Helpful Links Weather around the World Birth Certificate Copies Currency Exchange Rates Center for Disease Control Passport Information Foreign Consular Offices in the US State Department Travel Warnings Foreign Entry Requirements (Visa's etc) Domestic Airport Info FAA LAX Airport Info Long Beach Airport Orange County Airport Supershuttle Cancun Fun Day Excursions

Downloadable Documents Important Notice about Proof of Citizenship Authorization for minor travel Map to LA Pier Map to Long Beach Pier Customs Form to Register Items before leaving US

Reserving your Cruise

How do I reserve my cruise?

For cruise information, pricing and to make your reservation, simply call us toll free at 1-800-821-0536. You may also browse our website for cruise deals and ideas.

How/when do I pay for my cruise?

Typically, you will need to pay a nominal refundable deposit at the time you reserve your cruise. On behalf of the cruise lines, we can accept all major credit cards plus checks for cruise payments. Keep in mind that most cruises must be paid in full within 75 days prior to the date of sailing.

What types of staterooms are available?

Most cruise lines and ships offer the following stateroom choices: Penthouse Suite; Suite; Mini- Suite, Balcony, Ocean View, Inside. (Please ask us for more details.)

What is the category/stateroom guarantee?

A category/stateroom guaranty means that your reservation guarantees that your stateroom or category will be at least as high as you have paid for and often times it may be upgraded for free prior to the sailing. (Please ask us for more details.)

Should I purchase the air transportation with my cruise package?

It is your vacation and the choice is always yours. However, air purchased from the cruise line, with the cruise package, will include transfers to/from the ship and this air may be less restrictive than purchasing air online. (Please ask us for more details.)

What if I want to purchase the air transportation on my own?

You may always purchase your own air transportation. However, you will need to allow plenty of time to arrive at the cruise terminal prior to the cruise and you will also need to make sure to allow enough time for you to be able to make your flight home. Unfortunately, we can’t be responsible for any air arrangements that aren’t made through us or the cruise line. (Please ask us for more details.)

Should I purchase a pre/post hotel package?

The cruise lines do offer several great choices of pre/post hotel packages that will include transfers to/from the ship. It is your vacation to decide where and for how long you may want to stay. Depending on where you are traveling from, you may also need to allow for a one night pre cruise hotel stay since you might not be able to get to the port prior to the ship’s sailing. (Please ask us for more details.)

Do I need to buy cruise/travel insurance?

Cruise/travel insurance isn’t required, but we do recommend that you purchase it for your piece of mind. As with most insurance coverage, you never know when or if you will need to use it. However, cruise/travel insurance is an affordable way to protect your vacation investment. (Please ask us for more details.)

When will I receive my cruise/air documents?

You should receive your cruise reservation/confirmation package within a few days of making your reservation. Your final cruise documents (cruise/air tickets) should arrive after your cruise has been paid for in full and at least two weeks before your sailing date.

Will I need a passport?

Most cruise itineraries visit ports out of the USA so many cruise vacations will require a passport for you to sail. However, on some sailings you will only need to show proof of citizenship (passport or an official birth certificate along with a government issued ID) for you to be able to sail. Click here to see the current US passport requirements (PDF). All non US residents should always check with their consulate before purchasing a cruise. (Please ask us for more details.)

Can I cancel my reservation?

You may cancel your cruise reservation at anytime. We will not charge you a penalty or fee. However, the cruise line may impose cancellation penalties on your cruise booking. Typically, they will not charge you a penalty if you cancel your cruise prior to the final payment date. If you do cancel your cruise after that date the cruise line can charge you from $100 to 100% depending on how many days before the cruise that you cancel. Cruise/travel insurance may cover you for these charges. (Please ask us for more details.)

Your Onboard Experience
How do learn about daily shipboard activities?

Each evening you will receive a complete agenda of the following days activities. This agenda will be delivered to your cabin.

What are my dining choices?

While it varies from cruise line to cruise line, most ships will give you several dining choices. Breakfast and lunch are usually served in a main dining room at a scheduled time as well as buffet style at your leisure. Dinner may also be served at a specific assigned time. However many ships have changed to a more flexible evening dining schedule offering various choices including specialty restaurants (usually at a additional nominal charge $20-$30), as well as more casual dining options. Room service is usually available 24 hours a day with a limited menu at no charge,

Are there shows and entertainment on board?

There is a variety of evening entertainment on most larger ships ranging from Las Vegas style reviews to various variety, magic and comedy shows. There are usually several events going on simultaneously in an attempt to offer something entertaining for every guest.

Are there nightclubs on board?

Most ships have nightclubs with a D.J. until the early hours of the morning. Minimum age ranges from 18 to 21. There are no cover charges to enter the night club.

Are there activities for singles on board?

Most ships will have a number of activities geared toward their single guests giving them the opportunity to meet and mingle with other singles.

Is there a casino on board?

Most ships have a full casino on board featuring Las Vegas style gambling. Games include Black Jack, Craps, Roulette plenty of slots as well as other gambling opportunities. Minimum gambling age is 21 years. Casinos are closed when in ports or when sailing in US waters (normally within 12 miles of land).

Are there movies and televisions onboard?

All of the major cruise lines’ staterooms are equipped with color televisions playing various programming, including movies, 24 hours a day. Many ships also have onboard cinemas and recently some ships have even added large outdoor poolside screens.

Is there a fitness center or spa onboard?

All of the major cruise line’s ships have large fully equipped fitness centers in addition to their luxurious spas and beauty salons. There is generally no charge for using the fitness center with the exception of a personal training session or a specific aerobics class.

Do I need to make an appointment for spa services?

