"Getting Ready: Things I Need To Know About My Cruise"


Table of Contents

Back to FAQ Index...

  1. How do I get to the ship?
  2. What time do I need to board the ship?
  3. What type of clothes should I pack?
  4. When will I receive my documents?
  5. Can I use cash on the ship?
  6. Do I need to exchange currency prior to my cruise vacation?
  7. Is there currency exchange available on the ship?
  8. I am driving to the pier, how much is parking? Is parking secured?
  9. What type of identification will I need for my cruise vacation?
  10. If visiting a foreign country, do I need to clear customs at each port?
  11. Can I cruise "alone" (i.e. no roommate assigned)?  If so, what is the "Single" cruise rate?
  12. What is the difference between "Ocean View Port Holes", "Ocean View Windows", and "Ocean View Picture Windows"?
  13. Are there suites available on the MS Sovereign of the Seas?
  14. Is there a particularly "good place" to stay on the ship to avoid motion sickness? If so, where?
  15. Do the cabins have double beds or twin beds?
  16. Can 4 adults share a cabin?
  17. How many people can a MS Sovereign of the Seas "Suite" accommodate?
  18. What type of activities are offered onboard the ship?
  19. What type of "shore" activities (excursions) are offered at the "Port of Calls"?

Back to FAQ Index...


How do I get to the ship?

If driving, contact your travel agent to determine driving directions to the port of embarkation and parking prices.  If flying, you will need to contact your travel agent to purchase round-trip "ground transfers", at a rate of $20.00 - $60.00 per person (price depends upon package inclusions and distance between arriving airport and port of embarkation)..

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What time do I need to board the ship?

The latest a guest can board the ship is 60 minutes before departure. For example, ships departing at 4:00PM to 5:00PM, allow guests to begin boarding the ship around 2:00 P.M. 

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What type of clothes should I pack?

There are three distinct types of "evenings" on board - casual, smart casual and formal. Suggested guidelines for these evenings are as follows. On casual nights, we suggest sport shirts and slacks for men; sundresses or pants for women. On smart casual nights, dresses and pantsuits for women; jackets and ties for men. For formal nights, women should wear cocktail dresses; men should wear suits and ties or tuxedos (optional). Three and four-night cruises consist of one formal night and two or three casual nights. Seven-night cruises include two formal nights, one smart casual night and four casual nights. Ten, 11 and 12-night cruises consist of two formal nights, three smart casual; all other nights are casual. 14 & 15 night cruises have three formal nights, four semi-formal nights and the remainder are casual. Again, these are guidelines and your evenings attire is left up to your discretion. In addition, Royal Caribbean International does provide alternative casual dining in the Windjammer Cafe onboard all of our vessels on each of our formal evenings. (Please be advised that dress codes on some sailings may vary, please check your onboard Cruise Compass guide for information on your specific sailing).

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When will I receive my documents?

The Guest Ticket Booklet, which is recieved approxmiately 2 to 3 weeks prior to your scheduled sail date, will include enriched, easily understandable information about your cruise experience -- from travel suggestions, documents and itineraries to tour and port information, valuable checklists and more. Guests in the same stateroom will now receive one convenient booklet if all individuals have the same last name, same air gateway, same arrival date and time, and same pre/post package(s). In addition, electronic air tickets will now be used when possible to lessen the burden of returning air tickets for changes. 

NOTE: You receive your ticket booklet approximately 2 to 3 weeks prior to departure.

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Can I use cash on the ship?

No.  For your convenience, charges for most of your onboard purchases (including alcoholic beverages, souvenirs, incidentals, etc) are charged to your room.   Most purchases on the ship will require an credit card/room key account  that is established as you board the ship.  Travelers will be allowed to create accounts with credit cards (with unlimited purchasing power), Check Cards (with $200 minimum hold placed on your checking account), or a $200 minimum cash deposit for handle all on-board purchases and incidentals.  Travelers accounts can be settled at the individual will throughout the cruise; however, ALL accounts will be settled the last evening of the cruise.  Travelers will receive an itemized list of charges in the form of an account statement that will be delivered to their stateroom (similar to hotel statements) for review.  If a cash deposit was used, and all funds were not utilized, then the traveler will be responsible for going to a designated location (usually the Purser's desk) to settle their account.  For credit card deposit, nothing needs to happen, unless, there is a charge dispute, there again, must be settled at the designated location.  Please note:  If the remitted credit card is denied or the cash or check card deposit is exceeded, onboard purchases will be suspended until settled at the Purser's Desk.

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Do I need to exchange currency prior to my cruise vacation?

No.  Currency exchange is not necessary, as most Ports visited on your itinerary accept the US dollar.  If the US dollar is not accepted, then the Pursar's Desk onboard the ship will provide currency exchange transactions for you - at no additional cost.. 

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Is there currency exchange available on the ship?

Yes.  At the Purser's Desk

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I am driving to the pier, how much is parking? Is parking secured?

$7 - $10 per day.  Yes.

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What type of identification will I need for my cruise vacation?

Passports are recommended for all US citizens for all travel outside of the United States. All guests are required to submit acceptable proof of identity.

Documents that will be accepted as proof of identity are: a passport; a federal, state, or a local government-issued picture ID card; an original or certified copy of your birth certificate with one of the following photo ID cards: state driver's license; US company employee ID card; or an ID card issued by a private identification card service. A voter's registration card is no longer acceptable on its own, but may be used as support.

You are responsible for bringing all travel documents such as passports, visas, proof of citizenship, etc., required for boarding and reentry into the US. No refunds will be given to individuals who fail to bring the required documentation. For your protection, Royal Caribbean recommends that your passport expiration date not occur within six (6) months of the voyage termination date.

Children fifteen (15) years of age and younger are required one of the following forms of identification: passport; original or certified copy of their birth certificate; any photo ID.

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If visiting a foreign country, do I need to clear customs at each port?

No, the cruise lines normally handle customs for each passenger.

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Can I cruise "alone" (i.e. no roommate assigned)?  If so, what is the "Single" cruise rate?

Yes.  The cruise rate is normally 200% of the quoted rate.  Taxes and additional fees are not interrupted due to "Single Occupancy".

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Is there a particularly "good place" to stay on the ship to avoid motion sickness? If so, where?

Not really.  Some "stories" have been told that you feel less of the ships motions mid-ship, on the higher decks.  Motion tolerance varies per person.

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What is the difference between "Ocean View Port Holes", "Ocean View Windows", and "Ocean View Picture Windows"?

"Port Holes" are approximate 36" in diameter.  "Ocean View Windows" are approximately 48" wide X approximate 30" tall.  "Ocean View Picture Windows" are similar to "floor to ceiling" windows.

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Are there suites available on cruise ships?

Yes.  See the deck plans of the preferred cruise ship to determine suite availability.

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Do the cabins have double beds or twin beds?

All cabins have "Twin" beds, where, 

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How many people can a "Suite" accommodate?

Normally, up to 4 people. There are some exceptions.  Please refer to the specific cruise line of interest. This information may also be obtained by visiting the Cruise section of our website.

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Can 4 adults share a cabin?

Yes.

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What type of activities are offered onboard the ship?

Please refer to the specific cruise line of interest for specific onboard activities. This information may also be obtained by visiting the Cruise section of our website.

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What type of "shore" activities (excursions) are offered at the "Port of Calls"?

 Please refer to the specific cruise line of interest for specific shore excursions and pricing. This information may also be obtained by visiting the Cruise section of our website.

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Michelle D.
Copyright © 2001 BMD Travel and Tours. All rights reserved.
Revised: September 01, 2004