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on a question below to jump to the answer:
How do I know which cruise line / ship is best for me?
With
over 40 different cruise lines, choosing which one is right for
you may seem like a difficult task. However, with Cruise Value Centers,
it really is quite easy...and fun! First, we recommend that you
use our online tools. Search our database to narrow down your choices.
Our site is packed with helpful information about each cruise line
and ship including deck plans, cabin photos, expert reviews, a library
of articles, and much more.
After
doing your online research, you can book several of the lines right
through our booking engine. Or if you prefer, you can complete our
booking form, or call us at 1-800-231-7447. Remember, we offer the
lowest rates - guaranteed.
How long are cruises?
As long or short as you want. Cruise Value Centers can recommend
itineraries from three days to three months.
Where can I go?
Wherever you want! Cruises visit over 1,800 ports worldwide.
Are all ships similar?
Cruise
ships range from intimate and yacht-like to vessels that are longer
than three football fields. You can sail with less than 100 guests
and more than 2,600. Some ships are casual, others formal. Some
contemporary, others classic. You can even choose ships that actually
have sails (Windstar is great if that's what you want!).
Depending
upon your preferences, you can select a ship that is like a resort,
or a special interest cruise that offers less on board and instead
allows you to immerse yourself in the cultures that you visit. There
are cruises designed to suit virtually every interest and personal
preference.
The
choices include: boutique; luxury; large, contemporary ships; classic
vessels; and special-interest or exploration cruises that specialize
in unique destinations with an accent on cultural enrichment.
There
are cruise lines that feature soft adventure expeditions to such
unusual and rustic frontiers as Antarctica, the Amazon rain forest
or African Serengeti. Or discover historical legacies closer to
home with enlightening itineraries to New England, French Canada
and the Colonial America coast.
For
experienced travelers, destination-focused cruises specialize in
premium, culturally-rich ports of call with itineraries dedicated
to illuminating such historic, world-class treasures as the antiquities
of classical Greece, the Polynesian paradise of Hawaii or the fabled
splendor of Norwegian fjords.
For
many, the perfect vacation includes the non-stop fun and sun of
a tropical resort-style cruise to the Caribbean, where you can sample
a variety of island cultures and cuisines while working on a terrific
sun tan.
Plus,
many cruise lines create special "themes" on-board, with
entertainment ranging from jazz festivals and classical music concerts
to golf clinics and murder mysteries at sea!
Are there any special educational programs on-board?
To complement the spirit of discovery that travel evokes, many cruise
lines feature an extensive program of on-board enrichment seminars
hosted by distinguished guest experts. In addition to lectures highlighting
the history and sights of ports you will be visiting, there may
also be special in-depth presentations ranging from Renaissance
works of art and strategic financial planning to epicurean secrets
of classic French cuisine. Often, educational programs are restricted
to select itineraries. If you are interested in a cruise that enables
you to learn while afloat, ask your CVC travel agent for a recommendation.
What's an air/sea cruise?
A fly/cruise or an air/sea vacation package is when your cruise
purchase includes airfare to and from the ship's port of embarkation.
Airfare is usually available from most major North American cities.
When you purchase air from the cruise line, you also receive include
ground transfers between the airport and ship as well as baggage
handling.If you want specific flights or a particular airline, inform
your CVC travel agent when booking and he or she can explain the
?air deviation? policy of the cruise line with which you have booked.
For an air deviation fee, plus any difference there may be in the
airfare, you can usually obtain your preferred flights and/or airline.
What documentation do I need to bring?
You will need to present proof of citizenship which may be in the
form of a passport, or in many cases, you can present an original
raised seal birth certificate and a photo identification. Your photo
identification will also be required to board your flights. Depending
on your itinerary, you may also require a visa or other paperwork.
The
cruise line will provide you with detailed information about entry
and document requirements. However, it is your responsibility to
check with local immigration offices and/or respective embassies
or consulates to determine specific document requirements. There
will be no refund issued if a passenger is denied boarding by local
immigration officials due to lack of proper documents.
Below are some guidelines:
A
valid passport with at least six months validity past your return
date is required for travel outside of the United States. However,
for itineraries that are within the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Bahamas
or most parts of the Caribbean, an original birth certificate with
raised seal or a certified copy AND a government-issued photo identification
such as a driver's license are acceptable "proof of citizenship."
