Useful information for Norwegian Cruise Line cruise passengers. A cruise is like a vacation. Cruise advice

When choosing a cruise, the first thing you need to pay attention to is the route and the duration of stops at the ports of destination. From this article, you will find out how much clean time you will have on the shore while the liner is staying, how disembarkation and landing takes place, what you need to take with you ashore, and also what to do if you are suddenly late for the ship. Everything in order.

Every day a newspaper is brought into the cabin, which contains information about the parking lot for the next day. For example, it will say:

Arrival - 08:00
Departure - 19:00
All aboard - 18:30

This means that the liner arrives at the port at 8 am, leaves at 19:00, and everyone on board should be at 18:30. Before leaving the ship, there is always a sign indicating the time for passengers and staff. Be sure to pay attention to it, because the times in the newspaper and on the plate may not coincide.

At intermediate ports, disembarkation takes place on a first come, first served basis, with the exception of those who go on an excursion from the company, they are collected at the bars / theater in certain time and they come ashore in an orderly manner. When leaving the ship, you must present your ship card, the security officer registers it using a special device connected to the port police computer. After that you can go ashore.

When the liner arrives at the port, you can expect to be released ashore within half an hour. We recommend returning to the ship 1.5 hours before departure. Thus, if the liner leaves at 19:00, plan to be on the ship as early as 17:30. Be sure to take into account whether the ship is far from the terminal, if it is far - whether there is a shuttle running to it, whether the terminal is far from the city, etc. Upon returning to the ship, you must present your ship card and go through the metal detector.

Tender landing

The ship anchors at sea and delivers passengers in turn to the shore using a tender (boat or ship's boat). Whether it is necessary to receive numbers for disembarkation and whether it is possible to get them in advance depends on the ship. On some there is a live queue, on others - numbers are issued only before leaving, on the third - you can get it in advance (in the morning before disembarking). Where and what time is indicated in the daily newspaper the day before. First of all, those who bought excursions on board are delivered to the shore, and then everyone else. At tender disembarkation, the ship usually arrives at the port earlier and the boats are lowered into the water in advance. Pay attention to what time the last tender leaves for the ship. This time may be half an hour ahead of All aboard time.

What you need to take with you ashore

When leaving the port, we recommend taking with you the minimum amount of cash required for the day, a photocopy of passports and a credit card with a limit sufficient to catch up with the ship by plane or train in the next port in case of delay. We leave the other card in the safe. If only the beach is of interest in the port, it is enough to take the ship's map, then you can safely swim together at the same time. Nobody needs the card but you.

What to do if you missed the liner

If suddenly you are late for the ship, you are "in a traffic jam" on the way to the port or your train is delayed, be sure to inform about it by calling the phone number indicated on the ship's map. Whether the ship will wait for late passengers depends on a large number of factors, including the port's schedule, the number of passengers who arrive late and the mood of the captain.

If suddenly the ship left, then before catching up with it in the next port (it's good if you are late in Genoa, and the next port is Naples on the way), you need to arrive at the port and get your passport (if it was taken during boarding, it will be taken out and leave to the port agent) by contacting the port agent whose phone number is listed in the daily newspaper.

It is not known whether the passport left in the safe will be taken out, although such cases have taken place. More details on how to act in this situation can be found in our previous article.

A few tips to help you always feel comfortable on board

BEFORE YOUR TRAVEL

Going international sea ​​cruise, we advise you to be sure to check if you have forgotten:
a) a foreign passport, which must contain the necessary visas for the route;
b) cruise ticket;
c) medical insurance policy;
d) good mood….

ATTENTION! THE LINER DOESN'T WAIT FOR LATE!

The rest of the tourists bear full material and moral responsibility for the consequences that have arisen in connection with their delay in departure of the vessel.

2. Please note that baggage is checked in at the port and delivered to the cabin (the recommended tip for baggage delivery is approximately $ 2 per item, payable upon check-in of baggage - optional). At your discretion, the luggage can be left unchecked and delivered to the cabin on your own (unless prohibited by the rules cruise line).

3. During customs and border formalities, you hand over your passport to employees of the liner emigration service (for the duration of the cruise), go on board the liner, are accommodated in the cabin (the cabin number is indicated on the cruise ticket). At the end of the cruise (on the last or penultimate day after the onboard account is closed)
DON'T FORGET TO TAKE YOUR PASSPORT AT RECEPTION!

4. Each cabin contains information about the location of services, a plan-map of the liner, a telephone directory of various services on the liner. Each cabin is equipped with a toilet, shower, air conditioning, telephone, TV.
There is always a drill before sailing. Attendance is required. you should take life vest and take part in this event.

SECURITY
As a precautionary measure, the security service may check the passenger and seize any items that, in the opinion of the Company, may pose a danger to passengers, crew or liner. Passengers are not allowed to carry on board any drinks or unpacked food in their checked baggage. The onboard personnel have the right to confiscate them and return them one day before disembarking from the liner.

DURING THE CRUISE

1. Every day you will receive a program in your cabin with a detailed indication of the place, time and content of the activities carried out on board the ship, air and water temperatures, as well as general information about the city / port of call, recommendations for the choice of clothing, behavior patterns, etc.

2. We urge you to monitor the safety of your luggage. It is recommended to keep valuables and money in safes.

On board NCL ships there are: at least 2 swimming pools, you can also use a jacuzzi, at your service are cosmetic and SPA salons, a massage room, a hairdresser, a library, a slot machine room, a casino, several restaurants and bars, a disco, duty-free shops, a theater , children's entertainment center and much, much more ...

