First Time Cruisers
Things to know Before you go!
Most "first-timers" have a lot of questions - so here's a list of questions most commonly asked to help you get ready and ensure "smooth sailing" both before and during your cruise. If your question isn't here, please do not hesitate to call me.
WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO TAKE?
For the most current government requirements, please go to: http://travel.state.gov/
HOW DO I PAY FOR ITEMS ONBOARD AND IN PORT?
The Cruise Lines will open an onboard account for bar purchases, soft drinks, souvenirs, to pay for shore excursions, etc, which you can settle by credit card, travelers checks or cash at the end of the cruise. The purser's office will also cash travelers checks for you. In addition, most of the duty-free shops onboard and most shops in port will also cash travelers checks. Most shops in port will accept major credit cards as well as American dollars or travelers checks. YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CASH PERSONAL CHECKS ONBOARD THE SHIP.
WHAT ABOUT TIPPING ONBOARD SHIP?
Tipping with most cruise lines is now included on your onboard account. While this makes tipping the proper people more convenient, you may alter these amounts according to your cruise experience in these areas. Your tips will affect these services on your cruise ship: Your Cabin Steward, Waiter and Assistant Waiter. These amount will range from $9.00 to $10.00 per person per day on most cruise lines. On luxury cruise lines these amount may be higher. If you wish to change the amounts either by reducing or adding to your account, you should visit the purser onboard your cruise ship. Note: most cruise lines add gratuities to bar tabs.
Always check your bills.
DO I NEED TO PACK A TUXEDO OR FORMAL DRESS?
Many cruise lines allow you to rent a Tuxedo onboard. This will reduce additional packing and you will have a pressed Tuxedo on each formal night of your cruise. Although prices may vary on different cruise lines, the average price is between $75 & $85. This will cover all cruises of 11 days or less. Included on Standard Tuxedo Rental Package are 1 Black Jacket, 1 Pair of Black Pants, 2 White Formal Shirts, 1 Black Cummerbund and Tie Set and 1 Set of Cufflinks and Studs. There is also a White Dinner Jacket Package, and a Package for both The Standard Black and White Dinner Jacket Tuxedo's
Note: Shoes and Socks are additional.
Rentals are available for the Ladies as well on Celebrity, Holland, Princess and Royal Caribbean. If you are sailing on "back-to-back" cruises (two consecutive sailings of the same ship), then each voyage is considered a separate rental. If you are not sure, please call our toll free number where a customer service representative is ready to assist you.
Not all Cruise Lines have a "Formal Night".
WHAT ABOUT MOTION SICKNESS?
Ships today are so well stabilized that most of the time you won't notice you are even moving! It's a good idea though to take along some Motion Sickness precaution (follow the directions on the box) as well as aspirin and sunscreen. If you do have a problem onboard, all ships have a doctor and a nurse aboard. And be sure not to forget any prescription drugs you are taking. These should be put in your carry-on-luggage. Consult your physician before taking any medication.
WHAT HAPPENS TO MY LUGGAGE AFTER I LEAVE
IT AT THE AIRPORT (OR PORT, IF YOU ARE DRIVING)?
If you are using the cruise line's airfare program, you will affix the luggage tags sent with your cruise documents and check your luggage at the airport. The next time you see it will be in your cabin! There are a few ports where you will need to claim your luggage at the airport--this will be indicated in your cruise documents and, again, call me if you have any questions. If you are flying but NOT using the cruise line's airfare program you still need to affix your cruise line tag but you will need to claim your own luggage at the airport baggage area when you arrive in your port city and take it with you to the port. If you are driving to the port, you will check your luggage when you arrive at the port, and they will take your bags to your cabin. It's a good idea to check your cabin about 1/2 hour before sailing to be sure your luggage has arrived and to check with your steward or the purser's office if it is not there. They have thousands of bags to deliver to cabins and it does take a while. The most important thing is your luggage tag -- without it, how will they know where to find you?
On the last night of your cruise you will be asked to put your luggage (except your carry-on bags) outside your cabin so that it can be taken to the holding area, and off loaded early the next morning. You will claim your bags in the customs area, don't worry all this will be explained on the ship. It would be a good idea to pack an overnight bag on your cruise.