Non U.S. Citizens must contact the consulates of any countries that
they will be visiting for information on documents required to enter
each country. Each non-U.S. citizen must notify Cruise Value Centers
in writing that he/she is a non-U.S. citizen prior to finalizing
any reservation or payment.
Some
itineraries that depart from Hawaii may require a passport. Check
with your Cruise Value Center.com agent to find out if your itinerary requires
a passport.
VISAS:
In addition, visas are often required for U.S. citizens visiting
exotic ports such as Turkey, Australia, Russia, South America countries,
Asia and the Middle East, to name just a few. We recommend that
you contact the consulate of each country that you are visiting
(or check their embassy websites) to verify the exact documents
required. Two helpful Websites are
http://www.tyzo.com/planning/embassies.html OR http://www.travisa.com.
How much money should I bring?
When you book a cruise, your fare includes all meals, your cabin,
onboard daytime activities, nighttime parties and entertainment
? it's a great value! Your extra expenses will be drinks, optional
shore excursions, services such as spa treatments, gambling, and
tipping, and other personal items. Additionally, in port and on
the ship, you will have many opportunities to enjoy duty free shopping.
Depending on your itinerary, there may be a limit to the amount
of duty-free merchandise allowed per guest.Major credit cards are
accepted almost everywhere, so you will not have to bring much cash
(except for shoreside purchases). In fact, it is strongly recommended
that you bring a credit card, since it will make your onboard registration
very quick and easy. For non-credit card purchases, we encourage
you to bring traveler's checks.
Are
there different classes of service?
Today's cruise ships are "one-class." Everyone can use
all of the ship's facilities. The price of a cabin 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 on board.
What
can I do in port?
A lot! The options will vary depending upon the port that you are
visiting. As far as exploration, you can explore on your own or
take a guided tour. Guided tours or organized activities are called
shore excursions and they often are at an additional cost. If you
want to be active, you might play golf or tennis, learn how to windsurf
or water-ski, go fishing, sail, snorkel of scuba dive. Or if you
want to relax, you might sun and swim at some of the world's best
beaches.
Do I have to participate in the activities?
On a cruise, you do what you want, when you want. You can do everything
or do absolutely nothing. It's your vacation!
What's there to do at night?
There's dancing, live entertainment, nightclubs and lounges, and
feature films, All large ships, and even some smaller vessels, have
casinos. There will also be many special events such as the Captain's
Cocktail Party or even a PassengerTalent Night. Most ships pride
themselves in offering outstanding shows that feature Broadway-style
performances and Las Vegas-type revues.
Is there a charge for entertainment?
There's no cover, minimum, or charge for an admission ticket to
any of the entertainment on your ship. You will however need to
use your own money if you choose to gamble!
Can singles have fun on a cruise?
Cruising is one of the few types of vacations that works for people
traveling alone. If you are interested in meeting others while on
board, you?ll find that most ships have parties for singles -- early
on, so you can get to know people right away. Many ships even offer
gentlemen hosts who can be dance partners, dinner companions or
a fourth at cards.Most ships either have single cabins or offer
single rates for double staterooms. If you would consider sharing
your cabin, ask your Cruise Value Center sales associate if your
cruise line offers a ?share? program that assigns a roommate to
share a cabin with you so you can pay the per person/double occupancy
rate.
Can we celebrate a special
occasion?
Definitely! A cruise is a wonderful place to celebrate. In fact
many people plan their departures around special occasions. Most
cruise lines will treat you to a complimentary cake and song at
dinner. Special arrangements, from a private party to champagne,
flowers, or gift packages can also be purchased to enhance the celebration.
If you are planning a honeymoon, you'll not only find a romantic
atmosphere, but also special services, from Sunday and Monday departures,
to welcome champagne and breakfast in bed
Is there a doctor on board?
Virtually every cruise ship has a fully-equipped medical facility
and staff to handle almost any medical emergency. We recommend that
you pack, in your carry-on luggage, an adequate supply of your prescription
medications (in the original container). If you have a medical condition
that may require attention, you may want to contact the cruise line
directly prior to departure. Your Cruise Value Center associate
can provide you with contact information.