YOUR WARDROBE
You can choose clothes entirely at your discretion, as you like, because you are on vacation ... However, if you want to attend special events, take a picture with the Captain, go to an exclusive restaurant, we advise you to take a few ceremonial outfits with you. Evening and cocktail dresses are recommended for ladies, a suit for men.

ADDITIONAL EXPENSES ON BOARD AND THEIR PAYMENT
The price of your cruise includes meals on board the ship (except for alcoholic and bottled drinks) at the main restaurants (Main Restaurants), 24-hour cafe (Snack and Fast Food), and at the Buffet Restaurant. In exclusive restaurants (Asian, Japanese, French, Steakhouse, Italian, etc.), a table reservation fee is charged (from 15 to 25 $ / person), after which you can eat there for free as much as you like. Exceptions are drinks and some special meals.

CURRENCY ON BOARD NCL LINERS - US DOLLARS
Also included in the price are the use of the gym, swimming pools, sauna (on some ships), entertainment program, port taxes and duties.
We recommend that you take money with you for your personal expenses: purchases at ports of call and payment additional services on board the ship (Spa, hairdresser, bar, etc.). note that a service fee is automatically added to some services in bars and shops on the ship (for example, drinks in a bar - 15%, SPA services - 18%). Since this is the norm on cruise ships, and for Russian tourists a little unclear, please treat it immediately as a + to the cost of the service. Those. seeing in the menu the cost for a glass of wine, for example, for $ 5, consider its real price immediately as $ 5 + 15%.

1. Cashless payment of expenses on board.
During the cruise, all your additional expenses (on board the ship) will be credited to your card Sea pass as cash payments are not accepted on the ship according to customs laws. For the convenience of payments on board, all passengers receive a so-called credit card upon check-in. Sea pass.

What is a card SEA PASS?

Credit card on the liner(This card can be used to shop in shops on board, purchase tickets for shore excursions, take part in a lottery, order alcoholic drinks and cocktails in bars, pay for a beauty salon, hairdresser, massage parlor, photography, laundry and dry cleaning services. Casino chips and tokens are purchased with cash.)

Pass to the liner(the map shows the name of the cruise company, the name of the ship, your surname and name, your cabin, the date of your cruise, as well as the ship's phone number for emergency communication).

Your ID for the cruise(Your name and surname are indicated on the card)

The key to your cabin.

This credit card must be activated on the day of the cruise start by presenting the card and signing at the Cash Desk (CASH DEPOSIT or Pursers desk). After that, an account will be opened in your name, and to pay expenses you only need to present your card and sign receipts. To avoid confusion, keep your receipts until the end of the cruise. The day before the end of the cruise, you will be presented with an invoice indicating your expenses on board.
At your choice, you can register your credit card when boarding the ship at the beginning of the cruise. In this case, all your expenses will be deducted from it automatically. At the end of the cruise, you just need to check your accounts. ATTENTION ! When you register your credit card, the cruise line may automatically double the amount you spent on board for reinsurance. The amount will be unlocked within 1-3 weeks after the end of your cruise (depending on the bank serving your card). Please, take note of this in order to avoid unpleasant situations that may be associated with this.

A tourist must always have a Sea Pass with him, as it is both a pass to the ship and an identity card during the cruise.

2. Tipping.
All over the world, this is the norm, since 90% of the salaries of service personnel are tips.
The tip for 1 person is about $ 13 / night (when staying in cabins without a window, with a window, a balcony and a mini-suite) and about $ 15 / night / person when staying in a suite. Tips are automatically debited from your onboard account.

ON-BOARD SERVICES
Every evening, your steward will deliver a daily newsletter to your cabin, informing you of all of tomorrow's activities and services on board. On some liners during the Russian group on board, these bulletins are printed in Russian. If a Russian-language newspaper has not been delivered to you, PLEASE SPECIFY AT THE RECEPTION OR LOOK AT THE RECEPTION (TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT OF THE RECEPTION, AS A RULE, THE NEWSPAPERS ARE IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES). The program indicates the opening hours of restaurants, their location (number and part of the deck: FWD - bow, MID - middle, AFT - aft).

1. Shore excursions.
On the day of boarding, there will be a special form in your cabin - an order for shore excursions (for English language), if you wish, you must fill it out and return it to the special “Shore excursion” counter, where you can get information about the proposed excursions at the ports of call and purchase tickets. Excursions are not included in the cruise price. The liner offers excursions in English and sometimes (if a large number of people are willing) - in other languages. Before entering the port, the Cruise Director and Lecturer talk about local attractions and excursions on board, as well as shops and profitable purchases(see information in daily programs). Tourists who do not want to participate in excursions can independently familiarize themselves with the port of call or stay on the liner.
Tours in Russian are organized when a minimum group of tourists is recruited and are formed by the tour operator. Ask your travel agent about the availability of Russian groups for this or that cruise.

2. Medical services.
Each liner of the company has on board a qualified doctor and nurses who work in case of emergency. Medical services provided on board are subject to an additional charge.
Some people who are sensitive to the slightest vibration of the ship can use special pills for motion sickness (ask the steward or at the reception, explaining that "sea-sick pills" are needed).