HOW CAN I BE REACHED ONBOARD THE SHIP IN AN EMERGENCY?
RCI...888 724 7447
CEL...877 266 1020
PCL...900 225 5744
NCL...888 627 4477
CCL...877 225 7447
HAL...800 426 0327
DIS...888 322 8732
HOW WILL I KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON ONBOARD
THE SHIP, OR FIND OUT ABOUT SHORE EXCURSIONS?
There will be all kinds of "goodies" about this in your cabin when you arrive and prior to sailing is a good time to explore and get your bearings a s to where the dining room, gym, lounges ect. are located. There will be a daily program of activities put in your cabin each night for the next day. For first timers I suggest you attend the "shore excursion talk" or at least part of it, and the debarkation talk, both of which will be listed on the daily program, These are very informative and all the cruise directors do a pretty good job of making it fun.
"Also Note" that "shore excursions" should be booked as soon as you arrive on the ship. The more popular ones have a tendency to sell out. Some cruise lines will allow you to book "shore excursions" through your TV in your cabin.
IS IT BETTER TO TAKE A SHORE EXCURSION
OR EXPLORE PORTS OF CALL ON MY OWN??
A lot of that is really up to you! Most ships include a program of their shore excursions with your cruise documents but if not, you will have one in your cabin when you board the ship. Sailing and snorkeling excursions are lots of fun and much easier than trying to arrange them yourself. Some of the islands/ports that are easy to explore on your own (by cab, or even on foot in some places) are: St. Thomas, Grand Cayman, Key West, Freeport, Cozumel, San Juan, Bermuda, Canadian ports especially Quebec City, Greneda and St. Barts. If you're not the real adventurous type, consider a shore excursion in at least one port. We have information on all the Caribbean islands, Cozumel/Cancun, Bermuda, Hawaii, Alaska and Canada.
Remember though, things have changed in our world today. There is a lot of unrest in many countries and ports of call. We highly recommend that you book your "shore excursions" with the cruise line. If you'd like to get a little more information before you go, just contact us. Although you may save some money by booking your own shore excursion, please be aware that if you miss your cruise ship because you booked your own shore excursion with an outside company, you are on your own. This can be a very expensive ordeal. Booking passage from any port of call to either fly to the mainland or to meet the ship at the next port of call can be very expensive.
If your cruise documents have not arrived ten days before your departure date please let me know. When they arrive, please check them IMMEDIATELY to be sure they show your correct name, ship, sailing date and cabin number (if you have been assigned a cabin at booking). Also be sure your airline tickets if applicable, are accurate and reflect the correct name transport to the correct port. If you are using the cruise line air program you should also have vouchers for transportation from the airport to the port and back. All document packages should contain luggage tags and many will also include form to fill out for boarding passes, on board credit programs. All of these should be filled out before you leave. If you think you are missing anything or would like me to go over them with you, just let me know.
BON VOYAGE!! Please contact me when you return and let me know what a great time you had. It's feedback from clients that helps me assist all of you in making good choices for your cruise vacations!
MAY ALL YOUR SEAS BE SMOOTH!!!
Happy Cruising!
P.S. If you are using the cruise line's transfer program, be sure to check your cruise documents for voucher for transportation from the airport to the pier. When you disembark the plane, look for the Cruise Line Representative in the baggage claim area. They will direct you to the bus or van. If you don't happen to see them right away(and this rarely occurs) just ask a rep from one of the other cruise lines to "point the way"!! Sometimes one person has to meet two planes at once and all the cruise people help each other out at the airport.
Everything you need to know for your next vacation. From tips to unbelievable deals.
Subscribe To Anchors Aweigh Vacations-Crusie Planners
Posts
All Comments
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Anchors Aweigh Vacations-Cruise Planners
Cruise Planners & Disney Salute the Military
As a salute, Disney is offering discounted theme park tickets and room rates for active military and spouses, retired military, National Guard and Reservists through September of 2012. We are proud to be a Veteran owned company and are excited to be able to offer you these rates plus additional specials just for booking through us.