Are there non-smoking
areas?
Yes. Today, virtually all ships have smoking and non-smoking tables
and/or sections in the dining rooms and lounges. Some ship dining
rooms and even some ships (Carnival's Paradise) are totally smoke-free.
Will I feel bored or confined?
Once you step on board and begin to discover all that your ship
has to offer, you will quickly lose interest in getting off (except
to explore the exciting ports of call). The options are endless
? you can worship the sun with a good book, exercise, attend a lecture,
gamble, enjoy a Broadway style show / a comedian/ or band, or dance
the night away...just to name a few of the possibilities. And that's
just when you are on board. Given the size (of many ships) and options
(offered on all ships and in port), you'll find it very hard to
get bored or feel confined.
Are cruise ships wheelchair
accessible?
Yes, in fact cruising may be the ideal vacation for an individual
using a wheelchair, since it provides the opportunity to visit a
number of locations in a relatively short time, with effortless
travel between locations and without the inconvenience of packing
and unpacking. You'll appreciate the choice of experiencing the
ship's destinations or relaxing and enjoying the comfort of being
pampered at a "resort at sea."
You'll
find that the newer, larger cruise ships have been built with the
goal of full-accessibility. A new ship will have wider corridors,
more spacious cabins, more (and larger) elevators and ramps where
needed. In addition, the designated "accessible" cabins
on newer ships are outfitted with many of the following features
that will make your cruise a more comfortable experience:
Stateroom
and cabin doorways wide enough for wheelchairs (at least 30")
Stateroom dimensions and floor space for maneuverability
Bathroom dimensions adequate for maneuvering
No "lips" or sills into bathrooms
Sink positioned so wheelchair can roll under it
Roll-in shower
Fold-down stool in shower with detachable showerhead
Bathroom walls with handrails
Raised toilet seat, at least 17" inches high
Pull-down clothing racks
Light switches at wheelchair level
Adjustable mirror above sink
Portable telephone
Most cruise lines will require a release form and/or a statement
from your physician stating that you are fit to travel. They may
also request confirmation that you require a wheelchair-accessible
cabin.
Some
cruise lines offer alternate transportation for guests who are unable
to board their ground transportation. This service is normally at
no additional charge for those guests who would normally receive
transfers.
You'll
need to bring your own wheelchair onboard with you. Many experienced
wheelchair users who are frequent travelers recommend investing
in a special narrower wheelchair that has been modified for ease
in travel.
The
major cruise lines have Special Services departments that will be
able to assist you with answering specific questions whether a particular
ship meets your needs.
It's
best to avoid older ships, as there are often "lips" several
inches high in front of bathroom doors and sills or steps in the
entries to some public areas. Corridors may be narrower and elevators
are smaller, allowing less room for maneuverability. In fact, some
areas of older ships may be completely inaccessible to you.
In
some ports, ships must anchor offshore due to size of the port or
weather. They "tender" guests to shore with small boats
that may not be accessible to guests in wheelchairs. You'll want
to check with the shore excursions department to determine which
shore excursions are most suitable for you. In some destinations,
particularly those outside of the United States, you will not always
find accessible transportation and facilities.
The
following link provides a useful checklist and additional information
that may be helpful to you in planning your cruise: MossRehab ResourceNet
- Accessible Travel - Cruise Check List.
What about meal times?
During the day, there are many different places to eat such as in
the formal dining room, on deck, in a pizzeria, or at an espresso
bar, to name a few. At night, most ships offer several options.
Some ships' dining rooms can accommodate all guests at one time,
called a "seating." Many ships offer you a choice of several
eating times, and others encourage you to come to dinner whenever
you like. More traditional ships have two seatings in their formal
dining rooms, which differ only by time: typically 6:00 p.m. and
8:30 p.m. To choose, just decide whether you prefer to dine early
or late--then have your Cruise Value Center sales consultant request
your preference when you book your cruise. Recently, several lines
have expanded the dining options on board to allow passengers even
more flexibility. Passengers of many ships can choose to dine at
night someplace other than the formal dining room, such as in an
intimate restaurant that features, for example, Italian, Chinese,
Japanese or Southwestern cuisine. And of course?there is always
room service!
