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- HOW DO I DRESS ON A CRUISE? - HOW DO WE PAY FOR SHIPBOARD PURCHASES? - WHAT ABOUT TIPPING? - HOW DO I ARRANGE FOR DINING ROOM SEATING? - WHAT DO WE DO ONCE ASHORE? - HOW DO WE GET IN TOUCH WITH HOME ONCE ON BOARD? - HOW ARE MEDICAL NEEDS ADDRESSED ON BOARD? - ARE THE SHIPS SECURE? HOW DO I DRESS ON A CRUISE? Daytime dress is casual. Shorts, slacks, capris, golf shirts and blouses are all perfect for warm weather cruising. At night and for restaurant dining, a jacket and slacks are suggested for men, while dressy pant ensembles or cocktail dresses are appropriate for women. Seven day or longer cruises often have a variety of casual, dressy and formal evenings. Tuxedos are not required for formal evenings, but usually can be rented onboard if you like. HOW DO WE PAY FOR SHIPBOARD PURCHASES? Most cruise lines prefer you to use a ship’s charge card which is available at embarkation. You may use a major credit card to obtain this charge card or make a cash deposit to secure your card. Although there is no extra charge for this service, the charge privilege usually does not extend to the gaming casinos. WHAT ABOUT TIPPING? Some ships have built gratuities into their cruise fares. On ships that don’t have this policy, you are given suggested rates for gratuities for cabin attendants, restaurant waiters and other staff members who serve you. These are usually handed out individually on the last day of your cruise. On most ships, tips for drinks in bars and wine service in restaurants are automatically added to each check that you sign. HOW DO I ARRANGE FOR DINING ROOM SEATING? When your cruise is booked, you’ll be asked for a preference for first or second seating — or anytime dining, if available — on a first-come, first-served basis, as well as preferred table size. You’ll also be asked for any special dietary needs and if you prefer to dine with other specific passengers. This information will then be given to the cruise line for inclusion on your documents. WHAT DO WE DO ONCE ASHORE? Each ship has available optional shore excursions which can be ordered from information sent to you in advance of cruise departure date. You can also sign up for them once onboard. Or, you can decide to visit ports on your own by referring to the port information available at the Purser’s Office. HOW DO WE GET IN TOUCH WITH HOME ONCE ON BOARD? Most ships have a radio telephone number for emergency use. Internet access and email are also widely available, as are fax machines. HOW ARE MEDICAL NEEDS ADDRESSED ON BOARD? Each cruise ship is required to have licensed doctors and nurses on board at all times for 24-hour service, when needed. The size of the medical staff depends on the size of the ship, but all are qualified to deal with everything from motion sickness to major medical emergencies. ARE THE SHIPS SECURE? Absolutely! At embarkation, you’ll be subject to a security screening along with your luggage. You’ll be asked to show a passport or birth certificate and you’ll be given a personal identity card. This will serve as your proof of on-board status to allow you on and off the ship at any time. Those who don’t have this card don’t have ship access. No exceptions. Security is job one for your ship’s crew and they take it very seriously. They don’t want anything to interfere with your enjoyment of their ship and your cruise. If you have additional questions please contact CI Travel's Cruise Division

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