Frequently Asked Questions
1. What kind of vacations can I book?
2. TOURS I have links for tours that you can access from a land or a cruise vacation. I like to use VIATOR or VENTURE ASHORE. I have had amazing tours with both of them. Venture Ashore is geared more toward cruises and has many Guaranteed Shore Excursions where they will get you back to your ship on time, or get you to the next port of call. On my "Find A Vacation" page, you will see links that will allow you to explore your destinations. Disclaimer: I do get a small commission if you book your tours via my links on the Find a Vacation page. I appreciate it when you do.
3. Is there a Formal Night on my cruise?
Yes and No. Viking and Virgin Cruises do not have formal nights. River cruises also do not have formal nights.
Formal Night Dress Code
Gentlemen: A collared shirt and slacks with or without sports coat, suit or tux.
Ladies: Slacks and a fancy shirt, a nice dress/skirt, cocktail dress or formal. Lots of options.
Dress Code for River Cruises and Coach Tours
* appropriate for your destination
Please be aware that shorts, tank tops are not allowed in the dining room at dinner.
4. What time can we board our ship?
Usually after 12:00 noon. Your boarding documents will give you specifics. You MUST be on board 2 hours before departure.
5. If we drive, where can we park?
Do a Google search for parking (then name the port). You will find lots of options -- from parking right at the port, to a close-by airport or secured lot.
6. If we fly, how do we get to the port and back to the airport?
When staying overnight prior to the cruise, I can often find you a hotel that will offer airport pick-up and cruise-drop off for a minimal fee. You can set up transfers back to the airport either with the cruise line bus or an Uber or taxi. You can often set up a tour that will drop you off at the airport in time for your flight.
7. What is included in the price of a cruise or tour?
Cruise: All your meals. Most room service menu items. Room service in your comfortable cabin. On board activities, games, shows, and music venues. On board gym.
Tours: Intra-tour transportation, lodging, most meals, a tour in each city and a Tour Director to assist you throughout your journey.
See exceptions below.
8. What is not included in the price?
Specialty activities, such as rock climbing, bowling may incur an additional fee
Optional Specialty dining room service (Virgin Voyages includes all dining on board, with the exception of a very few specialty items on the menu).
Spa Services e.g. Massages, hair salon
Gym Classes e.g. Spin classes, yoga classes (Virgin Cruises includes gym classes)
Optional specialty snacks
Alcoholic beverages, Soda, Bottled water -- you can purchase soda and alcoholic beverage packages on line before you board or once you board.
Virgin Voyages includes soda and basic tea and coffee. River cruises often offer promos where the drink packages are included.
Shore Excursions (Generally river cruises and Viking Ocean Cruises includes a tour in each port of call)
Gambling
Gift shop purchases
9. What about gratuities?
Your on-board account will be charged daily according to the cruise line policy, or you can pre-pay. This gives gratuities to all those who serve you during your stay on board -- your waiters, beverage waiters, room stewards, as well as those staff who work behind the scenes for your comfort. You can choose to increase or decrease this amount by speaking with someone at the Pursers Office on board. Any drinks you purchase on board will have an automatic gratuity added to them at time of service.
Some cruise lines now include gratuities as part of the cruise rate. Virgin Voyages includes gratuities in their fares.
10. How do I pay for on-board purchases?
When you board, you will supply a credit card number that authorizes the cruise line to charge that card for purchases you make while on board. You will receive a credit-card-sized room key. This key is also used as a credit card for your on-board purchases. You can check with the Purser's Office to monitor your charges. Be sure to verify all charges prior to disembarking. Some of the newer ships allow you to monitor this via an interactive TV set in your cabin or an app. Each guest can have their own account.
11. What about photos?
Many ships have professional photographers on the ship throughout the cruise who will be taking photos of you and your group. There is no sitting fee and no obligation to purchase any photos. Formal night is a great time to have some photos taken. Photos will be displayed throughout your time on board, and you can purchase photos as you choose. No photo services on river cruises. It is much more relaxed.
12. What should I pack?
This is my least favorite part of traveling! I will try to share my experience with you.