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 your Cruise Value Center sales consultant
of any special dietary needs when making your reservation.
What about dining companions
- can I sit with my spouse and friends only, or will I have tablemates?
Experienced cruisers say they prefer sitting at a table with several
other diners; some lifelong friendships have been made this way.
But the cruise lines are geared to accommodate each guest's wishes,
and it is possible to request a table for two or four. In the unlikely
event that you do wish to change tablemates, speak with the maitre
d', who will make every effort to seat you with more compatible
dining companions... discretely and politely.
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). Most lines provide
special services -- from Sunday or Monday departures to champagne
and breakfast in bed. For more details just check out our honeymoon
section. Also, some ships offer special programs for performing
a marriage ceremony or renewing your marriage vows.
Are there special packages and
offers for groups?
Yes. All sorts of groups from friends, to family reunions, to weddings,
to company meetings and incentives are choosing to cruise because
of the enormous selection of things to do on board and the host
of itineraries from which to choose. If you will have more than
eight cabins, double occupancy, your booking constitutes a group.
(in some instances less than 8 cabins are required.) Why are groups
cruising? Because a cruise vacation offers something for everyone,
regardless of their interests. And, for companies, cruises offer
meeting facilities, audio-visual equipment, and customized functions
to allow for work...and play! Many companies are also using cruises
as incentive rewards. Best of all, there are several ways that sailing
as a group enables you to save money ? from lower rates, to earned
frees, and value added features. If you have a group, or think you
can create a group, let CVC know.
What is the muster drill?
Before your ship sets sail, everyone on board must participate in
a compulsory safety drill to comply with coast Guard and International
safety regulations. The drill requires you to report to a designated
ship location (your location is listed in your cabin) wearing your
life vest (also found in your cabin). The whole process takes about
20 minutes. And, when its finished, the ship can depart.
What about tipping?
Tipping is a matter of individual preference. The Cruise Line International
Association offers the following guideline: Plan for about $3.00
per person per day for your cabin 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 shipboard
personnel can be tipped for special services at your discretion.In
most instances, a 15% gratuity will automatically be added to bar,
beverage, wine, and deck service tabs. When making specialty food
purchases, check your bill before adding an additional tip to ensure
one has not already been added.
Are there meeting rooms onboard?
Just about every full-size ship has public rooms or a conference
center to offer as meeting space for private or corporate groups.
If you'd like to make meeting or incentive travel arrangements,
ask your Cruise Value Center sales consultant to coordinate schedules
and arrange for any special needs. Your ship may also be able to
offer audio-visual equipment, communications, meeting coordinators,
secretarial and printing services and more.There are a host of benefits
for holding a group meeting on a cruise. So, if you are planning
a meeting, incentive or even a family reunion, be sure to let us
know.
Do I have to call the airline to
confirm my flights?
It is always recommended that you reconfirm all flights 24 hours
prior to departure.
What does my cruise price include?
Your final cruise price includes shipboard accommodations, ocean
transportation, all meals and entertainment aboard ship, port charges
and government taxes. Not included in your price are alcoholic drinks,
wine, or specialty beverages, or any personal service items such
as spa treatments, dry cleaning, photographs, ship-to-shore faxes,
phone calls, shore excursions and optional activities such as snorkeling
& scuba diving.
Can I have my documents sent to an address different from my billing
address?
No, for security reasons, cruise documents can only be sent to the
cardholder?s billing address.
How will I get my cruise documents?
Cruise Value Center will deliver your documents to your credit card
billing address approximately 10 days prior to your cruise. We send
out the documents, when received, after we verify that all confirmations
are signed and received by Cruise Value Centers.
Can I have my documents sent to a P.O. Box?
We do not deliver to P.O. boxes. If your credit card billing address
is a P.O. box, you will need to contact CVC customer service to
make special arrangements.
If the cruise line cancels or changes my cruise, will I receive
notice?
Cruise Value Center is YOUR travel agent of record, should the cruise
lines have to cancel your sailing or change your itinerary, a CVC
representative will contact you at the telephone number you have
provided in order to explain the changes and assist you should you
with any questions.
