Cruise Overview

Liberty Travel - Expert Planning, Unbeatable Prices

Thank You for Registering!

1-888-271-1584 |

find a store
or specialist

search: vacations | hotels | deals

vacations

Search For: Air + HotelHotel Only

Departing From

Going To

Departing	Time

Returning	Time

Rooms:		Adults	Children
	Room 1:

Please wait ...	Close Window

hotels

Search Hotels By


Destination
Activity	Loading Activites
Hotel Rating

Or Search By

Hotel Chain

Close Window

About Cruising

About Cruising - Cruise Overview

Packing Tips | Documentation | What's Included | Gratuities

What to Pack
Pack like you would for any resort vacation. In general, cruise vacations are casual by day whether you’re on the ship or ashore. The old days of cruise passengers donning tuxedos and ballroom gowns every night at sea are gone. Evening attire can vary by ship and occasion, with some evenings being casual and some being more formal. Appropriate formal attire consists of a dark suit or a cocktail dress. Many passengers, however, still find it fun to wear a tuxedo or gown on those nights. If you don’t want to bring a formal wear on vacation, you can take advantage of the casual dining options, or you might be able to rent a tux right on board! Your attire should be appropriate for the climate of your destination, as well. Ask your cruise specialists for more information.
Suggested packing list:
Shorts T-shirts Short sleeve shirts Swimwear Sunglasses Sunscreen Jacket and tie for men, cocktail dress for women(if dining is formal) Lightweight slacks or a summer gown A sweater for the evening Comfortable walking shoes, for visiting ports of call A day bag or light backpack, for visiting ports of call

Proof of Citizenship	BACK TO TOP
Required documentation will vary, depending upon the type of cruise and destination, and are subject to change. Under most circumstances, however, U.S. and Canadian citizens will be required to present no more than a valid passport or a certified birth certificate accompanied by government-issued photo identification. Ask your cruise specialist for additional information.

All at No Cost to You	BACK TO TOP
Your cruise fare includes your stateroom, all meals, snacks, room service, all the activities and entertainment you’ll find onboard, ocean transport, port charges, and taxes. Water, iced tea, coffee, and juice are usually complimentary during the day, as well.
Your only additional cost will be personal expenses like optional shore excursions, babysitting, gift shop purchases, beauty salon services, spa treatments, casino gambling, trap shooting, video games, beverages from the bar (i.e. bottled water, soda, beer, mixed drinks), and other such items.

Just a Recommendation	BACK TO TOP
Most cruise lines do not include gratuities in the cruise fare. Generally, tipping is a personal matter and left to your discretion. The standard guideline for tipping your dining room waiter, busboy, and cabin steward is approximately $3.00 per person, per day. All gratuities are paid in cash at the end of your cruise with the exception of bar drinks, which include 15% gratuity on the bill when you are served.
Your only additional cost will be personal expenses like optional shore excursions, babysitting, gift shop purchases, beauty salon services, spa treatments, casino gambling, trap shooting, video games, beverages from the bar (i.e. bottled water, soda, beer, mixed drinks), and other such items.

Call a Cruise Specialist at 1-888-271-1584 or Visit a Location near you! email | print

About Cruising - Odds & Ends

Activities | Nightlife | Spa Facilities | Shopping | Dining

So Much to See & Do
You rarely hear complaints of boredom from passengers on a cruise. The cruise lines work hard to provide for every possible need and want of a cruiser. Amenities on board rival that of any resort on land, and activities usually begin early in the day and continue well into the night!
In addition to simply lazing the day away sunning on the deck, there are countless diversions available to you during the day. You can attend group enrichment seminars, take dance lessons, romp around in the arcade, and play bingo, shuffleboard, or ping-pong. Catch a first-run movie, check out a bestseller from the library, or participate in a group sport, just to name a few things! The larger and more modern ships offer even more activities, so be sure to ask your cruise specialist.

That’s Entertainment	BACK TO TOP
You can expect the nighttime entertainment on a cruise to be top-notch. Options include Broadway-style shows, magic acts, comedy shows, musical revues, casino gaming, dance clubs, quiet lounges, and more. Of course, you’ll probably want to set one moonlit night aside for a romantic stroll along the deck under the canopy of stars!

Get Rejuvenated	BACK TO TOP
When you’re ready for extra pampering, you’ll find great spa facilities on many cruise lines. Facials, manicures, aromatherapy, massages, herbal wraps, personal trainers, and nutritional guidance are just some of the rejuvenating options. Nominal fees apply. Packages are available. Some may be purchased prior to the cruise.

