You are here: Holidays: Cruise Home » F.A.Q

F.A.Q

Is cruising affordable?

What do you pay for on board?

Where can I go?

How do I book a cruise?

Are all ships and cruises fairly similar?

What's a fly / cruise?

Do I have to fly to be able to cruise?

What's there to do at night?

Do cruise lines welcome families with kids?

What should I pack?

Will I need a Dinner Jacket?

Can I use my hair dryer or shaver?

Is cruise ship dining as good as I've been told?

Can I get a special diet?

Are there non-smoking areas?

Is cruising right for honeymooners?

What about tipping?

Is motion-discomfort a problem?

Will I get seasick?

 

Is cruising affordable?

Yes! There are cruise holidays that suit every budget from the cost conscious to the most luxurious. Even more important, a cruise offers the best value for your money. The price you pay will typically cover your flights (if applicable), meals, accommodation, onboard activities, nightime parties and all entertainment.

What do you pay for on board?

Your only expenses will be drinks, optional shore excursions and personal services such as massage/ hairstyling and SPA treatments.

Where can I go?

Where do you want to go? Cruises visit practically any destination accessible by water. Some ships are small enough to even navigate large stretches of rivers including the Amazon!

How do I book a cruise?

Just call your Flight Centre cruise consultant on 0870 499 5525 we can find the cruise that suits your budget and your overall needs.

Are all ships and cruises fairly similar?

Cruise lines' ships range from under 250 feet to over 1,000 feet. You can sail with just 100 fellow passengers to over 3,000 with the latest cruise ships. The experiences can range from casual to formal, 3* quality through to ultra-deluxe. You can even choose between traditional propeller-driven craft or a sail-assisted cruise ship.

What's a fly / cruise?

A fly/cruise holiday package includes your airfare along with your cruise. The price you pay would include all transfers as well as any baggage handling.

Do I have to fly to be able to cruise?

No. All major ports in the UK have cruise lines sailing from them. So many British now cruise from UK ports the cruise lines have structured their itineraries to include departures from the UK ports to almost all destinations. Southampton is the largest departure point in the UK. with a recently opened new terminal.

What's there to do at night?

At night, life aboard a cruise ship is really exciting. Try dancing until the early hours in the nightclubs or gamble in the casinos, take in a show or watch a movie. The activities will take place after your dinner from one of the many restaurants or maybe after you have eaten from the late night buffet do stroll the decks at night and enjoy the moonlight.

Do cruise lines welcome families with kids?

More and more cruise lines are offering services that appeal to the younger crusies. 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.

What should I pack?

Pack like you would for any resort holiday. 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 Dinner Jacket?

On some cruises, formal dinners or parties are part of the fun. But don't buy a black tie just for your cruise. 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. Many ships even feature hair-dryers in your cabin.

Is cruise ship dining as good as I've been told?

Everything you've heard about cruise ship dining is true. We don’t have official numbers but few cruisers lose weight during their cruise holiday! The service and quality is exceptional with butler service offered from an increasing number of cruise lines. 24hour access to freshly cooked food has become the norm.

Can I get a special diet?

Most ships can accommodate salt-free, low-carbohydrate or other diet preferences. However, this request must be made in advance, just let your flight centre consultant know and they will take care of this for you.

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.

Is cruising right for honeymooners?

Cruising offers an atmosphere that's just right for romance...from dinners for two, strolling on deck at sunset, to dancing the night away (even under the stars) and so much more to remember forever. You can even take your family and friends along with you to join in the fun!

What about tipping?

Tipping is a matter of individual preference. Some cruise lines will not allow for a standard service charge (daily charge) to exist and leave the decision with the guest. If tipping is made then a general rule of thumb is £10 per person per day. A few cruise lines include tipping in the price and will so inform you.

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.

Will I get seasick?

The chances of seasickness are very remote due to the technology that has been developed (stabilisers) for the new cruise ships and the seas they sail. The Mediterranean and Caribbean are very calm seas generally speaking and in most cases you wouldn’t even feel any motion at all. In the event of sickness all cruise lines would be able to provide excellent medical support with free of charge sea sickness pills etc.