How do I contact a Cruise Value Center's Customer Service representative?
Simply call us toll free at 1-800-231-7447
What other services are available aboard a cruise ship?
Spa treatments, manicures, pedicures, facials, and hair styling
are available onboard many major cruise lines. Other onboard services
often include laundry & dry cleaning, and ship-to-shore faxing.
Duty-free gift shops that sell fine jewelry, perfume, clothing,
cosmetics and limited drug store items may be found onboard as well.
Please note that these items are not included in the price of your
cruise.
Is there a babysitting service onboard?
Many cruise lines offer group babysitting services or children?s
programs in designated play-rooms for "potty-trained"
children. Private baby-sitting may also be arranged while onboard,
at an hourly fee. To verify what is available on your cruise, please
contact a CVC customer service representative.
How can I book Shore Excursions?
Depending on the cruise line and itinerary, many shore excursions
can be purchased ahead of time with the cruise line, or at the Shore
Excursion Desk onboard. If you prefer to explore ports on your own,
information about each port will be available at the Shore Excursion
Desk as well.
Can I change cabins?
If you want to change cabins after you have confirmed your reservation,
please call Cruise Value Center's customer service and they will
assist you, subject to availability. There may be a difference in
fare for the new category you select.
What if I want to make my own airline reservations?
If you choose to make airline reservations on your own and not through
the cruise line, then simply arrange your flights according to date
of embarkation and disembarkation. Please select times that allow
you enough time to get to the pier in time for the ship?s departure
and get to the airport with enough time to make your return flights.
Two advantages of using cruise line provided airfare are 1.) By
purchasing cruise line airfare, you also receive transfers to and
from the airport to the pier. 2.) If your flights are delayed and
arrive past the time of the ship?s departure, the cruise line assumes
responsibility for either delaying the ship?s sailing or getting
you to the ship?s first port of call.
What should I pack?
Pack like you would for any resort. During the day, cruises are
casual (both on ship and in port). In the evening, ships vary as
to dress. Your Cruise Value Center sales consultant can answer your
questions about the appropriate attire for the ship and itinerary
you?ve chosen. Of course, what you pack will also be influenced
by the itinerary and season you choose to set sail.
Will I need a tuxedo?
Many cruise lines now feature a more relaxed and casual approach
to dress throughout the cruise -- while on others, formal dinners
or parties are part of the fun. But don't buy a tuxedo just for
the trip. Even on the most formal of ships, a dark suit and tie
are fine for the dressiest occasions. Plus, many ships offer tuxedo
rental services.
Do I need an electrical converter?
As ship amenities vary, it is best to check with your Cruise Value
Center associate. However, for the most part, most ships have outlets
that are 110V/60Hz. Standard US electrical appliances will work
on board. Furthermore, most cabins will have a hair dryer in the
bathroom.
Is there laundry service?
Almost all ships have self-service laundry facilities and a great
many also provide dry-cleaning at an additional charge. This can
be particularly handy for families traveling with children.
How do we stay in touch with home and the outside world?
It's quite easy. Most ships have a daily newsletter with news, headlines,
selected stock quotes and sports scores. Staterooms on many ships
are equipped with televisions. While most 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, most ships have fax capabilities.
Many ships have televisions in the cabins, complete with CNN and
a host of other channels. And, depending on the strength of your
cell phone signal, you may be able to use your cell phone while
the ship is in port.
Can I extend my cruise vacation?
Cruise lines feature special pre-or post-hotel packages that allow
you to extend your vacation in either your port of embarkation or
debarkation. Ask your CVC travel agent for details.
Do I need a passport?
This depends on the type of cruise and your destination. Your cruise
provider will mail you detailed information about entry and document
requirements. However, it is the responsibility of the individual
traveler to check with local immigration offices and/or respective
embassies or consulates to determine specific document requirements.
There will be no refund issued if a passenger is denied boarding
by local immigration officials due to lack of proper documents.
Below
are some guidelines:
A
valid passport with at least six months validity past your return
date is required for travel outside of the United States. However,
for itineraries that are within the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Bahamas
or most parts of the Caribbean, an original birth certificate with
raised seal or a certified copy AND a government-issued photo identification
such as a driver's license are acceptable "proof of citizenship."