As a salute, Disney is offering discounted theme park tickets and room rates for active military and spouses, retired military, National Guard and Reservists through September of 2012. We are proud to be a Veteran owned company and are excited to be able to offer you these rates plus additional specials just for booking through us.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
Friday, April 8, 2011
Cruise Planners - Mystery Themed Cruises
Cruise Planners - Mystery Themed Cruises
Mystery Themed Cruises
Whodunit Mystery Cruises
in association with
Royal Caribbean International
Enjoy an elegant experience at sea, while MURDER and MAYHEM LURK all around you, and even INVOLVE YOU! As the clues unravel, try to solve the spectacular mystery of "whodunit" - before it's too late! Whodunit creates a Live Murder Mystery aboard the most beautiful ships in the world that you become a part of ... as well as try and solve. There are times during the cruise that you will be following this perplexing mystery and other times when you are free to just enjoy the cruise ... We don't want you to have to look over your shoulder for the entire time aboard ship.
When you board you will be given your own deadly role to play. Don't worry, if you are on the shy side you can just sit back and watch the plot unfold. But if you are not shy, then you can use your character to find out as much as you can. You see, the actors will be mixing among you and in character for the entire cruise!!! The hilarious mystery begins to unfold on the opening night where you will first meet all of the very M Y S T E R I O U S Characters. Then during the cruise there are mysterious notes slid under your cabin door, secret rendezvous set up for you ... all kinds of suspicious happenings!
On the days we are in port, nothing will happen aboard the ship at this time, so you won't miss any important clues. But be careful.... Captain's Night is bound to be a beautiful, elegant but- a D E V I L I S H night, for sure!
Just think...mutiny and...mayhem...gambling...all the grub you can handle...intrigue...laughter...star laden skies...and Murder on the High Seas!!!!
Need more enticement to join us?
(testimonials)
* I will never go on another cruise except going on a "WHODUNIT"!
* ...Loved all the interacting and roll playing among the guests...
* Your cast of characters were priceless. I had a blast and would
love to be a repeat Offender...
* I don't think we would have enjoyed our first cruise so much if we
haven't been involved in your Mystery
* This was my best cruise ever (#6). This is largely due to you and
your crew...
* We have been on other cruises before, but this was the best one...
* I had more fun that I ever imagined...
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOR 2011
WHEN WHERE DURATION ITINERARY
April 2 -8, 2011 Royal Caribbean
Oasis of the Seas
Mystery Themed Cruise 7 Nights From Florida to the Western
Caribbean
May 20 - 27, 2011 Royal Caribbean
Rhapsody of the Seas
Mystery Themed Cruise 7 Nights From Seattle to Alaska
September 3 - 8, 2011 Royal Caribbean
Enchantment of the Seas
Mystery Themed Cruise 5 Nights From Baltimore to Bermuda
October 21 - 24, 2011 Royal Caribbean
Monarch of the Seas
Mystery Themed Halloween Cruise 3 Nights From Port Canaveral to the Bahamas
October 21 - 24, 2011
Royal Caribbean
Majesty of the Seas
Mystery Themed Halloween Cruise 3 Nights From Miami to the Bahamas
December 3 - 10, 2011 Royal Caribbean
Voyager of the Seas
Mystery Themed Cruise 7 Nights From New Orleans to the Western Caribbean
Call Cruise Planners at the number on the top of this page for more information and to book you on one of these incredible sailings!
CLUES (AKA - FAQ'S)
MAYHEM...... Is it Scary?
No! Whodunit's shows are COMEDIES! So don't expect a deep dark mystery. In fact for those people who just want to kick back, laugh and be entertained...you don't even have to try and solve the crime.
SUSPECTS...... Do I have to play a character?
Everyone will get a role. But it is up to you how much you become your character. If you are on the shy side, you can just sit back and be a fly on the wall, as you try to figure out Whodunit.
ACCOMPLICES...... Is everyone on the ship involved in the mystery?
No. Only our very special group. However the staff does get involved! From the Cruise Director to the Captain, they love to play when the Whodunit gang boards the ship.
ALIBI...... Are we doing the mystery the WHOLE cruise?