3. Laundry and dry cleaning services.
L The liners of the NCL company are equipped with laundry and dry cleaning services. You only need to fill out an order form before 9.00 am (it is in your cabin) and give it to the steward along with the things in a plastic bag. Your order will be completed the same day (usually a 50% urgency surcharge) or the next day. (The price list and the plastic bag for your belongings are in the drawer of your cabin table).

4. Duty free shops.
There are duty-free shops on board the ships, where, as a rule, goods of world famous brands, souvenirs with NCL symbols, tobacco products, alcoholic beverages (with the exception of some regions), clothing, perfumes and cosmetics, jewelry, medicines are widely presented. The shops on board are only open when the ship is at sea in accordance with international customs regulations.

THE PURCHASED ALCOHOL IS STORED IN THE STORAGE CHAMBER OF THE STORE UNTIL THE END OF THE CRUISE!

5. International telephone, telefax, telex.
During the movement of the liner, you can use the services of international telephone communication (from the cabin), facsimile or telex communication (from the ship's radio station). While the liner is at the port, you can use the local communication systems. The cost of an international phone call from the ship is on average $ 15 per minute (check in advance).

6. Sauna, massage center, beauty salon.
There is a sauna, massage center and beauty salon on board. Services are provided for an additional fee. If you wish to use these services, we recommend that you schedule an appointment in advance. On class liners Sun, Dawn and Jewel there is also a free sauna.

7. Services in the cabin.
For your convenience, there are soft drinks in the cabin, which are paid additionally.
You can contact Guest Service any time of the day or night to order an extra pillow, blanket, snacks in your cabin and much, much more. Drinks (juice, coffee) and snacks indicated in the Room Service menu are served in the cabin is free.

8. Radio and television in the cabin.
All cabins on NCL ships are equipped with TV. Television includes satellite news channels from various countries, films, musical programms and an internal TV channel showing the ship's time (it may differ from the local one), air temperature, telling about the program on board, ports of call, etc. We recommend checking your watch on this channel..

RESTAURANTS & KITCHEN
For those with a dietary preference, our chefs will prepare reduced-fat meals that taste as delicious as regular meals. We also offer a vegetarian menu on board and children food... No matter what time of day you get hungry, you will always find something for yourself from morning coffee to late night buffet. At your service round-the-clock Room service FREE OF CHARGE.
Passengers can have breakfast, lunch and dinner at the restaurant according to the system " Buffet»At any time convenient for them (it works almost all day, with small shifts). There is a 24-hour restaurant, Room service, and two main restaurants that are open during specific hours. There are also exclusive restaurants (table reservation for an additional payment of $).

NCL ships ONLY use the Freestyle Dining system, in which passengers can choose their own time, restaurant and table.

LANDING FROM THE SHIP

The day before the end of the cruise is recommended start collecting things and preparing baggage(filling and attaching luggage tags).
If you want your luggage to be delivered to the terminal seaport when disembarking from the ship by porters, you need to put it (with luggage tags attached) in the corridor until 23.00. If you wish, you can also take out your luggage yourself.

Please do not forget to include your documents (air tickets or hotel / transfer vouchers, if ordered) and necessary medications from your checked baggage.
Also the night before we recommend you check all your receipts and make payments at the reception.
If you have registered your credit card, then your expenses will be debited from it automatically.

Draw your attention to that a tip is automatically deducted from your onboard account or credit card at about $ 13 per day per person for pre-mini suite stays and $ 15 per person for suite stays.

On the day of arrival at the port, the cruise company kindly asks you to vacate the cabin by 08-00 am (or at any other time, depending on the schedule of the ship's arrival at the port)!

DON'T FORGET TO PICK YOUR PASSPORT AT THE RECEPTION .

You will receive your luggage at the port based on the color of the luggage tag.

More detailed information You can find it in the NCL's Welcome Aboard.

Dear ladies and gentlemen, the time of the liner anchorage at the ports of call,
specified in programs and catalogs may change.

We kindly ask you to pay attention to the departure time
before leaving the liner.

WE WISH YOU A PLEASANT TRAVEL!

Cruise travel is super unforgettable journey, memories of which will live in memory for a long time.

A sea cruise is an ideal opportunity to visit and see many countries at once. Setting out on a voyage, our ship enters the ports, opening the doors of world capitals, ancient cities and mysterious islands.

What language is on board? And how to go on a cruise without knowing foreign languages?

Especially for our beloved tourists who do not speak foreign languages, we have selected cruises that are accompanied by a Russian-speaking leader. You can always find out about such cruises on our website.

For your convenience, the team strives to "Russify" life during the cruise as much as possible:

We offer excursions in Russian at the ports of call, this will allow you to familiarize yourself in more detail with the main attractions in the cities along your route. As a rule, the menu in a restaurant is translated into Russian. Daily Russian-language programs of the day are delivered to you with information about the opening hours of restaurants, public and entertainment places, upcoming events on board, as well as brief information about life on board.

When recruiting groups of more than 50 people, a Russian-speaking escort is sent to the liner, his task is to help our clients, in a word, to be always there and help.

How do you disembark from the ship during stops and at the end of the cruise?

After the ship arrives at the port, disembarkation begins in about 30 minutes. When leaving the ship, you must present your cruise card, the security officer registers it using a special device connected to the port police computer. After that you can go ashore.

If you booked an excursion, the meeting point with the guide is indicated on the voucher, usually the guide meets everyone at the ship's ladder or at the exit from the port with a sign. Upon returning to the ship, you must present your cruise card and go through a metal detector.

