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WE
GIVE YOU SOMETHING NOBODY ELSE DOES.
At Carnival, we're so confident that you
will love a "Fun Ship"® cruise vacation, we give you a
Vacation Guarantee. This assurance of satisfaction costs
absolutely nothing, and lets every guest - especially the first-timer -
discover the pleasures of "Fun Ship" cruising, risk-free.
IT'S THE BEST GUARANTEE YOU'LL
NEVER USE.
Because of a "Fun Ship"
vacation it's practically impossible to be dissatisfied. You'll be
having too much fun. You'll be joining in your choice of activities or
spending your day lying in the sun beside the pool. You'll be
savoring superb meals in the elegant dining room or dining bistro-style
on the Lido Deck. Every "Fun Ship" SuperLiner has a
complete Nautica Spa® program, duty free shops, men's and women's
salons, a library and card and game room.. (See, you've already
forgotten about the "Vacation Guarantee.")
EVERY
EVENING'S A GUARANTEED GOOD TIME.
After dark, you'll be applauding our
lavish Vegas-style shows, playing your favorite games of chance in the
large and friendly casino or meeting your new friends at your choice of
lively bars and lounges. Even later, you might be found at the
midnight buffet or in the non-stop action of our late-night dance club.
Or watching a movie in your spacious accommodations and ordering our
complimentary 24-hour room service.
We're
so confident you'll enjoy your Carnival cruise vacation, we guarantee
it. Carnival is the only cruise line to offer the Vacation
Guarantee. Simply book your cruise vacation and sail away on one
of "the Fun Ships." If you are not
completely satisfied with your vacation experience, all you need to do
is notify us before arrival at the first port of call and you may
disembark at your ship's first non-U.S. port of call. Carnival
will refund the unused portion of your cruise fare and pay for your
flight back.
To be
eligible for the program, guests must notify the purser's office prior
to the first port of call that they are dissatisfied and wish to
disembark.
Guests
must disembark the vessel at the first non-U.S. port of call and will
receive a pro-rated refund for the unused portion of their cruise.
Carnival
will also provide reimbursement for coach air transportation back to the
port of embarkation.
Refunds
will be mailed within 30 days of the completion of the cruise.
Valid
for sailings through and including December 17, 2001.
Not
valid on Alaska, Hawaii and Panama Canal sailings.
Other
restrictions apply. For more information, contact any travel agent
or call 1-800-CARNIVAL.
What
to Wear
Clothing Suggestions
You should dress for cruising the same way you would dress for any smart
land-based resort. Casual sportswear including shorts, light-weight
pants and jogging suits, is the order of the day both at sea and ashore
in our hotter climates. Just remember to bring a light sweater or jacket
for cool evenings. For shore excursions, bring a sweater, a light
jacket, and an all-weather coat, depending on your destination. Due to
unpredictable weather, don't forget a hat or visor, and a collapsible
umbrella.
You'll also want low-heeled, rubber-soled shoes for strolling on deck
as well as comfortable walking shoes or sandals to wear while exploring.
Dressing Up
When you're in port, evening dress is casual, slacks, sweaters, blouses,
open-neck shirts, etc. are typically worn. Shorts, cut-off T-shirts,
"torn" jeans and bare feet are not permitted in the dining
room. For semi-formal evenings, passengers dress as they would for a
fine restaurant at home, with ladies in skirts/dresses/ pantsuits and
gentlemen wearing a sports coat or suit. Tuxedo rental can be arranged
prior to the cruise on certain itineraries. On formal nights, ladies
prefer evening gowns or cocktail dresses and men turn out in tuxedos,
dinner jackets, or dark suits. See the chart below for general dress
code schedule.
Insurance
We
strongly recommend cruise insurance.
Here is an example
of Royal Caribbean Cruise Care
 oyal
Caribbean is proud to offer CruiseCare, a program that protects you
throughout the world for a variety of unforeseen situations, from minor
inconveniences, like lost luggage, to more serious potential problems,
including illness that might require emergency departure home. You're
covered in several ways:
Trip
Cancellation/
Interruption Protection
eimbursement
for cancellation penalties or the unused portion of your trip up
to the value of your cruise, in the event of a medical emergency
for you, your family or traveling companion.
Medical
Protection/
Emergency Evacuation
 ncluded
is $10,000 in supplementary coverage for illness or injury or up
to a $25,000 reimbursement should medical evacuation be
necessary.
Baggage
Protection/
Delay
 rovides
reimbursement up to $1,500 in the event of loss, damage or theft
of your baggage while flying to or from your cruise. And up to
$500 in reimbursement if your bags are lost or misdirected for
more than 24 hours.
Worldwide
Emergency Assistance
 lobal
access to a network of American International Assistance
Services, which can provide cash transfers, lost document
assistance, medical consultation and monitoring, immediate
payments to foreign hospitals, physicians, dentists and lawyers.