Shopping Trips Onboard & Onshore	BACK TO TOP
You will find gift shops, beauty salons, and other boutiques onboard many of the larger ships. Since the cruise ships operate as a cashless society, hard currency is not usually accepted for payment of goods or services. Instead, you’ll use your boarding card for all purchases. When you check in at the pier prior to boarding, you will have two options for paying for your incidentals: you may give them an imprint of your MasterCard/other credit card, or you can give a cash deposit/traveler checks at the Purser’s office. At the end of your cruise, you’ll receive an itemized statement to settle your account. If you give your credit card, it will be charged automatically.
Depending on your ports of call, you will likely have plenty of enjoyable shopping experiences while on shore. Ask your cruise specialist about accepted currency and exchange rates.

Flexible Dining Options for Every Palate	BACK TO TOP
All that talk you hear about the incredible food on a cruise is true! Today’s cruise ships offer a variety of dining options, including continental and international cuisine, specialty restaurants, and occasional "theme dinners." If you follow a particular diet, you’ll find a selection of alternative meals to choose from, including low salt, low fat, low calorie, vegetarian, and kosher (frozen) cuisine. If you have particular health-related dietary needs, be sure to consult with your cruise specialist to ensure that the cruise can accommodate them.
In response to passenger requests, cruise lines are making dining arrangements increasingly flexible. If you choose to take your meals in the main dining room, you should request your seating and dining time preference. Most cruise lines offer an early sitting around 6:30 p.m. and a later sitting around 8:30 p.m. There are also alternative restaurants, buffets, and snacks on deck, as well as afternoon tea and 24-hour room service! So while you might not be able to decide what, when, or where to eat, you can be sure of one thing: You'll never go hungry on a cruise!

Call a Cruise Specialist at 1-888-271-1584 or Visit a Location near you! email | print

About Cruising - Onboard Activities

Before You Board | Cruising with Kids | Motion Sickness | Communication | Medical

Know Before You Go
Be sure to ask your cruise specialist for all the details regarding preparations for your cruise vacation. If you purchased transportation to and from the ship, a cruise line representative will likely meet you in the baggage claim area and escort you to a bus or motor coach that will take you to the pier. If transportation is not included in your cruise package, you will be responsible for getting to the ship.
Once you’ve arrived at the pier, have all of your necessary documentation ready for inspection. Prior to boarding, you will need to provide your boarding pass and, in most cases, proof of citizenship. See Proof of Citizenship for documentation requirements.
Because cruises are generally non-refundable after final payment, you may want to inquire about travel insurance. Insurance can protect your vacation investment against cancellation penalties should you need to cancel. It also provides important medical and baggage protection. Please ask your cruise specialist about this protection.

Cruising, Family Style	BACK TO TOP
A cruise vacation is a great time for families with children! There are plenty of recreational activities such as sports, video games in the arcade room, and movies to keep kids amused while parents relax and enjoy quiet time. Many cruise lines also offer supervised programs for children and teens and have ships with designated children's facilities and teen centers. Children get to choose entrees from a special menu in the dining room. In many cases, there are reduced fares for children who share a stateroom with adults.

Nothing to Get Sick Over	BACK TO TOP
All modern ships have state-of-the-art motion stabilizers to reduce movement. In most cases, you will feel no motion at all. In addition, the bridge has radar weather-tracking equipment. If a storm is coming your way, the Captain will change course to maintain a smooth sail if possible. The size of the ship can also be a factor. If you want the best location for stability, you should go to a lower deck. The higher you go, the more movement you’ll feel. If you are prone to motion sickness, bring along medication or request it from the ship's medical staff onboard.

No Need for Messages in Bottles	BACK TO TOP
What if somebody on shore needs to get in touch with you while the ship is at sea? Every ship has a phone number that can be used to contact you. Many cruise lines now also have internet cafés/centers with 24-hour access, and some of the newer ships even have internet portals in passenger staterooms and offer laptops for rent! This information will be included in your cruise documents, and you can check with your cruise specialist for details.

Prescription for a Safe & Healthy Cruise	BACK TO TOP
Cruise lines take every precaution to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers and work hard to accommodate and assist those with special needs. Every ship is equipped with medical facilities and a fully trained medical staff. To receive appropriate assistance, you must inform your cruise specialist of any special medical or physical needs, including specific information such as wheelchair characteristics. It is recommended that passengers who have special needs travel with a companion.

Call a Cruise Specialist at 1-888-271-1584 or Visit a Location near you! email | print

Unless otherwise noted, fares do not include all applicable taxes, charges and government imposed fees. Click Here for more information on air fees and taxes.