If you purchased alcoholic beverages during an excursion or walk around the city, you should be aware that when entering the liner, the cruise company will not allow you to bring alcohol into your cabin, and until the end of the cruise, all alcoholic beverages are stored in a special place on the ship.

Boarding ends 30 minutes before the departure of the ship.

On the last evening, you should close your in-flight account at the reception. If your deposit was in cash, and you did not spend it in full, the balance will be returned to you, when paying with a credit card you need to sign an invoice, then the money is automatically withdrawn from the card. Completing the calculations, the administrator removes all debts, and after that you can get off the ship, otherwise you will simply not be released ashore.

When leaving the ship, do not forget to collect your passports!

On the last night of the cruise, you need to pack your suitcases and, after sticking luggage tags on them, put them in the corridor no later than 1 am.

We recommend: Do not check in your luggage, but leave in your hand luggage, all your valuables: money, if necessary - medicines, photo and video equipment, documents and other necessary things. You will receive your luggage ashore after disembarking the ship.

You can get luggage tags during the cruise or on the last day at the check-in counter, on some ships the tags are delivered to the cabin.

What is a captain's or formal dinner, how is it and how should you look?

The captain's dinner is a wonderful tradition, sacredly observed on all cruises, the event is very solemn and memorable! The table setting is striking in its beauty (although on a normal day everything is elegantly decorated in restaurants), for guests there are delicacies and many delicious treats. The entire crew of the ship is dressed in a solemn white uniform.

The meeting with the captain usually takes place in the main theater. At the entrance, everyone is treated to champagne, wine or soft drinks. The captain makes a very heartfelt welcome speech, introduces the crew of the ship and after that a colorful show begins!

For the Captain's Dinner, choose attire that matches the solemnity of the moment. Men will need a tuxedo or suit, ladies - an evening or cocktail dress.

First hours on the ship?

An hour before the departure of the liner, a drill will be conducted. Such an alert is mandatory for all passenger maritime transport and is the responsibility of the shipping companies under the relevant international and national agreements. Immediately after the signal, tourists should go to boat deck, take your on-board cards with you, because they have the number of the lifeboat from which they will need to pack up and listen to safety information in the event of an emergency. All public places and restaurants are closed during the drill!

What are cruise terminals and how do you check in for a cruise?

A seaport usually has several cruise terminals, each of which has anchorage for one liner. All terminals have their own baggage drop-off, check-in desks and a passage connecting the liner to the terminal.

By transport, tourists get to the cruise terminal, where they are met by the port staff and help them check in their luggage.

Each passenger's boarding documents contain special baggage tags with the cabin number, which must be attached around the handle of the suitcase (as airlines do) and leave the baggage at the baggage drop-off point, later it will be delivered to the cabin doors.

If tourists have purchased Guarantee cabins and a cabin number has not yet been assigned, there is a cruise line staff counter at the terminal entrance, where they will be assigned cabin numbers and luggage tags.

• International passport
• Cruise tickets
• Passenger health questionnaire form

and inform the employee how guests will pay on board - in cash or by credit card. At the registration desk they will take their passports and in return will be given a special form confirming that they have handed over their passport. We recommend that you ask to make a copy of the passport with the ship's stamp, such a photocopy replaces the original document for the police. Passport surrender is compulsory for citizens of all countries outside the European Community!

Upon completion of the check-in process, guests will receive a cruise card, which is a key to the cabin, an ID card for security procedures upon exiting and boarding the ship, and an onboard account card for shopping on board.

Next, boarding begins on the ship, which passes through the ship's security checkpoint. If tourists have carry-on luggage, they pass it through an X-ray, like at an airport, and they pass through a metal detector.

If tourists are late, they must definitely notify the accompanying person or call their manager. After that, they will have to catch up with the ship in the next port. Otherwise, the cruise administration reserves the right to sell the unoccupied cabin.

Children's clubs?

The beauty of a cruise vacation is that the cruise programs of almost all cruise companies are focused on family travel with children. Both parents and their children will rest here. Little guests will surely enjoy a sea cruise - a huge number of mobile and creative activities on board the ship allows children to relax and have fun in the company of their peers. By choosing a family cruise, the traveler frees himself from vigilant control and 24-hour watchkeeping - the child is supervised by qualified personnel, and numerous entertainment programs on board, a wide range of games and activities tailored to the age of the children, their interests and possibilities. Kids can join the organized activities that continue on board throughout the day - organized kids clubs where they can have some real fun and make new friends.

Depending on the age, the child can take part in team sports competitions or in a costume performance with animators, go to a disco, play board games... The kids will frolic with the educators, read a book together - in general, no one will be bored.

Cruise lines that care deeply about children's rest, have identified young travelers into 5 age groups, which have different names, depending on the cruise company and the program:

• 2-4 years old
• 5-7 years
• 8-10 years old
• 11-13 years old
• 14-17 years old.

Children under the age of two travel free on board most cruise lines, while teenagers under 17 (sometimes under 12) enjoy substantial discounts.

Tipping on board?

Tipping is a reward for service personnel during a passenger's stay on board the liner. As a rule, the service tip is automatically debited from the passenger's on-board account. Tips are dependent on the duration of the cruise, the region of sailing, and the cruise line's policy. Recently, most cruise lines have adopted a "prepaid tip" service that can be invoiced when booking your cabin if you wish. And while some cruise lines say that tipping is optional on board their ships, the reward is nonetheless expected by the staff.