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All
Ships Have Medical Facilities Onboard
For example Princess'
medical facilities and staff are perhaps the finest at sea. With a
highly-trained staff of doctors and nurses and well-equipped shipboard
medical centers well-stocked with oral and injectable medications, you
can rest assured that you health is in good hands with Princess.
With at least three years post graduate medical training, our doctors
are proficient in primary care, advanced life support, intravenous line
placement and intubation, the use of laryngeal masks and minor surgery.
Each ship is equipped with cardiac monitors, defibrillators and
external cardiac pacemakers. They carry suction equipment, oxygen
saturation monitors, nebulizers for the treatment of asthma and COPD,
volumetric infusion pumps, oxygen concentrators and more.
Our pharmacy medications are approved by the UK Committee on Safety
of Medicines and we have made arrangements with specialty medical
evacuation firms in various regions of the world for assistance when far
from home.
Grand Princess also offers a new program called
Sea
Med through which the doctors of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
are available every hour of every day. The ship's physician has access
via satellite communication to specialists in every area of medicine for
consultation, evaluation of tests and recommendations for treatment.
Please let us know at the time you place your deposit if you have any
medical conditions or if you require a special diet.
First
Time Cruiser Information
Answers to the
most frequently asked questions about cruising. Click on any of the
following for answers to your cruising questions.
Q & A
1.
Is cruising affordable and a good vacation value?
2. How long are cruises?
3. Where can I go?
4. How do I book a cruise?
5. Are all
ships and cruises fairly similar?
6. What's an air/sea cruise?
7. Can I book on short
notice?
8. Do I need a passport?
9. Are there
different classes of service?
10. Will I get bored?
Feel confined?
11. What's there to do in
port?
12. Do I have
to participate in the activities?
13. Do cruise lines welcome
families with kids?
14. What's there to do at
night?
15. Is there a
charge for entertainment?
16. Is it easy to meet people?
17. Will there be people
like me?
18. Can singles have
fun on a cruise?
19. What should I pack?
20. Will I need a tuxedo?
21. Can I use my hair
dryer or shaver?
22. What are different
meal seatings?
23. Is cruise ship dining
as good as I've been told?
24. Can I get a special diet?
25. What if I don't
like my tablemates?
26. Are there non-smoking
areas?
27.Can we celebrate a
special day?
28.Is cruising right
for honeymooners?
29.Can we stay in
touch with the outside?
30.What about tipping?
31.Is motion-discomfort a
problem?
32.Are there medical
services onboard?
33.Are there laundry
services aboard?
34.Do cruise lines
accept group bookings?
35.Are there meeting
rooms onboard?
36.Can I extend my
cruise vacation?
37.It all
sounds too good to be true! Is it?
38.Who
should I see if I have questions that you haven't answered?
Answers
Is
cruising affordable and a good vacation value?
Yes! There are cruise vacations to suit every budget, from the
cost-conscious to the most luxurious. Even more important, a cruise offers
the best travel value for your money. Your fare includes all meals, your
cabin, onboard daytime activities, nighttime parties and entertainment. So
for once, you'll know what your vacation will end up costing you before you
go. (Your only extra expenses will be drinks, optional shore excursions, and
personal services such as massage or hairstyling.)
How long are cruises?
As long or short as you want. CLIA's member lines offer itineraries from
three days to three months.
Where can I go?
Where do you want to go? Cruises visit practically any destination
accessible by water. Just check the Worldwide Cruise Destination Guide to
see all the exciting choices you have.
How do I book a cruise?
Visit or call Island Cruises - 800-354-7673 Our professionals will help you
pick the cruise that fits your vacation schedule, tastes, and budget; then
make all the arrangements to get you from your doorstep to your stateroom
and back.
Are all ships and
cruises fairly similar?
Far from it. CLIA member lines' ships range from under 200 feet to over
1,000 feet. You can sail with anywhere from fewer than 100 fellow passengers
to over 3,600. Experience atmospheres ranging from casual to formal,
classically simple to ultra-deluxe. You can even choose between traditional
propeller-driven craft, sail-assisted cruise ships, or even a paddle-wheel
river boat.
What's an air/sea cruise?
A fly/cruise or air/sea cruise vacation package includes airfare along with
your cruise ticket. These money-saving options are available from most major
North American cities and include transfers between the airport and ship as
well as baggage handling.
Can I book on short notice?
Even the most popular cruises sometimes have space available because of late
cancellations. So, have your CLIA-affiliated travel agent check. But, to get
exactly the ship, cabin, and sailing date you want, you should plan and book
early. Most cruise lines also offer early booking discounts for customers
who plan ahead. Then, just sit back and anticipate all the fun you're going
to have!
Do I need a passport?