Non U.S. Citizens must contact the consulates of any countries that
they will be visiting for information on documents required to enter
each country. Each non-U.S. citizen must notify Cruise Value Center in
writing that he/she is a non-U.S. citizen prior to finalizing any
reservation or payment.
Some
itineraries that depart from Hawaii may require a passport. Check
with your Cruise Value Center agent to find out if your itinerary requires
a passport.
VISAS:
In addition, visas are often required for U.S. citizens visiting
exotic ports such as Turkey, Australia, Russia, South America countries,
Asia and the Middle East, to name just a few. We recommend that
you contact the consulate of each country that you are visiting
(or check their embassy websites) to verify the exact documents
required. Two helpful Websites are http://www.tyzo.com/planning/embassies.html
OR http://www.travisa.com.
How do I pay for my on board charges?
Most cruise lines offer onboard charge programs that let you charge
just about everything to your shipboard account so that you will
not have to carry cash around. Sign up on the first day of your
cruise and settle on the last, paying with cash, Visa, MasterCard,
American Express, Discover, or traveler?s checks. There is a charge
limit of $500.00 per day in most cruise casinos.
Are the rates online
the same as I would get by calling CVC?
Much like the stock market, cruise fares are constantly fluctuating.
Prices and availability are subject to change until you have purchased
your cruise. However, regardless of how you book with us, you will
always get the guaranteed lowest rates available at that time.
Why
do I need to provide my age/birth date?
Cruise lines use age information for various reasons. Some require
it for identification, some offer special price breaks for certain
age groups; the cruise lines also group like ages together for dining.
After
my search, it indicated no matches were found, Why?
Cruise lines operate various itineraries during specific times of
the year; or the cruise you have selected may not be available.
Please note that the system will display results that match your
results most closely. For example, if you select December 8 you
may also receive results that include a December 15th. And, if you
ask for an Alaska cruise in December, you won't get any results
since the Alaska season runs from May through September.
Why are there only seven cruise lines to choose from in our online
booking cruise reservation system?
Currently seven major cruise lines have the technology to support
an on-line booking. As more cruise lines become available on line,
we will add them to our online booking system. In the meantime,
our cruise consultants are available toll free at 1-800-231-7447
to help with any cruise reservations that cannot be booked online.
What if I want specific
flights or a specific airline?
Cruise lines make special arrangements with different air carriers
for various cruises. Approximately 30 days prior to sailing, you
can call Cruise Value Center and inquire as to your flight schedule.
If you want specific flights or a particular airline, immediately
after booking online, contact the CVC customer service department
to ask that we process an air deviation for you. For a fee, (approximately
$70 roundtrip for domestic tickets and $100 roundtrip for international
tickets) most cruise allow you to pay for the ability to have specific
flights or fly on a specific airline. You will also be charged the
difference in cost between the cruise line provided airfare and
your requested airfare. Air deviations should be requested immediately
after booking. If you wait until the cruise line has arranged your
flight to make changes, you risk the following: The flights you
request may not be available; they may be available at a premium
price; you may incur re-ticketing charges and possible additional
federal express charges.
What
is an origination city?
In step 2 of the 8-step process, if you request airline transportation
to be arranged by the cruise line, the airport you selected to travel
from is your Origination city. Sometimes this airport is not available
for the cruise line to arrange flights out of and you will have
to choose a new city.
Can
I purchase Travel Insurance?
Yes, in step 5 of the 8-step process you may choose whether or not
you want Travel Insurance.
Can
I change or cancel my cruise once I've purchased it?
Once you have finalized your reservation and purchased your cruise
arrangements, should you need to change or cancel your cruise for
any reason, please call 1-800-231-7447 and a customer service representative
will be able to assist you. Please note that changes and cancellations
may have penalties associated with them ? each cruise line has different
schedules and penalty fees.
Why
are port charges separate from the cruise price?
A concise breakdown of port charges and government taxes and fees
is provided in order to better inform you of your overall cruise
price.
What does my cruise
price include?
