What’s included? An Air & Cruise package includes airfare to and from your port of embarkation and debarkation, as well as the cruise, which includes your shipboard accommodation, meals, snacks, most activities, entertainment and use of the ship’s facilities (pools, gym, etc.). Optional transfers are available for purchase.
How much spending money should I budget? When budgeting spending money for your cruise, keep in mind that many of the following are often not included in your package: shopping, drinks (bottled water, soft drinks and alcohol), casino gaming, bingo, spa treatments, specialty restaurants, gourmet coffees and ice cream, specialty fitness classes, dry cleaning/ laundry, shore excursions and personal items.
Note: All cruise lines have a cashless system on board and everything you purchase is charged to your stateroom account. You will be required to set up your onboard account and settle it with either a credit card or traveller’s cheques. All purchases made on board are in US dollars, except on Costa ships sailing in Europe and all Louis Cruise ships, which use Euros.
What about tipping? Tips, or gratuities, are standard and expected onall cruise ships. It is customary to tip the stateroom steward, head waiter, waiter, assistant server and wine steward. Budget approximately $10 US per traveller, per day. Some cruise lines offer the option to prepay gratuities. Please inquire at time of booking.
When are meal times? You can literally eat around the clock on any cruise ship. All ships offer casual buffet areas for breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks and dinner, as well as 24-hour room service. Most cruise lines now offer open dining in the evening as well as traditional assigned early (6–6:30 p.m.) and late (8–8:30 p.m.) dining options. All cruise lines offer specialty dining restaurants (surcharges may apply). Specific dining details will be included in your cruise documents.
What should I pack? Cruise wear is similar to the dress code at any vacation resort. During the day, casual sportswear is in order both aboard and ashore. Bathing suits must be covered before entering any dining facility. Evenings are either smart-casual or formal, so men, be sure to pack a suit and tie, and ladies, that little black cocktail dress! You will be advised of the suggested dress code in the ship’s daily newsletter. Also, be sure to pack any items of a personal nature, walking shoes and fun things like cameras, travel guides and binoculars.
What kind of travel documents do I need? A valid passport is required and it is the responsibility of every guest, regardless of citizenship, to have the proper identification documents before embarking on a cruise. The cruise lines have the right to refuse boarding to anyone who does not have proper documents and no refund will be made.
Can I cruise if I am pregnant? Each cruise line has its own policy regarding the boarding of pregnant guests. As a general rule, you will not be permitted to sail if you are in orbeyond your 24th week of pregnancy. Please inquire at time of booking.
Should I arrive a day ahead of my cruise departure? Absolutely! To ensure a worry-free start to your cruise vacation, Air Canada Vacations offers a variety of hotels for your pre-cruise convenience.
Despite airlines’ best intentions, delays may occur, potentially resulting in a missed cruise connection. In such cases, you will not be eligible for a refund. If you must choose a flight that arrives the same day as your ship sails, we recommend you purchase travel insurance that covers missed cruise connections. Air Canada Vacations assumes no responsibility for missed cruise connections.
When do I board the ship? On embarkation day, the ship is available for boarding several hours in advance of the scheduled sailing time. Specific details will be contained in the documents you receive from your specific cruise line. All passengers must be on board at least one hour before sailing.