No. The Whodunit team has worked very closely with our Cruise Line to schedule the events so they don't conflict with the other entertainment offered aboard the ship. And there is plenty of free time for you to enjoy the cruising experience. When you board you will receive an itinerary of all the mysterious events. Most of the events take place during one or two special events before dinner and then at dinner each evening, as we all dine together. All of our activities are scheduled around the cruise line's events taking place on board, so you don't have to miss anything. Whodunit has one or two specially planned events daily.
On the 3 night cruises, we end by noon on Sunday, on the 5 night cruise, we do the show for the first three nights and on the seven night cruise, the show lasts for the first four nights. Ending with a hosted cocktail party to celebrate the Grand Super Sleuth Winner!!
RED HERRINGS...... Can I sit at Main Dining and still be involved?
Unfortunately, the itinerary and events are set around the 2nd seating schedule. This allows us to have events during the 6:30 - 7:30 hour when everyone is aboard. Obviously this would conflict with the main seating dinner hour. And, since so many of the clues are also given out during the dinner hour ... we would hate for you to miss them.
THE GETAWAY...... Can children come?
It's up to you. They will have a role in our little game just like everyone else. However, there IS a lot of adult humor during the course of the show. After all, what is a mystery without a secret lover...or two? Also keep in mind that we are all seated at 2nd seating and this might be too late for the children, though if they do attend, children 6 and under are free.
CORPSE...... Could I be the victim?
No...then you couldn't enjoy the show!
DISGUISE...... What is the attire for the cruise?
For "The Diamond Mob Family Getaway" it is your mob wear...
black suits, fedoras...gold lame, boas......or dress to kill of course!
Those who do not want to wear costumes, can just enjoy the show
in your usual cruise wear.
CANCELLATION POLICY
You can receive a full refund of your mystery add on fee until the Royal Caribbean Final Payment Date for that Sailing. There is no refund of the mystery add on fee after the Royal Caribbean Final Payment Date.
Don't miss the boat!
Call Cruise Planners at 877-672-1511 for more information and to book one of these incredible sailings!
Mystery Themed Cruises
Whodunit Mystery Cruises
in association with
Royal Caribbean International
Enjoy an elegant experience at sea, while MURDER and MAYHEM LURK all around you, and even INVOLVE YOU! As the clues unravel, try to solve the spectacular mystery of "whodunit" - before it's too late! Whodunit creates a Live Murder Mystery aboard the most beautiful ships in the world that you become a part of ... as well as try and solve. There are times during the cruise that you will be following this perplexing mystery and other times when you are free to just enjoy the cruise ... We don't want you to have to look over your shoulder for the entire time aboard ship.
When you board you will be given your own deadly role to play. Don't worry, if you are on the shy side you can just sit back and watch the plot unfold. But if you are not shy, then you can use your character to find out as much as you can. You see, the actors will be mixing among you and in character for the entire cruise!!! The hilarious mystery begins to unfold on the opening night where you will first meet all of the very M Y S T E R I O U S Characters. Then during the cruise there are mysterious notes slid under your cabin door, secret rendezvous set up for you ... all kinds of suspicious happenings!
On the days we are in port, nothing will happen aboard the ship at this time, so you won't miss any important clues. But be careful.... Captain's Night is bound to be a beautiful, elegant but- a D E V I L I S H night, for sure!
Just think...mutiny and...mayhem...gambling...all the grub you can handle...intrigue...laughter...star laden skies...and Murder on the High Seas!!!!
Need more enticement to join us?
(testimonials)
* I will never go on another cruise except going on a "WHODUNIT"!
* ...Loved all the interacting and roll playing among the guests...
* Your cast of characters were priceless. I had a blast and would
love to be a repeat Offender...
* I don't think we would have enjoyed our first cruise so much if we
haven't been involved in your Mystery
* This was my best cruise ever (#6). This is largely due to you and
your crew...
* We have been on other cruises before, but this was the best one...
* I had more fun that I ever imagined...
