Can I book another cabin for a friend on an interline rate?
This depends on if you are retired from an airline or if you are an active airline employee, but you have to be on the same sailing. If you are active, most of the time yes. We have a complete list of every cruise line and what they allow on our parent company's website at KVI Travel.
Do I need a passport to cruise?
While it is always a good idea to have a passport if you are scheduled to stop at foreign ports on your cruise, you technically do not need one if the cruise starts and ends at the same US port. This is called “closed end loop cruise”. For these cruises you may present a state issued birth certificate (not a copy) and a state ID. One exception to this rule is Virgin Voyages which specifically states that they will ONLY accept passports, so please keep this in mind if you are booking on Virgin.
What is included in the price of my cruise?
While luxury lines are different from budget cruise lines, all cruises include room accommodations, buffet dining, sit down dining in the main dining hall, drip coffee, hot tea, and tap water. Also on Ocean cruises, shipboard entertainment is provided.
What are extra expenses that I might need to budget for?
First let’s start out with gratuities – if not already included in the price of your booking – the cruise line will add a certain amount per guest per day to tip all the staff onboard (average is typically around $18/ per person per day). Other things that are optional to purchase onboard would be excursions at the ports of call, Wi-Fi on the ship, individual drinks (we will touch on drink packages in another question), specialty dining, and souvenirs from the onboard shops. Luxury cruise lines tend to be more inclusive and may include some of the items mentioned above in the cost of the cruise.
Are there drink packages available?
Yes, there are. While different cruise lines offer different packages most will have at least a premium alcohol package, a basic alcohol package and a non-alcohol package which would include soda, juice, bottled water, etc. Virgin Voyages does not have a drink package, but if you add money to your "Bar Tab", they offer extra money. Depends on how much you want to add.
Should I get travel insurance?
It is suggested that trip protection is purchased either through the cruise line itself, or through a third-party vendor. Coverage MAY include trip cancellation for any reason, trip interruption, medical expenses, evacuation expenses up to a certain limit. Talk to an insurance specialist or your travel agent to inquire about these services. Cruise line trip coverage will only cover what is purchased through the cruise lines itself. We recommend John Hancock Insurance via www.kvi.travel/insurance
Will I be able to bring a wheelchair/motorized scooter onboard? Will it fit in my cabin?
You can rent both wheelchairs and motorized scooters through cruise line approved companies. These companies will deliver and pick up the wheelchairs or scooter directly to the ship so they will be available when you check in. There are accessible cabins available and can be selected when you are picking your cruise. Please advise your travel agent when booking so appropriate accommodations can be made. Not every cabin is accessible or allows wheelchairs through the doorways of the cabin.
When should I fly into my departure port city?
It is always recommended that you plan on arriving at least one day before your cruise is scheduled to depart, this helps minimize check in interruptions due to delays or cancellations by the airline. If traveling abroad, we suggest a couple days prior to acclimate yourself and see more of the departure port city as they are usually pretty big.
These are some of the most common questions about cruising. Please don't hesitate to ask if you have other questions. Frequently asked cruise questions are ever growing and so will this post. Please give us a call if you have any questions and or to book your cruise. 616-559-0018 (Call or Text) or 833-669-8222.
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