Frequently Asked Questions

We recommend the purchase of travel protection for every cruise we offer. Coverage can include, but not limited to trip cancellation due to medical emergency, illness or death for your immediate family or traveling companions (pre-existing conditions normally not covered); trip interruption; trip delay; baggage protection; medical expense coverage and emergency evacuation. Please verify cancellation coverage as listed in each individual cruise line brouchure. ADA Vacations PlusTM offers travel protection including PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS coverage as well, it is a separate coverage, IT MUST BE PURCHASED WITHIN 7 DAYS OF YOUR INITIAL CRUISE DEPOSIT.

What should I pack?

Of coarse depending on your destination, you want to travel prepared for both daytime and evening, as well as on land or at sea.

Warm destinations: Resort wear, shorts, slacks, sundresses, jeans are all appropriate daytime attire. But be sure to take a sweater or jacket along for occasional cool evenings. Bring comfortable walking shoes and don't forget your sunglasses, a sunhat or visor, swimwear, sunscreen and of course rain gear. For formal evenings, cocktail dresses or gowns are recommended for the ladies, and the men wear a jacket and tie or tuxedo. On the informal evenings, just about anything but shorts is fine. If you forget to pack something, don't worry, the shops onboard ship sell everything from beaded gowns to sunscreen.

Cool destinations: These climates are a little tricky. The air temperature at sea is moderated by the cool or cold ocean temperature, something like standing in an open door of a refrigerator. Yet on land can be quite warm. You want to pack long pants, sweaters, mittens, warm hat and sunglasses for on deck sightseeing. Shorts and long pants, windbreakers, walking shoes, sun hats and sunglasses on land. Indoors on ship should include resort wear as well as formal attire such as cocktail dresses or gowns recommended for the ladies, jacket and tie or tuxedo for the men.

Are children's fares free?

Several cruise lines will allow children under the age of 2 to travel in the same cabin as third or fourth passengers for free (Norwegian and Celebrity) plus port charges/taxes. Normally children will travel at a reduced third or fourth passenger fare. Reason: U.S. Coast Guard regulations dictate the maximum number of passengers allowed on each ship. Children are passengers too. When a child travels, it may mean that another passenger will not be allowed to travel, as these ships normally reach passenger capacity before the ships cabins are sold out.

How do I pay for on-board expenses?

For your convenience, an on-board room account will be set up for you at time of check-in. Virtually everything on-board ship may be charged to your room account, so that you do not have to carry cash. Your account will be settled last day on ship, and may be applied to most major credit cards, cash or travelers checks.

What about foreign currencies?

Travelers checks and currency exchange is available at prevailing rates at the purser's deck

What are custom allowances?

U.S. Citizens are allowed $400 worth of merchandise when returning to the United States from abroad. Passengers over the age of 21 may also bring 1 quart of liquor or wine and 200 cigarettes. Non U.S. citizens should check with their local authorities for custom allowance information.

How many suitcases can I take?

Most cruise lines allow luggage upto 200 pounds per person. However, if you are traveling by air, your airline may have different restrictions. Please contact your airline for restrictions.

What time do we eat?

You may request early or late seating for you meals. Most cruise lines offer a main seating (normally 6 - 6:30 pm) or a late seating (normally 8 - 8:30 pm) for dinner. Lunch is early (noon) or late (1:30 pm) in conjunction with your dinner seating. Breakfast is normally an open seating from 7 am to 9 am. Alternate buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner available open seating on most ships.

Do I need converters in the cabin?

Most ships have 110 volts AC. However some high-voltage hair dryers, electric rollers and electric razors may require a converter.

Are there children's programs?

Most cruise lines have wonderful children's programs available on board ship. These programs vary by cruise line, and are normally available to children ages 3 - 17. Programs include co-ordinated and supervised parties, dances, games and activities through out the cruise, most cruise lines will offer activities or babysitting for the evenings. For additional information on the children's program, please refer to your cruise line brochure or your cruise specialist.