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOR 2011
WHEN WHERE DURATION ITINERARY
April 2 -8, 2011 Royal Caribbean
Oasis of the Seas
Mystery Themed Cruise 7 Nights From Florida to the Western
Caribbean
May 20 - 27, 2011 Royal Caribbean
Rhapsody of the Seas
Mystery Themed Cruise 7 Nights From Seattle to Alaska
September 3 - 8, 2011 Royal Caribbean
Enchantment of the Seas
Mystery Themed Cruise 5 Nights From Baltimore to Bermuda
October 21 - 24, 2011 Royal Caribbean
Monarch of the Seas
Mystery Themed Halloween Cruise 3 Nights From Port Canaveral to the Bahamas
October 21 - 24, 2011
Royal Caribbean
Majesty of the Seas
Mystery Themed Halloween Cruise 3 Nights From Miami to the Bahamas
December 3 - 10, 2011 Royal Caribbean
Voyager of the Seas
Mystery Themed Cruise 7 Nights From New Orleans to the Western Caribbean
Call Cruise Planners at the number on the top of this page for more information and to book you on one of these incredible sailings!
CLUES (AKA - FAQ'S)
MAYHEM...... Is it Scary?
No! Whodunit's shows are COMEDIES! So don't expect a deep dark mystery. In fact for those people who just want to kick back, laugh and be entertained...you don't even have to try and solve the crime.
SUSPECTS...... Do I have to play a character?
Everyone will get a role. But it is up to you how much you become your character. If you are on the shy side, you can just sit back and be a fly on the wall, as you try to figure out Whodunit.
ACCOMPLICES...... Is everyone on the ship involved in the mystery?
No. Only our very special group. However the staff does get involved! From the Cruise Director to the Captain, they love to play when the Whodunit gang boards the ship.
ALIBI...... Are we doing the mystery the WHOLE cruise?
No. The Whodunit team has worked very closely with our Cruise Line to schedule the events so they don't conflict with the other entertainment offered aboard the ship. And there is plenty of free time for you to enjoy the cruising experience. When you board you will receive an itinerary of all the mysterious events. Most of the events take place during one or two special events before dinner and then at dinner each evening, as we all dine together. All of our activities are scheduled around the cruise line's events taking place on board, so you don't have to miss anything. Whodunit has one or two specially planned events daily.
On the 3 night cruises, we end by noon on Sunday, on the 5 night cruise, we do the show for the first three nights and on the seven night cruise, the show lasts for the first four nights. Ending with a hosted cocktail party to celebrate the Grand Super Sleuth Winner!!
RED HERRINGS...... Can I sit at Main Dining and still be involved?
Unfortunately, the itinerary and events are set around the 2nd seating schedule. This allows us to have events during the 6:30 - 7:30 hour when everyone is aboard. Obviously this would conflict with the main seating dinner hour. And, since so many of the clues are also given out during the dinner hour ... we would hate for you to miss them.
THE GETAWAY...... Can children come?
It's up to you. They will have a role in our little game just like everyone else. However, there IS a lot of adult humor during the course of the show. After all, what is a mystery without a secret lover...or two? Also keep in mind that we are all seated at 2nd seating and this might be too late for the children, though if they do attend, children 6 and under are free.
CORPSE...... Could I be the victim?
No...then you couldn't enjoy the show!
DISGUISE...... What is the attire for the cruise?
For "The Diamond Mob Family Getaway" it is your mob wear...
black suits, fedoras...gold lame, boas......or dress to kill of course!
Those who do not want to wear costumes, can just enjoy the show
in your usual cruise wear.
CANCELLATION POLICY
You can receive a full refund of your mystery add on fee until the Royal Caribbean Final Payment Date for that Sailing. There is no refund of the mystery add on fee after the Royal Caribbean Final Payment Date.
Don't miss the boat!
Call Cruise Planners at 877-672-1511 for more information and to book one of these incredible sailings!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Cruise Planners - Anchors Aweigh Vacations
Cruise Planners - Anchors Aweigh Vacations
Disney Cruise Line
Announces New Itineraries and Ports for 2012
For the first time ever, Disney Cruise Line® will set sail from three new ports in 2012 – New York, Seattle and Galveston – making the Disney family cruise vacation more accessible to everyone around the country. There are also more itinerary choices than ever before, including one special voyage to Hawai‘i.