PACK LIGHT. There are two kinds of travelers, those who pack light, and those who wish they did.
On a cruise, you might change your clothes 3-4 times a day! 1. Morning exercise 2. Shore time. Be sure to determine what type of experiences you want to do ashore, so you bring the right clothing/shoes. 3. Back on board to relax around the pool (bathing suit, shorts or coverup and SUN SCREEN!) 4. Dinner attire from Tropical Casual to Formal 5. Be sure to bring a sweater you can pair with your dinner outfits. Sometimes the dining room or theatre can get awfully chilly. I am able to put all of this plus my pj's, undies, toiletries and electronics/cameras into a small backpack and a 22" carry-on.
When travelling abroad, be aware of luggage size and weight limits for carry-on and checked baggage. Just because it all fits, doesn't mean you can carry it on.
13. How can I use my Cell Phone on vacation?
Before leaving home, check with your carrier. If you do not want a specific plan, once you leave the United States, put your phone on Airplane Mode. Cell plans change a lot, so be sure to check with YOUR carrier.
14. What Don't I do?
I do not book airfare, unless it is as part of a package. I can give you suggestions, but you have more flexibility if you book it yourself. Then the airlines will talk to you. Book directly with the airline, not an OTA! I do not book individual hotels or car rentals.
15. What about Travel Protection?
I highly recommend this in the event you or a travelling companion cannot make the trip due to covered reasons. If you are a nervous traveler, you can purchase a Cancel For Any Reason policy. See the Squaremouth link on my "Find a Vacation Page". You can custom design the protection you want via Squaremouth. The price is generally comparable to the protection offered by cruises and tours, but Squaremouth often has much better coverage. Disclaimer: I do get a small commission on sales on Squaremouth when you use the link provided on my "Find a Vacation Page". I appreciate it when you do.
16. If you a have any other questions, please be sure to contact me . Call or text 208-863-1732 or email Hope2GoTravel.com
- Ocean Cruises
- River cruises
- Globus Family of Brands (Globus Coach Tours
- Cosmos Coach Tours, Avalon River Cruises)
- Collette Worldwide Tours
- National Geographic Tours
- Country Walkers or Bicycle Tours
- Disney
- Gate 1 tours
- Shore excursions or Tours via Venture Ashore and Viator.
2. TOURS I have links for tours that you can access from a land or a cruise vacation. I like to use VIATOR or VENTURE ASHORE. I have had amazing tours with both of them. Venture Ashore is geared more toward cruises and has many Guaranteed Shore Excursions where they will get you back to your ship on time, or get you to the next port of call. On my "Find A Vacation" page, you will see links that will allow you to explore your destinations. Disclaimer: I do get a small commission if you book your tours via my links on the Find a Vacation page. I appreciate it when you do.
3. Is there a Formal Night on my cruise?
Yes and No. Viking and Virgin Cruises do not have formal nights. River cruises also do not have formal nights.
Formal Night Dress Code
Gentlemen: A collared shirt and slacks with or without sports coat, suit or tux.
Ladies: Slacks and a fancy shirt, a nice dress/skirt, cocktail dress or formal. Lots of options.
Dress Code for River Cruises and Coach Tours
* appropriate for your destination
Please be aware that shorts, tank tops are not allowed in the dining room at dinner.
4. What time can we board our ship?
Usually after 12:00 noon. Your boarding documents will give you specifics. You MUST be on board 2 hours before departure.
5. If we drive, where can we park?
Do a Google search for parking (then name the port). You will find lots of options -- from parking right at the port, to a close-by airport or secured lot.
6. If we fly, how do we get to the port and back to the airport?
When staying overnight prior to the cruise, I can often find you a hotel that will offer airport pick-up and cruise-drop off for a minimal fee. You can set up transfers back to the airport either with the cruise line bus or an Uber or taxi. You can often set up a tour that will drop you off at the airport in time for your flight.
7. What is included in the price of a cruise or tour?
Cruise: All your meals. Most room service menu items. Room service in your comfortable cabin. On board activities, games, shows, and music venues. On board gym.