What about special needs?

Wherever possible, the cruise lines try to accommodate passengers with physical or mental disabilities. All ships have staterooms designed for people with physical disabilities. Any condition or disability that may require special attention must be reported to the passenger courtesy department when cruise reservations are made.   Passengers traveling with wheelchairs, please be advised that cabin doors are normally 22" wide, bathroom doors are 20" wide, and there is a 3" lip to the shower.  Elevator service may not be available to all decks of the ship.

Is there a doctor?

Yes, physician and nurse are on board each ship. Customary charges will be made for all medical care and services.

Pregnancy?

Expectant mothers, most cruise lines will require a medical certificate establishing your due date and fitness to travel, the cruise lines will make every effort to accommodate you. Please inform your cruise specialist of your condition so that they may make you aware of any other conditions or restrictions that may apply by each individual cruise line.

Shore Excursions?

Shore excursions can be purchased at the shore excursion desk on board ship. If you prefer to go on your own, information about ports of call will be available at the shore excursion desk.

Special Celebrations?

To help you celebrate your special occasion, you may purchase wine, fruit baskets, champagne, birthday cakes, canapés, flowers or other gifts for your cabin. A gifts catalog will be included with your cruise documents. Additionally, the cruise lines offer complimentary celebrations at dinner for your special occasion, please inform your cruise specialist of any special occasion you wish to have celebrated.

What if I need to call home?

Most ships now offer phones in your cabin that may be used to call anywhere in the world via international marine satellite. A word of caution, use of these phones are very expensive, normally $10 per minute from the moment you dial, and including through satellite connection (not from when the phone rings). Even the shortest call is normally $30. We recommend that phone calls be made sparingly or in emergency situations only.

Tipping?

When on ship you will enjoy the services a wonderful waiter, busboy and cabin steward. You will have the same waiter, busboy and cabin steward though out your entire cruise. You will not tip until your last day on-board ship, at which time 3 tip envelopes will be left in your cabin for you. Recommended tipping guidelines:

Waiter: $ 3.00 per day per person
Busboy: $ 1.50 per day per person
Cabin Steward: $ 3.00 per day per person
Maitre d: at your discretion. Any on board purchases made such as alcohol, beauty salon and spa service already include a 15% gratuity. Other staff may be tipped as services are rendered.

Do I need a passport?

It is the passengers responsibility to provide acceptable proof of citizenship. This proof will vary by destination and citizenship of the traveling passengers. There are no refunds to passengers denied boarding for lack of proper documents. U.S departures: U.S. and Canadian citizens need photo I.D. with a passport, original birth certificate or certified copy birth certificate with raised seals. U.S. Resident Aliens** need Alien resident card with photo I.D. Citizens from other countries** need valid passport and valid U.S. multiple re-entry visa. **Resident aliens and citizens from other countries must contact the appropriate consulate to inquire about any additional travel documentation requirements. Non U.S. departures: All passengers must contact the appropriate consulate to inquire about necessary travel documentation requirements (normally passports and visas). These requirements vary by the countries being visited and the citizenship of each of the traveling passengers. Please consult your cruise specialist for the exact documentation requirements for your cruise.

Do I need vaccinations?

When on ship you will enjoy the services a wonderful waiter, busboy and cabin steward. You Typically no vaccinations are required, however please verify for your cruise destinations with your local health office at least two weeks prior to sailing.

Where can I keep my valuables?

Many cruise lines now offer in-cabin safes for your valuables and cash, additionally most cruise lines offer security envelopes and/or safe deposit boxes at the pursers desk at no charge. The cruise lines and ADA Vacations Plus are not responsible for valuables left in cabins or elsewhere on board ship.

Are visitors allowed?

No, sorry. Cruise lines will not allow visitors due to security reasons. Only ticketed traveling passengers will be allowed on ship. On-board weddings in ports of call are allowed an advance guest list, and will be allowed boarding per cruise line regulations.

Pets?