Lets Cruise

Cruise Answers

Planning a cruise can be complicated - especially if you are a First Time Cruiser. Our list of Frequently Asked Cruise Questions should help you address many aspects of your cruise holiday. If not, please contact us and we will be glad to help you.

General Cruise Questions

   

Is cruising affordable and good holiday value?

Yes! There are cruise holidays to suit every budget, from the cost-conscious to the most luxurious. Even more important, a cruise offers the best travel value for your money. Your fare includes all meals, your cabin, onboard daytime activities, and evening entertainment. So for once, you'll know what your holiday will end up costing you before you go. (Your only extra expenses will be drinks, gratuities, optional shore excursions, and personal services such as spa services.) You'll be amazed at the value and you only unpack once.

How long are cruises?

As long or as short as you want. Itineraries can range from as little as three days to as long as three months! Cruising in the Pacific ranges from 7 – 14 nights, Alaska and Caribbean cruises is normally 7 nights and Europe ranges from 7 – 12 nights on the most popular itineraries.

How do I book a cruise?

Planning a cruise holiday can be complicated - more so than booking an airline ticket, hotel, or rental car. A cruise holiday can truly be holiday of a lifetime. It can be a significant investment of both time and money. Therefore, we highly recommend you enlist the services of a professional Cruise Expert to help you choose the right cruise for you. Lets Cruise has the product knowledge and experience of all major cruise lines worldwide with almost 17 years of experience within the industry. Once you have selected your cruise option we will be pleased to consult you in the right direction by contacting us on 476 9514 (In Auckland) or 0800 400 450 (Outside Auckland) or email us online with your enquiry.

There are literally thousands of different cruise options to choose from and the best holiday for you depends on how you answer these questions:

• When do you want to go? For how long?
• What's your cruise experience? Which cruise line is best for you? What type of accommodations?
• Are you taking kids? How old are they? How many cabins do you need? Do you need cabins near one another? Do you want to sit together at dinner? Are you celebrating a big anniversary?
• Do you have special needs? Crib? Wheelchair? Special diet?
  

Are all ships and cruises fairly similar?

Far from it. Cruise ships can range from under 200 feet to over 1,000 feet. You can sail with anywhere from fewer than 100 fellow passengers to over 4000. Experience atmospheres ranging from casual to formal, classically simple to ultra-deluxe.

Do I need a passport or Visa's?

Passports are required and should not expire less than 6 months after the final travel date. Visa's maybe required in some destinations, please check with your consultant at the time of booking. For South Pacific cruises New Zealand passport holders do not require any Visa's, if you are travelling on a different passport to the South Pacific you may require a Visa.

Can you assist with flights and accommodation?

Lets Cruise is more than happy to assist you with your flights and any accommodation that you may need before or after your cruise holiday. Please ask your consultant at the time of booking.

Is motion discomfort a problem?

Today's modern cruise ships are quite large and contain hi-tech stabilizing devices and advance weather notification processes. In the unlikely event you experience motion discomfort; there are a number of over-the-counter solutions to ease your concerns at your local pharmacy.

Can we stay in touch with the outside world?

Quite easily. Most ships have a daily newsletter with news, headlines, selected stock quotes and sports scores. Staterooms on all of today's modern cruise ships are equipped with satellite televisions and in some cases in-cabin internet connections. While most ships now have telephones in passenger cabins, you can also call someone on shore through the ship's radio operator while at sea. And, you can make phone calls from most ports. In addition, many ships have fax capabilities and all ships offer Internet access and e-mail capabilities to passengers.

Can we celebrate a "special" day?

Absolutely! Most cruise lines will even treat you to a complimentary cake honour the occasion. Your birthday or anniversary can be more festive with champagne, flowers, canapès, wine or cheese. You can even arrange for a special private party. All you have to do is advise us at the time of booking.

Are there medical services onboard?

Virtually every cruise ship (except for some smaller vessels operating in coastal waters) has a fully-equipped medical facility and staff to handle almost any emergency.

Are there laundry services aboard?

Almost all cruise ships have laundry facilities and a great many provide dry-cleaning services. There is, however, an additional charge for professional laundry and dry-cleaning services. Most ships also have self-service launderettes.