This depends on the type of cruise and your destination. You'll probably
need at least some proof of citizenship. You'll receive complete information
on required documents well in advance of your departure, so you'll have
plenty of time to make arrangements.
Are there different
classes of service?
Today's cruise ships are one-class. Everyone onboard can use all of the
ship's facilities. The price of a stateroom 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
onboard.
Will I get bored? Feel confined?
Hardly. Being at sea gives you a feeling of freedom few places can offer.
There's plenty of room. And it'll probably take you two or three days just
to discover what's onboard. Plus, you get the added adventure of exploring
new and exciting ports of call. Cruise ships are like floating resorts with
all the things fine resorts have to offer. You can be by yourself and lie
back in a lounge chair, breathe in the sea air, soak up the sun, read good
books, or watch the ever-changing view. Or, you can join in exercise
classes, dance classes, sports contests and other organized deck activities.
Perhaps you can practice your tennis stroke or golf swing, or shoot some
baskets. You can go for a swim, stretch out in the sauna or work out in the
gym. You can see a feature movie, attend a lecture by renowned experts, play
backgammon or bridge. And that's just when you're onboard!
What's there to do in port?
So much you'll have a hard time choosing! You can go off on your own. Or
take a guided tour. You can search ancient ruins or hunt for shopping
bargains. Ride a raft over river rapids, a bicycle down the side of a 10,000
foot volcano, or ride a horse across miles of hills and beaches. Climb a
waterfall or pyramid. See the birthplace of civilization or listen to steel
drum bands. Follow the footsteps of history or the wake of a water-skiing
boat. If there's still time (and you aren't ready to rest yet), enjoy a
folkloric show. Play golf or tennis. Eat native foods. Learn how to
windsurf. Sun and swim at some of the world's best beaches. Catch a record
marlin. Sail, snorkel, or go scuba diving. Go to a nightclub or glittering
casino. Take a cable car to the top of a mountain. Explore dark catacombs.
In short, a cruise is the easiest way to see new places and do all the
things you dream of. Cruising is the perfect way to sample a number of
destinations that you may want to return to for another vacation...and you
never have to pack and unpack the destinations come to you!
Do I have to
participate in the activities?
On a cruise, you do what you want to. You can do everything. Or lie back and
do absolutely nothing. It's your vacation.
Do cruise lines welcome families with
kids?
32% of cruise vacations are booked by families with children. Most cruise
lines make a special point of providing supervised activities for
youngsters, 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 the kids adapt to shipboard life with
ease, and you won't have to wonder what they're up to every minute. The
cruise staff will help keep them busy and entertained. Best of all, children
generally travel at a substantially reduced rate.
What's there to do at night?
At night, life aboard a cruise ship really turns on. There's dancing; live
entertainment in nightclubs, discos and lounges; feature films; and parties
with all your new friends. Most ships even have casinos. There are also many
special events like the Captain's Cocktail Party, Passenger Talent Night,
the Masquerade Parade, the Late Night Buffet (just for one last bite to tide
you over 'til breakfast). And the night can go on as long as you want. Even
until the spectacle of sunrise at sea.
Is there a charge for
entertainment?
Never. On a cruise vacation, the entertainment is on the house. There's no
cover. No minimum. No charge for an admission ticket. The shows are live.
The movies are first-rate. The variety is limitless.
Is it easy to meet people?
A cruise ship is a great place to make new friends, because everyone's so
friendly. The atmosphere is cordial, relaxed. And you'll have all kinds of
things in common to talk about. At dinner. At cocktails. Around the pool. Or
along the promenade rail. And don't be surprised if you find yourself making
arrangements to meet them aboard ship again next year.
Will there be people like me?
No matter what you've heard to the contrary, there's no such thing as a
typical cruise passenger! All kinds of people take cruises...of all
ages...from all walks of life...singles, couples and families. Passengers
can vary from ship to ship and cruise to cruise. Just ask your CLIA-affiliated
travel agency for advice on the best ship for you, based on your tastes and
lifestyle.
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 just for singles early on, so
you can start to be involved right away. Most ships also have single cabins
as well as single rates for double staterooms. In many cases, a cruise line
will even find you a roommate to share a double if you ask them.
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 to
dress. As on shore, attire is dictated by occasion. For 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.
Will I need a tuxedo?
On some cruises, formal dinners or parties are part of the fun. But don't
buy a tuxedo just for the trip. If you do want to dress to the nines, many
ships offer tuxedo rental services. Even on the most formal of ships, a dark
suit and tie are fine for the dressiest occasions.
Can I use my hair dryer or
shaver?
Most ships have 110-volt outlets in the staterooms. But do check with us to
be sure.
What are different meal seatings?