The average tip amount is: approximately 10-15 cu e... per person per day, as well as approximately 15% will be credited to the tourist's account in the bar from the value of the total order.

If the service on board made an exceptional impression, and the traveler would like to encourage someone from the crew, then you should not be afraid or shy, because quality service throughout the cruise is a positive emotion.

Payment plan on board or what is onboard credit?

In order for the passenger to be able to freely pay for all the necessary services on board, an onboard loan is opened for him. There are two ways to pay for the loan on board: non-cash and cash. Cruise lines are often asked to clarify the preferred method of payment on board when booking a cruise.

In both the first and second cases, on the day of landing, tourists will be asked to make a deposit to pay for services purchased on board the liner:

1. in case of cash payment, the amount of the deposit determines the duration of the trip
2. for non-cash - the amount will also depend on the duration of the cruise program, however, part of the amount will be debited (a one-time payment will be made) from the passenger's credit card

after that, the tourist is given an on-board card with the deposited amount, the so-called on-board credit.

Scheme:

The first day of the cruise: making a deposit (according to the first point, see above); making a lump sum payment (according to the second paragraph, see above).

If the costs on board exceed the amount of the deposit in cash, the passenger will be asked to replenish the balance of the onboard credit: the passenger makes the replenishment of the deposit using cash.

If the costs on board have exceeded the one-time payment, the staff will inform the tourist that the funds transferred are not enough and will ask for an additional transfer of funds.

The penultimate day of the cruise: passengers receive a detailed statement of the expenses (delivered to the cabin) made by them on board during the entire trip. If the deposit exceeds the total amount of the tourist's expenses, the passenger will be refunded the balance on the last day of the cruise. If the deposit is less, the passenger will be asked to make an additional payment on the last day. Return of the balance / surcharge is made at the reception.

Luggage tags?

Going on a sea voyage, the passenger should not be tormented by the thought of how many things a tourist can take - cruise companies do not set strict limits on the amount of luggage that a traveler can take with him on a cruise. The only thing you need to know is that the total weight of your baggage must not exceed 200 kg. But if he has to get to the port of departure of the ship by plane, then here you need to be more careful: airlines have their own rules and restrictions on the carriage of passenger baggage.

To prevent the baggage from being lost, as well as to avoid confusion regarding the identification of the owner, baggage tags should be attached to the baggage - special tags that can be immediately obtained at the port when boarding or found in the passenger's cruise documents. When filling in the luggage tags, the passenger's name and cabin number are indicated: be extremely careful when filling in the tags in order to avoid possible mistakes.

In the absence of tags, the baggage will not be loaded on board the ship: such measures are established solely in order to comply with the general safety of passengers.

Additional Information: cruise lines are not responsible for carry-on luggage travelers; in some ports, at the beginning of the cruise, tourists can themselves lift their luggage while boarding the ship and pick up their things at the end of the cruise in one case only - if the width of the luggage does not exceed 61 cm, and the height is 41 cm, respectively.

Do not forget that luggage, accidentally forgotten at the berth, is forwarded to the passenger at his expense. In a situation of damage or loss of baggage, the passenger will need to submit a written application and hand it over to the persons responsible for disembarking tourists on land before the passenger leaves the berth.

Boarding time?

Passengers must arrive at the starting port of the cruise 3-4 hours before the departure of the ship. Guests arriving at the port one and a half hours before the ship's departure may be denied boarding.

Such a margin of time is required so that the procedure for boarding the ship goes smoothly, without any delays. Travelers are advised that the ship will not wait for latecomers. Those passengers who, for whatever reason, did not show up at exact time the departure of the liner will bear full financial responsibility for the consequences and costs that will be associated with their delay - that is, movement (transfer) until the ship stops at the next port (information is indicated in the itinerary), temporary accommodation and accommodation, meals will be paid by the tourist independently.

Travelers check in their luggage at the port, and receive it on board the ship - things are delivered to the passenger's cabin.

When boarding, all passengers undergo customs inspection, during which they will need to present their passport to the representatives of the immigration service. After passing through customs control, all guests board the ship and are accommodated in their cabins, the numbers and location of which are specified in their personal cruise documents.

We remind you that after the ship leaves the port, a drill is conducted on board, at which all passengers, without exception, must be present. This practice is not a useless formality, but a necessary safety measure, and which will not take much time.

Documentation?

Passenger check-in is a confirmation that the tourist is taking part in the cruise program. As an alternative to the traditional type of passenger check-in, which took place at the port, the leading cruise companies introduced a system of preliminary online check-in of passengers on board the ship in real time. Arriving at the port, all that remains for the tourist is to present the documents.

About cruise passenger documents: most cruise lines today offer their customers a package required documents electronic. An electronic package of documents is a more convenient version of paper documentation. Electronic documents are issued by the cruise company for each guest 30 days before the date of the ship's sailing. However, not all cruise lines practice electronic type of documents - some still send cruise documents printed on paper.

Are we booking a cruise?