We do recommend that you make spa appointments on the first day of the sailing since space is limited and the best times and days may fill up quickly.

Are there pools onboard?

All of the major cruise line’s ships have one or more outdoor pools while some ships even offer indoor pools and a kid’s pool. In addition to the pools, you will find one or more Jacuzzis on the pool deck.

Are there shops onboard?

All of the major cruise line’s ships have sundry shops and duty free shops while some ships may even have large mall type areas onboard with several shops to chose from. (Please ask us for more details.)

How do I book Shore Excursions/Tours?

The ships all have shore excursion booking and information centers onboard. Depending on the cruise line and your itinerary, you may be able to book your shore excursions in advance via the Internet, fax or mail. (Please ask us for more details.)

What should I Wear On-Board?

It is your vacation to relax and be comfortable. Resort casual wear is acceptable throughout the day on most cruise lines and ships. However, during dinner most cruise lines request for no shorts or T-shirts and some ships do have a few formal nights where you may need to dress up if you will be dining in the main dining rooms. (Please ask us for more details.)

Is alcohol available on the ship?

Most ships offer several different bars, lounges and pubs onboard for your drinking pleasure. The cruise lines typically don't allow for you to bring your own liquor aboard for consumption on the ship. The minimum drinking age on most ships will vary from 18-21 years of age. (Please ask us for more details.)

How do I pay for purchases on board?

The cruise line will issue you an onboard charge account so that you simply can sign for any purchases while onboard the ship therefore you won't have the need to carry cash with you everywhere. Prior to boarding the ship, the cruise line will request for you to post a credit card, debit card or cash that will be used to pay for all of your charges that you incur during the sailing. (Please ask us for more details.)

What do I need to know about gratuities or tipping?

Gratuities are required onboard most cruise ships. Typically the charge for gratuities is only about $10 per person per day of the sailing (gratuities on a 7-day sailing would be about $70 per passenger.) This amount will cover cost of the tips for the cabin stewards, waiters & assistant waiters… In addition, 15% in gratuities will be added automatically to any bar, lounge or beverage charge.

Are there medical services onboard?

The ships all offer a well equipped medical facility staffed by doctors and nurses. There is a cost for these services and they may not be covered through your personal health insurance. Typically, many of these costs will be covered through a cruise/travel insurance policy. (Please ask us for more details.)

Are the ships accessible for the handicapped?

All of today’s larger ships are handicap accessible throughout most of the ship including several elevators and specially equipped staterooms/bathrooms. Typically, the newer the ship the better equipped it is. (Please ask us for more details.)

Bringing your Family

Are there activities onboard for families?

Most cruise lines have plenty of things for families to do onboard since cruising has become more family friendly in recent years. Typically, each ship will host organized family activities and events throughout the day. (Please ask us for more details.)

Are there activities/programs onboard for children/teens?

Most cruise ships have organized kids/teen clubs and programs with special designated areas just for them including play areas, game rooms and teen discos. These programs are fully staffed with trained counselors and are normally free of charge during their normal operating hours. (Please ask us for more details.)

Are baby-sitting services available onboard?

Most cruise ships will offer some type of onboard baby-sitting services for a nominal fee. These services are typically available during the hours that the kid’s clubs are closed and may vary from cruise line to cruise line. (Please ask us for more details.)

Keeping in Contact

Can we make or receive telephone calls while on the ship?

The cruise lines all have ship to shore telephone services available so that you can make and receive phone calls directly from your stateroom. However, we suggest that you keep these calls to a minimum (incoming & outgoing) as they are typically very expensive and will be charged to your room. Your cruise documents will include the ship’s contact phone number so that people may be able to call you on the ship. (Please ask for more details.)

Is there Internet/email service available on the ship?

Most cruise ships now have onboard Internet Cafes fully equipped with computers, printers and online service all available for you to use for a nominal fee.

Will my Cell Phone work on the ship?

Most cruise ships are now specially equipped with live cellular signals for your personal cell phone use. This service works with most carriers as long as your phone is set up for international roaming. The costs of the calls will vary from cruise line to cruise line and it will also depend on your own cellular company’s roaming charges. We suggest that you contact your cellular company directly to check the rates and roaming status of your phone before the day of sailing. (Please ask us for more details.)

Getting to/from the Ship

When should I arrive at the cruise terminal?

Boarding will typically begin several hours before the ship actually sets sail as the cruise line expects everyone to be on board at least one hour prior to sailing. We suggest that you try to arrive at the port at least 4 hours before your cruise is scheduled to depart. (Please ask us for more details.)

When will I get off the ship?

You will not be able to disembark from the ship until the ship has been cleared from the local Customs bureau. Typically it can take a couple of hours for Customs to clear a ship after it arrives into the port so we do suggest that you take this into consideration prior to making any pickup arrangements. When making your flight arrangements, you will want to leave plenty of time for you get off of the ship after it has been cleared and also allow enough time for you to get to the airport and go through their boarding process. (Please ask us for more details.)

Are driving directions available to the ship/port?

On our web site, you can access directions/maps for most US ports. (Please contact us if you don't see the map or directions that you need for your sailing.)

What transportation is available between the airport and pier?

In most ports you can either take a local taxi (rates will vary) or you may purchase cruise line transfers with your cruise vacation package. (Please ask us for more details.)

What do I need to know about luggage?

When you arrive at the cruise terminal, you will leave your luggage with a porter so that they can forward your bags onto the ship and deliver them to your stateroom. Most cruise lines don't restrict the amount of luggage that you may bring aboard the ship. However, you may have some restrictions if you are flying to or from the port. (Please ask us for more details.)