Some ships' dining rooms can accommodate all passengers in one seating. But
most ships have two seatings which differ only by time. To choose, just
decide whether you prefer to dine early or late then have your CLIA-affiliated
travel agent request your preference when you book. Whichever seating you
choose, remember that one of the best ways to make new friends is to ask for
a large table. 24 Casual Dining options are now available on most major
cruise lines.
Is cruise ship dining as good as
I've been told?
Everything you've heard about cruise ship dining is true. You'll find a
varied selection of entrees (appetizers, salads, soups, vegetables, and
desserts, too) every time you sit down. And there's virtually no limit on
what or how much you can order. 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, or fitness menu selections that are just as tempting as the
regular menu. You can also jog, do aerobics, work out in the gym, swim,
golf, play tennis, and much more. Burning calories was never so much fun!
Best of all, the one thing you'll never see on a cruise ship menu is a
price!
Can I get a special diet?
Most ships can accommodate salt-free, low-carbohydrate, Kosher, or other
diet preferences. However, this request must be made in advance, so be sure
to advise us of this requirement when you book your cruise.
What if I don't like my
tablemates?
Rarely is this a problem. However, if you wish to move to another table,
speak with the maitre d'. He'll make every effort to seat you with more
compatible dining companions...discretely and politely.
Are there non-smoking areas?
Today, virtually all ships have smoking and non-smoking table and/or
sections in the dining rooms and lounges. In fact, many cruise ship dining
rooms are now totally smoke-free, reflecting passenger requests. If you want
your dining table in a non-smoking area, just tell us. Onboard, in
open-seating situations, you can advise your waiter or the maitre d'.
Can we celebrate a special day?
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, canapés, wine or
cheese. You can even arrange for a special private party. All you have to do
is advise us in advance.
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) and so much more to remember forever. Most
lines provide special services from Sunday or Monday departures to welcome
champagne and breakfast in bed. (And, speaking of beds, most ships have them
in double, queen, or king sizes!) Also, some ships offer special programs
for performing a marriage ceremony or renewing your marriage vows in port.
Can we stay in touch with
the outside?
Quite easily. Most ships have a daily newsletter with news, headlines,
selected stock quotes and sports scores. Staterooms on most ships are
equipped with televisions. While many ships now have telephones in passenger
cabins, you can also call someone on shore through the ship's radio operator
while at sea. And, you can make phone calls from most ports. In addition,
many ships have fax capabilities and E-mail/Internet capabilities.
What about tipping?
Tipping is a matter of individual preference. A general rule of thumb is to
plan for about $3.00 to $3.50 per person per day for your room 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
ship board personnel can be tipped for special services at your discretion.
Is motion-discomfort a problem?
Not really. The most popular cruise areas boast some of the calmest waters
in the world. In addition, stabilizers on modern ships, advance availability
of accurate weather information, and development of effective preventative
medications have, for the most part, eliminated the incidence of motion
discomfort.
Are there medical services
onboard?
Virtually every cruise ship (except for some smaller vessels operating in
coastal waters) has a fully-equipped medical facility and staff to handle
almost any emergency.
Are there laundry services
aboard?
Yes. Almost all cruise ships have laundry facilities and a great many
provide dry-cleaning services. There is, however, an additional charge for
professional laundry and dry-cleaning services. Most ships also have
self-service launderettes.
Do cruise lines accept
group bookings?
Most lines will work with groups often at reduced rates depending on how
many people are involved. Policies vary from company to company and
sometimes during certain times of the year. J
Are there meeting rooms onboard?
Just about every full size ship has public rooms to offer as meeting space
for groups. If you'd like to make such arrangements, ask your CLIA-affiliated
travel agent to contact the cruise line's group sales department to
coordinate schedules and arrange for any catering needs. Your ship may also
be able to offer audio-visual equipment.
Can I extend my cruise vacation?
Your CLIA-affiliated travel agent can arrange pre- or post-cruise land
packages at the same time you book you cruise. And, in many cases, your
airline ticket will include helpful options, such as free stopovers, that
enable you to make your own special arrangements.
It all sounds too good
to be true! Is it?
The one major complaint we hear over and over again is that cruises end far
too soon! Beyond that, it's hard to find any negatives. After all, you don't
have to run to make plane connections to get from one port to the next. You
don't have the hassles of making dinner or nightclub reservations. You don't
have the bother of packing and unpacking as you move from place to place.
You don't get unexpected, expensive surprises at restaurants or nightclubs.
You have a wealth of options for shopping, adventure, sightseeing,
exploring, entertaining and sports activities. All you have to worry about
is relaxing and enjoying your vacation. Most importantly, every crew and
staff member onboard is dedicated to making your cruise vacation the best
vacation of your life (until you top it next year with your next cruise!)
Who
should I see if I have questions that you haven't answered?
Contact Mitch at Island Cruises at 1-800-354-Rose (7673 )
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