The easiest way to book a cruise is when a tourist has already chosen a cruise program. When a tourist prefers budget prices and inexpensive cabins or treats luxury vacation in luxury cabins, it is better to book in advance and use the so-called early booking service, which is now offered by all cruise companies. With this approach, the tourist has the opportunity to book the most suitable for him or even a specific category of cabins at the lowest possible price, otherwise the traveler will have to choose the desired cabin option from those that are available. And of course, when booking a cruise at the last minute, you can be "pleasantly" surprised at the prices: the closer the departure date, the higher the price. Unfortunately, the cruise industry does not have a last minute rule.

When contacting Around the World Tours !, the traveler must inform the manager:

• date of the selected cruise
• liner name
• cabin category
• the number of passengers who will live in the cabin, or specify the age of the children, if the vacationers are going to spend their holidays with the whole family
• date of birth of all travelers
• The full names of all passengers going on the cruise in accordance with the data in the passport, as well as the number, series and date of issue of the document.

If the tourist has not yet decided on a cruise and finds it difficult to choose a cruise company, the manager will determine in detail the needs of the person, that is, together with you.

The tourist receives confirmation of the selected cruise only after making an advance payment (deposit). The manager will inform the tourist about the size of the deposit, as its amount may vary depending on the cruise program and its total cost, which depends on the duration of the trip, the category of the cabin and many other factors. In each case, the amount of the deposit is communicated to the tourist individually.

The conditions for making the final (final) payment for each cruise company are also subject to changes - it all depends on the cruise program chosen by the tourist as a whole.

Those looking to learn new things and broaden their horizons on every journey with a cruise can book shore excursions at their ports of call. Selected by the tourist excursion programs should also be booked in advance.

Cruise cost: what's included?

The price of cruises is constantly changing - today it may be higher, and tomorrow it may be lower, or vice versa. This is due to the fact that “ early booking»: That is, if the trip was booked in advance, the price for it will be lower than for new bookings made shortly before the departure of the vessel for the trip. Sometimes the price can change, for example, when tourists who decided to go on a cruise, or a group of tourists, after a while, abandoned the trip. In this case, the cruise line may charge a reduced price for the newly available cabins.

Each cruise line has its own pricing policy. Certain items included with one company cruise may not be included with another.

As a rule, the cost of the cruise is indicated for an adult passenger in a double occupancy (unless otherwise indicated) and includes:

• accommodation in a cabin of the selected category with all the amenities
• 24/7 meals in all restaurants, bars and cafes on board (except for alcoholic beverages)
• entertainment programs on board, including evening shows, concerts, master classes and themed lectures, and much more
• use of sports equipment, gyms, specialized fields for sports games (golf, basketball, etc.), swimming pools and jacuzzi.

Additionally paid:

• port dues and taxes (if port dues are not included in the price or if there are additional taxes and duties, this is always indicated in the price list)
• visas (if the tourist does not have a visa, a multi-visa is most often required for a cruise)
• air flight to / from the port of the beginning / end of the cruise
• insurance
• excursions (optional)
• transfer (optional).

To be paid additionally on board:

• tips
• services of an individual nature (i.e. these are optional services that the passenger will or may not need), such as: visiting the spa, massage parlor, laundry / dry cleaning services
• drinks (not part of the menu).

At the request of the tourist, his vacation can be extended before or after the cruise: if the client wants to spend several days before the start of the trip at one of the resorts, for example, in a large European capital, from the port of which the liner will leave or relax on the beach at the end of the cruise, the manager will select and book the passenger the hotel and transfer they like (optional). In each case, the personal wishes of clients are considered by the manager individually and are paid by tourists additionally.

Excursions on a cruise?

Tours of the Cruise company in Russian.

The cruise company offers both individual and group excursions in Russian.

In each port, the company organizes, as a rule, one of the most interesting excursion, including visits to the most iconic places. For large groups (over 100 people), several excursions have been developed.

Excursions can be booked and paid for at the office of the Cruise Company in advance, no later than 2 weeks before the start of the cruise.

The cost of excursions depends on the duration and number of participants. The shorter the excursion and the larger the group, the cheaper the excursion per person will cost. The cost may be affected by the need to purchase entrance tickets... In some ports, the cost of excursions increases due to the lack of a Russian-speaking guide at the excursion site and the resulting need to pay for the guide's travel from the place of residence to the excursion site and back.

In some cases, it is possible to book excursions with the accompanying Cruise Company on board, subject to availability, but at a higher price.

Sometimes there is a risk that due to weather conditions or other force majeure circumstances, the liner may miss the port of call, change the sequence of ports or enter the port, but not approach the shore, for example, due to a storm. In this case, the ordered excursion cannot take place, and the money is non-refundable. The fact is that the money for the excursion was paid to the host side, and a bus with a guide is waiting for tourists in the port, respectively, the host side fulfilled its obligations.

How to choose the right cruise?

Six tips for choosing the right cruise.

A sea cruise is a vacation that consists of many factors, therefore the choice of a cruise should be taken seriously and from different points of view. Determine which parameter is the most important for you - and follow it when making a decision.

Cruise duration: The length of your cruise depends on the time and budget at your disposal. The whole variety of cruises ranges from two-day holidays to semi-annual travel around the world... The most popular are 7, 10 and 12 nights, in exotic regions 14-16 nights. If you are choosing the first cruise in your life, it is wiser to choose a short-term option.

Cruise start date: The cruise schedule is structured so that cruises in each region take place during the most favorable season. If there are no places for the date of interest, be prepared to consider cruises on similar dates. In any case, the earlier you book, the higher the likelihood that you will get to the point.