New York Sailings
Beginning May 25, 2012, the Disney Magic® will sail a total of 20 cruises from New York.
• 8-night Bahamian cruises include a day at Disney’s Castaway Cay and a stop at Port Canaveral, gateway to the Walt Disney World® Resort. As part of this itinerary, you will receive a one-day Park Hopper® Ticket and roundtrip transportation between the ship and resort.
• 5-night Canadian/New England cruises will visit Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Saint John, New Brunswick.
• 2-night cruises are perfect for those looking for a quick getaway at sea over a weekend.
Seattle Sailings
Beginning May 28, 2012, the Disney Wonder® will sail a total of 14 cruises to Alaska from the Port of Seattle, Wash.
• 7-night Alaskan cruises will call on Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan plus Victoria, British Columbia.
Galveston Sailings
Beginning Sept. 22, 2012, the Disney Magic will sail 12 cruises from the Port of Galveston, Texas.
• 7-night Western Caribbean cruises will visit Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico, as well as Grand Cayman.
Los Angeles Sailings
In addition to 7-night Mexican Riviera cruises, the Disney Wonder will set sail on Disney’s first-ever voyage to Hawai‘i on April 29, 2012.
• 15-night Hawaiian cruise departs from the Port of Los Angeles and includes stops at Hilo; Kahului, Maui; Honolulu, Oahu; Nawiliwili, Kauai and Ensenada, Mexico.
• 7-night Pacific Coast cruises will call on San Francisco, San Diego and Ensenada, Mexico.
Port Canaveral Sailings
The Disney Dream™ will continue to sail 3-, 4- and 5-night Bahamian cruises. The new Disney Fantasy™ will offer Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, beginning with the maiden voyage on March 31, 2012. Sail dates for both ships are now available through December 2012.
Disney Cruise Line
Announces New Itineraries and Ports for 2012
For the first time ever, Disney Cruise Line® will set sail from three new ports in 2012 – New York, Seattle and Galveston – making the Disney family cruise vacation more accessible to everyone around the country. There are also more itinerary choices than ever before, including one special voyage to Hawai‘i.
New York Sailings
Beginning May 25, 2012, the Disney Magic® will sail a total of 20 cruises from New York.
• 8-night Bahamian cruises include a day at Disney’s Castaway Cay and a stop at Port Canaveral, gateway to the Walt Disney World® Resort. As part of this itinerary, you will receive a one-day Park Hopper® Ticket and roundtrip transportation between the ship and resort.
• 5-night Canadian/New England cruises will visit Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Saint John, New Brunswick.
• 2-night cruises are perfect for those looking for a quick getaway at sea over a weekend.
Seattle Sailings
Beginning May 28, 2012, the Disney Wonder® will sail a total of 14 cruises to Alaska from the Port of Seattle, Wash.
• 7-night Alaskan cruises will call on Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan plus Victoria, British Columbia.
Galveston Sailings
Beginning Sept. 22, 2012, the Disney Magic will sail 12 cruises from the Port of Galveston, Texas.
• 7-night Western Caribbean cruises will visit Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico, as well as Grand Cayman.
Los Angeles Sailings
In addition to 7-night Mexican Riviera cruises, the Disney Wonder will set sail on Disney’s first-ever voyage to Hawai‘i on April 29, 2012.
• 15-night Hawaiian cruise departs from the Port of Los Angeles and includes stops at Hilo; Kahului, Maui; Honolulu, Oahu; Nawiliwili, Kauai and Ensenada, Mexico.
• 7-night Pacific Coast cruises will call on San Francisco, San Diego and Ensenada, Mexico.
Port Canaveral Sailings
The Disney Dream™ will continue to sail 3-, 4- and 5-night Bahamian cruises. The new Disney Fantasy™ will offer Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, beginning with the maiden voyage on March 31, 2012. Sail dates for both ships are now available through December 2012.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Monday, April 4, 2011
Cruise Planners - Top 10 Reasons to take a Cruise
Cruise Planners - Top 10 Reasons to take a Cruise
Taylor Swift Performs Live onboard Allure of the Seas
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)