Your final cruise price includes shipboard accommodations, ocean
transportation, all meals and entertainment aboard ship, port charges
and government taxes. Not included in your price are alcoholic drinks,
wine, or specialty beverages, or any personal service items such
as spa treatments, dry cleaning, photographs, ship-to-shore faxes,
phone calls, shore excursions and optional activities such as snorkeling
& scuba diving.
My
purchase confirmation shows a different deck than I chose when I
was selecting my cabin, Why?
Some cruise lines offer a free upgrade at no additional cost. This
is reflected in step 4 of the 8-step process. When you review the
available cabins section, take notice of the deck choices ? if they
are different than what you originally selected, this is because
a free upgrade was included.
Do
I need to enter my credit card information when I register?
No, you do not need to enter your credit card information to register
your account. Credit card information is only necessary to complete
a purchase transaction.
What forms of payment
can I use?
Most cruise lines accept the major credit cards including American
Express, Diners Club, Discover, Master Card, and Visa as forms of
payment. On your payment screen, you will see the specific credit
cards accepted by the cruise line on which you?re booking.
Can
I send in a check or money order?
If you don?t have a credit card, hold your cruise by choosing the
?Hold This Cruise? button, print out your summary sheet and call
us at 1-800-231-7447. A certified check or money order must be sent
by overnight mail and it must be received 3 days prior to the date
that your deposit is due.
Why
don't you accept debit cards?
Debit cards have a daily limit that can exceed the amount of most
deposits and final payments. This would result in your debit card
being declined.
Is my credit card safe?
Your information is safe with Cruise Value Center. Your credit card
number is transmitted across the Internet via our secure server
lines and resides on our secure servers.
Do I always have to
use the same credit card?
You can enter a different credit card number for each purchase that
you make on Cruise Value Center's site.
Can I use several credit
cards to purchase a cruise?
Your final payment will be charged to the same credit card as was
used for the deposit. If you need to change the credit card, you
should call the Cruise Value Centers customer service department
at 1-800-231-7447.
Does
the traveler have to be the credit card holder?
Cruise Value Center welcomes your purchases of gifts for your relatives
and loved ones. Please note that the credit card holders? name and
address, which is provided at time of payment, must be same. Documents
can only be sent to the billing address of the cardholder.
Exactly
when is my credit card charged?
Your credit card is charged according to the Payment Summary indicated
on your confirmation page.
Why
do you require that my billing address and shipping address are
the same?
This is a security measure, for your protection.
Can I have
a ticket sent to an address different from my billing address?
No, for security reasons, cruise documents can only be sent to the
cardholder's billing address.
How
will I get my cruise documents?
Cruise Value Center will send your documents to your credit card
billing address approximately 10 days prior to your cruise. There
is no signature required, unless air tickets are added, so you don't
have to be home the day of delivery.
Can
I use a P.O. Box?
Federal Express does not deliver to P.O. boxes. If your credit card
billing address is a P.O. box, you will need to contact CVC customer
service to make special arrangements.
If the cruise
line cancels or changes my cruise, will I receive notice?
Cruise Value Center is YOUR travel agent of record, should the cruise
lines have to cancel your sailing or change your itinerary, a Cruise
Value Center representative will contact you at the telephone number
you have provided in order to explain the changes and assist you
should you with any questions.
What if I
have seasickness?
Many cruisers who are prone to seasickness feel more comfortable
on a lower deck. When choosing your cabin selection during step
3 of the 8-step process, refer to the diagram of the ships deck
and request a cabin on a lower deck. Today?s ships are equipped
with stabilizers so many people don?t experience seasickness as
often. If you are prone to seasickness, it?s best to seek advice
from your physician in advance of sailing.
What if I want to book my own airfare?
If you choose to make airline reservations on your own and not through
the cruise line, then simply arrange your flights according to date
of embarkation and disembarkation. Please select times that allow
you enough time to get to the pier in time for the ship?s departure
and get to the airport with enough time to make your return flights.
Two advantages of using cruise line provided airfare are 1.) By
purchasing cruise line airfare, you also receive transfers to and
from the airport to the pier. 2.) If your flights are delayed and
arrive past the time of the ship?s departure, the cruise line assumes
responsibility for either delaying the ship?s sailing or getting
you to the ship?s first port of call.
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