Price: The price of a cruise can often (though not always) give a rough idea of ​​what type of passengers will be the majority on a given cruise, what the degree of "luxury" of the ship, what level of food and service will be. The amount you are willing to spend will determine the size, location and type of your cabin. It is important to find a compromise solution here: if comfort is more important to you.

Liner size: Cruise ships are conventionally divided into three sizes:

• small from 2 to 25 thousand tons
• average from 25 to 50 thousand tons
• large more than 50 thousand tons

Regardless of size, all cruise ships provide all major types of cruise services: accommodation, abundant meals, excursions at ports of call, entertainment on board. However, some do it much better than others (but also charge more for it). Moreover, each of these three categories has its fans.

The spaciousness of the liner: An idea of ​​the spaciousness of a ship can be obtained by dividing its tonnage by the number of passengers. If the resulting coefficient is less than 10, then a very cramped liner awaits you; from 10 to 20 - the liner will be moderately spacious; from 20 to 30 - spacious enough; from 30 to 50 - very spacious; more than 50 - you will find yourself in the most spacious environment.

Service standards: Onboard service standards can be judged by the ratio of passenger capacity to crew size. The best service is provided on ships where there are no more than 2 passengers per crew member.

Which is cheaper - a cruise or a hotel?

There is an opinion that a cruise is very expensive. In fact, this is not at all the case - just when buying a cruise, you pay for almost everything, and in the case of a land vacation - in fact, only accommodation. Let's compare!

Any a cruise ship offers several accommodation options: from economical cabins to luxury apartments. The price depends not only on the class of the ship and the size of the cabin, but also on the presence of a window or balcony in it, and usually the higher the deck, the more expensive.
Standard cabins are usually smaller in size than rooms in a hotel of a similar "star rating", but at the same time, the atmosphere, conditions and service on board are immeasurably better.

Meals are always included in the cruise price (often organized around the clock). Almost all liners operate several restaurants with different national cuisines... Sometimes the cuisine changes depending on the ports of call.
In addition, the passenger can order food to the cabin at any time of the day or night.
In Europe, even a modest lunch or dinner in a cafe (not to mention a respectable restaurant) will cost no less than 20 EU per person.

At the end of the cruise, passengers are expected to tip - about $ 10 per person per day. At first glance, this is a lot. But think about how much tip you will leave for the maids and waiters during lunch and dinner?

Entertainment on the ships is very diverse: from mini golf to tango lessons. After lunch active entertainment are replaced by concerts, shows and film screenings. At your service - discos, casinos, musicals, music salons - you will not be bored, and at the same time all mass entertainment is already included in the price. And how much will it cost to go to some mid-range nightclub in Europe?

While staying at the hotel, you will probably decide to diversify your vacation and discover new significant places, visit famous landmarks, get acquainted with the works of art. Therefore, we will also add transportation costs to ground rest.

Let's get to the numbers and compare the 12-day cruise to Mediterranean with rest in a 4 * hotel, for example, in Liguria, Italy (see table).

As you can see, the cost of a cruise and a hotel vacation is virtually the same. All numbers in the "cruise" column are rigidly fixed, and in the hotel column are given at a minimum. And the list in favor of a cruise can be continued by remembering paid sun loungers on European beaches, etc.

Cabin types?

The main types of cabins on modern liners (for example, the cabins of the Noordam 4 * liner, Holland America Line)

Deluxe Verandah Suites: Double bed (optional beds can be arranged), bathroom with jacuzzi and shower, living area, dressing room, veranda, sofa (for 2 people), ceiling-to-floor window. Categories: SA, SB, SC (47.35 sq.m with a veranda)

Superior Verandah Suites: Double bed (optional beds can be arranged), bathroom, bathroom with jacuzzi and shower, living area, dressing room, veranda, sofa (for 1 person), window from ceiling to floor. Categories: SS, SY, SZ (36.14 sq.m. with a veranda)

Deluxe Vetandah Outside Staterooms(Standard cabin with balcony): Double bed (optional beds can be arranged), bathroom and shower, living area, balcony, floor-to-ceiling window. Categories: VA, VB, VC, VD, VE, VF, VH (23.13 sqm)

Large Outside Staterooms(Standard cabin with ocean view): Double bed (optional beds can be added), bathroom with shower. Categories: C, D, DD, E, F (17.18 sqm). Categories: G - has a partially limited appearance (17.18 sq.m.). Categories: GG, H, HH - fully restricted view (17.18 sqm)

Large or Standard Inside Staterooms(Standard interior cabin): Double bed (optional beds can be added), shower. Categories: I, J, K, L, M, MM, N, NN (from 17 - 19.23 sq.m.)

Cruise ship classes and stars?

Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising Cruise Ships. According to experts, this edition is unique, because his data is based on information about the entire world cruise business. The popularity of the directory is so great that in 2009 it marked its 25th edition. And this is not surprising, because Belitz has become indispensable in the work of thousands of cruise companies around the world, because here you can find a complete and independent assessment of the entire world passenger fleet. The information is collected by employees directly on cruises during inspections and reflects the significant characteristics of the liners. Judge for yourself: as a result of the inspection, the vessel is assigned up to 2000 points, this amount is made up of more than 400 ship positions, united in 20 thematic groups. The main ones are as follows:

• Ship (age, design, safety, appearance, interior decor, life-saving appliances, cleanliness, fitness and SPA);
• Accommodation (detailed data on all categories of cabins, from furniture to information on the thickness and number of towels);
• Food (assessed overall passenger satisfaction with food quality, as well as food freshness, restaurant sizes, availability of food alternatives, portion sizes, etc.);
• Service (the professionalism of the staff of restaurants, stewards, butlers, maids is noted, even the smallest details are recorded, from the correct choice of glasses to the promptness of changing towels);
• Entertainment (the range and quality of programs, competitions, games, the state of the concert hall are assessed);
• Cruising (collecting data on the variety, quantity, level of entertainment programs)

I dreamed of going on a cruise on a ship since childhood. Probably since my aunt told about her trip on the steamer "Admiral Nakhimov" across the Black Sea.