Tours: Intra-tour transportation, lodging, most meals, a tour in each city and a Tour Director to assist you throughout your journey.
See exceptions below.
8. What is not included in the price?
Specialty activities, such as rock climbing, bowling may incur an additional fee
Optional Specialty dining room service (Virgin Voyages includes all dining on board, with the exception of a very few specialty items on the menu).
Spa Services e.g. Massages, hair salon
Gym Classes e.g. Spin classes, yoga classes (Virgin Cruises includes gym classes)
Optional specialty snacks
Alcoholic beverages, Soda, Bottled water -- you can purchase soda and alcoholic beverage packages on line before you board or once you board.
Virgin Voyages includes soda and basic tea and coffee. River cruises often offer promos where the drink packages are included.
Shore Excursions (Generally river cruises and Viking Ocean Cruises includes a tour in each port of call)
Gambling
Gift shop purchases
9. What about gratuities?
Your on-board account will be charged daily according to the cruise line policy, or you can pre-pay. This gives gratuities to all those who serve you during your stay on board -- your waiters, beverage waiters, room stewards, as well as those staff who work behind the scenes for your comfort. You can choose to increase or decrease this amount by speaking with someone at the Pursers Office on board. Any drinks you purchase on board will have an automatic gratuity added to them at time of service.
Some cruise lines now include gratuities as part of the cruise rate. Virgin Voyages includes gratuities in their fares.
10. How do I pay for on-board purchases?
When you board, you will supply a credit card number that authorizes the cruise line to charge that card for purchases you make while on board. You will receive a credit-card-sized room key. This key is also used as a credit card for your on-board purchases. You can check with the Purser's Office to monitor your charges. Be sure to verify all charges prior to disembarking. Some of the newer ships allow you to monitor this via an interactive TV set in your cabin or an app. Each guest can have their own account.
11. What about photos?
Many ships have professional photographers on the ship throughout the cruise who will be taking photos of you and your group. There is no sitting fee and no obligation to purchase any photos. Formal night is a great time to have some photos taken. Photos will be displayed throughout your time on board, and you can purchase photos as you choose. No photo services on river cruises. It is much more relaxed.
12. What should I pack?
This is my least favorite part of traveling! I will try to share my experience with you.
PACK LIGHT. There are two kinds of travelers, those who pack light, and those who wish they did.
On a cruise, you might change your clothes 3-4 times a day! 1. Morning exercise 2. Shore time. Be sure to determine what type of experiences you want to do ashore, so you bring the right clothing/shoes. 3. Back on board to relax around the pool (bathing suit, shorts or coverup and SUN SCREEN!) 4. Dinner attire from Tropical Casual to Formal 5. Be sure to bring a sweater you can pair with your dinner outfits. Sometimes the dining room or theatre can get awfully chilly. I am able to put all of this plus my pj's, undies, toiletries and electronics/cameras into a small backpack and a 22" carry-on.
When travelling abroad, be aware of luggage size and weight limits for carry-on and checked baggage. Just because it all fits, doesn't mean you can carry it on.
13. How can I use my Cell Phone on vacation?
Before leaving home, check with your carrier. If you do not want a specific plan, once you leave the United States, put your phone on Airplane Mode. Cell plans change a lot, so be sure to check with YOUR carrier.
14. What Don't I do?
I do not book airfare, unless it is as part of a package. I can give you suggestions, but you have more flexibility if you book it yourself. Then the airlines will talk to you. Book directly with the airline, not an OTA! I do not book individual hotels or car rentals.
15. What about Travel Protection?
I highly recommend this in the event you or a travelling companion cannot make the trip due to covered reasons. If you are a nervous traveler, you can purchase a Cancel For Any Reason policy. See the Squaremouth link on my "Find a Vacation Page". You can custom design the protection you want via Squaremouth. The price is generally comparable to the protection offered by cruises and tours, but Squaremouth often has much better coverage. Disclaimer: I do get a small commission on sales on Squaremouth when you use the link provided on my "Find a Vacation Page". I appreciate it when you do.
16. If you a have any other questions, please be sure to contact me . Call or text 208-863-1732 or email Hope2GoTravel.com