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Frequently
Asked Questions About Cruises 
I want to take a "nontraditional" cruise.
What do you suggest?
I want to take a "traditional" cruise. What
do you suggest?
Are some ships better than others for children?
Can I book an adults-only cruise?
I’m traveling alone. Will the cruise line help me
find a roommate?
Are there nonsmoking cruises?
Are there singles cruises?
There are so many itinerary choices. How do I pick
one?
What are the different cabin categories?
What is included in the cruise price?
What is not included in the cruise price?
What are port charges?
What's the general age range for cruisers?
Can unaccompanied minors cruise?
What's the minimum cruising age?
What's the onboard drinking age?
Which cruise line is right for me?
Why does it cost so much to book a single-passenger
cabin?
I want to take a "nontraditional"
cruise. What do you suggest?
A “nontraditional” cruise may be one with open dinner seating (eat
when you want, where you want, and with whom you want) and casual attire
at all times. Cruise lines that offer relaxed dining options include
Norwegian (with its signature “freestyle dining”), Windstar, and some
Princess ships. Another nontraditional cruise line is Disney Cruise
Line®, which largely caters to families.
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I want to take a "traditional"
cruise. What do you suggest?
A “traditional” cruise may be one with pre-assigned dining times and
table mates, and with formal nights (men wear suits or tuxedos and women
wear pantsuits or cocktail dresses). Cruise lines still offering a large
selection of “traditional” cruises include Carnival, Celebrity,
Crystal, Holland America, and Royal Caribbean.
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Are some ships better than others for children?
While most cruise lines offer supervised activities for children—such as
swimming, sports, movies, and games—some ships don't, and some ships
have better programs than others. In addition, some programs have minimum
age requirements (generally age 2 or 3). Though you may initially
think of Disney Cruise Line® when shopping for a family-friendly
cruise (and it certainly is family friendly), many other ships offer
children's programs (and adult activities) that may be just as appealing.
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Can I book an adults-only cruise?
If you want to take a cruise without the kids (yours, or anybody
else’s), you have a few options. Certain ships such as Crystal
Harmony, don't cater to children; while others, including all three
Windstar ships, actually discourage parents from bringing their children
along. Though this doesn’t guarantee a child-free cruise, it does
greatly reduce the number of children onboard. .
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I’m traveling alone. Will the cruise line
help me find a roommate?
If you’re traveling alone and would like to find a roommate, please call
our Cruise Specialist at 1-800-7CLASSY. Many cruise lines will help solo
travelers find roommates of the same gender.
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Are there nonsmoking cruises?
Although there are no nonsmoking cruise ships, all ships do have
designated nonsmoking areas, including most cabins, restaurants (including
main dining rooms), and public areas.
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Are there singles cruises?
Some smaller cruise lines do have special themed cruises, including
singles cruises. Call us to see what we can find for you.
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There are so many itinerary choices. How do I
pick one?
Consider your interests before deciding on a destination. Do you like
warm-weather destinations? Consider the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Hawaii, or
the South Pacific. Are you interested in history? Think about Europe or
the Mediterranean. Also consider how many days the ship spends at sea vs.
in port. If you like a lot of activity and variety, consider an itinerary
with more days in port; if you like spending time on the open ocean,
consider an itinerary with more “at sea” days.
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What are the different cabin categories?
All cabins are classified as one of four categories: Inside, oceanview,
oceanview with balcony, or suite:
- Inside cabins are generally the smallest cabins onboard and
have no views.
- Oceanview cabins have windows or portholes.
- Oceanview cabins with balconies have windows and ocean-facing
balconies.
- Suites have windows and oftentimes balconies; they're
generally the largest cabins onboard and offer the most amenities.
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What is included in the cruise price?
Generally, the cruise price includes drinks like coffee, tea, and
water; standard meals; room service; the use of gymnasium equipment;
and most shipboard entertainment.
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What is not included in the cruise price?
Generally, the cruise price does not include specialty drinks like
sodas, specialty coffees, and alcoholic beverages; meals in
alternative restaurants; spa and salon services; exercise classes like
yoga and Pilates; casino gaming; organized shore excursions;
photographs; medical services; gratuities; and gift shop purchases.
All ships are different - - let us help.
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What are port charges?
Port charges are small fees a cruise ship must pay to use a port of
call. They include the following:
- Taxes and fees assessed by the government and other agencies
- Costs of entering or leaving ports
- Costs incurred while in port, including waste removal
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What's the general age range for cruisers?
Different cruise lines appeal to different age groups. Average
passenger age ranges are as follows:
- Carnival: 30 percent under age 35; 40 percent ages 35–55;
and 30 percent over age 55
- Celebrity: Ages 30–55
- Crystal: Age 60+
- Disney Cruise Line®: 20s and up and of course the kids
- Holland America: 40s to 60s
- Norwegian: 50s
- Princess: Age 50+
- Windstar: Ages 35–55
- Royal Caribbean: 30s to 50s
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Can unaccompanied minors cruise?
Unaccompanied minors cannot cruise. In fact, on Carnival, Celebrity,
Crystal, Holland America, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, and Windstar
cruises, each cabin must have at least one adult age 25 or older as a
guest. On Disney Cruise Line® and Princess cruises, each cabin
must have at least one adult age 21 or older. Exceptions are generally
made for married couples under age 25 (or 21).
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What's the minimum cruising age?
Most cruise lines ask that children be at least six months old to
sail.
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What's the onboard drinking age?
Most cruise ships maintain a minimum drinking age of 21 while in
international waters or at foreign ports. However, some ships have a
minimum drinking age of 18.
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Which cruise line is right for me?
Different cruise lines and ships appeal to different people. Those
wanting an upscale, casual environment with few passengers often turn
to Windstar, whereas those looking for a “traditional” cruise
experience often enjoy Holland America sailings. However - - cruise
lines while similar - - are quite different. Let us help you choose
what is right for you.
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Why does it cost so much to book a
single-passenger cabin?
Each cruise line bases its cabin rates on double occupancy. When you
travel alone, you will pay an extra “single supplement” fee to
make up for lost revenue.
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