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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
You’ve Got Questions - We’ve Got Answers
HOW DO I FIND OUT ABOUT HEALTH AND ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?
Many of the cruises no longer need to be vaccinated, of course, there are a few exceptions. Some countries still require pre-cruise testing, so check with us when you book your cruise.
DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?
Travel insurance is highly recommended especially for various reasons: change your mind, world unrest, medical reasons, family, celebrations, COVID- related medical issues, etc. Depending on cruise line, it will be at deposit or at final payment.
WHAT ARE THE CANCELLATION PENALTIES FOR THE CRUISE?
At the bottom of each cruise confirmation, there will be cancellation penalties ranging from the admin fee to the full cost of the cruise. GalaxSea Cruises also has a cancellation penalty for $100/cabin in addition to the cruise line cancellation policy.
ON THE DISTINCTIVE VOYAGES, WHEN CAN I FIND OUT THE DETAILS OF THE EXCLUSIVE SHORE EVENTS?
Details, departure time, and date will be emailed to you approximately 2-4 weeks before departure. Once onboard, you will receive a welcome letter delivered to your room with details of the Shore Excursion and an invitation to the Private Welcome Reception. In addition, the Distinctive Voyages Host will call all the guests to review the Shore Excursion details and the meeting point of the welcome reception.
DO I HAVE TO PRE-REGISTER FOR MY CRUISE?
Yes. It is recommended to have it done at least 7-days prior to embarkation to speed up the process. Some cruise lines will not issue cruise documents/ boarding pass without this process done.
The online check-in process is fairly easy when you have the information handy: passport, visa, emergency contact information, arrival times, etc.
WHAT IS PRINCESS MEDALLION EXPERIENCE?
Exclusively on Princess, MedallionClass makes cruising easier than ever. By wearing the OceanMedallion™, guests discover an array of vacation experiences: Get whatever you need delivered on demand, find your way around the ship, find your travel companions, plan your day, even wager real money with casino gaming and more – just by using your smart device. MedallionClass ships also feature the best Wi-Fi at sea, so you can video chat, text, share photos and stream your favorite shows.
WHAT ARE THE DINING TIME OPTIONS?
Most ocean cruise lines will have three different options: Early (5:30pm-6pm), Late (8pm), or Open Seating (5:30-9pm).
Early and Late Seating means you will have the same waiter and tablemates for the entire cruise Open Seating allows you to leisure enjoy your food or have it rushed.
Norwegian Cruise Line, river and luxury cruise lines will typically have open seating only.
DO I NEED TO HAVE A PASSPORT BOOK?
Any US closed-loop cruise, you do not need a passport, you can use your certified birth certificate and a REAL ID Driver's License for documentation. However, the caveat is you cannot use this to take a flight home.
A US passport book is good for 10 years and will allow you to fly domestically and internationally. Double-check your passport that it has not expired for at least 6-months after your return from your travels.
HOW CAN I FIND OUT WHAT SPECIAL SERVICES ARE PROVIDED ON MY CRUISE?
Let us know when you book if you have a food allergy or need a raised toilet seat or have specific medical or dietary needs. The cruise lines are fairly accommodating and have an array of services along with religious services as well.
WHEN ARE CRUISE DOCUMENTS ISSUED?
Cruise documents are issued about 30-days prior to departure. Please verify that the names match your passport book. If there is a discrepancy, you may be denied boarding.
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM AGE LIMIT TO TRAVEL ON A CRUISE?
As long as you are 6 months and over at the time of embarkation and you are not traveling against the advice of a doctor for a shorter cruise. 12+ nights and longer or cruises with more than 2 consecutive sea days, you must be at least 12 months old.
There are adult cruises only where the minimum age is 18 years old like Viking Cruises and Virgin Voyages.
If you are under 21, you must be staying in a cabin with family members older than 25 years of age or nearby.
WHAT IS A SHAREHOLDER BENEFIT?
When you have a minimum of 100 stocks with a particular cruise line, they will offer extra perks on your cruise.
Onboard credits vary from $50-250/cabin.
You will need to show proof of shares and the reservations you want to apply have not been paid in full along with the shareholder benefit form.
Requests can take up to two weeks after submission.
