1. Is cruising affordable?
Cruising is the best vacation value. There are cruise vacations for every budget. Your cruise fare includes meals, your stateroom, on-board activities, entertainment, and transportation from port to port. You actually end up knowing what your vacation will cost you before you go.

2. What are the extra costs on a cruise?
Typically your only extra expenses are drinks specialty restaurants, optional shore excursions and personal services such as spa treatments.

3. How long are the cruises?
Cruises can last as long as you like from 3 or 4 days to 7 or 9 days up to 14 days or more.

4. Are all ships basically the same?
No. Cruise ships range from intimate yacht-like vessels to ships stretching more than three football fields in length. You can sail with fewer than 100 passengers on board or as many as 3000. Atmospheres range from casual to very formal, contemporary to classical.

5. Are there any special educational programs on board?
To complement the spirit of discovery, many cruise lines feature an extensive program of on-board enrichment seminars hosted by distinguished guest experts. In addition to lectures highlighting the various histories and sights of ports, there may also be in-depth presentations ranging from Renaissance works of art and strategic financial planning to epicurean secrets. Ask about niche cruising if you have a special interest.

6. Do I need a passport?
Photo ID is required for all guests, crew members and visitors boarding a cruise ship. US citizens require a passport or birth certificate plus a picture ID card issued by a federal, state or local government agency. Children under 16 do not require a picture ID card. Non-US citizens require a valid passport and visa (when necessary) in addition to an Alien Registration Card (green card) if an individual is a Resident Alien living in the US.

7. Are there different classes of service?
No, there is only one class of service. Everyone can use all of the ships facilities. The only differences are in the type of cabin you book. There inside cabins with no windows, outside cabins with windows (or portholes), outside balcony cabins, and suites. However, everyone receives the same quality service from the crew.

8. Will I get bored or feel confined?
Hardly! Being as sea gives you the feeling of total freedom that no land-based resort can offer. There is plenty of room and it may take two or three days to discover where on board everything is. Plus you get the added bonus of exploring exciting ports of call. Cruise ships are floating resorts with all the amenities including spas, restaurants, shops, some with casinos, jogging tracks, exercises classes and so much more.

9. Do cruise lines welcome families?
More and more cruise vacations are being booked by families traveling together with children of all ages. Most cruise lines offer supervised activities for children, especially during school holidays. Children adapt easily to shipboard life and you won't have to wonder where they are every minute. Trained youth counselors help keep them safe, busy and entertained.

10. What should I pack?
Pack like you would for any resort. Cruise vacations are casual by day. In the evening, ships vary as to the dress code from casual to formal. Depending on the length of your trip, there will be a dress code issued with your cruise documents.

11. What about meal times?
There are many choices. During the day there are different dining options in the formal dining room, on deck, in a pizzeria or at the espresso bar. In the evening most ships offer several venues. Some dining rooms can accommodate all the guests while others require a split dining schedule with two seatings, typically 6:00 or 8:00. You may also choose to have dinner somewhere other than the formal dining room, where dress is always casual.

12. Can I get a special diet?
Most ships can accommodate salt-free, low-carbohydrate, low cholesterol, Kosher, or other diet preferences. Your request however, must be made in advance, so advise your travel agent when booking the trip.

13. Are there non-smoking areas?
Virtually all ships have smoking and non-smoking sections in the public rooms and on deck. Many dining rooms are totally smoke free. Be sure to request nonsmoking dining arrangements just to be sure.

14. What about tipping?
Tipping is a matter of individual preference. A general rule of thumb is to plan for about $3.00 per person per day for your cabin steward and dining room waiter and about half that amount for the busboy. Other ship personnel can be tipped at your discretion for special services rendered. Some cruise lines now offer suggested tipping and just simply add it to your bill on check-out.

15. Is motion discomfort a problem?
Rarely. Popular cruise itineraries ply some of the calmest waters in the world. In addition, stabilizers on modern ships, availability of advance weather information, and development of effective preventative treatments, have for the most part, reduced or eliminated the incidence of motion discomfort.

Call Arizona Trails Worldwide Travel today to discuss your next cruise vacation at 480-837-4284 or toll free 1-888-799-4284.

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