Customized Itinerary.

Question 10

General Cruise Notes

Accepted Answer

If you consider your cruise ship a floating resort that transports you from one port to another as an added bonus, everything will be placed in proper perspective. If you feel naked without your diamonds and emeralds, or a lot of cash on hand, then bring them along. But place all valuables in the safe in your cabin when not using them. This ship offers individual safes in each cabin.

Question 11

What can we do about motion sickness?

Accepted Answer

Motion sickness is less of an issue these days since all cruise ships are equipped with stabilizers to reduce the ship's roll. Once we're underway, these "wings" swing out and help the ship move smoothly through the ocean. If you do experience motion sickness, here are some options: 
- **Dramamine or Bonine**: These medications can make you drowsy, so avoid mixing them with alcohol. Consult your physician about potential side effects. 
- **Shots**: Available from the ship doctor for extreme cases of motion sickness. They take effect quickly and typically cost around $15. 
- **TransDerm Scop Patches**: Prescription patches from your doctor. Be aware of possible side effects. 
- **Sea Bands**: A non-medicated method using acupressure to alleviate motion sickness. 
- **Relief Bands**: New technology that sends a slight electrical charge through your system to relieve nausea. 
Choose what works best for you and enjoy a smooth sailing experience!

Question 12

Nautical Glossary

Accepted Answer

ABBREVIATIONS
MS - Motor Ship
MTS - Motor Turbine Ship
MV - - Motor Vessel
TSS - Turbine Steamship
SS - Steamship
USS - United States Ship
HMS - Her Majesty's Ship (England)
RMS - Royal Mail Ship (England)
ABEAM - anything perpendicular to the structure of the ship; off the side.
AFT - toward the rear of the vessel or to the stern.
AMIDSHIPS - in the middle of the vessel.
BALLAST - weight placed in the ship to keep her on an even keel when empty.
BEAM - width of ship at the widest point.
BEARING - compass direction expressed in degrees.
BERTH - nautical term for bed in your cabin or where vessel docks in port.
BOW - the forward part of the ship.
BRIDGE - ship's command center located above and forward of the passenger areas. Passengers are sometimes admitted with special invitation.
BULKHEAD - wall-like construction inside a vessel for subdividing space.
DECK - each floor of a ship.
DISEMBARK or DEBARK - to get off a ship.
DRILL - any exercise ordered by the captain, like the lifeboat drill on the first evening out.
EMBARK - to board a ship.
FATHOM - a measure of six feet; used in determining the depth of water by soundings.
FLAGS - ships talk to each other with flags in an international code of signals that all nations understand. While the flag hoisted on a private yacht might say "Come over for a drink," the signals on a large ship leaving port will show if a pilot is on board and what type of cargo is carried. Signal flags are never flown at sea, except when a vessel is in distress. The ship's country of registry is flown from the stern, and her country of destination appears from the yardarms of the foremast.
FREE PORT - a port not included in customs territory, or one that is free from import taxes. St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands is a free port
GALLEY - the kitchen.
GANGWAY - the bridge between ship and shore. Also called the gangplank as historically it was nothing more than a plank of wood.
GROSS REGISTERED TON - a measure of the size of a ship in terms of displacement. One hundred cubic feet equals one gross registered ton.
HELM - the entire steering apparatus of the ship.
KNOT - a unit of speed. One knot equals one nautical mile (6080.2 feet), or approximately 1.15 land miles per hour. The speed of a vessel is measured in knots.
LEAGUE - a unit of distance. In English-speaking countries, a league is 3.45 nautical miles.
LEEWARD - the direction toward which the wind blows.
PILOT - a representative of the local port authority who comes aboard ship to aid in the final arrival.
PITCH - the rise and fall of the ship in the water.
PORT - the left side of the ship (when looking forward) also indicated by the red navigational light.
PORTHOLE - the round window on a ship.
REGISTRY - certificate of ownership.
ROLL - the sideways motion of the ship.
SHE - ships are always considered members of the female gender.
STABILIZER - a retractable fin extending into the water on either side of the vessel to ensure smooth sailing.
STARBOARD - the right side of the ship (while looking forward), also indicated by a green navigational light.
STERN - the rear section of the vessel.
TENDER - a small vessel, sometimes a lifeboat, use to carry passengers from ship to shore and vice versa.
THRUSTERS - many new vessels have propellers mounted in the hull sideways so that the ship can pull away from the dock under its own power.
WAKE - the trail a ship leaves in the water.
WEIGH ANCHOR - to raise anchor and prepare to get underway.

August 22-29, 2026

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