LNM Cruise Travel Agency

• Is cruising affordable and a good vacation value?  top
  Cruising is  the best vacation value! There are cruise vacations to suit every budget. Your cruise fare includes all meals, your stateroom , on-board activities and entertainment, plus transportation from port to port. You'll know what your vacation will end up costing you before you go. (Your only extra expenses will be drinks, optional shore excursions, and personal services such as massage or hairstyling.)
   

• How long are cruises?  top
  As long or short as you want. CLIA's member lines offer itineraries from tree days to tree months.
   

• Where can I go?  top
  You can go wherever you want. Cruises visit over 1.800 ports worldwide and practically every destination accessible by water.
   

• How do I book a cruise?  top
  Call our agency and our specialist will help you to pick the cruise that fits your vacation schedule, tastes and budget. We will make all the arrangements for you.
   

• Are all ships fairly similar?  top
  Far from it. CLIA member lines ships range from under 200 feet to over 1.000 feet long. You can sail with fewer than 100 fellow guests or over 2.600. Enjoy atmospheres ranging from casual to formal, contemporary to classic, old world luxury. You can even choose between traditional propeller driven vessels or sail-assisted ships.
   

• Are there different types of cruises?  top
  There is an incredible diversity of cruise vacations available~~ all custom designed to suit different interest and personal preferences.
       ~~For the explorer, there are cruise lines which feature soft adventure expeditions to such unusual and rustic frontiers as Antarctica, the Amazon rain forest or African Serengeti. 
       ~~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 line future special-interest 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?  top
  To complement the spirit of discovery that travel evokes, many cruise lines feature an extensive program of on-board enrichment seminars hosted by distinguished guests 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 work of art and strategic financial planning to epicurean secrets of classic French cuisine.
   

• What is an air/sea cruise?  top
  A fly/cruise or an air/sea cruise vacation package includes either or free or specially-reduced airfare along with your cruise ticket. These convenient money-saving options are available from most major North American cities and include ground transfers between the airport and ship as well as baggage handling.
   

• Do I need a passport?  top
  This depends on the type of cruise and your destination. You will need some proof of citizenship and identification. You'll receive complete information on required documents well in advance of your departure.
   

• Are there different classes of service?  top
  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.
   

• Will I get bored?  Feel confined?  top
  Hardly! Being at sea gives you a feeling of total freedom that no land-based resort can offer. There's plenty of room. and it take you two or tree days just to discover everything that's on board. Plus, you get the added adventure of exploring many exciting ports of call. Cruise ships are like floating resorts with all the choices fine resorts have to offer. You can lie back in a lounge chair, breathe in the sea air, soak up the sun, read good books, or watch the ever-changing seascape. If you're more active, join in exercise or dance classes, and sports contests. Practice your tennis stroke or golf swing, or take some fresh air on the jogging deck. Swim, stretch out in the sauna or work out in the gym. You can also see a feature film, attend an enrichment lecture by renowned experts, play backgammon or bridge. And that's just when you're on board!
   

• What can I do in port?  top
  So much you'll have a hard time choosing! You can explore on your own or take a guided tour (often referred to as shore excursions). Search ancient ruins or hunt for shopping bargains. Ride a raft over river rapids, a bicycle down the side of a 10.000 foot volcano, or a horse across miles of hills and beaches. Climb a waterfall or pyramid. Follow the footsteps of history or the wake of a water-skiing boat. If there's still time, play golf or tennis. Learn how to windsurf. Sun and swim at same of the world's best beaches. Catch a record marlin. Sail, snorkel, or scuba dive. Take a cable car to the top of a mountain. Explore dark catacombs. In short, cruising is the perfect way to sample a number of new destinations and try all the things you've ever dreamed of doing, while never having to pack and unpack!
   

• Do I have to participate in the activities?  top
  On a cruise, you do what you want, when you want. You can do everything or do absolutely nothing. It's your vacation!
   

• Do cruise lines welcome families with kids?  top
  More and more cruise vacations are booked by families with children. More cruise lines provide plenty of supervised activities for youngsters, especially during school holidays. If your children enjoy swimming, sports, games, movies, and the adventure of new places, they'll love a family cruise. You'll find that children adapt to shipboard life with ease, and you won't have to wonder what they're up to every minute. The youth counselors will help keep them busy and entertained. Ships even offer youth camps that cater to all ages, from toddlers to teens. Best of all, children generally travel at a substantially reduced rate.
   

• What is there to do at night?  top
  At night, life aboard a cruise ship really turns on. There's dancing, live entertainment, nightclubs and lounges, feature films, and parties with all your new friends. Most ships also have casinos. What's more, there are many specials events like the Captain's cocktail Party, Passenger Talent Night, and the Masquerade Parade.
   

• Is there a charge for entertainment?  top
  Never. On a vacation, the entertainment is on the house. There's no cover, minimum, or charge for an admission ticket. The shows are live, films first-rate and all included in your cruise fare.
   

• Will there be people like me?  top
  No matter what you've heard to the country, there's no such thing as a typical cruise passenger! All kinds of people take cruises now....all ages....from all walks of life.... singles, couples and families. Just ask for advice on the best ship for you, based on your tastes and lifestyle.
   