End of the cruise. Disembarkation from the ship

In Venice, our cruise ended. I will tell you how the disembarkation was organized a large number man with things.

Those who needed a transfer made it out in advance at the travel agency on the 6th deck. You could also take a tour of Venice.

We found luggage tags in our cabin the night before. They had to be fastened to the handles of the suitcases, and the suitcases themselves had to be put out the door until midnight. Accordingly, what you needed at night and in the morning (washing accessories, for example), then went into your hand luggage.

The labels for each cabin were of a specific color. Each color has its own unloading time. Let's say our tags were green. The Greens were supposed to disembark at 10 am.

Together with the tags, they brought us an invoice. On the advice of the seasoned Cyril, I did not wait for the morning, when the queue was lined up, but went to the reception early, around 7 o'clock. There were 5 people in the queue.

I put 250 euros on the deposit (the amount for two). The bill, in addition to the drinks that we took on the ship, included services of 8.50 per day per person, for a total of 119 for 7 days, and 2 euros for the UNISEF fund.

They say that you can refuse to pay a service fee (i.e. tip) and ask to be excluded from the bill, and our cruise friend was going to do so, but we paid for everything that was billed. I was given the difference.

At 8 am it was necessary to vacate the cabins (arrival time at the port - 9 am). We went to breakfast on the 13th deck in the Sahara cafe. True, our breakfast turned out to be crumpled, since the ship entered the Venetian lagoon, and we hastily swallowed something and ran to the open deck to admire the scenery.

After we entered the port, we still had an hour before disembarkation. On the 7th deck in the Internet cafe, we took our passports. The magnetic cards from the cabin remained as a keepsake. Where to go, why and in what order - all this prompts at the reception.

Having received their passports, the people went to the Royal Theater. A fair number of people have gathered in the theater and in the neighboring bars. We sat there for a while, and then went up again to the 13th deck, drank coffee at last, and by 10 o'clock we went down to the theater again. Our "green" color has just gone. We left the ship, went through a transparent pipe to the port, and there, in the building, our suitcases with green tags were piled up.

We grabbed our luggage, waved to our houseboat, and headed to Venice.

Concluding the description of the cruise, I want to say that I liked this way of travel. Comfortable and informative. I was expecting something extraordinary. The unusual did not happen. But it's still great. It's good that there is an opportunity for little money to join beautiful life... Everyone should have their own "Mikhail Svetlov".

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So, a long search ended in success, and now you are embarking on a sea cruise for the first time!
Congratulations!

But for those who are trying this type of rest for the first time, many questions arise:

Where do you check in for a cruise ship?

How to get on the liner?

What documents are needed?

Do you need money to make a deposit?

How to pay on the liner?

Let's begin to examine these questions in order.

First, let's understand where and how to register for a cruise.

To make it easier to understand, consider this example:

Check-in at the cruise port of Barcelona. *

The port of Barcelona is one of the largest and most popular cruise lines. Many cruise routes start from here, both 3-day cruises and cruises across the Atlantic.

Approaching cruise port, you will already see where your liner is.

The terminal where the cruise ship is located and where the boarding will take place is indicated on the cruise ticket.

Also, the cruise ticket contains:

• - the name of the cruise company and liner
• - cruise dates and duration
• - cruise route and ports of call of the liner
• - time of registration and boarding on the liner
• - luggage tags
• - booking number
• - cabin number and category (this data may not be indicated if you have purchased a so-called “guaranteed cabin.” In this case, the cabin number will be assigned during check-in and will be indicated on the cruise card)

Find your liner and terminal.

As a rule, at the entrance to the Terminal, liner workers pick up your suitcases, attach luggage tags to them and send them to the liner, where your luggage will calmly wait for you at the entrance to the cabin while you check in and other formalities (in rare cases, it can be delivered via 1-1.5 hours after landing). Prepare your cruise ticket and passport in advance.

To begin with, we go through the security control, "shine through the carry-on luggage" and go through the "frame" (metal detector).

Then we go to registration.

A deposit will be required at the time of check-in for the cruise. The amount of the cruise deposit depends on your cruise and the cruise line. The deposit can be made both in cash and by card. We determine for ourselves how to make a deposit, look at the screen where it says “Cash” or “Credit Card” and, accordingly, we go there.

When registering, you show your cruise ticket, passport.

Your data is entered into the system. In this case, you are photographed here, at the registration desk. This is necessary in order to then check the photographs when you go ashore / go up the liner while stopping at the ports of call of the liner (for excursions or just walks).

Well, the formalities are over and now we go aboard the ship!

Go in the direction indicated for the landing of the liner. Do not be afraid, you are unlikely to get lost. Everywhere there are signs and on the way to the liner there are company employees who are always happy to help and advise in case of questions.