• What should I pack?  top
  Pack like you would for any resort. Cruise vacations are casual by day, whether you're on the ship or ashore. In the evening, ships vary as a dress. As on shore, attire is dictated by occasion. At the Capitan'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 tuxedo?  top
  On some cruises, formal dinners or parties are part of the fun. But don't buy a tuxedo just for the trip. Even on most formal of the ships, a dark suit and tie are fine for the dressiest occasions. If you do want to dress to the nines, many ships offer tuxedo rental services.
   

• Can singles have fun on a cruise?  top
  Cruising is ideal for people traveling alone, because it's so easy to meet other people. In fact, most ships have parties just 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 also have single cabins as well as single rates for double stateroom. If you ask them, many cruise lines will even find you a room-mate to share a cabin so you can obtain the per person/double occupancy rate, saving you even more on a great vacation.
   

• Can I use my hair dryer or shaver?  top
  Most ships have 110-volt outlets in the staterooms. Most ships even feature hair-dryers in your cabin.
   

• What are different meal seating?  top
  Some ships dining rooms can accommodate all passengers in one "seating". But most ships have two seating, which differ only by tine. 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 request or preference when you book your cruise. Whichever seating you choose, remember that one of the best ways to make new friends is to ask for a large table. In addition, some ships offer alternative dinning rooms, such as Italian, Chinese, Japanese or Southwestern themed restaurants, separate from the main dining room.
   

• Is cruise ship dining as good as I've been told?  top
  Everything you've heard about cruise ship dining is true. You'll find a varied selection of entrées (appetizers, salads, soups, vegetables, and desserts, too) every time you sit down. And there's virtually no limit on what or how much you can order. But, just because your cruise ship offers plenty of delicious food, doesn't mean you'll come home out of shape. You can choose low-cal, spa, vegetarian or fitness menu selections that are just as tempting as the regular menu. Best of all, the one thing you'll never see on a cruise ship menu is a price. Because all your meals are included!
   

• Can I get a special diet?  top
  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 advice as when you book your cruise.
   

• What if I don't like my tablemates?  top
  Rarely is this a problem. However, if you wish to change tables, speak with the maitre d'. He'll make every effort to seat you with more compatible dining companions.... discretely and politely.
   

• Are there non-smoking areas?  top
  Today, virtually all ships have smoking and non-smoking tables and/or sections in the dining rooms and lounges. In fact, many cruise ship dining rooms, and even some entire ships, are now totally smoke-free, reflecting passenger requests. If you want your dining table in a non-smoking area, just tell us. On board, in "open-seating situations", you can advise your waiter or the maitre d'.
   

• Can we celebrate a special occasion?  top
  Absolutely! Most cruise lines will even treat you to a complimentary cake and a chorus of "Happy Whatever" to honor the occasion. Your birthday or anniversary can be more festive with champagne, flowers, or canapés. You can even arrange for a special private party. All you have to do is advise us.
   

• Is cruising right for honeymooners?  top
  Without a doubt. Cruising offers an atmosphere that's just right for romance....cozy dinners for tow, 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.
   

• Can we stay in touch with the outside world?  top
  Quite easily. Most ships have a daily newsletter with news, headlines, selected stock quotas and sports scores. Staterooms on most ships are equipped with televisions. While most ships now have satellite telephones in passenger cabin, you can also call someone on shore through the ship's radio officer while at sea. And, you can make phone calls from most ports. In addition, most ships have fax capabilities.
   

• What about tipping?  top
  Tipping is a matter of individual preference. A general rule of thumb is to plan for about $3.00(tree) per person per day for your room steward and dining room waiter, and about half that amount for your busboy. (A few lines include tipping in the price and will so inform you.) Other shipboard personnel can be tipped for special services at your discretion.
   

• Are there medical services on-board?  top
  Virtually every ship (except for some smaller vessels operating in coastal water) has a fully-equipped medical facility and staff to handle almost any emergency.
   

• Are there laundry services aboard ship?  top
  Almost all cruise ships have laundry facilities and many provide dry-cleaning services. There is, however, an additional charge for professional laundry and dry-cleaning services. Many ships also have self-service launderettes.
   

• Do cruise lines accept group booking?  top
  Most lines will work with groups-often at special rates-depending on how many people are involved. Policies vary from company to company and sometimes during certain times of the year. Consult our specialist for more details.
   

• Are there meeting rooms on-board?  top
  Just about every full-size ship has public rooms or a conference to offer as meeting space for groups. If you'd like to make such arrangements let us know to make schedules and arrange for you any catering needs. Your ship may also be able to offer audio-visual equipment.
   

• Can I extend my cruise vacation?  top
  Cruise lines feature special pre or post hotel packages that allow you to extend your vacation in either your port of embarkation or debarkation.
   

• Is motion discomfort a problem?  top
  Rarely. Popular cruise itineraries boast some of the calmest water in the world. In addition, stabilizers on modern ships, advanced availability of accurate weather information, and development of effective preventative medications have, for the most part, eliminated the incidence of motion discomfort.
   

•  Who should I see if I have questions that haven't been answered?  top
  Ask our cruise specialist to receive more information about.

All you have to worry about is relaxing and enjoying your vacation. Most importantly, every crew and staff member on board of the cruise ships are dedicated to making your cruise the best vacation of your life.

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© 2002 LNM Cruise Travel. Updated : April 15, 2003